Safe As Houses: Wet, but not really so wild

A couple of years ago, The Wife and I attended a party thrown by some friends of ours which was labeled as the 'Third Annual ...' and it got us thinking. We needed our own event, something which would be our 'thing.' So last year, to much fanfare, we launched the Summer Soiree and enjoyed a strong turnout (probably 50 or so folks).

Hoping to boost our crowd even more, we moved it from late August to late July for the 2006 edition, knowing that us hosting the premier social event of the summer would surely bring in the hordes. What we didn't take into consideration was the fact that, even in a drought, occasionally it rains on this planet.

And that's what happened this past weekend, probably depriving us of - according to unofficial estimates by The Wife - 10 to 15 additional folks (I'm looking at you Athens Politics guys).

Still, for all of the bad weather - and we had our portion of bad weather this past Saturday - it turned out to be a success. We pushed 40 people at our peak time, the majority of home gathered in our garage and under some tents in the front yard.

Rain or shine, preparations continued for the party.

But before we go any further, it's imperative I recognize the 'MVPs' of the Summer Soiree 2006 ... those individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty.

First off, Ed joked with me a few weeks back he wanted to be there 'all day' ... so we took him up on that and made him pressure wash our patio, as well as other errands. Likewise, Matt delivered for us by hauling off some boxes to recycling, loaning us some servingware and picking us up a Cornhole set.

Bly (wife of Russ) came through like a champ. Originally, it was our understanding she had a couple tables and chairs we could borrow. However, as I spoke with her Saturday morning, it became clear she had two large tents we could also use ... and those tents were absolutely crucial to our success.

And, of course, we can't forget the efforts of my folks. Mom and Dad came through like champs, as they always do, on short notice and delivered.

How can you not love these two people?

As far as the party itself, it turned out to be a rousing success. We had good representation from across the board. The strongest showing, percentage-wise, came from the good people at the museum (so everyone pat yourself on the back), with the crowd from First Baptist Church of Athens coming in a close second.

Flanked by Team Brown on both sides, Brenda, Carissa, Carissa's husband Patrick and Lanora represent for the ole musee and celebrate winning the 'Almost Perfect Attendence Award.'

The addition of the game of cornhole was also key. Now we were hindered by heavy thundershowers for a bit, but when it wasn't raining, guests were flocking to the side yard to enjoy a game that's a bit like Bocci, but definitely much more redneck.

Obligatory, blurry, action photo of Jared and Ed ... all dramatic-like.

As you can see, it was a most riveting contest.

We had food supplied by the good folks at Rooster's BBQ, though mom and I helped put together some collard greens, cole slaw and potato salad. Though, in what was a brilliant move on the appetizer front, my mother secured some boiled peanuts from a friend of hers back home.

This made The Wife happy.

Seriously, if you think this is impressive, you should see her go to town on some crab legs.

We should also recognize the heroism of Scott and Meimi, who braved the elements to drive from Atlanta just for a few hours ... contemplating turning around in Jefferson as rain came down in sheets. Still, they came, and we salute you.

Scott came, he saw ... and he photographed himself.

Most folks stuck around for a couple of hours, and began to head out between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., with a core group of loyal supporters sticking around ... thus producing the following photos.