While having a telephone conversation with Leah, she asked when my next bay area visit is scheduled. I responded, "for your next house party". A few days later a Red, White, and Bordeaux evite party showed up in my inbox.
Leah, Damon, and Finley met me at Oakland airport. We traveled home for wine, dinner, and great conversation.
Saturday was preparation day for 2 events. Some of Leah’s relatives were stopping by for lunch as well as the evening party. Damon and I were in charge of cleaning up the backyard and traveling to get an additional outdoor heater. The weather was forecast to be rainy and windy but it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day.
Karen showed up early to assist with food preparation. I shifted to also food preparation and the obligatory wine opening. We did have a fun time trying to understand a French salad recipe.
We guessed about 50 people showed up. And we successfully kept the party in the backyard with 2 outdoor heaters and a fire pit providing heat in the 50F evening. Patricia showed up and we have another great conversation. I see Patricia every 1.5 - 2 years and we have the most intense deep conversations. Our plan is to have dinner at Leah’s on my next bay area visit.
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| Leah and Patricia. Do we have enough wine? |
I faded out before the end of the party so Sunday morning was a continuation of party cleanup. Our weekend joke was that Leah shipped in the party help (me).
Brunch was Dim Sum on the bay, then to the airport. Another Leah party/visit and I feel exhausted and refreshed at the same time.
