2 Prickly Pears: 2011 Garden Party in the Cactus Garden

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

2011 Garden Party in the Cactus Garden

Pam held her annual Garden Party in September 2011. There were 12 guests on a perfectly lovely day. It rained all week and we were frantic that the weather wasn't cooperating, as there were still clouds looming in the sky.

Roasted Vegetables

The guests were expected to arrive around 11:30. Pam was frantically worrying about the possibility of rain, and at the same time was running around (she was still in her pajama's!) trying to get the patio set up with her lovely table-scapes!!! You know how this goes, right? There are always last minute things that couldn't be done until just before the party starts.

Panna Cotta

Meanwhile, I was in the kitchen making sure that nothing was burning, that everything was ready for the final cooking and presentation. Putting together a 6 course meal takes a lot of planning. There isn't just what will the menu be, but what to prep ahead, what must wait, and what order to do everything.

Just around 11:45 our good friend, Kelly, arrived. She drove in from out of town and with her she brought the sunshine. It was lovely to see her and all the other women as they found their way to the patio. There was lots of meeting and greeting, and laughter began to fill summer air with goodness. We sat in the Cactus Garden and relished the sunshine, the soft breeze, and the fine company of good women.