peach and raspberry pie

The evening began with an Artists' Opening Reception for Annie Strickler and Paul Flury.  The subject of their work, and lifelong inspiration to both, was the Susquehannana River - Paul's meticulous studio work, and Annie's impressionistic plein aire' work.  Toby Richards exhibited his "River Rocks Collection" as the Front Wall Feature, the black and white photos of the river rocks, stunningly abstract.  Music was provided by Jay Umble and Bill Druck, both jazz guitarists - first time for these guys, and well received!  The public has grown more supportive of the jazz venue, each time, donations coming closer to covering the cost for the music.

The evening started quietly, with only a few people stopping in at the 5:00 hour.  By six, however, the gallery began to fill up, and stayed quite full with people coming and going until eight.  Sales were sorely lacking, which was a bit surprising to me given the nature and pricing of the work.  We served Mandros cheeses (blue cheese/cheddar, greek cheddar, and a mild brie), along with kalamata olives, homemade roasted pepper hummus, vegies and grapes.  I made a non-alcholic punch of seltzer, cranberry and orange juices, with lemon slices, and served merlot and chardonnay.

Friends Roger Everhart and Jim Brines were expected from Maryland, but traffic held them up and they didn't arrive until after eight.  Meanwhile, Deb Stuart and Bob, Wendy Tippets, Toby Richards, Cat and Vincent Chau, David and myself gathered for drinks upstairs after closing.  Dinner was simple - chicken salad with grapes, walnuts, celery, apples, and an olive oil/cider dressing.  I cheated with Mandros homemade french bread, rather than my own, olive oil for dipping, and peach/raspberry pies for dessert.  Guests brought several bottles of red wine and an italian sparkling white wine.  

Roger and Andy arrived around 9, and we sat down to dinner and conversation.  Most guests did not know one another, so introductions were interesting - 2 architects, a professional photographer, a real estate developer, an ad agency senior marketing director, 2 bio-chemists involved in cancer research, a tile designer/subcontractor, an organic chemist and 1 gallery director/designer.  

As dinner progressed, the subject of the upcoming election could no longer be ignored, and as one, after another, tentatively expressed concern for the Republican nominees.  Rather quickly, discussion became animated, with passionate support of Barack Obama was expressed.    

Around 11:30, guests started to leave for home, David went off to bed, and Roger, Andy and myself stayed up and chatted till the wee hours.