This was my first party since my surgery where I've cooked. I was a little concerned about standing on my feet for that long a period, but other than a little soreness, I was fine.

This was a Quadruple Event Party! Besides St.Patrick’s Day, I thought I use as an additional excuse to have a party my going back to work after being out for 8 weeks from my hip replacement surgery, the fact that next weekend is the start of Spring, and our good buddy, Benito Juarez!

I did a sherry, tamari, and cumin marinated pork stir fry with boc choi, marjoram seasoned bella mushrooms stir fried with scallions, and sweet red pepper.

To top it all off, I threw some mung beans in and then spread boc choi leaves over the top to steam.

Party went great, with lots of backgammon among the 8 of us. The vote for the movie of the night was U.S. Marshals with Tommy Lee Jones.

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Helen was the first to arrive as she brought her special chicken wings and cheese and crackers. I had planned to serve the chicken wings with dinner, but as soon as the hungry hoards (led by Marissa) sniffed them out: they all but disappeared.

Marissa, Courtney, and Eleanne.

Eleanne and Helen pause in their game to kibitz Courtney and Marissa.

You just know that Marissa's smile is because she must have vanquished someone over the board....

Helen waiting for the hammer to fall against her in one of the games she played with Colin.

Gary not wasting any time getting to the chicken wings....

Rick arrives ready to play. Or, is that an "I'm starved!" look?

Marissa and Gary waiting for the F.O.P. to get the movie of the night going.

Courtney and Rickey finishing up their respective games from whoever it was across the table from them. Probably Marissa and Gary.

We just do not stop the games to eat! My rules are simple: "Throw, take, pass, double, or walk. No tears. All you need to know."

The chef in Irish green and Killian's Irish Red at the ready. "So, who's getting the movie of the night going?" he asks lightly, just to get everyone pissed off....