I have decided to devote this diary entry to our recent housewarming party. Those of you who were there can reminise and enjoy looking over the photos of yourselves. Those who couldn't make it can find out what they missed and check out the pics of people who were there!

On the morning of Sept. 14, we were somewhat discouraged when we woke up to a thunderstorm. Our first thought was, "how are we going to seat everyone inside?!" Without thinking too much about it, we got up and started all the last-minute prep work. As luck would have it, the storm died down and the skies cleared before 10am. As the sun started to come out we realized that all would be well and we could set things up outside afterall.

As Kylan and I were setting up the canopy (because we currently have no shade in the backyard), our neighbor Gary came over. Not only did he help us set it up, but he offered to lend us a buffet table and some chairs. Of course, we took him up on the offer...we have a basic patio table but the buffet table was so much more practical. He brought everything over in his pick-up truck and he and Kylan set things up as I finished preparing things inside.

People started arriving shortly after 1pm. Our first guests were our neighbor Karen with her kids Christina, Holly, and Angelo (hubby Mario arrived later, after work) and one of our other neighbors, Esther. Karen even brought us a basketful of canned fresh tomato puree and peppers, along with fresh figs and some indian corn. Everyone else started arriving shortly thereafter and before we knew it we had a backyard full of people! Our guests included more neighbors, some of Kylan's coworkers, friends, and even one of my fellow home-based editors and his family.

We didn't exactly do a head count, but we had more than 20 guests, plus about 10 kids. Gary even brought his bird over...it's a cockatiel that he has trained to sit on his shoulder. Later in the afternoon we brought the dogs out, mainly due to the multiple requests of the dog-lovers in attendence. Of course, we kept them on their leashes (since our backyard isn't completely fenced off yet), but they behaved themselves really well. And they became fast friends with a few of our guests who kept throwing them treats from the table!

After everyone had their fill of burgers, salad, and treats we took them on a tour of the house. It was kind of nice finally getting to show people around. I even got to explain a bit about feng shui and how we have utilized the principles in our decorating. And I have to say that it was rather satisfying to hear people admiring the floor in the attic that we put so much work into refinishing.

Overall, I think it was a really good party. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves...our last guest didn't leave until after 7pm. And it was so thoughtful of everyone to bring us things, either for the party or as a gift. We hope that everyone who came over was able to see why we fell in love with this house. For those that didn't make it, our door is always open. And it won't be the last party we have, that's for sure.

Bye for now!
D.

Books Recently Read
Dawn:
Black House by Stephen King and Peter Straub.....5 out of 7
(A sequel to The Talisman. Still a good read but more gruesome.)

Kylan:
Los Alamos by Joseph Kanon.....5 out of 7
(Intriguing mystery with characters based on historic figures.)
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge.....7 out of 7
(The recovery of the masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God.)

CLICK HERE to read the diary entries from the beginning!
(Keep in mind that this one is #23.)