Monday, August 13, 2007

Party's over




Wasn't that a Party!!
After all the planning and the last two weeks of trying to get everything ready on time (definately the most frantic), the long planned for and anticipated 40th reunion for the class of 1967 is over. And what a party it was.
Harv had invited anyone who wanted to park their RV or tent on our property and told everyone else to consider the "Klassen KOA" to be party central. We had the first trailer arrive on Thursday and by the weekend there were, I think about 5 or 6 more. Other classmates started dropping by even earlier in the week to check the place out and to see if anyone had arrived yet. Friday night we had a great visit over a campfire in the evening and Friday and
Saturday we had oodles of help setting up tables and decorating. There was a Texas Scramble Saturday afternoon and a "Meet and Greet" Saturday night at a golf course owned by one of Harv's classmates and did those SSS grads ever enjoy the meeting and greeting! There were even a couple of teachers who came, much to the delight of their former students.
Sunday, there was a highly successful river rafting in the morning, a teeball game in the afternoon and the party was to start at 5:30 at our shop. Many started arriving before 3 o'clock. Our good friends, Thorlief and Kjersti (Red House Catering) had lamb and beef roasting on the BBQ which sent wonderful aromas wafting down the driveway and by the time they put out the starters, they had a dedicated fan club.
There were snowpeas with meatballs, cheese crisps, gravalax on home made rye and mountains of prawns - and that was just the start! These were followed by lamb roasted with rosemary, perfectly roasted beef and salmon in a tarragon sauce accompanied by 4 salads and fresh corn on the cob. Dessert was homemade blackberry and apple pies and cheesecake. Absolutely fabulous!
We had the starters outside and then the dinner at round tables inside the shop which was decorated in a 50's rock and roll theme The DJ was terrific and had everyone on the dance floor. It was a happening place!
All through the evening it was evident that this was the best reunion ever. Harv and I were told over and over again what a terrific venue we had for the reunion and many not so subtle hints that the next one should take place here again.
We invited whoever was still around the next morning to come for breakfast and had 50 takers. What a great bunch of people. So willing to pitch in - by the time breakfast was over, the entire place was cleaned up - all the decorations down, all the bottles, cans and garbage collected and all the rental tables and chairs etc. stacked on trailers and ready to be returned. Harv and I were left with only a few things to take back to the house.
We were tired but exhilerated that it had all gone so well. Harv said he'd do it again in a heartbeat. With that kind of planning, organization and help, it was a joy to host this great bunch of grads.
As for me, I made a mulitude of new friends and that is always a good thing.

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