The beginning of Sunday Dinners at the Kellys

For awhile (probably since Eleanor was born) I have tried to figure out how I want to apply some of the most beautiful times of my childhood to her childhood. This was always a challenge with Navy life and now with retired life where we still live far from family.

I think the thing I remember the most about growing up is calling my grandmother on Friday night after dinner (around 6:45 pm) and asking her if we could come over. She always said yes and as soon as dinner was done we were there in 15 minutes flat. I remember my Mom and Grandma sharing wine, my grandpa watching the Rockford Files, and my aunt and uncles hanging out on the stairs - half into the kitchen, half into the living room, and my sister and I getting spoiled with soda pop, cheddar cheese, and popcorn - from those who loved us. Those were beautiful days. I loved those Fridays.

Now that we have a family (albeit a small one - just the 3 of us) I have tried to figure out how emulate that love I felt on Fridays. Back in NOVA I thought about creating a "Friday night Salon" at the Kellys but even though a beautiful dream I nixed that idea knowing no one would show up (D.C. life is just too chaotic and not regular enough).

Finally, we are settled here in Tampa but without family and with husband who's work schedule is crazy at best. So, I have struggled to figure out a way to make a tradition, make our home a place to be. After a few parties we have decided we are going to try and create a family tradition with friends once a month on a Sunday here in Tampa.

The Sunday will change based on Sean's work schedule and other stuff going on. The guests will change too - no more than 8 people (and that includes us 3) since our table can only hold that many. The menu will change too. Sean and I have agreed to one month being a traditional Sunday American fare (you know, beef roast, chicken, lasagne) and alternate that with experimental food from around the world - things Eleanor and I will find in library books.

We have made the decision to commit to this for the next 12 months. So watch this blog to hear the stories about Sunday Dinner at the Kellys, we hope there will be many tales to tell! The first Sunday is tentatively planned for February 5.....