The Bachelors in my life

Surprisingly, I did have company for dinner last night.
When you are me, bachelors drop in at the dinner hour, from time to time.
Not the man I'm in love with, mind you. He would never make the mistake of dropping in when I'm serving wild game.
Other men. Older, less interested men. These are men who have either been married to my family, or otherwise have been fixtures in my life over the years. These men know that they can safely rely upon my cooking and my hospitality.
There's my own father, who is currently a bachelor.
There's my step-father, who is likewise currently single.
There's my former worship pastor, who has been my friend these many a year.
Once, my ex-husband even dropped in at dinner time. This occurred coincidentally at the very same moment that my favorite-former-worship-pastor also stopped in at the dinner hour. It was a bit like running a boarding house.

The pheasant was surprisingly edible last night. I simmered it for ages in one of those hearty cast iron skillets. I dressed her in some flour, some onions, and a bit of garlic for good measure. There was olive oil involved, and water,too, so she wouldn't dry out. Not bad.

I'm not really a good cook. I enjoy cooking. I also enjoy eating. But I don't willingly submit to recipes. I used to think I was a good cook, but I'm not. I am a mom cook. Casseroles, and stews....boardinghouse fare.
Tim is a gourmet cook. He follows recipes exactly, and serves consistently amazing food. He frequently cooks a full dinner for himself, and allows his children to eat something kid-friendly. I don't ever bother cooking for one. If it's just me, I'll grab a slice of cheese, or fry an egg. Or go without. Who wants to bother with a mess?

And, no we're not engaged yet.
This is a bit like being nine months pregnant. Well- meaning friends call and say, "Has that baby come yet?" And the very question is depressing, because everyone is waiting on you, and you can't really do much about it. And it's not like you haven't been wondering the same thing. I think the fun response to that question would be, "Oh, yeah, I had the baby two weeks ago, and just didn't bother to call you."
What are you people going to do if he never proposes?
That poor man! I wonder if he is cognisant of the haze of expectation that shrouds his every move? He would ignore it anyway. He has one of those wonderful personalities that allows him to be influenced not-at-all by the opinions of others. I wish I were more like that.

As it is, the hour is growing late with haste, and my children are yet abed. I need to spring into action. I'll share more of my riveting thoughts with you at some later time.
I know.
You can hardly wait.