Duck a L'Orange with braised carrots, sauteed string beans and mashed sweet potatoes, that I had prepared, was served as we watch Congress dine on sweeping health care reform last night during Joe Steele's birthday party for two. It was a beautiful day as we had awakened late yesterday morning from a late night of partying in Manhattan, with Reggie Van Lee and his partner Corey, where friends from New York, DC, Chicago, Rome, Brazil and other corners of the world cavorted in high spirits in celebration of Corey's B-Day and the surprise timing of the legislation that Reggie worked so diligently on. I reconnected with Nadia Fattah, who spoke of her global destinations and Susan Taylor who looked beautiful and energized by her project to find mentors for under served Black youth and other people equally delighted to be there. Norma Jean Darden and I reminisced about our fashion days together too, while dining on her delicious fare. Though it wasn't Joe's party he celebrated like it was, because he loves a good time with great people.
And better people we could not have enjoyed than Walter Allen and Brian Leister who took us to brunch with Julia Hotten the next day at the charming Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck, the oldest hotel in America for Joe's birthday. The conversation was fast and witty and full of excitement about the pending vote that could provide opportunity denied for so many. The tasty brunch was served up with the delight of finding myself on the cover of the local newspaper that morning, The Register Star, in anticipation of an artist's talk I'll be giving at the Claverack Library on Sunday March 28th. Feeling fit and full of fun we settled in alone for the evening, preparing the dinner that satiated our taste buds, and monitored the wrangling of legislation that will change our lives. Joe and I have always been political junkies and we reached another highlight on his birthday. What a day!
