For whatever reason, we hosted more events at this house during the past summer than usual.  There were After-Vespers Events, a Going-Away Party, a Reception for a Memorial Service, a Birthday Party, our own Anniversary Party, our usual Friday Night Gatherings, and probably more that I’ve forgotten,

Of course, not all of them were totally dependent upon us.  Some were pot-luck gatherings and the community brought food and, in one case, contributed tents and tables and chairs.  Plus, the weather was cooperative and we were outside on many of the occasions.  And, we had a little help in the garden and even managed to have the house cleaned professionally for one of the events.

So, we don’t have any complaints about the work involved in being Party Central.  Plus, we always feel that both the house and garden are way too large for just two people to enjoy.  It is the perfect entertainment venue and should be enjoyed by our friends and, when appropriate, by the community.

In fact, I always have the feeling that the house calls out for people to come and fill it up.  After all, my grandparents raised seven children in this house and were, themselves, active in community affairs.  With friends and relatives and visitors coming and going for more than fifty years, the house is well used to hub-bub and activity, or so it seems to me.

My folks spent another twenty years entertaining here – weekly card parties, their spectacular Christmas parties, my mother’s frequent tea parties, and the focal point of family reunions and even a wedding or two.  My father referred to her proudly as “the hostess with the mostest” and he was certainly no slouch as a host.

Obviously,  having people in this house is probably in my DNA.  The only part I lament is that the bigger the gathering, the less time I have to really visit with anyone.  But, I realized recently, I do get a lot of pleasure out of the visiting other people do at these events.  I frequently am told ”Oh, I was so glad to finally meet [whoever] at your place…” or “It was grand to reconnect with [so and so]…”  In fact, I find that, in more than one instance, we have been responsible for new friendships developing.  No romances yet, though – at least not that I know of.

I must say, too, that we are truly blessed in having so many wonderful and interesting friends and acquaintances.   They make it all incredibly easy and worthwhile!