Pig Roast

Yesterday was the big pig roast next door.  I went over pretty early to see all the activity.  Jane needed to borrow a few things, so I brought my camera to take a picture of the pig.

He looks a tad hot don't you think?  They have this down to a science.  They start the fire for the pit at 3:00 a.m. the night before the roast.  The pig was raised and then butchered and dressed by Jane's brother.  The pig goes on about 5:00 in the morning and cooks all day.  We ate at 5:00.

Jane comes from a very big family.  She is one of 11.  And then she and Mike have 5 kids.  4 of which are grown and living their own lives in various parts of the state and beyond.  They all come home for this big festive occasion.  It was so fun to see them all working like crazy to prepare for the party. 

Only their youngest one lives at home now.  His name is Christopher.  He is very  near and dear to our hearts.  Chris has Down Syndrome.  I remember one time when we were all together for a Labor Day party at the beach house Mike and Jane were renting, that Mike said something that I thought was so beautiful.  All of the kids were young, and playing down on the beach.  We were talking about how it wouldn't be long before they were all grown up and moved away.  Mike said, "Yes, but we are so lucky, because we will always have one child, in Christopher."  I thought that was so wonderful.  Chris is 18 now, and he is very high functioning, and very bright.  A sports enthusiast like no other.  He has a memory like an elephant, and in many ways, you even forget he is challenged at all.  He did a naughty thing last week, and was supposed to be riding his bike to his brothers house, just down the road, where his Mama was waiting for him.  He decided to take a longer, more scenic route, and he fell off his bike.  He only learned to ride a two wheeler a few short months ago.  He was wearing his helmet, but he broke his arm.  See what happens when you don't mind your Mama!!  Here he is sitting back in the grove getting a haircut from a family friend before the party.

This waterfall is so pretty.  And it is directly on the other side of the fence where I have my garden.  So I get to enjoy the soothing sound of the water when I am out on that side of my property.

When I went back over at 3:00 for the party, I left my camera at home. There were well over 200 people there, and I didn't want to mess with lugging it around with me.  I wish I had a few pictures though.  They had a fabulous steel drum band playing.  They played authentic reggae, calypso, and soca and it added so much to the party.  Even though I was there stag, I couldn't help but get out and shuffle around a bit to the Island flavor of their sound, taking care not to wrench my knee, of course!!!   This band is local and I would love to hire them for a party here sometime.  It turned out to be a very windy and chilly day.  Everyone was pretty bundled up by the late afternoon.  But we had a ball.  I stayed until 8:00 p.m.!    I got to visit with my friend Cate, whose husband is in Mexico right now fishing with Mr. G.  And Jane's sister Mary lives on a farm and has over 100 chickens.  She and I go on and on about our "girls" when we are together.  Jane's other sister Martha, oh I love her.  She knits and has a lot of the same interests that I have.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Today is Memorial Day.  I have no plans.  I am feeling a little bit sorry for myself, and wishing Greg were home.  I know that I should BBQ something.  Maybe Drew and I will go get some shrimp to throw on the barbie.   I hope you are all flying your American Flags today.  And remembering those who have served this great country of ours, and those who still are.  Some gave all, and all gave some.   And as this holiday weekend concludes, I wish you a fun day and safe travels!