Sunday, August 9, 2009

Party Coming Up!

We have been in our new home, the park trailer, for just over two months. It’s time to throw a party! It’s an open house, but we’re not wide open. We have invited a number of the people we are close to here, and those that have been helpful to us in getting the trailer.

There’s a week to go, and we are busy getting ready. Because we’ll need refrigerator and freezer space, Suzy is working hard to use the foods we have on hand instead of buying new. Right now she is trying a new recipe on a big batch of country style ribs we’ve had for several weeks. They start in a 400 degree oven to brown the meat, then they go into the slow cooker for several hours.

There is a carton of ice cream in the freezer that won’t be replaced once it’s empty (sob!), but we have other desserts to work through.

Then there is food for the party. That’s pretty well under control already: neighbor Carol across the way has volunteered to make a couple of salads and a big batch of brownies, as well as keeping watch on the food table during the party so we’ll be free to schmooze.

Subway will provide a huge sub sandwich that we can cut into snack-sized servings, and Wal-Mart’s deli has a nice cheese platter and a veggie tray that we’ll order. We’ll get a supply of both green and ripe olives, some pickles. We already have chips and dips, nuts and other snacks. That should keep our guests satisfied!

Oh, yeah! We bought a couple cases of champagne, and every guest will be offered a refillable glass. Thank goodness no one will have far to drive. We’ll take the champagne up to the clubhouse kitchen for refrigeration until just before the party, then place it in an iced cooler (in our shower) to be handy.

Yesterday we found some inexpensive but very colorful plastic service dishes that will brighten up the food table, which itself will be covered with a “celebrate” themed plastic table cover.
From Pre- Open House Party

The house and yard are getting ready also. Projects that needed to be done anyway have been speeded up with the party in mind.

The new planting area with Indian Hawthorne and Red Bird of Paradise, and its adjacent walkway are up to snuff.
From Pre- Open House Party

We even built this box…
From Pre- Open House Party

… which became a planter for seasonal plants. Right now it has three variegated mock orange plants and four geraniums. The mock oranges will probably end up as permanent in this box, which is open to the earth beneath it.
From Pre- Open House Party

Inside, we have replaced a quite usable (but not very attractive) floor lamp with a new one more to our liking. It is harder than heck to find a nice floor lamp with two adjustable lights!
From Pre- Open House Party

And on the walls, we replaced three lamps that didn’t fit our idea with three new ones with stained glass panels.
From Pre- Open House Party

From Pre- Open House Party

Another project moving ahead at warp speed is uploading our music to the iPod. We are maybe 80% done with that, and we already have 2417 songs on the little unit. We’ll have it playing quietly during the party.

We wish you could all be here to celebrate our new home with us! We’ll make room somehow! This is a fun part of … Our Life on Wheels.

13 comments:

  1. Wish we could be there with you - but will be in spirit! Thanks for the invite! Have a great time - until we catch up with you guys in January!

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  2. Hey Suzy & Jerry... You guys have a wonderful Open House Party... Sure wish we could be there to help you celebrate it sounds like so much fun. Looks like you guys are really getting things done around there... Have fun & Travel Safe!

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

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  3. Would love to be there for your party! The food prep sounds pretty inviting and those ribs are going to be great, I bet. Nice lamps too. I guess we'll just have to be content with pictures of the party - don't forget that, o.k.

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  4. Congrats on your new home, it looks so nice and comfy. Is this going to be your winter home. We live in FL. for the winter, then travel in the RV the rest of the year. Sounds like a great party planned.

    Happy Trails,
    Chris

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  5. Looks beautiful! Wish I could come to your party......I'll be there in spirit!

    Donna Daniel

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  6. Your home looks wonderful! The new lamps are perfect...good job. Party on!

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  7. Jerry and Suzy,
    Your place looks so comfortable and is really taking shape! Have a great party with your neighbors and friends.

    Regards

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  8. You two are so talented and clever! Your new winter home is sure turning into a spread for House and Garden!

    Wish we could be there for the party but will take a rain check for our next trip through Benson (when you are there of course).

    Enjoy your big day! Our thoughts will be with you.

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  9. Your home is looking great! Love you both and have fun!

    ~N~E~E~ and Boss

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  10. WOW, lookin very NICE!!! Love the planter,,,even more full of flowers. those lamps are WONDERFUL.

    Happpy Anniversary to you guys... I wish we were closer and I'd ride the new bike over,,,,course Ms Pat would have to drive home, after all that champagne. I would be in your shower all the time!!!

    Cheers!!!

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  11. Loved the photos of the new place. It looks just the right size! Have fun, and I look forward to reading more about it soon.

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  12. Hey, we can smell those ribs all the way up here in Canada. Have a good one guys. Your place looks very cozy. Don't get ice cream all over those comfy looking chairs now:))

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  13. Wow! I'm tardy logging in to see this blog post. It must have been today, but I just learned about it. Sorry we couldn't be there to share in the frivolity, but it sounds like you have plenty of friends nearby to help you celebrate. Our best wishes and congratulations on both the new house and the recent anniversary!
    Sharon & Don

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