Friday night hot wings, Ryan's Reverse Popper dip, Baking Nana's http://allrecipes.com/personalrecipe/63616340/south-of-the-border-shrimp-gazpacho/detail.aspx (with a couple of tweaks from me), my infamous cheezy crackers, guacamole and Mike's addictive snack mix rounded out the appetizers served to Pattycakes and her DH, Mike & Linda Harvey, Magnolia Blossom, and Mi Being Mi .
Ah yes, and one other person. After my surprise visitor last year, I was indeed rather suspicious about another "Julie" being pulled this year. I even asked if I was getting another surprise guest. Unfortunately, I asked the "PIC" (partner in crime) of said guest. When my first car load arrived I happily greeted them in the driveway. They had hidden their stowaway behind one of the bushes in the drive. We proceeded into the house and I received a text. Now this person had mailed goodies( some really awesome cookies!) here and had been texting me all day with photos of her lovely grandbaby. Note to anyone wishing to make a grand surprise entrance these 2 methods work quite well to divert suspicion. When I received one last text from her my jaw dropped again. Mr. Harvey swears the only thing he has seen open wider is an anaconda. Humf! My husband was rather startled because I went right for the front door cause I knew she wasn't behind me!
Yep, x-raybarb/gammaray, pulled a Julie. After much hugging, laughing and a little catching up, the cancer walkers set off for their relay. Pattycakes and her DH stayed behind and visited us for the evening. What a delightful couple! I am so glad they could make it.
Sat. was our big lunch filled with The BBQ dude's wonderful BBQ. Can't you almost smell that now? We rounded out our meal with coleslaw, "What's for dinner, Mom?" excellent soft & fluffy hamburger buns ( I just love those, they always turn out perfect) and Mi's Killer baked beans.
Pattycake's DH and Alan hit it off and keep a lively conversation going. My child is accidentally in orange too. He'd gone to work that morning but made it back for lunch.
The ladies had their own lively conversations while waiting for it to cool off for a tour of the gardens. Bane the cranky dog is keeping watch.
Later in the evening my DS rode the horses down to visit.
Pattycakes, I hope you show your DH this photo. Joe is happily licking MB's hand to make sure he got all the treats! No teeth!
Even though some of us stayed up into the wee hours chatting, while others chose to get some sleep, breakfast Sunday morning was served on time!
Cinnamon rolls, sourdough English muffins, quiche courtesy of my girls, bacon, cantaloupe and fruit juice from my orchard made for quite a nice spread. Mr. Harvey even learned that cold brewed coffee is quite tasty!
Again this year we had a lovely time meeting new people and seeing old friends. The conversation, food and laughter flowed. And yes, there were presents.
For those that sent things, thank you. Julie, your spice rub smells so good and thank you for the gift bags. Lady Sparkle, can't wait to try out those wine bags. Barb, loving those cookies!
For my hostess gifts, thank you very much. I love that cat bottle of wine! Pattycakes, thank you for the books. Barb, the towels and apron are really cute. Mi, thanks for your wine bags and making the sangria! Magnolia Blossom didn't get a "faux toe" of yours, LOL, I'm gonna get you and Barbie girl!
Sadly enough the weekend had to come to an end. Even sadder the next day I got to go pick up 160 bales of hay for the pasture pigs. Mi's sangria helped after my poor BBQ dude and I got all the hay home.
For those of you that couldn't come, we missed you and we are sorry you didn't make it.
Never fear!
Barring Life getting in the way, a date has already been set. Yep, once again I will host the 5th annual Middle of the Midwest Roundup the first weekend in June! So for those of you that said "maybe next year", here's your chance!
Till next year!
((HUGS))
Cat
