We Had a Dr. in the House

The restaurant looked so inviting that people stepped in from the street to try to have dinner. The Mad Platter was, however closed and the host to our May meeting. GBC members arrived in good spirits and provided just the occasion to forget some of those life changes that many of us are experiencing: lost job, new job, wedding, and graduation. (I think we have most of the significant stressors covered by the group.) GBC members came with reading water in tow: either standard or sparkling to commemorate our new GBC PhD Kim.

After starters of peanuts and olives (nod to France), the first salad course with a sesame vinaigrette was delightful. We received a lesson on sustainability (choose char over salmon) which was followed by a main course of beef or arctic char with potatoes. A locally made cheesecake topped with either a raspberry or a chocolate mocha sauce left each GBC member quite full and content as we moved our chairs together to discuss the book.

As I have written before, the last of one thing is just the beginning of something new. As I sat in my regularly slated seat beside GBC Kim, I could not help but experience a moment of joy and of sadness that last night's meeting would be my last for some time. The GBC members have been dear neighborhood friends these last few years. As the conversation last night swirled between topics as quickly as a spinning top, I realized it would be moments like those that I would most miss. GBC Bill giving a history lesson, GBC Marcia dispensing cooking tips, the ability of GBC Paige & Carole King (not the singer) to remember names of obscure titles and authors like a Jeopardy showdown, with the rest of the group sharing technology, gardening, and some of the funniest anecdotal moments I have ever heard. Oh, and we did discuss the book.

One third of the members had read Private Altars by Katherine Mosby and we received the added treat of GBC Carole King (not the singer) to read a passage aloud. The discussion of the book took us to Steinbeck, Faulkner, and Fitzgerald with members sharing their favorite reads. We also had a spirited discussion of Larsson's first two books with many of us eagerly anticipating next week's release. We also welcomed two new members into the group.

With the most hearty remaining as book club wound down, we gave ourselves one last toast in celebration of life, books, and friendship before the candles were snuffed out and the bottles were counted. I am looking forward to wearing my new t-shirt - thank you.