Party Time!

We have a "dinner" party in our neighborhood once a month. It rotates houses and the host prepares a main dish and everyone brings sides, appetizers, desserts, drinks, etc. It's a great way to meet neighbors and to stay in touch with people. We were quite happy to hear about this gathering when we moved here and we have been attending them each month since late last year. You get to socialize with the neighbors and eat and drink and then walk home! What a great neighborhood, huh?! Anyway, we volunteered to host a party and our party was last night. We had 30+ people and we had a Caribbean theme so we made jerk chicken, mango/rum glazed shrimp and rice and beans cooked in coconut milk. It was a great success! We were worried because the weather did not cooperate. It hasn't rained in months here and of course the day of our party, there was thunder and lightning and downpouring rain. It turned out ok. It was pouring down rain early but then it let up so Glenn could grill. It sprinkled a little bit more and then it cleared up and people were able to go outside. Since it had cooled down so much, we were able to use our new fire feature in the backyard which was a big hit. It was a good night and we are all cleaned up and ready to enjoy the long weekend. Hope you all have a great long weekend as well - Enjoy!