Third Annual California BBQ!!!

Before the firebrigade left, they agreed to have a "few" photos taken ...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...irebrigade.jpg

... but we stayed on, partied some more and had a chat.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../Prty-chat.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e-R--Karen.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...lly--Tonya.jpg

It got wilder and wilder ....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ie--Vickie.jpg

... but some kept in touch with PT. ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...5/Gini-etc.jpg

Thank you for inviting me, I had a great time!! :D

I thought after 100 party pictures I couldn't see anything new- but the pictures of the Slick-monster and the Laurie-monster ARE new:D :D :D

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Originally posted by Barbara
I thought after 100 party pictures I couldn't see anything new- but the pictures of the Slick-monster and the Laurie-monster ARE new:D :D :D

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These are the ITT sisters. They were born at the last BBQ! See below::D

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Originally posted by gini
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...4/f79fb8a4.jpg

LAURIE SAID - DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE!!!

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:D This reminds me of one Halloween at the insurance office I worked for. I didn't wear a coustume to the party so went into the bathroom, combed my hair over my face just like that and put on dark sunglasses. I told everyone I was cousin ITT from the Adam's family! :D

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Originally posted by Randi
[B]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ie--Vickie.jpg

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LOL!!!

You have some veeery interesting creatures in California!!! What species do these two belong to??? :D :D

And Gini - about race tracks: Thanks for clearing that up for me!

Love,
Sus and Bella

Oh Randi, thanks for posting all of your wonderful pictures. I have already forwarded a few to my brother who lives and works in Brazil. The one with the firemen has his daughter and her roommate in it.

Now I will forward some to my other brother in Boston - he cannot believe that his sister is up to no good in Los Angeles:D
But, on second thought, he knows me pretty well.;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ie--Vickie.jpg

And can you believe that I actually let these two stay at my home???? One is known to run around on my street at 2:30 am - yelling "Mary - is that you?" The other spontaneously changes sheets.

Yesterday, I was right in the middle of posting a long thank you and acknowledgement to everyone and my brother called long distance. I went to another site to help him with something - and lost the entire post! It was too long anyway:D

It is now a week after the BBQ and it is so quiet here. No firemen, no laughter, no signs, the kitchen is immaculate. What's wrong with this picture?:D

I have a lot of thanking to do............but most of all THANK YOU to everyone who traveled such great distances to be here.

RICHARD:Thank you for the pre-BBQ shopping. I am negotiating with Costco to see if they will allow you back in the store. Thanks for all of your huge help, incredible salsa, rice, beans, carnitas, tamales mixed with outrageous jokes every minute. And the bartending - how could any of us forget? Good slushies made by an expert! And also the tables and chairs.......great rental service!! (so where's the $$)

SLICK:Dear friend, did you ever stop? Thank you for the wonderful chili........the crab dip and the BAILEY'S! Your never ending support means the world to me. LES, so I will stop!

LAURIE:None of you have had a crab cake until you taste Laurie's. They are the best. Sweet friend, thanks for keeping me level as the plumbing overflowed and the neighbor yelled.
But most of all for keeping the laughter level a solid 10 all weekend. And don't try to sneak into town ever again!

SARA:For opening your home to Randi, Karen, Debbie and Terry - driving all of the way here loaded with a delicious salad, sausages, Randi's apple cake and wine.

DON AND TERRY:For tackling the BBQ for all of us. Special medals should go your way - that was a lot of chicken and sausages!

DEBBIE:I just loved having you here right in my own backyard. Did you get a pitcher of slushies - or a coke with just the right amount of ice cubes? I sure hope so!

KELLY:My newly adopted daughter who makes the best cake - better than - yes, it is true! However, I think Lindsey got fed the last few bites:D The fruit kabobs as always were a huge hit. And those lemon bars - my very favorite! Just having your sweet self here - would have been more than enough!

KAREN AND AARON:Do you have any idea Karen, how many people told me how pretty your are? Pretty and special. Thank you for that great artichoke appetizer and bread.......wish I had some of it today - but not a trace of a leftover. And California wine that you brought for everyone to enjoy. I love you both and hope we can get together for an in-between BBQ get together.

STACI:What an ordeal to get you here - and then get you back home. I hope it was all that you had hoped and you can muster up strength to come again next year. Word has it that you missed a few shops:D May I officially adopt you too so now I have triplets? TONYA, KELLY AND STACI!!!! Thank you for the special presents - and the kids LOVE their toys. I almost killed myself on one of the balls this morning - but I am used to it!:D

BARBARA: When Sara walked in with that beautiful bottle of wine I was dumbfounded. The next best thing would have been to have you here and I hope that this can happen. Thank you for the thoughtful present - and a chance to say hello to you.

KOXKA:That you would also send wine here with Debbie just made my day. Oh, how I wish that you could join us too.
Thank you - the thought and gifts just mean the world to me.

TRACEY AND AMBERLEE:Where do I start with you two?
Delicious cheese balls and sodas.......Richard and I were fighting over the cheese - but I think you missed that event. Toys for my children - Tracey you will laugh at this. I asked why in the world do they call these wonderful beds "condoms" - someone said "well just look at it" I took another look and laughed - Now I get it. Rascal has decided that BOTH are his but he hasn't figured out how to lay on both at once. I smile when I see the cat coasters and my floor is covered in little squares filled with something good - they have drool all over them.

MARY:I cannot think of a lovlier guest to arrive at my door at 2:30 am. You wanted an adventure - you got more than you bargained for! Did you notice that we put you right to work on Saturday? Thank you for the coffee and presents for everyone.
You are Mary aren't you?:D :D :D

TONYA:Ah yes, my first adopted daughter. Just as beautiful and sweet and intelligent and full of the devil as always.
Thank you for the very special bag of goodies - and all of your help and laughs! Did you notice that your gift bag disappeared?
I am no dummy!!

JULIE AND BYRON:So sorry that the projector broke down and the cat slide event didn't happen. Absolutely everyone here fell in love with the both of you. Julie, glad we could get to know each other so intimately immediately - bring the rest of your wash next time.......:D :D :D

LAURA AND ALEXAAnd now you know - we are all nuts.......and I was so happy that you both came to the BBQ.....and we had at least a little time to talk. It was just great having you here - everyone commented on how much they liked you both! Thank you for the yummy coffee too!

And last but by far, certainly not the least!

RANDI AND KAREN: To think that you both would fly all of this way just to attend an afternoon BBQ just brings tears to my eyes.
I knew I would - but I fell in love with both of you instantly.
Randi, I am so glad that we had some private time with Sara before the BBQ. I don't think I hugged you enough..........but I sure wanted to.

Karen, I hope I didn't embarrass you too much by asking you to "talk" in front of the firemen. They wanted to be sure that you really are Scottish.

You both brought so many presents that I would be here forever thanking you for each one. So I extend oneTHANK YOU.

Rascal, Annie and Emma thank you too...........I think this was good for them - they saw Rascal getting constant belly rubs and Annie had to get in the act - Emma realized they were still alive.........humans ARE good for something and she allowed herself to actually be seen.

Most of all I send huge Pet Talk hugs to each and every one of you................and gratitude and love to you for attending the Third Annual BBQ.

See you all next year.................I HOPE!! xxoo xxoo Gini

Meanwhile, back on the East Coast ...

Gini decided that, even though we couldn't be there, we could at least have a commemorative apron! We waited until the weather wasn't tooooo hot and humid for a furry little bunny to be outside, so today we finally got Paul to take the "photographic proof!"

We were there in spirit, anyway!

Thanks Lut and Gini for the wonderful apron!

http://petoftheday.com/online/karen/...pyBBQ2Post.jpg


By the way, my hair is brown, not red, it's just the sunlight that makes it look that way!

OMGoodness ............. IS THAT MISS HOPPY????? :D

A photo of MISS HOPPY - W:eek: W - I remember asking for a photo ages ago, and it took Gini's BBQ, and an apron to get it .........

:D:D:D:D

Great pics everyone.

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Originally posted by captain
OMGoodness ............. IS THAT MISS HOPPY????? :D

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It is! That's my bunny! She's a reluctant model, but for very special occasions, can be persuaded.

Quote:

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Originally posted by gini

STACI:What an ordeal to get you here - and then get you back home. I hope it was all that you had hoped and you can muster up strength to come again next year. Word has it that you missed a few shops:D May I officially adopt you too so now I have triplets? TONYA, KELLY AND STACI!!!! Thank you for the special presents - and the kids LOVE their toys. I almost killed myself on one of the balls this morning - but I am used to it!:D
See you all next year.................I HOPE!! xxoo xxoo Gini

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you bet you can adopt me!!!
Just try NOT to!!


Ya know what
I would do it all again

Quote:

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Originally posted by Karen
It is! That's my bunny! She's a reluctant model, but for very special occasions, can be persuaded.

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It took a Cah Lee Fuh Nee Ah BBQ to get the Mayor to pose with Ms Hoppy......

I am speechless.....;)


My CD drive is out of order...I will post my pics soon.....

:mad:

Gini,

You rock.

I posted this in Cat General, but it also deserves attention here. When we were all lining up for the group photo, Terry didn't realize the camera was on video. It's a crappy video, but just listen to the laughter! Priceless! :D

I forgot to tell you something Gini, I know what's in your freezer and trust me on this, do NOT ask your housekeeper to defrost for you, and do NOT ask one of your rotary club friends to help. ;) :D :D :o LOVE the video Debbie, just isn't long enough though. I must say the same sounds on the video are still running through my brain :cool:

Quote:

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Originally posted by lbaker
I forgot to tell you something Gini, I know what's in your freezer and trust me on this, do NOT ask your housekeeper to defrost for you, and do NOT ask one of your rotary club friends to help. ;) :D :D :

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Oh groan...........do you mean my freezer falls under the HAZ MAT status? Guess I get to call the fire department back just for me huh? (runs to the phone)

Dang, why didn't I think of that before I left :p

Quote:

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Originally posted by gini
Oh groan...........do you mean my freezer falls under the HAZ MAT status? Guess I get to call the fire department back just for me huh? (runs to the phone)

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YEEAA
I'll be on the next DIRECT flight!! ;)

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Originally posted by shais_mom
YEEAA
I'll be on the next DIRECT flight!! ;)

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Which means you'll be there sometime next week? ;) :D

(sorry, couldn't resist) :D

I pick up my pictures after work today, regular prints plus CD. My friend here at work has promised to help me post them - HOOORAAAY! :D

Quote:

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Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
Which means you'll be there sometime next week? ;) :D

(sorry, couldn't resist) :D

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S'ok Debbie! ;)
I said Direct flight since I couldn't find any that pretty much means I wouldn't get there anyway! ;) :p

DARN foiled again!

It’s now a week since I arrived home. What a wonderful time I had. I have absolutely no pictures of the BBQ that other people didn’t have (well just the one, but the barman made me promise not to post that!)

The time passed so quickly, both at the BBQ and at Sara’s. I feel as if I didn’t talk to anyone for very long on Saturday and yet, all of a sudden, it was 10pm! I think KAK might be on to something, that it maybe needs to be a weekend next time! Thank you to everybody; you were all so friendly and welcoming, including the Fire Chief, who could successfully work for the tourist industry.

At Sara’s we had great food (fabulous BBQ chef), good walks, lovely trips and lounged around the pool a lot. What more could you possibly want?!

Edwina and Eddie are the sweetest cats and perfect hosts. Do NOT believe anyone who tries to tell you otherwise. Edwina was testing my bed when I arrived, making sure it was comfortable enough. The small hiss was just her way of making me feel at home. On my first night and my last night, Eddie came to cuddle in when I was in bed.

Also, Edwina modelled all her hats for us. What a thrill!

Hmm, I think Eddie remembers this garment and doesn't want to run the risk of someone putting it on him again!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...5/f3155f9f.jpg

Awwww!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...f/f3155fbe.jpg

Awww Karen, what a lovely photo you got there!! :p Edwina didn't even hiss or swat, did she! :eek:

What cute cute pics:D

And you may PM me the one the barman didn't allow you to post.:D

Karen, I'm glad you had such a great time in California.:) Hopefully you'll be able to visit again and I'll be able to see you too. Maybe this time you can also head up to Northern CA so you can meet my furkids too.;) I love the second picture of the E's. Very sweet.:)

AwWWWWWWWW,what a purrfect picture for a valentine's card :) :)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...f/f3155fbe.jpg

BUMPING a reminder for the picture people that haven't
posted!

I need help....my cd drive will not open any photo disc.....a music disc works fine, but it refuses to open any photo disc

I wanted to transfer them to floppy and post them on Imagestation but I can only put two or three on one floppy.....Is there a way to resize them or compress them so i can at least fit more than one or two onto a floppy???:(

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Originally posted by RICHARD
I need help....my cd drive will not open any photo disc.....a music disc works fine, but it refuses to open any photo disc

I wanted to transfer them to floppy and post them on Imagestation but I can only put two or three on one floppy.....Is there a way to resize them or compress them so i can at least fit more than one or two onto a floppy???:(

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http://www.irfanview.com/

I've enjoyed all of these pictures, it looks like everyone had wonderful time! Thanks for sharing the photos, it's almost like being there! :)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...b/f30b170b.jpg
Laurie, Richard, Gini
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...5/f30b15ed.jpg
Richard testing out the umbrellas
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...6/f30b14db.jpg
Gini
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...f/f30b17e1.jpg
Laurie on the train to "Diego"

more coming....

ooooohhhh happy dance!!!

yeaa for slick!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...a/f30b1191.jpg
Sara and Randi dipping in Laguna Beach
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...d/f30b10da.jpg
Randi
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...a/f30b131c.jpg
An International "feat".....Denmark, Canada and the US! :)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...1/f30b1db3.jpg
Randi on the balcony of a posh hotel...can't remember the name of it but if my "numbers" come through, I'm staying here next year!!:p :D ......I wish!!!

I'm ashamed that I did not take any pictures on the day of the BBQ, in fact I hardly took any pictures at all. I'll try to do better next year.:o

Well, you may not have taken a lot of pictures, but the ones you did take are great!!!! :D

I specially like the one of Richard testing the umbrellas! I'm glad they passed his test!:D

S'ok Slick you were too busy trying to reign in the "frosty" firemen with the kitty dishtowel!

:p

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...c/f30b1853.jpg
The Ever so Precious Mz Edwina. It was so funny because she just sat there while Sara put the hat on. :D :D Mind you, take at look at her face. What does it say to you??? In spite of that, I did manage to plant some kisses on her forehead. I felt very honoured that she would let me do that.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...0/f30b194a.jpg
So Eddie decided to show his tummy but I was warned....look, but don't touch. It was torture.

Staci, I wish! I'm going to have to revamp my kitchen duties next year so that there is more time for picture-taking. MOFF, I have a few more pictures on a roll that's not used up yet. The only "fuzzy" pictures I took were of Edwina and Eddie. I'm disappointed that I never got any of Karen, Debby and Terry, and the other attendees. :o :o

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Originally posted by slick
MOFF, I have a few more pictures on a roll that's not used up yet. The only "fuzzy" pictures I took were of Edwina and Eddie. I'm disappointed that I never got any of Karen, Debby and Terry, and the other attendees. [/COLOR] :o :o [/B]

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Goodie! That means we'll have more to see later! Make this BBQ last as long as possible.

Miss Edwina is as stylish as ever in her hat. And EDDIE! No fair showing off that tummy and not letting anyone get a pet in!

Maybe Gini or some of the others will let you have copies of some of their pictures of the attendees you didn't get???? :D

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Originally posted by Barbara
What cute cute pics:D

And you may PM me the one the barman didn't allow you to post.:D

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Barman?

Who is that?

Slick,

Oh dear, one roll left....

Look for the Bonus Pictures...:eek:

Slick, everyone had more or less identical pics of the firemen at the BBQ (ok,ok, they WERE cute ;)) and your are different- so we are very happy we get to see them:D

Karen, thanks for the PM:p

You've got some really good shots there, Slick! :) Especially the one of Laurie, Richard and Gini. Also the one of Laurie on the train - poor her, she didn't get to finish her cigaret. :(

Oh yes, that hotel will be perfect for the next BBQ get together, everyone could have a view to the sea! :D Lets all get a good lottery ticket - or whatever.

Here's another view from the hotel - I can't remember the name either.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...each-hotel.jpg

Quote:

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Originally posted by Barbara
Karen, thanks for the PM:p

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My pleasure, Barbara! :D

Excellent pictures, Slick. That hotel does look nice, but did it have a cat on every bed?