.....destination dinner

Yogis,
Last week I took a break from writing while visiting Denver Colorado. This was only my second visit to the Mile High city, but like the first time, I loved it. Beautiful weather with autumn leaves gold against a deep blue sky. Pleasant temperatures with clear air, low humidity and a light breeze.

This trip I got the opportunity to experience Boulder where we did some hiking, walked the town and ate wood grilled pizzas in an outdoor café. We visited Red Rocks the next day where both the scenery and people watching were incredible. Good draft beers, fresh local food and spectacular mountain views made for a great getaway.

Then add in the reason for the visit and the long weekend turns into a special event. ‘Lobsterfest’, as we have all coined it, is an annual event among ten of us. I have written about it over the years recounting the rituals we have created, the dedication each year to making it happen and the bat that swooped into the dining room one time after dinner, causing shrieks and cowering in the bathroom for many.

About 10 years ago one of the couples moved to Denver and we have all toyed with the idea of someday having it there, and that someday was last week…….

You have heard of a destination wedding…..this was a destination dinner.

Now in a typical year, Lobsterfest is a six hour event. Everyone arrives promptly at 6 pm. Appetizers are followed by lobster, tenderloin, potatoes and Caesar salad, which is then followed by loud music, wild dancing and finally dessert. Someone then glances at their watch, announces it is almost midnight and we wrap it up. This year however it was a three day extravaganza!

Our hosts had made it clear that three days was the limit back when the idea was floated. We could come to Denver for more days, but their involvement had limits. Yet for those three days they invited us all into their lovely home for meals, football watching, walks through town and a signature cocktail……the poisoned apple. We laughed and told old stories. Shared pictures of family. Talked about where we are and where we are heading. Old friends.

How long have we been doing this? The annual discussion and debate while cracking our lobster claws and passing the potatoes had us settled on 33 years by the end of the evening. Or was it 34? It matters not because we will discuss again next year. And the year after that.

On the last evening our hostess shared a teaching she had received at a young age from her beloved Nona. ‘Bern,’ she said,’ whenever you visit any family or friends you only stay three days. After that you begin to smell like a fish.’

It is a true gift to have friends like these that you are not only able, but excited to spend three days with. The fact that we made this Lobsterfest West happen, speaks volumes of our long lasting bond which began so many years ago in a sales bullpen at Xerox.

The table setting was gorgeous. The food amazing. We ate. We danced. We hugged. And as one friend said…..I think we made it out of there just in time to not leave a stink.

Friends.

This will not be our last time there,
SARAH 

Good Friends