Une Soiree Blanche

...that would be french for " A White Evening Party", in which we received an invitation to in the mail several weeks ago. I do not normally post regarding every event we go to (which, truthfully, are very rare in this season of our lives!), but this particular evening begged to be photographed and reported on. It was 'once-in-a-lifetime'.

You may have mentioned my fellow-blogging friend, Janelle, in previous postings. She is married to a great man, Jake Stoltzfus, who is celebrating his 35th birthday today. In honor of this event, she masterfully and artistically created an experience (some might call it a dinner party) for a small number of his friends to enjoy. What an honor it is for Curt & I to be considered among his friends. And what a delightful evening we were indulged with. Every sense-sight, taste, smells, sounds-everything, was accommodated in luxurious proportions. It was, simply, unbelievable.

Janelle is an artist who paints with broad (yet detailed!) strokes in whatever 'masterpiece' inspires her...and her husband and his friends were given quite a gift. Take a look....

Janelle (and her "staff", dear family and friends who graciously served us all evening) led us to a grove of unique, intertwined trees bordering their property. What we were about to witness would have even inspired Miss Martha (Stewart)...

Take a look at this table (or two. or three)! It is not every night...not even every lifetime, that one gets to dine around a table this beautiful--in such a unique setting!Another cozy alcove, in which we rested between the first few and the main course. As we were all parents of young children, it was an incredibly rare treat to eat so leisurely! We could actually SAVOR bites, which were no ordinary bites either. Jake & Janelle have a (French!) friend who is an accomplished chef (he would think Log Cabin was a chain!) who created a delectable 5 course meal for us.

Do these pictures not look like they are straight from a magazine?

The lovely Janelle with her happy (and amazed!) birthday man! He is truly a gentleman with a humility and quiet strength about him.

Me & my favorite person in all the world, enjoying an evening out.

I could write much, much more regarding the details of our special evening, including notes on the wonderful culinary treats and conversation with old and new friends...but I'll let you check in on Janelle's blog (http://www.stoltzfusinstrasburg.blogspot.com/) for more detail. She had a photographer (a beautiful niece!) there and is awaiting the pictures, so in a few days, you can see more if you care to!

It is blessed nap time, and I am enjoying it immensely! I hope you are enjoying yourself and keeping cool....