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We descend... |
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Generally we all arrive at the same time. Tonite was different. We wanted to see if any renovations were required since our last visit, AKA, the "Chicago Fire". |
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TJ, you know what we like... |
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Actually, Brian is the only who really likes champagne. Thank goodness everyone here respects their elders. Our traditional toast follows. |
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Appetizers... We begin!
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The barbecued cashews, and Beth & Craigs miniature sausage puffs were mouth watering. Two unplanned entries, Ruth's stuffed mushrooms and TJ's cheese and crackers were also wolfed down.
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Tastefully prepared... |
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Bill stunned all with his artistic offering. "A natural camoflage, non-electric light enabling device..." This description is from an old Navy manual. Good job Bill! |
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Imaginatively arranged... |
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Given the size of this evening's gathering, a drawing was held to assign table seating. You will note I am still not assigned to the dining room. |
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Was there a hanging chad??? |
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I have a sense that the drawing was fixed. Ultimately I did sit at the kitchen table with our host, Bill, guests Jan & Teresa and Beth & Craig. |
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Then there was the counter culture... |
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Sherry, Karen, TJ and Mike. You'll note that I am in this picture. A determination was made that the bar stools might be overstressed. I was moved.
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Doesn't really matter where you sit though! |
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Karen & Joe's Gratinee Onion Soup was either Quebecois, or Parisian... C'est Magnifique... |
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Following the soup, a simple salad... |
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Here, Sherry and Jan, her guest from Pittsburgh, ready the salad. If you look at the recipe, you will understand that they readied it most of the day. |
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The plating was easy though... |
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Jan did state that whe wouldn't visit again when Sherry was assigned the salad. |
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The entree... Incredible... |
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The wafting scents of the main course have all scurring to their assigned seats. |
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Rushing to the dining room... |
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Sandy, Sherry and Jan arrive first. I recall that Sandy is the only one assigned and call for order. |
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Order restored... |
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You will note that Jan is back in the kitchen, and Sherry, (out of this picture), is at the counter. |
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And then there was none... |
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You have never seen an entree disappear so quickly. Check this entree out, you will not be disappointed either. Don't forget the accompaniment of the rice and green beans either. |
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We scatter before dessert... |
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The smoking lamp is lit on the deck. (We never smoke inside the host house). |
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Friends and guests also... |
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Teresa & Debra, (btw) she is our Ladies Golf champ), join Sherry, Dan and the rest of us on the deck. |
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Dessert time draws near... |
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Charlie wastes no time joining our dessert chef Sue, while Sherry, TJ and Sandy look on. |
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Chocolate molten cake... |
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Thank heaven we took a longer break than normal between the main course and this one. |
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Dessert done, we get into some after dinner drinking...
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Notice how important the kitchen is now... It's closer to the ice and the bar!
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Is it almost over??? |
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Lucy wants peace restored, as TJ comforts her. "Soon", she says.
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Bill bids adieu... |
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Someone must start the exodus... |
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It's over!!! |
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Dan has slid, (or is it slud), into oblivion... |
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Me too... snores Smokey... |
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ZZZZZ. TJ and Bill, thank you again for being such wonderful hosts. |
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