A cool, rainy spring blew eastward out of town, taking with
it most of the mosquitoes and gnats, and leaving in its wake clear skies and a
warming sun - finally!
It was time to invite the neighbors, a few extra friends
along with an assortment of local children, and throw a block party.
Out came the giant-sized BBQ filled with smokin' charcoal -
big enough to grill dozens of hot dogs and burgers at once. Coolers filled with
ice popped up here and there.
There were 4 large tables laden with an assortment of
homemade appetizers and desserts, buns and condiments.
The guests'
first stop was the card table to pick up a hand printed nametag - which helped
when trying to remember 40 or so names at once. It was also the station where
the kids could get their faces painted - most choosing a flower, a dolphin or
colorful bird.
And it was easy to spot in the middle of the cul-de-sac as
it was the one decorated with shiny helium balloons.
Everybody brought their own chair, a beverage or two and a
side dish.
While the children played an
assortment of outdoor games and made sidewalk chalk drawings, the adults sat
and talked or strolled around and got to know each other better.
Some folks had
never met; some hadn't spoken to each other for years; others had just moved
in.
Everybody had a great time, and
there's talk of a repeat party in October.
