vgqn: (Default)
vgqn ([personal profile] vgqn) wrote2011-07-29 09:54 pm

Party prep

Our annual summer BBQ is tomorrow. If you're around, c'mon by! Starts at 4:00, runs until late.

We've been spending a lot of time doing prep for it, more time than in recent years. We realized that it's largely because we haven't been doing much entertaining this year due to a variety of circumstances (traveling, conventions, other people's parties, recovery from all of the above, and uncongenial weather). As a result, we haven't been forcing ourselves to tidy the house & outdoor areas regularly, leaving us with rather a lot to do this time. There have been areas of the house from which I've been averting my eyes, always a bad sign. And only somewhat effective, because the messes are still low-level irritants making me feel dissatisfied and unhappy. So I'm not just cleaning for the party -- I'm cleaning to make myself feel better. Many areas indoors and out have now been tidied (though not my office, so far -- maybe tomorrow).

I finally planted the succulents I had accumulated. Some went in pots, some in the front garden. I don't know why, but I'd been resisting making a decision on where to put these plants. Sometimes I come home with plants, and *bam* into the ground they go. I'm trying to train myself to do that more of the time. But other times I dither, for weeks, months, or even years, while the poor things languish in their pots (I'm not great at taking care of plants in pots). I've had "Plant succulents" on my to do list since I acquired them all in April! I had even done a tentative distribution of them, then there they sat for over three months. Well, for better or worse, they got planted today! I have also renewed the mulch on the succulent bed in front and have resolved to keep the convolvulus and sweet peas from overrunning it next winter.

I've got a turkey ready to go on the smoker. We have chips, cheese, veggies, and a variety of beverages. Outdoor tables and chairs have been washed down. The house is mostly cleaned up. I think it's time to sit down with a good book. Thanks, [livejournal.com profile] athenais , for the Madeleine Robins recommendation; I'm enjoying it immensely.

Hope to see a bunch of you tomorrow!

[identity profile] athenais.livejournal.com 2011-07-30 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
You're very welcome, and I will see you around 7pm, I believe. Looking forward to socializing with you!

w00t!

[identity profile] lsanderson.livejournal.com 2011-07-30 11:52 am (UTC)(link)
Wish I wuz closer...

[identity profile] wild-irises.livejournal.com 2011-07-30 02:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Wish I could be there! It's one of my favorite parties of the year, but this year I am otherwise engaged. Have a great time!

Parade in Front of Your Party

[identity profile] ambertatge.livejournal.com 2011-07-31 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
I hope everything went great at the BBQ. I was at a wedding in the Rose Garden. We had a wedding bike parade afterward and biked right in front of your house. I tried to alert you with a text message, but it may have been sent to your home phone.

At least we had great weather for weddings and barbecues!

Re: Parade in Front of Your Party

[identity profile] vgqn.livejournal.com 2011-08-01 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
I did get the message, but the party didn't start until 4, so I was still doing prep. So sorry I missed the parade. How many people were there? I'll bet it was fun.

Re: Parade in Front of Your Party

[identity profile] ambertatge.livejournal.com 2011-08-01 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
I think there were about 25-30 people biking. The bride and groom were in the front on a tandem bike. It was great fun! I've never been in a bike parade before.

Good to know you got the message. I guess I do have your cell phone number in my phone.