Sorry I didn't get back sooner. Thanks for all the suggestions. I was telling my husband that I had no ideas, and he said why don't you cook some of the halibut and salmon I just brought home? (he was on a fishing trip in Alaska last week) So I think that I'll cook in on the grill wrapped in foil with some olive oil and seasoning, then make a sauce with fresh tomatoes, marinated mushrooms and artichoke hearts, capers and lemon juice with angel hair pasta - this is something that I've been making for my husband and myself the past few months with salmon. I'm not sure how long I'll need to cook the fish though. I really hate overcooked fish!

That poor lady. Is there a reason for the falling that her Dr should address? This must be so frustrating for her. I can't imagin the pain she's in. I hope she has a speedy recovery. Carnation instant breakfast is wonderful in the AM or any time of day for that matter. When my Dad was sick the visiting nurse suggested it because he hated the taste of Ensure. It has the same nutritional values as Ensure and Nutraslim. I added a couple scoops of ice cream and shook it in a Tupperware shaker. He loved it. You can control the calories and extra fat by using 2% milk and fat free ice cream. I've seen tomato soup in a heatable cup advertised...she could drink with a straw. Glenda what about baking those muffins and wrapping individually and then put in large freezer bags? That's what I do I make several kinds and take them out as needed. That way the DS could take them out the night before and heat or grill them for her in the morning. I love a grilled muffin on the griddle.

I'm still mulling it over but I know for certain I'll serve some nice red French wine. Perhaps some French bread with brie or camembert cheese and fruit. I'm trying to find some brown cookies that look like ... well, if you read the book, you know. LOL Since we are not required to serve dinner at our meetings, I will pass on doing an Easter dinner, I can't even muster up the energy to do that on Easter let alone on a work day where the meeting starts an hour after I get home. :-) Jodi-

You are all so wonderful. Kath started me out with some great suggestions and the rest of you are equally brilliant. Let me see if I can add more info. We don't get LOTS of snacks, but we get some GOOD snacks. I like the idea of everyone bringing a plate or a snack. That seems a fair compromise. Our reading is a bit limited due to our shared interests: the books must be based in the UK - from Beowulf to Bridget Jones, but they must be based in the UK. I think it is limited, but perhaps not by that much. The members all tell me that it is just lovely and fantastic and wonderful but yet... but yet... commitment is a big problem. Jan mentioned charging. Since it isn't really a class and we have no handouts at all, I don't think that will work too well. I can see how paying for something increases the level of commitment, but I honestly think it would be viewed in a negative manner. It is a rather small community and most of these folks I see on a regular basis on a social level or at the schools. cece and bookmom both suggested that we meet in restaurants. This idea is simply grand. I will approach everyone and see how they feel about it. It would definitely take a lot of pressure off of the hostess. And we could order food/drinks if we wanted them or not. And, like bookmom said, the hostess's family wouldn't be umm, interferring. Time of day is an issue. We have three stay at home moms who gave up professional jobs to raise kids. And two women who work full time. Daytime meetings aren't really an option at this point with our current members. And interestingly enough, it's not just the moms that show up or just the moms that don't respond, it's everyone. I think at this point, I'd be just as happy if people showed up who have not read the book just to have people attend. Maybe I am just too "into" reading and for the others it is more of a hobby, something they do IF they have time. I MAKE time for reading in my day. I do not know how they feel about books and reading, I only know how I feel about books and reading. Perhaps it's not that they aren't committed, but perhaps I am overly committed. (I am going TO BE committed if I keep over-analyzing this, aren't I??) Do your book clubs have commitment problems? I know some of you mentioned that your members are commited and that you hound the ones that don't show up.. that's hilarious! I envy that very much. My other book club seems more commited... the books are worse, but the level of commitment is greater. We all get along really well when we finally do get together. I think the biggest problem is the commitment to the club. For example, the meeting is tonight. I've heard from one person to say whether or not she'll be here (she won't be attending as she's out of town.) From the others, nothing but silence. Like Liz, I am the instigator. I started it all. It is my fault that the ground rules were specific about books, but not...