SOL 27/31: Book Club Retreat (not the haiku version)

I had plans for today's slice and then I found myself cleaning up my desktop, And I found this slice begun over a week ago and abandoned for a haiku because I was exhausted. I dusted off the slice, polished it a bit, and here it is! 

The haiku was the short of it. here's the long of our "used-to-be" yearly tradition (until Covid made us miss three years). I like having more details of our gathering for a future collection I might put together. Our book club has been together for twenty-five years.

 Begin with a friend's vacation place

in Leavenworth on a gorgeous sunny afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

Head downtown for a German meal, a giant pretzel, 

and strolling through the charming stores,

before the best stop of the afternoon

at the local indie, A Book for All Seasons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Murmurs of conversation on the sunny deck,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 a walk to the bridge and back, 

and Anne's delicious baked ricotta and crostini

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 round out our cozy afternoon.

Dinner preparations begin in earnest as

Coleen and Bobbi's mouthwatering soups simmer,

Suzanne preps a crisp green salad, and

Leta pulls out mouthwatering homemade rolls.

Our last three guests arrive

for a total of twelve bookish friends,

and two lovable 2-month-old babes in arms.

Dinner is served with ample time

to luxuriate in the food and the company.

Table cleared, dishwasher loaded, time to discuss 

March's book club read, The Night Watchman.

Then it's time for the most important business.

Pitch your three or fewer book choices to the group

hoping for inclusion on next year's book list.

Cast your votes. While waiting for the final tally,

enjoy Ramona's warm oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Books selected, host spots filled,

conversations and connections continue 

with some heading to the hot tub.   

It's a short night's sleep.

Early morning walkers capture this view.

 

We gather for more conversation 

and a hearty breakfast:

hot chocolate with whipped cream,

Shannon's signature fruit salad,

Becca's breakfast casserole,

and decadent Ellenos yogurt. 

We linger around the table,

savoring precious moments together

before the ride back to responsibilities 

and everyday life. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Our gathering

leaves us refreshed, renewed, nourished,

filled with bookish recommendations

and just one regret.

It’s never long enough!

This is my twelfth year to write a slice of life each day during the month of March.  Thank you Two Writing Teachers for creating this challenge and providing the space and support for us year after year. And thanks to this magnificent community for sharing stories with me and encouraging my writing.