Two Parties Hearty

Last night, my husband and I attended two terrific parties. After all, tis the season.

The Trotta's

At his beautiful home in Cranberry, a college friend of mine and med/peds physician, Michael Trotta, had a surprise 40th birthday party for his wife, Rochelle. Her mother and her sisters took her out shopping, while a crowd gathered in their kitchen and their expanded family rooms, freshly renovated and still in the process of renovation. "She's going to kill me," Michael predicted. He had nothing to worry about. Everything truly looked lovely.

We nibbled on appetizers and cocktailed as we waited with great anticipation the arrival of the lady of the house. The lights were dimmed as we all gathered to one side of the room. From her distant hallway vantage point into the kitchen we could hear Rochelle, the mother of four, query, "Why are all those alcohol bottles out on the counter?" Just then she walked in, the lights came on, and we all shouted "SURPRISE!" She was truly surprised.

It was nice to meet Michael's neighbors, a couple at a similar life stage to me and my husband. Turns out, the husband works in my building. And it was nice to see my old friend, Michael, who was in the honors program with me at WVU and walked along side me at graduation. With our busy lives, a party here, a football game there, perhaps a Christmas card, punctuates our friendship these days. It's always a treat to celebrate with someone I've known for more than half my life.

The Dimpfl's

Director Joe Dimpfl and his wife, Beth, threw a magnificent party at their new home in McMurray. Part housewarming, part holiday, a good time was had by all.

Being the only on-air co-worker of Joe's to show up, his neighbors enthusiastically greeted me.
It was nice to meet them, and to share some good cheer with my many colleagues in the spirit of the season.

Beth put out an amazing spread! In the front living room, all of the TV types gravitated toward the table of hors d'oevres. The jalapeno cornbread was a real eye-popper, and the source of much challenge amongst the menfolk. Producer Shelley Rodgers was fond of the "bacon-thingies." I particularly enjoyed the crackers and dip and the mini spinach pockets.

In the dining room, the table was covered with desserts. The oreo balls were a big hit. She had one of my favorite cookies, (I don't know what they're called, but they're little white balls, butter is a prominent ingredient, sometimes they have nuts within, and they're dusted with powdered sugar) and I had a few of those. Just a few ;-). And nothing beats having a pretzel with a chocolate chip cookie. Yum!

Joe, beaming with pride, and justifiably so, gave the house tour. For an 18-year-old house, it is surprisingly new-feeling and well-finished. With Joe and Beth's touches, it's even more modern and contemporary.

For the past several years, my husband and I have had a New Year's party and had a strong contingency from the station in attendance. Because our life is changing, we must give up our annual soiree. I say, let's have Joe and Beth do it now. Their debut was such a success!