Some say you are judged by the quality of your enemies while others say it's by the quality of your friends. Unfortunately, my enemies aren't worthy enough to be judged, but my friends are outstanding.
For the 100 or so of you who were at the Garden Party yesterday evening and those who were still partying at the fire pit when the sun came up this morning, you know what an amazing event it was and I cannot thank you enough for participating in this celebration of life.
Special thanks go to Mike Latini, Jim Nowak and Steve Kaplan for the live music, (and Jim for the sound system), and to Ken Harper for his excellent musical choices when they were done. To Chris for his help with the lighting and the other Chris and Greg for one of the canopies and another Mike for the coolers... they really came in handy. And especially to the kids in the hour-long water fight who cautiously avoided us older folk. I have no idea if anyone was keeping score in that marathon volleyball game nor how the vase, the chair or the flower pot got broken.
Kudos also go to the creative chefs out there, to those with discerning taste in hops and spirits and you bakers - you rule! The lemon squares were, as one might say, 'to die for'. To Roy and Susan for the world's consistently best humus and to Terri for BBQing that amazing sausage. I also need to thank Mother Earth for the weather, the wild blueberries and Richie for gathering a colander full of them earlier in the day. They were a huge hit. You all ate pretty much everything that was at the pot luck as there weren't enough left overs to put in the fridge. I don't know who left the melons but they were devoured when all else had been picked over as breakfast this morning.
It took almost 5 hours to clean the field up this morning.
I also want to thank George Bush, for this was how I spent my 'stimulus' check. All but $60 bucks (plates and stuff) went to local businesses, for rental of the tent, the portable toilet and other items and services.
There were a few things left behind that should be returned to their owners: A ring. A folding knife, assorted kitchen utensils and dishes, a cooler, a blanket and a recycled shopping bag. What cannot be returned is the joy that now pervades this space.
JmG
