my pink toes

The Zugs of the famous House of BBQ had our whole family over for dinner last night. Jenny and her family were there too, along with a host of other lovely folks. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

The House of BBQ moniker is well-deserved! We feasted on JItterbugs, margaritas, salmon, chicken, grilled veggies, margaritas, great salads, s'mores and margaritas. Holy cow, the margaritas! We rubbed shoulders and had conversations with all kinds of lovely folk. The kids ran free (and played the Wii) and it was so warm and welcoming. It was a wonderful, relaxed time. (Unfortunately, I forgot my camera...I remembered the extra batteries for it, but not the actual camera...sigh. I really NEEDED a photo of Jenny's awesome sunglasses!)

I've been thinking about the evening a lot and about what made it great: The Zugs are welcoming, relaxed hosts. Their house was lived-in, and everyone pitched in to get the work done. I tend to be less relaxed as a host and feel that I have to have everything planned ahead of time. Jen's rhythm was much more natural and as a result, I easily fell into it, became a part of it. I don't think about my preparation making things less comfortable for folks, but it really can. At the Zugs, I felt like family. I reveled in the community they have helped create.

Did I mention the margaritas? Here's the impromptu recipe we concocted in Jen's slightly small (Amen!) but fabulously cozy kitchen:

Easy Margarita Pitchers

Stir in a big pitcher, add the ice, and try not to drink too many. For best results, drink in the Zug kitchen while bumping shoulders, having 5 conversations at once, laughing at the children, and experiencing the wonder of human relationships.

This makes for a bit of a strong libation...you could cut down the hooch or up the water if you wanted to.