This month we celebrated a winter tradition begun several years ago in the kitchen of Steve and Ellen Hahn, The Soup Party. This year our hosts were Rick and Jackie Wile of Norfolk. The weather really cooperated by providing us a bitterly cold evening complete with howling winds; in short, real winter weather. Thirty-two members and guests gathered in the warm confines of the Wile’s beautiful home.

By my count there were 20 different soups and stews to savor. There were crock pots and stainless steel pots and even one antique bean pot spread around the kitchen. Tables were set up in the dining room and laden with many different kinds of bread and salad. Good conversation abounded, interrupted frequently by munching and slurping and the occasional yelp as a jalapeño pepper was discovered. Mal and Joe came a long way as did Kristen and Mike. Many of us got to meet Roni for the first time. By the time the huge carrot cake was cut and served there was contentment everywhere. That’s what a winter party is all about, right? Thank you very much, Jacqueline and Rick.