Romance At Old Ranch 2009
Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is
a holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world.
In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their
love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or
offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the
numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became
associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the
High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love
notes in the form of "valentines". Modern Valentine symbols include the
heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since
the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to
mass-produced greeting cards.
The sending of Valentines was a fashion in nineteenth-century Great Britain, and, in 1847, Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models. The popularity of Valentine cards in 19th century America was a harbinger of the future commercialization of holidays in the United States.
At Old Ranch we dine on Valentine's Day evening and then off to the golf course the very next day for a Sweetheart's Tournament
Dinner Is Not Dinner At Old Ranch... It Is An Adventure In Delicacies
Arrival was met with rose petals everywhere....
Did you know? The rose has always been valued for its beauty and has a long history of symbolism. The ancient Greeks and Romans identified the rose with their goddesses of love referred to as Aphrodite and Venus. In Rome a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where secret or confidential matters were discussed. The phrase sub rosa, or "under the rose", means to keep a secret — derived from this ancient Roman practice.
The table settings were wonderful... Red everywhere!
Did you know? Utensils are arranged in the order and the way a person will use them. Usually in Western culture, that means that the forks, bread plate, spreader, and napkin are to the left, while knives, spoons, drinkware, cups, and saucers are to the right, although the left-right order is reversed in a minority of countries.
Romantic little devils, USMC Gunnery Sergeant Pete Chartier and Lisa Chartier
The kitchen was busy this evening!
Service with a smile
Mitch orders drinks...
All is going super under the watchful eyes of the club management!
Rick Williams (General Manager) and Lynne McDaniel (Catering Director)
Surprise!
A little Latin beat for your dining pleasure
Hank and Shirley Barto join the members for dinner
Sous Chef David visits the tables... Probably talking hot sauce with Mitch and
Pete
We had many late arrivals as every table was full by 7:30
Catching up on the latest
Everybody had a great time
Lynne does some last minute checks as people continue to arrive... 96 members
and guests this evening
Luisa and Mitch
Patrick always says "No problem unless Paul orders from the book"
Warm cozy atmosphere
A late arrival
Tummies are full and ready for the Tournament tomorrow!