"Fran Peavey holds what she calls her 'annual accounting' each year on her birthday. She invites her friends to join her for a dinner, for which she cooks something special as a thanksgiving for the support and friendship extended throughout the year. Since people come who know her but may never have met one another, Fran asks them to introduce themselves briefly. She enjoys helping people from the various parts of her multifaceted life connect with one another. Once the food is cleared away, Fran begins her 'accounting.' She begins with the year in her life that has just passed, reflecting upon the accomplishments and highlights as well as the difficulties. She tries to share as openly as possible how the year has felt from the inside. Then she addresses the year ahead, speaking of the activities and challenges she foresees and the kinds of support she is going to need. Sometimes her friends ask questions or offer advice and comments."