The other day Zack asked to join us for supper. He does not live at home anymore so this simple addition to our meal felt like cause enough to get fancy. Lest your imagination race toward bone china, or a second fork, let me reassure you. We are talking about nothing more than apple crisp with real whipped cream, black olives for the burritos, and a favorite juice. I even pushed back some of the clutter on the dining room table. Oh, and fresh cloth napkins. 

When the twins texted for a ride home they asked sweetly if they could bring a friend from out of town who is visiting. It is hard to explain how a text can be sweet but it was. The extra care I had put in already made it easy to say yes. It was not one of those nights when we were bumbling by with boxed mac and cheese and frozen peas, though I confess to have served that to their unimpressed friends more than once. Another plate and glass, and we were ready. 

To tell the truth there was not enough for seconds, but no one grumbled. The conversation more than made up for it, as we bantered about French history and recent travels. 

Another morning this week I invited over a few moms with little ones. Blueberry muffins and scrambled eggs, with the option of cut fruit. I cleared away some of the inhabitants of low surfaces that are innocuous when everyone is old enough to drive, but can be dubious in the curious hands of preschoolers. Scissors, thousand piece puzzles, sharp cutlery. You know, the really interesting things. The remembrance crossed my mind that grandchildren are in my future. I smiled. It turns out I forgot to whisk away the black markers, but the artistic efforts fortunately expressed themselves on dispensables.

How is it that the presence of someone to fuss over makes life better?  Ups the ante for lively exchange, and staying off your phones? 

Looking back both meals were really rather ordinary. Nothing photogenic. Yet in the steady march that is life, they mattered.