Party Highlights

When I turned 40, I wanted to throw an outdoor party. But April is no time for outdoor parties! So I threw it yesterday, on what turned out to be the most gorgeous day of the summer, at my folks' place in Intercourse, PA. Here is a list of some highlights:

1. The Locale:
Dad and Joan worked their tails off for the past two-plus weeks to get their already gorgeous yard looking tip-top. They succeeded in spades. BRAVO to the perfect party place! And yes, jokes about the town's infamous name came up several times. Ask Brian.

2. Bocce Ball:
We all know R.J. can throw a ball with superhero velocity, but NOW we know what a bocce ball looks like when it's shattered! Kyle, meanwhile, was the unexpected master of the game.

3. Hackey Sak:
Always my favorite, even better with family.

4. The Chair:
Francoise and Lamar never cease to amaze me. The chair they brought (though no gifts were expected, considering that this was not really a birthday party) left me speechless and thrilled. It's gorgeous and has already found a happy home in my livingroom, not far from its cousins in the dining room. THANK YOU.

5. The Pooch Party within the Party:
Hosts Beau and Gwenyth showed their canine visitors a great time. Neemo, Tucker, Jake and Louie were gracious guests (at least as long as there were no frisbees in sight!). They sniffed, chewed, barked, marked, ran, begged and licked ... then fell in love with Joan who fed them hot dogs and turkey jerkey. Doggie Nirvana.

6. The Food:
R.J. is now officially crowned King of the Taylor/Scache BBQ. Great job! And thank you to everyone for bringing such delicious eats. Everything was outstanding.

7. The Kids:
Kyle, Jack, Hannah, Cooper, Gretchen, Sophie and Lulu. The party simply wouldn't have been the same without the kids! An especially precious moment was when Lulu asked for more chips. I sent her over to Brian for them, and she proceeded to call the chips "Brians" for the rest of the night. "I want more Brians!" Don't we all??

8. Friends:
I've known Kate since kindergarten, Kim since 3rd grade, Susie since college, Francoise since my days in Doylestown, Sacha since just after grad school, Meghan since the Kimmel Center, and Alison, though I've known her some 8 years, have only really gotten to know her as a "true peep" for the past year or so. That's a nearly 40-year span of wonderful friends. I'm unbelievably fortunate, and so very thankful for all of you!

9. The Overnighters:
Sacha, Brian, Alison, Gavin, Neemo and Jake rocked the gazebo/tent, braving the wilds of Amish country -- no small feat for city folk! It made the party last into the next day (including an off-the-charts breakfast at the local diner), and for that I'm eternally grateful.

10. The Hosts:
Dad and Joan, I can't thank you enough for everything. Not only was the setting perfect, but you both made it so much more fun. You are terrific hosts. Your energy, enthusiasm, humor, generosity and warmth touched every facet of the festivities. And you even got a port-a-potty! Kudos, love and hugs.

Well, that about does it! Please post your comments and additions to the list ... and thanks again for coming. It was a great, great day.