Potluck Revival

I told Bob I wanted throw a potluck for my birthday and he sprang to it by spiffing up the vegetable garden and ordering a huge cake from Phoenix Bakery. Meanwhile, I mulched the orchard and spread the word.

PORCH TIME

We opened our doors at 4:30 with the sun still high above, and two hours later when we began eating, it was still pretty and bright.

When Arlo and five of his friends emerged from the woods in their work boots with food and a couple of guitars, I felt as if I were watching a movie. They looked like the rescuers striding through smoking rubble after an apocalyptic disaster. I’m not exaggerating, my vision grew blurry with emotion for an instant before I remembered my manners and waved cheerily.

In retrospect, having just turned seventy and finding myself uncharacteristically exhausted by 2:00 PM on some days, the sheer vigor of this next generation brings me great comfort. I feel as if they’ve got our backs, us older folks, and that it’s okay for us to slow down.

SPOT PICS

Spot, our greeter, had his work cut out for him and kept Bob busy snapping “first time to Trouts Farm” pictures of the newcomers.

TIME TO EAT

There was so much food! Salads, fruit, bread, casseroles, tempeh, meat, and beans.

I cannot say how many friends have eaten with us in our little dining room but it has been years since we had more than eight people at the table.

Lyle’s Potluck Podcast captures my joy above the roar of 27 people having a good time:

MAY AND JUNE BIRTHDAYS

Bob bought a unforgettable triple-layer, gluten-free Lemon Lavender Cake to help us celebrate six May and June birthdays.

Shelley, Camille, Kersten, Arlo, Zach, and Hannah made birthday wishes and blew out the candles.

All animals share food to show each other that they are friends. A horse new to the herd, for example, gets run around by the lead mare until she decides they belong, and then she lowers her head to eat. New acquaintances say, “How ’bout a cup of coffee?” The alpha wolf brings food to the den and shares it. Eating together is the most powerful way to signal friendship and the easiest way to build community.

After everyone left, Bob and I tidied up, savoring bits of stray conversation and getting one more taste of cake before tucking into bed, spent and happy.