A Potluck Party

My husband and I hosted a small potluck party yesterday afternoon. Three of the guests were friends from college -- David A., Yvonne, and Chris L. They were accompanied by their spouses -- Elizabeth, Mark, and Alexis. Chris and Alexis brought their son Robert, who is about four months younger than my son A.J. Another guest, my co-worker Rodney, also came with his wife Katherine and their 1-year-old son Harrison. It was a good mixture of people because several of us have common interests -- science fiction, creative writing, politics, parenthood, pets, and good food and drink -- and several right now are going through the same challenge of juggling schoolwork with other duties. The kids seemed to get along fairly well, too; A.J. was very gracious about sharing his toys with Robert and Harrison, and the latter two seemed to find plenty of things to hold their interest.

The combination of foods everyone brought also worked out well. This was a pleasant surprise, since none of us coordinated with anyone else for the potluck. I made a pan of spinach-mushroom lasagna and put out bowls of baby carrots with ranch dressing, pretzel sticks, TGIF-brand cheddar-and-bacon-flavored chips, and fresh blackberries. David and Elizabeth brought two loaves of banana bread (this was very popular with the three toddlers at the party!) and a whole cantaloupe that Elizabeth carved and arranged prettily. Rodney and Katherine brought two pans of baked chicken thighs, Chris and Alexis brought a large bean-and-tomato salad, and Yvonne and Mark brought a bowl of fettucine with a pesto sauce. All in all, it was a well-rounded meal!

It was nice to get together with friends. Hopefully we'll be able to host another potluck party in a few weeks after my husband finishes school. I think it is important to have social events like these so we reaffirm our friendships and remember there is more to life than just work, schoolwork, childcare, and household duties.