Dinner -70s group-and a bit of history-18 years

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This past week our 70's group got together at our house for a “farewell to winter” dinner. I decided we needed a theme and that was the best I could come up with - which I suppose was as good as any. At the end of this post I have few words about this all originally got started.

Each couple was asked to provided a course.  We hosted so we decided to do appetizers - a fruit and goat cheese crostini that wasn't too heavy or filling. Of course I have no photo of them. 

The A’s brought an amazing tomato bisque and even brought a beautiful tureen in which to serve it. 

 


The D’s brought a lovely green salad with candied pecans and homemade dressing.

  



 The P’s brought an old-fashioned, hearty beef stew served with crusty bread and high end butter.  

  

 

The L’s brought a beautiful cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries!





It was so relaxing to have it at home versus in a restaurant and quieter too. We were able to all enjoy the conversation. Arie asked a question with every course. What is a book that you have read recently and would you recommend it? What is a tv show or movie that has peaked your interest? Where have you traveled recently etc.
Everyone participated!

I hope we do our dinners this way again next time.

So how did this all start?? 

About 18 years ago, a dear friend had an idea that morphed into a lasting 'tradition' that continues today, even though she and her husband are no longer with us. Sadly, she passed away just a year ago.  Long before HIPAA, she checked the church rolls to see which members…like her husband, were born in 1946. She found that there were 6 men that would be turning 60 that year and so she contacted all the wives to discuss a birthday celebration for all of them. After a few meetings, we came up with a fairly elaborate plan that we agreed to keep a secret from our husbands. (I just told mine that he could not plan anything for the date)  We booked an overnight in a lovely place called The House on the Hill in  near Ellsworth MI. It's still there today.  https://www.thehouseonthehill.com/  We also "roasted" the men with some silly skits and put together a power point presentation (remember those?) with pictures from the past. It was fun. We had an awesome birthday dinner at Tapawingo, a 5 star restaurant that sadly is no longer a 5 star place although it is still a restaurant.

From this fun beginning, the group decided to meet regularly for a dinner out and this year they all turn 78! It’s hard to believe that it’s been 18 years.

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