Editor:
I am just back from a dinner at my friends’ house that made “my spirit soar.” There were about 15 people there, ranging in age from young adults in their early 20s to some elders in their 80s. We humans were accompanied at the dinner party by three large, friendly dogs who got lots of pats and scratches behind the ears as they lazed in the dining room and other areas.
One obvious characteristic of the dinner group was its diversity. It was a gathering of friends from all walks of life that included professionals, academics, farm workers, visiting overseas youth, and crafts persons. To me, this non-elitist collection of old friends and people new to the group is what should be one of our main aims in community life, rather than the discrete gatherings often reserved for those of similar station or belief.
Our host made a wonderful repast of clam chowder, roast farm vegetables, chicken, delicious sauces, and pasta all prepared with loving hands in his kitchen. The setting for our meal was in the living room of their home and part of the wondrous scene was the goat wandering by the window, followed by a couple of beautiful yard birds whose genus I do no know. In some ways it was a throwback to early days when such things may have been common.
After dinner we were treated to a piano recital by two young German women who are working as woofers (temporary farm workers) in Canada for a couple of months. One of these women was returning to Germany the next day and this dinner was also a send-off to her. Julia was teary and has said she is sorry to be leaving and will return to Canada for sure once she has finished her university studies.
In all, this was a grand evening. I think it embodies some of the precious things that our community may have lost over the years. Friends, wholesome food, sharing, music, storytelling, animals, informality and conviviality are some of the things that we need much more of in our post-modern world.
Bravo to our hosts for showing us some of the ways we can maintain our humanity.
Gary Pennington, Roberts Creek
