Notes from an engagement party

We went to an engagement party tonight. In attendance were two CEOs, a publishing executive, two physicians, a bunch of corporate types, and at least two stereotypical Seattle couples, along with some regular joes and a bit of family. The party was in a home in the U District of Seattle, where all the houses are very close together on awkward hills, but with nice views of Lake Washington.

Pizza and Sangria are an odd choice for an engagement party.

Always make sure your carpets are clean for a party.

Obama is doing a fine job, and is a genius for choosing Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State.

Madeline Albright looked the same 25 years ago as she does now.

There is nothing better than freshly baked Scottish shortbread.

Catching up on the news at a company where you used to work is like catching up on a soap opera after not having watched it in a while.

Obama is a genius for being able to position his agenda for health care, education and tax reform in the framework of solving the financial crisis.

Some people can actually be boring.

People who work in competitive companies can find a surprising amount to talk about without spilling secrets.

There is a reason there used to be those special luncheon plates with the space for a cup.

The table in the linoleum-floored dining room lowers through the floor and blank floor moves into its place, creating a dance floor. One person observed, "I've seen it on a cruise ship, but never on dry land before." Unfortunately, we were not given a demonstration or told how it works.

It is possible to go through a whole evening without mentioning the dog. Or showing photos.

Everyone at the party was a stand-at-the-back-of-the-room type, a phenomenon discovered when everyone gathered for story time and toasts.

Seattle is dumpy.

There is such thing as being too dressed up.

It is a mystery why strong, intelligent, confident, independent women can be clingy and fawny with a man.

Heated seats and steering wheels are not needed in Seattle but people have them anyway.

It is possible to have an interesting conversation with someone without knowing where they work.

There was a sunken square in the corner measuring about 4ft x 4ft lined with a patchwork quilt and with a marled red plastic ball in it, but no one knew what it was for.