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A delicious Saturday

 

On many of these past Saturdays I've occupied myself by watching the grass grow, a delightful occupation of the senior set, which yes, I do consider myself, though not quite. Yet.

Some Saturdays find me watching from my window seat (inclement weather means inside) and some from my terrace table (sun's out? Me too!).

However, one recent Saturday found my day replete with the kind of small-town activities that make living here such a joy.

First up was a trot down Carmel Avenue to Alice and Sandy Horowitz's house where supervisor candidate Gina Culis spoke. I was impressed. Yes, with the Horowitz's contemporary house filled with fascinating artwork, but also with Gina's energy and enthusiasm for making our Valley's voice heard in county politics. We'll be hearing much more from Gina in time. Keep your eyes and ears open.

Following that, a brief drive down Arnold took me to the Faith Lutheran Church, which I still erroneously think of as Sandy Piotter's church. Which it never really was anyway. Sandy and her sweetie, Allan, didn't own the church, though he was the preacher there when Sandy went through Bouverie Docent training with me, many million eons ago.

But that Saturday's occasion was not to hear Rev. Piotter sermonize. My friend and former colleague, Cheryl Casciani, invited me to join the ladies of the church for a tea party and fashion show. What an anachronistic adventure - from women in politics to women in fancy hats (though Bella Abzug would claim no disconnect there).

I discovered that tiny little sandwich treats, which look innocently small and calorie-free, certainly add up. It's like those great tapas bars we relished in Barcelona while at the Sparrow-Collins castle: when the plates pile up you know you've gone too far.

Aside from the fantastic eats at the Lutheran Ladies' Tea, I also enjoyed the company of former and current teachers, most of us having served time at Catholic school. We reminisced, shared gossip and laughed the afternoon away.

I was mightily impressed with the fashion show by Barbara Mezetta's store "Total Look." Great afternoon.

That was followed a short nap then a small dinner party hosted by our friends Bob and Linda Alwitt. Again, more enticing food, scrumptiously tempting: farro, salmon and spring asparagus. A special guest was our friend John Berger, relaxed, smiling and well. We enjoyed exchanging stories of one of our favorite places: Bouverie Audubon Preserve. John's wife, the late Evie Berger, my dear friend and mentor, loved that place dearly and devoted much of her time to making it all it is today.

Our hosts Bob and Linda are following Evie's footsteps, running the docent recruitment program for next fall's training. Sharon Savage will be training leader. All in all, a lovely Saturday, replete with dining past my usual capacity. Thank the powers that be that ACAC, oops, now known as Sonoma Aquatic Center (SAC, my initials, too) has the warm waters for arthritics like me to exercise a full day's worth of calories off. See you on the trails or in the water.

Happy Memorial Day! In my childhood family, we celebrated that holiday as Decoration Day. I remember Mama gathering our garden flowers, creating bouquets, which we'd later place on relatives' graves. Dressed in our Sunday best, we picnicked at the local cemetery. Really. Mama would share a story at each grave. Papa, meanwhile, sat in the car, smoking cigarettes, while we visited with a whole host of Finnish ancestors. Better than a day wasted at the mall shopping, I hope that you took some time to remember the late members of your family, whether war heroes or ordinary citizens. Each of us, in our own way, continues to guard the freedoms of this country. War is not the only way.

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Share your good news with friends and neighbors in Glen Ellen. Call or write me at the numbers up there by my smile. Or email me at creekbottom@earthlink.net. Glen Ellen chatter rarely requires timeliness; however, if your news does, please be sure to contact me at least two weeks before the run date.