6.18.2006

party wrap

I think the first (annual?) wmtc party was a success. I really don't know. It appeared that everyone was enjoying themselves. When you're the host, it's so hard to tell.

People talked, ate, remarked on the enormity of our backyard. It was a very hot day, and groups of people migrated around the yard, huddling in shade. I had no idea our yard got that much sun! It looked like a sparse crowd, but then, in our yard, anything would - kind of like listening to chamber music in a football arena.

About 20-25 people showed up, including several wmtc readers. Attendees you might know included G, James, and Diamond Jim, who has just arrived in Canada! My friend D from Waterloo, who I met online long before I ever dreamed I'd live in Canada, came, as did three groups of American ex-pats who contacted me after my Globe And Mail essay ran, and long-time reader/lurker Shane, who made me happy by asking for an invitation. They all seemed like terrific people who I'd love to see again. Our next-door neighbours came, and hopefully they enjoyed their tables and various other items we had borrowed.

My sister-in-law "mkk" and my incredible nephew D were there; between them and Ellen The Amazing Dogsitter and her partner Paul, I thought Cody would pass out from happiness. When she saw each of them, she literally sank down to the ground. Another dog might have leapt or run in circles out of joy, but our Cody just collapses.

Two new friends from work came, too, and one brought her adorable dog Maggie. While Maggie chased her ball, Cody chased after Maggie, one of her favourite things to do. But Maggie is a young girl, about two years old, and Cody's an older lady, and Cody quickly gave it up, lying down and panting while Maggie took over the fetch duties.

Guests were so generous. Despite my admonitions against bringing anything, people brought an array of beverages, plants, a CD of Canadian humour, even folding chairs with a Canada logo. And don't forget the flashing Maple Leaf pins and maple sugar candy. Now we can try icewine and Tankhouse Ale for the first time. The Strongbow cider was gone before I could try one! It sounded like something I would like, so I'll pick some up this summer.

The last group left around 7:30. Our two out-of-town guests, mkk and D, and Allan and I, hung out in the backyard until well past dark, telling family stories, including the extended-play versions of How We Met, from both me and Allan, and mkk.

We had a really lovely day. The best part, for me, was meeting people who we'd like to see again - people I feel we could be friends with. That's a Big Thing.

The food was great, but the person at Whole Foods who told us how much to get (based on the number of guests) was way off. We have enormous amounts of food leftover. That kind of pissed me off. I would have been very happy to spend the money to feed 50 people if 50 people had been here - but to feed 50 people when you're expecting 25 doesn't make much sense.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize how much extra food there was, or I would have begged people to take home leftovers. As it stands, I'm hoping people will take leftovers after the fact: we're offering to deliver roasted potato salad, blue cheese coleslaw and black bean cilantro salad to anyone who wants it. The only catch is you had to be there yesterday.

We have photos. What's the protocol on posting people's pictures? Do I need permission from every single person? Is it ok to post pictures without captions, meaning I don't say who's who?

12 comments:

andrea said...

I was getting ready to hop a plane to scoop up leftovers until I read this, "The only catch is you had to be there yesterday." Maybe next year. :)

Granny said...

Glad you had a good time.

I don't know the picture etiquette. I always ask, especially with kids, but I don't think there are any rules.

shane said...

I would like to thank you Laura, and Alan for you hospitality. It was a pleasure meeting you, and all your guests. It was most enjoyable..........

Shane

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you had a good time! Wish we could have joined you!

Scott M. said...

I wish I could have been there! The wedding was.. well.. like a wedding you don't really want to be at (we've all been there). And none of the venues had Air Conditioning. Ugh. Enough said about that.

Glad the party was a success! As far as proportions are concerned... I find that for every 5 degrees (before humidex) above 25C you should generally reduce the food by 1/5, and double the amount of available cool water. Just a rule of thumb I use when I plan to do groceries for adults when I do outdoor training.

That being said, despite the fact I *know* the food won't be eaten, I usually overdo it anyway and don't believe myself (though it's been proven many times over).

mkk said...

Yes, I agree. A great time was had by all! Good food and drink, and really wonderful company, dogs included!

David Cho said...

I wish I was there. Sounds like a great time.

laura k said...

I wish you all could have been there. Maybe next year. If we're still living in this house (hope hope hope hope hope etc etc), we may make it an annual event.

laura k said...

And none of the venues had Air Conditioning. Ugh. Enough said about that.

Ugh and double ugh.

I find that for every 5 degrees (before humidex) above 25C you should generally reduce the food by 1/5, and double the amount of available cool water.

That's worth noting, thanks. We had plenty of very cold refreshments, but it's true that people didn't eat that much. It might have been the heat.

That being said, despite the fact I *know* the food won't be eaten, I usually overdo it anyway and don't believe myself (though it's been proven many times over).

Yup! We all want to be generous hosts. The thought of running out of food, or guests feeling reluctant to help themselves because of dwindling supplies, is too dreadful! Fortunately some guests accepted leftovers.

laura k said...

Update:

We did deliver food. All leftovers found a good home.

Pics coming soon. Everyone gave permission.

And did I mention someone gave us a Canada wind sock? I mean, come on, what more could you ask for???

Crabbi said...

...we may make it an annual event.

I hope so! Maybe next year I can go...

Sounds like a wonderful party with some very cool people.

Masnick96 said...

I so wished Mason and I could have been ther, really we do. Glad you had a good time :-)