Reconciliation..sort of

I went to my mother in law's birthday party last night. I was warned that everyone was going to be there. Since my family still hadn't had any meaningful reconciliation with my sister in law, I was concerned. Christmas had gone ok but nothing besides basic pleasantries were exchanged.

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When we arrived, the whole gang was there. We ate, my Mother in law opened her presents, then we all sat down and played cards till about 11pm with no incidents. Actually everyone had a good time and we were able to talk, joke, shoot the shit and have a very pleasant evening.

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Personally, if I screw up, I go up to the person, apologize and try to make amends. The people in my wife's family cope by ingnoring three years of nastiness, backbiting and not talking just like it never happened.

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I overheard my little daughter walk up to her aunt and ask her why she wasn't mad at mommy anymore... I thought... "crap here it comes" but my sister in law just said: "grown up stuff honey"

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I guess I shouldn't look gift horses in the mouth and I'm glad my wife has her sister back after all these years. They went out today and got their nails done today and did girl stuff. It's still hard for me to get used to the idea. I'm a slow learner I guess.

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When I asked the wife how it went, she said it was fine but it seemed a little difficult for her sister to hide and dismiss the fact that they went three years without speaking.

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It's nice to not feel the pressure and foreboding of worrying when our paths might cross and how to deal with wayward relatives. I can forgive and be pleasant but it sure is hard for me to pretend I even understand how people can live a lie and ignore giant parts of their life like they never happened. Oh well.

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I made my signature salad (pictured above) to bring to the birthday party. Pretty much any time there is a family get together they request that I bring it.

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Hammer's signature salad:

Ingredients

1 head romaine

1 bunch fresh spinach or bag of pre-cut

1 box of sweet cherry tomatoes

1 large avocado

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper

1 red onion

1 can large black olives (pitted)

1 poblano pepper

1 small jar of capers

1 cucumber

1 can of quartered artichoke hearts

1 block of regular or herbed feta

First wash all the lettuce and vegetables and drain really well. then in a large wide bowl add romaine and spinach. All the rest of the vegetables should be cut to where they are thin and circular: cucumbers, rings of bell pepper and onions especially. Lay down each ingredient evenly all over the top of the salad individually. This makes sure everyone will get a bit of each flavor and it really adds to the presentation.

Once all the vegetables are layered neatly add cherry tomatoes, olives, capers slice the avocado and lay that down then crumble the cheese on top. Immediately cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

This recipe will serve about ten to twelve people.