Food for Strength

So it's time for the push up competition. There are 3 competitors: the Adolescent, Mike and the Hubby (both way past adolescence in age but not in spirit). There's big build up to the main event. Lots of chest puffing. I'm not sure who will win. The Adolescent has been flexing and pumping for the past year. He's pretty jacked, as they say in manspeak. And he has youth on his side. But Mike has also been working out. And the Hubby is just a strong guy all around.

Lots of tension and man egos on the line. Mike goes first. He does 32. The Hubby goes next. He also does 32! The Adolescent goes last. He gives himself a handicap by doing tricep pushups (much more difficult)...but can only do 27! Victory for the old guys!!! The Adolescent can't bear the thought of losing to old guys so he does it AGAIN...regular push ups this time...and does 29!! But not enough to put him into the lead! Lots of fist pumping and chest thumping all around!

Mike winning the push up competition. The Adolescent is making sure Mike lowers his chest to the competition standard.

A rematch is called for the next morning. The Adolescent goes first and does 40. The Hubby does 39. And Mike does 42!!! Victory is sweet, isn't it Mike?

While all the manly puffing and preening is going on, Mary is busy making dinner to feed the famished competitors and their fans.

Hungry competitors

It's hard for her not to let her eye rolling interfere with her cooking but she manages to do both beautifully. She makes Pasta with Bocconcini, Basil, and Tomatoes (found in Main Dishes) and a tasty vegetable casserole.

Vegetable casserole

We eat dinner, our last night together before our friends return to the city. The food is excellent, the conversation animated, and we even get used to the faint lingering scent of testosterone in the air.