Inspired by my recent stay in my mother's house, I endeavored to create The Perfect Sunday Dinner today.

Let me point out the key elements:

1 - Napkins folded at each place setting.  Because it's lovely.

2 - A small plate for jello, since gravy and jello are a bad combination.

3 - Roast beef slow-cooked to juicy goodness, not over-cooked to grey nothingness, which is my specialty.

4 - Jello.  For the love of all things gelatinous, I MADE A SUCCESSFUL JELLO!!!

5 - Carrots cooked with the roast.  Best vegetable known to man.

6 - Gravy that actually tastes like something other than salted, fatty water.

7 - Homemade rolls.  A must.

8 - Placemats, which I purchased yesterday for this occasion.  Because, again, it's lovely.

9 - Mashed potatoes made from real potatoes, peeled and boiled, then mashed just enough to allow for occasional soft, potatoey lumps.

It was a triumph, a triumph I say!  It may never again be duplicated, but I now have photographic evidence that I can create The Perfect Sunday Dinner.  

Please, hold your applause.