We've had a not very "summery" summer this year, so when, 3 weeks ago, we planned a "Last BBQ of Summer" party with our friends, I wondered if it would end up more of a "Fall Kick Off" party. But, after some clouds this morning, the sun came out and we were able to actually enjoy our party in our backyard, instead of crammed around my dining room table looking out at the rain.
We have a group of friends that gets together, oh about every 6 weeks to two months to plan themed dinners. Awesome cooks, all of them, each dinner, is a culinary treat. For this barbecue dinner, Eric smoked an 8 lb. brisket all day...I'm sure every dog in the neighborhood was salivating smelling it cook throughout the afternoon. He also made some grilled corn and we cooked up some vegetarian baked beans (our friend Norma is anti-meat. :-) ). Bill and Norma brought cucumber, tomatoe and onion salad and tofu sausages (and regular ones); Barb and Rod brought fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet potatoe tarts; and Terri and Christine brought non-vegetarian baked beans and some "set-your-mouth-on-fire" cheese stuffed jalepeno's. We finished the meal with s'mores around the campfire....what a great way to toast the last bit of summer!
Almost too pretty to eat...but, uh, I managed to eat it...all!
Barb, Rod, Norma and Bill.
The best part of camping is the campfire...especially when it's in my backyard with friends!
Although you can't tell it from this picture, Rod got the award for the messiest s'more maker.
Bill making his s'mores. Norma the vegetarian passed..telling us marshmellows had cow hoofs in them....hmmmm...I may never eat a marshmellow again. :-)
Oooey, goooey, yummy, s'mores!
As the party was winding down...two party crashers snuck in through our open gate in the backyard. Max and Maddie...two lively, sweet, puggles! Liberty was none too happy about it, but Peanut thought it was great that a couple dogs stopped by to join the fun. Maddie had a phone number on her tag. We reached the owner who told us she was in Seattle, but she called her daughter to come and get the dogs. Turns out Max and Maddie had wandered about 100 blocks away from home...amazing! I think they probably smelled the brisket cooking and just followed their noses till they found our house.
Maddie eyeing our dog's food.
Max helps himself to a drink of water.
Liberty didn't want to be anywhere near the two party crashers...jumping into whosever arms she could.
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