two nights, two seders

Monday

Some snowflakes actually fall today.  The tree branches are bare.  Tonight is the first night of Passover and I am still in winter clothes.  Good.  I can wear boots and not worry about uncomfortable —but stylish — shoes.

Valerie hosts 17 people at her home, a home that could easily grace the pages of House Beautiful.  The food, as always, is excellent.  The Seder rituals, as usual, are mercifully short.  And the company, as expected, is totally fun.  This year’s addition includes a 9-month old baby (a friend of the family’s daughter).  It’s amazing how a non-speaking, non-walking person can become the focal point of conversation.  Matilda is a bundle of smiles, and already knows that this is a group with no tolerance for whining. 

I leave wondering how I can possibly make room for another big dinner tomorrow night.

Tuesday

The sun is out but the temperature is still in the 40’s.  It’s another cold day.  Tonight Jill (Abbey’s sister) is hosting the Seder for a slightly smaller group — only 11.  Still full from last night, and expecting a lot of food tonight, I only eat a small yogurt, a handful of cashews, and a few cups of coffee throughout the day.

Valerie and Jill coordinate menus to insure no overlaps.  The only exception is a 7-layer cake among the many dessert choices.  And both nights I indulge.

Two nights with family and I could easily do a third.  But only if the food options were under 500 calories.  Another night of big-eating and soon I'd have nothing that fits.