The first roundup. Magnolia Blossom drove 8 hours and arrived on a cold wet night. We were strangers then. We moved onto killing phone batteries with our conversations until we upgraded phones. Yeah, we can talk that long. I'm telling you when food and friends (ok so there could be adult beverages involved) get together connections happen!
Because of that first gathering there were more. Uh yeah, cause we had such a great time at the first one. My dear friend, Brenda, who'd stayed over started planning the second one the day after until she realized she was planning a party at my house but that didn't stop her. Lol. For me it was like having family for a holiday party. Fun, laughter, food. Except my family rates really high on the dysfunctional scale and that day no one bolted as soon as the dishes were cleared nor was there forced mandatory conversation by those still in attendance. It was just filled with people who wanted to share time together.
Another lovely group of people in this photo. That was #3. There have been 5 gatherings here. I took a bit of a break from AR and the last get together was June 2014. I noted today with a bit of surprise that I haven't blogged since 2014 either. I suppose its because several things caused me to be disillusioned with AR then I had some pesky health issues. Glad to say my doctor is happy with me and my health now. Sorry to say AR has not had the same luck. Returning to the site when I thought to get back into the "groove" of things on AR, I found some dramatic changes. I do appreciate those that, like Lily Dory, who keep posting on the site. I applaud your efforts. And yes, Lily, I did steal your "What did you have for dinner?" idea to use in another FB group I'm in. I truly thought your idea for the post was brilliant cause I always know what I had for dinner. I really enjoyed reading your posts and getting supper ideas so I stole it, started using it March 2015 and would like to say your "what's for dinner?" is a hit in my little group too. I sure have fun posting and seeing what everyone has made.
So anyway, June 10, 11th and 12th, 2016 you are invited to come to the middle of the Midwest for 3 days of food and fun. Friday the 10th afternoon/evening I will have hearty appetizers available for those that have traveled to be here. I know! After years of hearing Missouri dogged by friends of the past, I'm always amazed people are willing to come here. We do have cool stuff here those people just must not have seen any of it. Pryde's, it is THE place where any type of cook can walk in and go "Oh, wow!". The WW1 museum is the top rated of it's kind. There are all kinds of historic sites. Jesse James grew up not far from here. The Pony Express started just north of us. Remember this was the gateway to the West. Oh, and we have lots of vineyards to visit too. Now Saturday at 1pm will be the BBQ lunch. No, you don't have to bring anything just arrive safe and sound! I provide several kinds of BBQ and sides. I generally don't make potato salad or deviled eggs and in the past Mi Being Mi/ Sheila or the bean lady as my son calls her has always brought the baked beans. We eat, we talk, we go look at the pond and the horses and generally have a lot of fun for several hours lasting into the evening. Leftovers are available. Sunday for those left and that wish to come, I supply a nice breakfast brunch. I know, I know you might want to take me out to breakfast but trust me brunch here works best. Besides Magnolia Blossom has to get her smoked turkey sandwich to go for the trip home. Oh wait, she is staying longer this time. Eh anyway, brunch here is best. Trust me.
My email is cathillcafe@yahoo.com if you are interested in details. We have several rooming options here. One is the Downy House http://www.downeyhouserental.com/ which has already been reserved by two people so email or msg me if you would like to talk to them.
http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=08472 this motel is 15 minutes south of me and was declared reasonably priced and clean with a pool by those that stayed before. This is a B&B in town http://www.pinkrosebudbandb.com/. For those with campers or that like camping http://www.claycountymo.gov/Parks/Smithville_Lake/Camping this is about 15 minutes as the crow flies. In Liberty, MO there are all kinds of restaurant chains and motels if that suits your needs better. This is the airport site for those that fly http://www.flykci.com/ Several have flown in before and can share their experiences if you wish to be connected with them.
May 2016 give you peace and fun filled journeys wherever they lead you. Hopefully, one of your journeys will find you here.
Best Wishes,
Cat
