Good points, all.
When I originally posted the note -- thinking of tomorrow and the meetings I have had in the past -- I was NOT thinking of a gift solely for the female half, but just a token of appreciation, what I think used to be called a "hostess gift" or similar, which was intended for immediate use or to be squirreled away until it could be got rid of: a bottle of wine, some food item, etc.
It's not that I feel that I owe anyone something, or that this is pre-payment in anticipation of some activity, it's just one of those things that we are getting together to have a good time, and here is a little token of my appreciation for you having invited me. Now, let us party.
Maybe I'm old-fashioned...okay, yes I AM old-fashioned...but it is weird to me to be invited to someone's home, even in these circumstances, and not be carrying some kind o' little gift to hand the hosts.
