Dining In The Great Outdoors

Recently a group of us were together at the memorial for our dear friend Pam's Dad, Mike Sgobba.   It was at this memorial that we said we needed to plan a get together soon.  And soon, we did.  We hosted a group at our home yesterday afternoon.  This group of friends was part of a larger group of us that used to take an annual houseboat trip to Lake Mead every year at the end of the summer.  There were two full boats, about 20 or so of us.  We had such wonderful times on these annual trips.  The next time we have a get together, I want to try to have everyone there.  Lasher's, Moore's, Covington's, Kirshner's, Schmitty, Jen, everyone.  I don't think any of us are up for that kind of a trip anymore, but maybe a cruise?
Greg and I had planned to have dinner outside because my house doesn't have a dining room, and seating a group larger than 8, all together at once in the house just doesn't work.  Unfortunately, the weather changed from summer like, to quite chilly by yesterday.  But we did it outside anyway.  I thought we could eat outside, early in the evening, and then go inside.  But we wound up staying outside the whole time.  I pulled our picnic table from the grove up to the patio deck, and set the tables so that we could all sit together.

My original plan was to set the tables in the grove, and string white lights between the trees.  But with the threat of rain, we decided not to do the lights, and just set the tables up on the bbq deck, and then we could easily change to plan B if necessary.  I wanted rustic, and used burlap runners for the tables, with quilts on the picnic benches for comfort. 
The bar proved to be a valuable asset for an outdoor party.  Holding so many of the necessary things needed for dinner, as well as looking pretty.

Next to the bar was a copper bucket for keeping drinks chilled.  I had extra blankets out for additional warmth, and it was so cozy sitting by the fire.

Everyone brought a dish, and even though Deb brought two lovely appetizers, I made this as well, just in case they arrived after the other guests. 

They arrived FIRST...and we had so many goodies to enjoy!

As soon as everyone arrived, we brought the goodies outside and settled in for some good food, great conversations, and a wonderful evening together.  Already, the guys are "discussing" the best way to BBQ the Tri Tip!!!

Someone said something funny, but I don't remember who?

We gathered at the table just before dusk, to enjoy good food and good friends.  Greg toasted to the longevity of friends, and all of us being together.

 And then we ate!

And oh how yummy it all tasted!!!  After dinner, we lingered at the table while Kathy read some of the old information flyers she had saved from our houseboat trips. 

Anything that may have happened on one of the trips, would certainly be noteworthy fodder for Gregg Sporrer to include in the next year's flyer.  We had a good laugh over remembering the story of my Greg and the girl in the day glow orange bikini!!!!!!   He made the next year's flyer in a big way!!!

The gals.  Not a good picture, but this was the best of the lot.  ( I had to change clothes because when setting food on the table I leaned over a candle and caught fire!)

One of the really wonderful things about our gathering last night....was that Debbie, the lady in the pink, was there!  Debbie was in the hospital this time last year fighting for her life!  She spent several months in the hospital, and has been recovering since.  But she is doing great now!!!  Standing directly behind Debbie is Pam, her sister, and my friend since Jr. High school.  In fact, we all went to high school together.  All except Lori, front middle.  We met Lori and Tim through Pam and Gregg.  The guys played baseball together, and formed a great friendship, and they introduced them to all of us, and now here we are, all of these years later!!!

I tried to get everyone to come inside for dessert, but instead we settled in close to the fire, with blankets and coffee and enjoyed the pies and cookies that Kathy brought.

 The evening came to an end, and we said our goodbyes, with promises to do this again very soon.  Greg and I took a quilt and went back to sit by the fire and rest a bit.  It was a PERFECT night! 
Thanks for sharing it with me.
XO  Kris