a bunch of mackerel snappers bellying up to the chow line. Dinner last night at Our Lady of Perpetual Guilt was spectacular, the fish perfect, the accoutrements tasty, the dessert table loaded with home baked goodness.

No “God hates gays” signs, no women with black eyes, no loud public praying, no fatwas, no assholes in general. The teenagers were clearing the tables, the servers in a good mood and dishing out food like elderly aunts (Eat more! you’re too skinny! I was just going to throw it away!)

NO parking lot tussles, no nastiness in general and despite the free flowing beer, wine, and mixed drinks, nobody out of control either. Almost all of the food was donated, all of the proceeds fund unwed mother’s groups.

When they act like this I am proud to call them my tribe.