Today we gathered at a small, crowded Italian restaurant for Mother's Day dinner. At 4 p.m. (The reservation was actually made for 3:45, but we ran a bit late.)

There were nine of us at the table, which was fine for the venue. I don't think it could've accommodated the entire family, unless we split into groups. (The kiddie table and the grown-up table would've worked.)

The food was good, the conversation was lively most of the time and by the time we left the restaurant -- before 7 p.m. -- it was still light outside!

My old gripe was that it was a wee bit warm in the family-owned eatery. Maybe because we were near the front, and every time the door opened, a gust of hot air blew in.

Nevertheless, the gathering made for a great time with great food and, of course, great people.