Kahlil Gibran: The Slave (1920)

"I have another early call again tomorrow morning."

Part of the sacred responsibility that accompanies any family must be the obligation to occasionally Indenture one's spouse. This need not necessarily be in any way ominous, for necessity will dictate the timing. Part of the unwritten covenant between any couple covers cornering them. This might involve volunteering their services without first consulting them or merely informing them, rather than asking. The savvy spouse will accept these assignments without altogether too much grousing because they at least imply that they're still seen as good for something, which might be a blessing, depending.

The Muse had this brilliant idea to auction off a couple of dinner parties as part of a fundraising scheme by the local party. I sort of remember her mentioning this idea to me and, as usual, I probably gave her inquiry a firm maybe, expecting a second warning. She knows me well enough to know that I rarely commit to anything without cogitating. So, if she wanted me to agree with her proposal, she'd need to give me ample lead time. But time was tight, I guess, or else I spaced it. It might have been one of those last-minute, feeling cornered commitments. The covenant also covers these. The next thing I knew, she'd already submitted the offer, and it was too late for me to unvolunteer.

The offers were accepted in the silent auction portion of the festivities. By the end of that evening, we knew we were officially obligated to produce those supper parties. I believe she also promised a short concert following. She negotiated to determine the date, which ended up being the day after The Muse would return from a business trip and also after a day already filled with her official meetings, which meant that I would be preparing the feast more or less by myself. I've previously pulled off such feats several times, though I feel out of practice. Fortunately, we maintain a deep larder, and I know just enough to be capable of mustering an interesting presentation. This must be something more than a deep baking dish of my mac and cheese, for this supper was purchased. It will require some gravitas.

I went shopping for ingredients yesterday. I lucked into a fresh shipment of local Steelhead trout, fat filets that will poach beautifully. My entreé idea involves steaming portions of fish in corn husks. These always produce a satisfying presentation. Scissoring open the corn husks at the table will reveal a steaming piece of fish in a crabapple/shallot sauce with a half fresh apricot on top, seasoned with fresh dill. A sensory rush! This should provide adequate wow to distract from whatever accompanies. I thought fresh green beans, always a summer favorite, and The Muse will contribute a fresh cucumber/sweet onion salad. Maybe an avocado/chaote salad, too. It is, after all, high summer. There might be slices of melon to start, as well, drapped with transparent slices of prosciutto. I bought appropriate wines. Dessert will feature The Muse's fresh, house-made Wenaha Black Currant sorbet, from last week's foraging foray up into the National Forest. Fresh, local, and, hopefully, interesting enough.

I will spend the afternoon trying to remember how to prepare what I've described here, and tuning up the old guitar. I performed for guests the weekend before last and learned that I had not been practicing nearly enough. My fingers had forgotten some of their tricks. Later tonight, Indenture satisfied, I will be released back into the general population and be free again to make my own commitments. I will not mention this Indenture. It will have been nothing terribly exceptional. I must maintain a reputation as reliable, which unavoidably includes occasionally taking one of these inconveniences for the team. My efforts will be appreciated and rewarded with an offer to clean up the dishes. I'll be in bed as early as I can muster. I have another early call again tomorrow morning.

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