The Rascals

There is nothing like having special friends in for the weekend...  especially friends who have been in our life for over 40 years..    The Rascals were reuniting.     Oh the tales that are told....  and the great anticipation of ... "doing it again".  As the momentum built there were visions of hooping it up all weekend. 

 I was in a frantic fury getting things ready for them.  Anyone who knows me during such preparations is aware this is not an exaggeration.  The safest place is out of my way.  :)    I had some regret that the house could be in better shape but I gave it my best prep and cooked for hours the night before so we would have it available to munch on with little effort and had some peace that I was ready.   Finally they were driving up!   Let the festivities begin!    There was much laughing and chattering and Chuck's guitar came out and we were once again transported to days of
Part- Tay.

We headed out to the long awaited Matt's for Chili Rellenos and Ritas...  and then back home again to warm up.   A cold front had started moving in.    We settled back in for more partying....and by  8 pm we could hardly keep our eyes open.  One by one we peeled off and headed to bed...  Well...it was a long day of driving and cleaning...we needed our rest for the REAL Par- Tay tomorrow.

At 8 am I peeked around the corner to find a kitchen full of rascals...  They had exhausted the supply of coffee they could find and ready for more... Make way for the Barista!   Soon I had smells of bacon and strong coffee and a delish egg, cheese and green chili casserole along with fresh bread and jam...

Lots of conversations that day...of this and that...more guitar playing by our Song Man... more eating... Dinner at home this night...Pork Tacos and the fixins'. 

We sat around talking and drinking wine and beer ready for the big Par - Tay...  By 7:30 bodies were stretched out on the floor fighting to hang on to consciousness... One by one we peeled off for another early night...  Oh well....there was always tomorrow. 

Breakfast at 7 am this time....Bacon, Peach Crumb Breakfast Cobbler, strong coffee and cheese, bread and fruit.  ...    Lots of great deep conversations and loosening up....  We decided on a steak house for dinner.... and a stop by Wal Mart on the way home for another bottle of Pepcid Complete...    By this time...we knew what was ahead... five old folks who really needed their beauty rest... who had eaten too much!  

The morning of departure came all too soon....  Even tho we didn't Par- Tay...we bonded deeply.... and came together in friendship reunited after years apart while one of " Our Gang"    needed some time to heal.   ....
Images of years past...laughing...crying... sharing and growing older flashed before my eyes...and I realized how thankful I am for these wonderful friends who have walked with us through life.    I love you Rascals...