Over the past couple of weeks, I have found myself hosting impromptu gatherings on Sunday afternoon. Good thing the house was somewhat orderly. All that was needed was a quick swipe in the bathroom and a bit of vacuuming to make ready for company.  I’m so glad they came. What followed in the form of encouragement and blessing far outweighed the momentary inconvenience of its short notice.

We have long passed the days when people simply stopped by on a Sunday afternoon.  I can remember as a child it was a very pleasant happening when someone came to call.  There was no special fanfare needed. A pot of coffee was brewed and conversation was enjoyed. It was just simple and easy and extraordinary all at the same time. We found our lives elevated by the presence of guests.

Perhaps this is a custom that should return—this Sunday afternoon visiting. It’s not hard. There is no need to consult Pinterest to create perfect environment or food offering. A kitchen table with tea and cookies are quite enough for this event that pushes companionship to the forefront. The benefits of such a practice? They can be measured in ah factor of an afternoon made wonderful because friends stopped by.

Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Here is a very quick and easy brownie recipe I used last time my grandkids and their parents came by. It is very good recipe. So good, we have to double it every time.

The Best Brownies

Ingredients

½ cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 large eggs

¼ teaspoon baking powder

1/3 cup cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix oil and sugar until well blended.

Add eggs and vanilla; stir just until blended.

Mix all dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

Stir dry ingredients into the oil/sugar mixture.

Pour into greased 9 x 9 square pan.

Bake for 20 minutes or until sides just start to pull away from the pan.

Cool completely before cutting.

Note: I usually double the recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 pan. If you double the recipe, you will need to cook longer than 20 minutes.