I didn’t make it to either the June meeting at Leslie‘s place in Maine, nor the mid-summer meeting at Janice‘s, so I’ve really missed this group of women. It’s become a tradition to meet at Lorraine‘s every September. When she lived in Ashford, she had a huge firepit and it was great fun each year to throw logs on the fire and watch the smoke rise on those cool, dark fall evenings. A few years ago, Lorraine and her husband bought a summer house on a lake, so our September gathering has migrated to their new place. We met a bit earlier in the evening this time, to give those who wanted to kayak or take a dip before our meeting a chance to enjoy September lake life for a bit.
We also had the opportunity to stroll around Lorraine’s property. She has done a fantastic job of recreating the beautiful flower gardens she cultivated at her place in Ashford. So many of us have flowers in our gardens that came from Lorraine’s original beds. She gardens on a broad sweeping scale, turning a flower garden into a garden party of flowers.
September in New England. Leaves are beginning to fall, but it’s still quite warm this year. I’m happy we were able to get together at Lorraine’s before our snowbird (Lorraine!) flies south for the winter.
We met to discuss Horses Don’t Fly, a memoir by Frederick Libby. Libby’s account of his formative years growing up as a cowboy, a horse wrangler, an occasional gambler, and an entrepreneur/investor, set the stage for his accomplishments as a decorated airman in WWI fighting the Germans in airspace over France, flying first for the Canadian Royal Flying Corps, and then later for the Americans.
We liked the book. Libby’s story harkened back to a simpler time when one could make mistakes and learn from them, when forgiveness was granted ungrudgingly and accepted graciously, when people took care of people – juxtaposed against the back drop of the first World War. Unbelievable horror. But he made it through, to accomplish many more things and to tell the tale, many years later.
Conversation was lively. So much catching up to do – vacations, babies, weddings! And of course we ate well. It was a healthy spread – hummus with sweet red pepper, hummus with hot peppers, carrots, olives, crackers, cheese, hearty farm bread, and a lovely tabbouleh with chickpeas. And wine, of course. (Peg, did you bring the Cattoo from Naked Wines?)
The finale – apple crisp made with MacIntosh apples, served with yogurt and mixed nuts. A sweet ending to a very sweet evening!
I feel like I’m reliving the evening with your exquisite description. It was wonderful to be together again for a lively book discussion. Yes indeed I did bring the Cattoo!
😻:)
Melinda, you described and photographed the evening fabulously, as always. It’s always an enjoyable gathering with these women.
Thank you, Connie. I had hoped that I captured it. I laugh every time I look at the horse figurines. Lorraine is so playful! We’re so lucky to have such a great group.
Wonderfully written, Melinda! It’s a great group of women, supporting one another while eating delicious food, discussing literature, and enjoying one another’s milestones!
Thank you, Maribeth. I love us. 🙂