PLAY TO WIN

On the second Tuesday of each month, twelve busy, professional women take time away from their family and hectic schedules to gather together for a home-cooked meal and an evening of fun and laughter.  Oh yes, and to play Bunco, too.

Our Bunco group has been together for many years.  Long before I joined.  Tina, Susan, and Pat have been part of the group since the beginning.  During the group's tenure, there have been many different members (aka "perms").  For the last year or better we've been playing with more substitutes (aka "subs") than perms.  Fortunately, we've been able to get enough subs to play each month, but for the perms it does mean more frequent hosting.  (The theory of Bunco is twelve members, each hosts once per year.)

This month's Bunco was at my house.  It was also April's last Bunco.  Sadly, she and Robin were moving to Texas at the end of the week.  It was a bitter sweet evening for us all.  We looked forward to gathering, but knew that when it was over it would be the last time we'd see April for a while.  Thanks to April for taking time from her packing to be with us.

You can imagine that some months, not everyone can be available to attend Bunco.  As happens, schedules sometimes get conflicted.  This night, mine was in a big conflict.  In addition to hosting Bunco, I had to be at the parent information meeting to learn about what to expect this season as Mack undertakes his first year in pee wee football.  I sure wish I spent more time perfecting that "being in two places at one time" machine.  Oh well.  We found an extra sub, so that there were a full twelve playing.  Thanks to Lorna, Linny, Judy, Heather, Lori, and Jennifer for subbing.

For the meal, I made a big pan of lasagna (Thanks, Mom for the sauce!), Asian Coleslaw, my version of Bubble Bread, and of course CUPCAKES!  I decided on the Apple Pie Cupcakes, but with a twist.  I picked up a dozen small canning jars.  I've wanted to bake cupcakes in jars and this was a good reason.

I made the same recipe as I had in Maryland for the Robertson Pool Party, but instead of filling cupcake papers, I filled the jars.  Not having baked with the jars before, I only filled them about 1/2 full, hoping as they rose during baking that there would be enough space for the frosting.  The recipe made 12 servings, so there was a bit more to enjoy than a regular cupcake.

The cupcakes turned out great and the evening turned out to be a success.  I was able to attend the parent meeting and still make it back to Bunco during the third round (there are four in total).  What a rewarding day.  With some juggling I was able to meet all my obligations and still have fun.

It's a strong sense of commitment and obligation that I hope Mack gets from his time playing football.  I hope for both of my children that they grow up to be responsible and reliable.  That their family and friends know that they can count on them to follow through on their commitments.  That they know they can count on me.

Angie