Chili, ice and fossils

Front Row, L to R: Frances Rolater, Eileen Pierson, Nancy Kipp, Carol Fortner, Joyce Frey
Back Row, L to R: Bill Frey, Richard Pierson, Hank Bollman, Rick Rolater

Friends gathered round a table remind us of the simple joy and warmth that comes from sharing a meal. Food, drink, and companionship work wonders on the gloom and isolation of cold January nights. Potluck members know this feeling, and those members dining at one special home in January enjoyed an evening of happiness and comfort. A welcoming glass of wine, savory appetizers, and hearty chili warmed the soul. Tasty cornbread and an artisan salad accompanied the meal, and a surprisingly decadent dessert rounded out the meal. With dessert came Ice Wine from Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada. Ice Wine is the most unique and rarest of wines. Grapes are only picked in late December to January, after midnight, when the temperatures are minus 14 degrees Celsius. For most guests, this was a unique and tasty first. The wine bottles emptied quickly. Conversations flowed from cruises to bike trips to hometown stories. The best, however, was yet to come. One guest mentioned his business was selling polished fossils, and the evening suddenly took a surprising turn. The host and hostess have been collecting fossils at Robson Ranch since their arrival 14 years ago. Guests were treated to view their collection, including a nocturnal flashlight tour of back yard flower beds lined with fossils 62 million years old. Tramping outside in the dark with flashlights was definitely an experience not encountered in previous potlucks.
Potluck is a wonderful and easy opportunity to meet new neighbors, make memories and good stories, and form new friendships. Food and wine are an irresistible pairing, and socializing in small group settings, as small as 6, is a winning format. Consider joining this remarkable and memory-making group. Membership is only $5 per household. Call or e-mail Phyllis Ayers, President for information: 262-3009; [email protected].