I was invited to a friend’s house this evening to enjoy a variety of soups, chili, breads, Christmas sweets and wine.

Should you care to know, I don’t like social gatherings.

Standing around in a room full of strangers attempting to make coherent conversation is worse than a root canal without Novocaine.

At least for me.

Maybe it was the wonderful soups and chili – or the two pieces of white chocolate fudge – that my friend, Karen, prepared and I readily consumed, but I was actually able to participate in some pleasantries with her friends, neighbors and co-workers. And, surprise (!), I had a very nice time. [gasp]

Oh, sure, I still felt like a Koi out of water… But it was a nice evening.