Weekend Break

Well, we talked a bit about lighting ... but now its the weekend, my wife's been hospitalized for a week, and time's at a premium, so will be keeping this one short. There's nothing quite like life being fairly screwed up to remind one why focusing on making some good times is important.

We have a big party in 6 weeks, and the hostess's recovery will take at least that long. What to do? I am reminded of friend's story about 'Stone Soup', where a traveller enters a village where no one household has enough for an adequate meal. By contributing a 'magic stone' to a huge pot, and encouraging each villager he speaks to to contribute what little food they have -- a couple carrots, a turnip, etc. -- they eventually find they have collectively created a big pot of soup that can comfortably feed the whole village.

Same thing with a big house party. There's no freakin' way my wife and I could pull this whole thing off ourselves, so we contribute the 'stone' -- which in this case, is coordination of our good friends' talents and time. The band playing will be composed of friends who are so-gifted ... their matching band shirts will be made by my wife, and a few other friends who can sew. Food for 50-60? A few more friends who enjoy big cookouts and are only too happy to lend a hand with the grilling - not to mention that their BBQ is fantastic!

And so it goes ... volunteer bartenders, friends who will help decorate ... before long, even with my wife out of commission, we'll have a party!

Like I said, this is going to be short. It's the weekend, so I'll leave you with another original drink - still playing with Catdaddy:

An American in Paris

2 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1 oz Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine
1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 dashes Fee Brother's Peach Bitters
1 oz club soda

Shake and strain everything but the soda into a cocktail glass. Add soda, stir well, and serve.


A bit sweeter than I myself personally prefer, but the flavor combination is solid, and the ladies I know like it.