Fall Party

When I made the move from my former position at the university to my current position (remember?), my old job was opened and filled with Michelle, someone who was originally from Dickinson but had lived away for many years and was interested in returning "home." In an effort to meet more people and expand her social network, she threw a "fall party" this evening, and Susan and I were on the guest list!

We dropped Suzanna off at a friend's birthday party and took Abigail and Hillary to Susan's aunt and uncle's house, and then we found Michelle's house. She had invited quite a cross-section--some of her brother's in-town friends, some of her colleagues from the Academic Success Center (where I used to work), some faculty from the Department of Language and Literature, and some other acquaintances whom she has made from the area. In her invitation to us, Michelle had called it "an 'if-you-wanna' potluck," thinking that a few people might bring something to share. Well, she was surprised (but I wasn't) when everybody brought food, and the kitchen and dining room were overflowing with casseroles and serving bowls and platters of tasty foods. There were also coolers of beverages and bottles of wine and plates of sweets for dessert. Everything was delicious.

Susan and I weren't sure what to expect when we arrived, trepidatious about who else would be there and whether we'd "fit in," I guess. We had a great time, though. It was fun to visit with DSU colleagues in a social setting where conversations included topics having nothing whatsoever to do with work! We also met some new people and got to know even Michelle better. She was so pleased with the turnout that she tells us she may have a "winter party" soon! If so, we'll be there, heavy laden with plates and bowls of food to share.