Pancake Day

I know the real day is next week, but Jared's firing up the griddle for some friends he's visiting from home. He met these four guys few years ago and they all work in the desert oil fields - with Texans. In the cafeteria they always have American pancakes with imported maple syrup and now these Arabs love them. This year they are studying in the UK and they're missing the hot cakes, so Jared called tonight to get the recipe so he can do the honors.

It means a lot to all of them to be together. I know they are talking about their families still struggling at home, their fears and hopes for the future. I just hope the griddle is all they fire up (and not the shisha!).