Let The Festivities Begin

There is something very pleasing about calling your own house to wake up someone so that they get to work on time...

That being said, I was running on very little sleep. Luckily, the morning went smoothly, and nicely, given that three of my employees wanted some personal time with me, which involved walking about, or sitting down for coffee...

DJ V only had to work a half day because of the upcoming holiday, so she showed up at 2 pm to take me out to buy a camera -the logic in that statement is obvious and needs no explanation. We GPS'd a camera store, and upon arrival found that it was closed - well, not closed - it didn't exist anymore. Dang lying technology! We then decided we were starving, and went to what seemed like 30 restaurants before we found one that was A. open and B. serving lunch.

And so it was that I finally got to eat at the Cabin Club where we were treated to white linen table cloths and exposed oak beams, fine dining and trophy wines served in a rustic log cabin by waitresses in pressed, long sleeved white Polo buttondowns and very short black cheerleader skirts. An odd look to be sure, but very Great Northern Hotel, with good pasta. The owls are not what they seem.

DJ V dropped me off at my car, where we ran into JLo and had a little visit, then I went home to clean up. DJ V arrived about an hour later to pick me up for the party we were attending. As fate would have it, one of the wine newsletters I subscribe to had sent me an email notification that afternoon raving about the Best Wine For Barbecues, which is exactly where we were going. To wit:

Loads of dark cherry, plum, vanilla, and mocha notes are accentuated by toast, cedar, and boysenberry in this easy to drink wine. Flavors of cherry, blueberry, chocolate, and vanilla are flanked by cranberry, and toasty oak undertones. With a rich mouth feel and long lasting finish this resinous wine is the perfect compliment to any BBQ dish.

So, we stopped into the local market, and I asked for Fess Parker Lot 51 Frontier Red, which they had, and we were promptly on our way.

Given that getting wine took no time, I asked DJ V if we had time to buy a camera, and she so correctly said,

You always have time to buy a camera.

Which we did. I picked it out and fondled it while DJ V took care of incidentals like working out the correct warranty plan. Good team work.

We then hit the road to the House O' Opera Singers. It was also kind of a work reunion, as all but three guests were coworkers of mine. The other three were singing students of the hosts. I was very much looking forward to the introduction of DJ V and MyAdoringPublic.

The Frontier Red was a big hit. We spent most of the time out on the porch with Crispy and Julie and two of the students, but were soon joined by MyAdoringPublic with her SigOther.

After the BBQ came the making of the dessert plates, with DJ V and Annie really getting into their presentations. DJ V took charge of the saucing process, creating aesthetic drizzles on everyone's plate...

As darkness descended, we gathered on the deck to watch a most impressive 30 minute fireworks presentation courtesy of the city of Independence.

We then retired to DJ V's house, because I had a SecretPlan for tomorrow...and also now I can finally answer MyFriendJason's nagging question:

She gives great backrubs. Thanks.