The Party

Once again, no camera. And the people who came to my housewarming party didn't bring theirs either. Oh, well. We all had a good time anyway. The day started early for me, about 7:00am. I always seem to forget something at the store for my parties, and this time it was the BBQ briquets. So, off to the store early in the morning, adding chips and guacamole to the list. Once home I cleaned (and I mean cleaned) the grills and smoker. What a chore! I finally felt that summer was here. I got the ribs smoking, turned on the hot tub, and proceeded to my room for some major clean up. I decided to heck with the office, messy as it was. I even through all the empty tore-down cardboard boxes throughout the house into the sewing room for recycling later.

The first to arrive was JDon, at 10:30am, to deliver a dozen tamales. At the last minute he sprung the news that he wasn't staying but instead went to Morrison for some Woodstock show with a bunch of groups he follows religously. He such a groupie! I guess his comment "I wouldn't miss your party for anything in the world" didn't mean much. Without going into detail I'm totally MAD AT him. It will take a long time to earn his trust again. (some friend he is)

Krys came early about 1:30pm to help me set up (not much to set up so we basically just chatted). Sometime that afternoon she tried out my stair handrail. Her verdict, it's really sturdy! I spent about five hours the previous weekend painting the existing ucky blue rail a nice soft flat brown (I had a can of spray paint, so I just used it) and installing seven new bronze brackets (color went well with the brown). Originally it had four useless brass ones, so I made sure I had enough. It worked! If Krys can use it, anybody can.

The rest of the gang showed up around 4:00pm. Fifteen in all, including little Sarah. Now having "Sharkbait" here was worth all the hardwork and planning. She was a little fussy but quite content to be here. The best gift of all: her dad, Scott helping me put my green oversized TV-viewing chair downstairs. Now my back doesn't hurt watching TV. Later the other guys brought in my dad's oversized 1970's couch into the house, now sitting under the front window in the dining room (table had to be pushed against the opposite wall to make room). Eventually, like in October when I have a long vacation, I'll be putting the couch in the garage after I clean out the garage. So, my two favorite pieces of furniture finally got into place for now. Way to go guys! And thanks again...

It's said that the kitchen is the gathering place. I was hoping to gather outside (Drew was the only one who got into the hot tub), but everyone ended up in the kitchen instead. It's official, I can fit 14 adults and 1 little one in my kitchen area, cramped but comfortable. After feasting on smoked ribs, BBQ hot dogs, kielbasa sausage, macaroni salad, chips/salsa/guacamole, and rum drinks, a few of us decided to stay and play the new Battlestar Gallactica game. It's interesting but fun. Krys and I were the secret Cylons. It's fun being the bad guy reaping havoc on the other players trying to figure out who the secret Cylons were. HEEHEE! The Cylons won by the last card drawn, close call. I wouldn't mind playing it again.

The only disruption to the day was Smokey disappearing. The guys left the back door open when they brought the couch in, and I seriously thought she had gotten out. 20 minutes later we found her under the guest room bed. Boy is she shy around crowds! Fritz however just enjoyed the show, watching us from a distance under the dining table. I think he had more fun than anybody else! LOL

Rafe and Bella gave me a bottle of extra dry champaigne, which we never opened. I promised that next year, on my one year anniversary, we'll have a bigger blast with a bigger crowed, and open the champaigne then. Everyone agreed. Same time next year! Everyone is welcome to come!!

Until next time,
Jawa Jaka
who keeps looking at that bottle of champaigne and wondering why we have to wait a year! LOL