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| Gretchen holds an annual dinner in her LFP forest. Photo by Gary Hawkey |
By Donna Hawkey
This is the first of three posts that highlight a diversity of Lake Forest Park neighborhood traditions and appreciations.
Summertime brings communities together for enjoyment and to create stronger unity.
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| Gretchen Bennett Guethner readies her dinner in the forest Photo by Gary Hawkey |
An annual dinner party held in a deeply forested backyard and hosted by resident Gretchen Bennett Guethner began twelve years ago when she joyfully returned home after experiencing a divorce proceeding in Europe.
“I had no idea how complex legal matters could become for a US citizen married to a foreigner. I was so happy to be back home with my daughter that I threw a party. It was so successful, I have been throwing that same party for the last twelve years!” exclaims Gretchen.
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| Guests gather in the lower forest level before dinner. Photo by Gary Hawkey |
Gretchen’s future son-in-law James was the chef for this years’ dinner party for nineteen. Even with an incline that requires a significant hike from the kitchen to the serving table, James did not miss a step.
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| A guest helps to hike-up food from the kitchen. Photo by Gary Hawkey |
A full dinner from an appetizer starter of a delicate crab salad followed by a refreshing vegetable soup to two entrees rounded out this delightful dinner in a forest.
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| A full dinner was servd Photo by Gary Hawkey |
Guests include Gretchen’s grammar school friend who still lives only one mile away; a convivial group of neighbors, relatives and Shorecrest friends; and a family friend of longest standing – from the senior Bennetts’ university days.
The Bennett family has been living on this same property for nearly 60 years!
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| Photo by Therese Guethner |
The cellist plays lovely and perfect sounding music for the forest party.
And at the end of Gretchen’s party, neighbors decided to plan a street party for May of next year!
Lake Forest Park summertime reflections continue tomorrow with highlights of another lively neighborhood party on 182nd Street.
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