A short respite

Last week was busy. The 4-H Fair was going on while it seemed like there was always something popping up at the last minute that just had to be done right now.

During the weekend, our friends invited my husband and myself (along with my son, who was too busy with teenage plans to attend) to enjoy a wonderful dinner at their house.

The food was incredible!

It was nice respite to just hang out and relax for a while, enjoying the kindness and hospitality of friends.

Afterwards, I couldn't help but think about how much simple, human interaction is lost to the technological age. Too many people prefer the company of computers, Internet profiles, game systems and television to the real companionship of family and friends.

I enjoy them too. I have a Facebook account that I use to play games on when I'm bored or need an intellectual break. I also love to play a video game from the 80s named "Klax" or my favorite, "Tetris" (really dating myself, I know).

No role-playing games for me. I've been known to waste a few hours connecting those pieces before they build up and I lose my turn. I'm quite competitive at such a simple game. I love it.

But after a while, I long for a conversation with a real person.

Good food, good conversation and good fun, when spent with people you care about is such an incredible gift from God.

Maybe we need to shut off the electricity for a while and spend time with the people in our lives.

I wish I could share one of my friend's recipes she used, but I didn't ask. However, I can share how she cooked the rice.

I have never used a fresh herb in rice while it was cooking other than garlic. She put a bunch of chopped cilantro in hers, which was very good.

Promise to share a recipe next time, but I'm still enjoying the small respite while I can.