Supercharged Weekend

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The days surrounding this past weekend might not qualify as an adventure for anyone but me. I will report it. You be the judge.

On Friday last, my son, Ben, and I drove to Stephenville, Texas to install about two dozen art photos for the open house and show on Sunday. We got an early start, about 10:30 a.m., and worked through the day at either driving or tying fishing line to the photos for hanging. If we had not stopped at the Hard Eight Barbeque Restaurant in Stephenville for lunch, neither of us would have survived the experience. Who would have thought hanging a few pictures could use so much energy?

It was late afternoon when we returned to our homes. I do not know what son Ben did, but I crashed on the sofa, eventually rising to eat and retire for the night. After all, Saturday was going to be a huge day. Cleaning, shopping, cooking and fussing about the house filled the day. It was near dark when the first of twentyish guests arrived. The party was a reunion, mostly, for my classmates from the Class of 1960 [Eek] at St. Cecilia’s Catholic School. We were classmates through 8th grade there. When the first guest arrived, the tables were set with smoked brisket, baked ham, delicious potato salad, Cole slaw and trimmings. There was a small ocean of beer in the coolers, chilled for guests’ guzzling needs.

More food, wine and liquor arrived with each guest. Cheesecake, meatballs, wine, tamales, pecan pralines, wine, pasta salad, wine, brownies and yes, more wine flooded into the kitchen. Thank goodness, one guest thought to bring bourbon! (Thanks, John!) Thirsty guests drained it immediately. Go figure. 

I was delighted to see my old ‘mates again. It was the first time I met Paul Awtry in fifty years. He looked great, just as I remembered him. The “girls” were all still cute. No, better make that cuter than I remember them. More than a few of them can really cook and I want to ingratiate myself, if possible. Over all, those who survived to attend this reunion were healthy, vigorous people. I am proud to report I heard not a single conversation about arthritis, surgical scars or even lumbago. Instead, conversations were often funny, touching accounts of life experiences. I felt proud to know every one of them.

Eventually, the party animals began drifting away, physically and mentally. By 10:00, the place was empty. I sat in front of the TV for a while after everyone left to see The University of Texas thrash Nebraska by one point. Whew! Then, I dragged off to bed and oblivion.

There are more revealing photos to come in the next episode.  If you worry about your photo, I accept hush money and most major credit cards.  Heh, heh.

Sunday was going to be a very big day. I will tell you all about it next time.