October 17, 2009 – So I’m giving the first party of my life – or I should say Maria and I are giving the first party of my life, as she has given some. I’m a bit nervous, and we have been running around all morning shopping. Wine, beer, fresh muffins and cheese from  Gardenworks, ice, water, Seltzer, cookies, crackers, grapes. Frieda will go across the street in the Studio Barn, Rose will hide upstairs in her secret lair, Izzy and Lenore will greet and mingle. They will both love it.
  I’m not sure why people give parties. I’m doing it sort of as a coming out, the first social event Maria and I have planned after a challenging time for both of us. It’s a good reason to clean the house, start woodstoves going, get rid of junk, clear spaces. I’m not really moving things like books or camera lenses.
  This is where we live. I have never entertained much, but I have gotten seriously interested in cooking, and have begun inviting new friends for dinner. I have really enjoyed those small gatherings, where you can get to know people and talk. This one is larger. I don’t remember everyone I’ve invited, but they are all nice and it’s a sweet mix – writers, artists, farmers, computer design people, carpenters, hospice workers, neighbors.
 In a sense, being a host is difficult because you have a lot to do. In another sense, it’s simpler as people have to mingle, talk and fend for themselves. I am a good talker, but not a good small talker. I do want everyone to have a good time. I will also post an update now and then on Facebook. The interactive experience. I don’t want to be rude and leave people, but I will file reports in one form or another, not because I have to, but because I want do.
  Maria’s mother (also named Maria) is here helping out.
  Lenore will be the official hostess.

  Once in awhile, the photographer gets lucky, and captures the essence of someone or something. I got lucky the other day. I put my camera down on the ground, with my new 100 mm macro L series lens and clicked the shutter. Izzy came over to see what was going on, and I was about to delete this shot from the camera, as it looked off kilter to me. But then I saw it was right on target, a better shot than I deserved to take.