Roast Beast II
Well, another year, another 14 lb., 2 foot long hunk of prime rib. We had the gang over on Saturday for Roast Beast II. Unfortunately, Amanda wasn't here this time around (we missed you!), but my sister Ika was. All told, we ended up with 14 people in our very small house. However, we did learn from last time, and I think we managed to orient the furniture to support (if barely) the load.
With the participation of all involved, we ended up with a lavish spread consisting of prime rib, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, tofurkey and gravy, green bean casserole, and apple crisp, among other things. We also celebrated Jill's 30th birthday with a yummy cake. Lots of good food!
Now, of course nothing can go smoothly in our household. Late in the day, it turns out our toilet is no longer flushing. Upon closer examination, it turns out our sewer outlet had overflowed in the front yard due to a blockage in the pipe going out to the street. With the toilet out of order and 14 people in the house, there was nothing to be done but for 4 guys to go out and troubleshoot the stinking pipe in the front yard in the dark, whilst I called in reinforcements. Did you know that Roto-rooter is a 24 hour service organization? Well now you do! The guys managed to get *some* water flowing through the pipe to the street, which held us over until the Roto-Rooter guys made it out. Not the way I had hoped we'd end the evening.
However, I will say this. You know your friends are true friends if they roll up their sleeves at a party and help you get your sewer pipe unstuck. Or they go about enjoying themselves at the party and don't make a big fuss about the adverse turn of events. And that's what makes a party a success in my book - being around great friends who are there with you in good times AND in bad.
With the participation of all involved, we ended up with a lavish spread consisting of prime rib, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, tofurkey and gravy, green bean casserole, and apple crisp, among other things. We also celebrated Jill's 30th birthday with a yummy cake. Lots of good food!
Now, of course nothing can go smoothly in our household. Late in the day, it turns out our toilet is no longer flushing. Upon closer examination, it turns out our sewer outlet had overflowed in the front yard due to a blockage in the pipe going out to the street. With the toilet out of order and 14 people in the house, there was nothing to be done but for 4 guys to go out and troubleshoot the stinking pipe in the front yard in the dark, whilst I called in reinforcements. Did you know that Roto-rooter is a 24 hour service organization? Well now you do! The guys managed to get *some* water flowing through the pipe to the street, which held us over until the Roto-Rooter guys made it out. Not the way I had hoped we'd end the evening.
However, I will say this. You know your friends are true friends if they roll up their sleeves at a party and help you get your sewer pipe unstuck. Or they go about enjoying themselves at the party and don't make a big fuss about the adverse turn of events. And that's what makes a party a success in my book - being around great friends who are there with you in good times AND in bad.