Chapter 8: The Holidays and Murray Avenue Grill
The next day, I met up with Sarah, James, and Henri, as well as some of my childhood friends Alex Russo, Justin Evans, and Max Greenwald at the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill for a discussion group on the holidays. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. "Holidays are a time of bringing your family and friends together," Alex told us. "Yes, definitely," Justin agreed. "I consider my birthday to be a holiday right after Christmas and New Year's," Max stated. "My birthday occurs just a week before St. Patrick's Day," Justin stated. "But, I have the best birthday of the group in the merry month of May," Alex stated. "I know that we haven't had our winter and spring gatherings yet, but I am already looking forward to my 31st birthday so I would like to plan a party at the Edgewood Country Club instead of Veltre's since I just found out that the Music Support Group Academy Turtle Creek Band Banquet will be held there on May 5 and that was my original party date." "Are you sure that you are allowed to do that?" I asked. "I can contact the headmaster and see if it is okay to do a Cinco de Mayo themed birthday party to cross over with the band banquet. I am sure that they know that I am an alumni, and we can plan for a jazz band performance," Alex told us. "There are so many dining fundraisers that I am looking forward to in 2024!" "I loved my birthday celebration at Monroeville Mall last Sunday," Sarah stated. "I loved the food and decorations at the mall," James stated. "I remember when John Quincy said at the support group that they do not believe in celebrating holidays," Henri stated. "Yes, that's right," I stated. "Birthdays are considered to be a holiday. That reminds me: Can we have a spring potluck at Veltre's where we had our Thanksgiving potluck?" "I'll consider it, Angel," Alex told me. Between the discussion group and dinner at Murray Avenue Grill, we did a scavenger hunt activity in which we found all of our chosen fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and pastas. "What a fun scavenger hunt!" Sarah exclaimed. "I am looking forward to that in the new year." "I am looking forward to tie-dying, even though arts and crafts are more Carly's thing," Alex told us. "We should wear our tie-dye attire tomorrow," I stated. "Cheese and pasta go together like peanut butter and jelly," Henri stated, licking his lips. "Is it okay if I help you grill the food for the picnic next year, Max?" "Maybe, Henri," Max replied. "Hot dogs are definitely easier to cook than hamburgers." "I like to cook hamburgers for the picnic and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving," Justin stated. "Are there any other recipes that I can try in the new year, James?" "Of course, Justin," James replied. "But, after our Thanksgiving potluck, I am kind of glad that the Christmas party will be catered, and there will be lots of good food to eat. I can maybe just bring some cheese and crackers." "I think that your ideas for get-togethers in the new year sound like fun, Alex," Sarah remarked. "Why thank you, Sarah," Alex replied. "I also had fun at Kennywood where the MSG seniors went one last time until a year later. I think that it would be cool to go to the Santa Claus dinner buffet some time during the break. The food was amazing and delicious!" Pretty soon, it was time for all of us to go home. "Thanks for a great day, guys!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"