Celebrations!

Tonight, Arthur, BF, and myself attended a dinner party at a friend and co-worker of Arthur's. It was a celebration of Arthur and BF's engagement, and a thanksgiving celebration for friends.

The celebration hosts gave us a tour of their lovely home. This place was decorated more beautiful than any magazine featured home I have ever seen. They had more Thomas Kinkade paintings than an art gallery. One print, and the rest were paintings. The dear lady of the house is not afraid of color. There were colors on the walls with names like 'Heavenly Blue' and 'Bumblebee'. There were other colors that the owner created on her own by combining paints...one she called 'Pumpkin Butter' or something like that. I was amazed by the beautiful blue hue on the walls of one bedroom...a room dedicated to a woman friend the hostess knew from the orphanage she grew up in, I believe. The room featured the woman's bedroom suite, which the woman acquired as a 4 year old child, and had until her death at 93. There was a Thomas Kinkade print over the head of the bed and a framed, black and white photo of the woman on the dresser. The room features two closets which flank the large window which catches the rising sun each morning. The blue on the walls is deep and rich. There is a rocker and soft lighting. In one corner sat a child sized clown obtained in Russia. This was my favorite room in the house.

After ample appetizers and several glasses of wine from the wine bar, the hosts of the celebration served Hawaiian chicken, Asian stir-fry vegetables, REAL mashed potatoes and gravy, and heavenly rolls. After the meal, we all sat around and chit-chatted and let our round bellies rest a bit. Then we had coffee and dessert, which was Black Forest Cake and a very smooth coffee. Delicious! The hostess and her better half certainly know how to entertain. They are excellent cooks, gracious hosts, are wonderful conversationalists, and make you feel so welcome in their beautiful home . What more could you ask for?

After much hugging and thank yous, all six guests received a Christmas gift from the hosts. A gorgeous Christmas scene of boys and girls choosing a tree and playing in the snow. What wonderful friends they are! They made a special night for Arthur and BF, and for everyone who attended the celebration. I thank God for wonderful friends like them!