Let's Get Patriotic!

Welcome to July! Cody is already in the spirit of the 4th as you can see. He believes only the coolest pugs in the land wear their hats tilted to the side...so absorb his patriotic coolness! Thanks for being such a good sport Code-man!

The patriotic hats and patriotic decorations came out on Friday as I decorated our place for Brad's birthday party which I hosted yesterday evening. An All-American theme always seems to be my top choice given the time of year. It's been awhile since I've hosted a "party". Surprising, I know. But in 2016 with Piper's health scare in May that continued into June as well as Simon's failing health during the majority of last year, hosting parties wasn't at the forefront. It's also a little hard to talk my husband into parties in recent times. We do specialize in mini get-togethers. We actually had a little mini get-together just this past February. But since last July, I haven't hosted an actual "party". So I think I was a little out of practice. Definitely a few decisions I made, I wish I could take back. Definitely a few incidents I wish I could erase too.

Cody peeing in the kitchen did not present a party atmosphere! Oh Cody-man! What can I say?...he's old folks! Bladder control at this stage of his life is not certain. Anyway, I got the mop out and dealt with it. At least it wasn't on the carpet.

One huge error I made was serving the spinach queso dip and tortilla chips on the appetizer bar. BIG MISTAKE...on my part! By the time all the guests arrived the most coveted dip was more than halfway devoured. It should have been reserved for the main food line not placed on the bar with the appetizers. That way people could have had some nachos on the side with the sandwich fare I was serving. Like I said, I'm out of practice with parties.;)

On another note, those that know me well, know I'm...kind...sweet...loving...show a lot of appreciation for others through food. However, I'll also admit I'm a bit like a drill sergeant too. Yes, I can admit it! What I mean is, I don't play! No time for unnecessary funny business. I like order and good manners. Not that I claim to have perfect etiquette, because I don't but I know the temperature of the room when it comes to appropriateness. So I was not pleased when there was a rush on me from party guests to serve the cake. Umm yeah! I'm kind, sweet, loving, and all that jazz, but I don't take kindly to certain things. Guests banging on the tables and chanting "we want cake" even in an attempted playful manner....simply go ahead and guess how well that went over with me?  I'm a clone of my Peterson grandmother, she didn't play either! Believe me! That type of so-called funny business was never welcome in her presence, same goes for her granddaughter! In my humble opinion take that inappropriateness and go next door to see if they have cake and ice cream, don't show such displays in my household. Nope, not cute, not funny...borderline rude!

I don't mean to paint the picture of a bad party, it certainly wasn't. I believe a nice time was had by all. All parties have little incidents you wish you could change, this is likely the first time on this blog I'm verbalizing any of the small incidents. Let me reiterate "small", these were small incidents wrapped up in a rather long enjoyable evening. Last two guests didn't leave until 4 AM, so definitely a rather long and let me proclaim again ENJOYABLE evening. Things go down, it's just the way it is. I certainly want people to have fun when they come over, and I believe everyone did have a good time. I had a good time too celebrating my husband. Next time Cody...try harder not to dampen things! No pun intended!