Ok, just a little explanation for newbies, a couple summers ago, there were parties held here on MB. It's pretty much just for fun...it's been a bit tense here lately. The party is of course cyber and BYOB & snacks of choice.<P>I invite you to my deck. It is a beautiful sunshiny day, nothing but blue sky, temps in the mid-70's, with the fresh scent of rain-washed Ponderosa pine in the air. I'll fire up the grill & have a thermos of lemonade and a cooler of Killian's Irish Red handy. <P>Topic to start:<BR>My H & I are a year into recovery. Life is pretty good, but we've slid into busyness and the parenting of teenagers, and softball season (3 family members playing, 3 different teams)...good family time, not a lot of time as a couple.<P>The kids will be gone on a choir trip for 5 days. Which also coicides with our 18th wedding anniversay, our 2nd anniversary since reconciliation and I'm feeling really good about it--at one point I really thought #15 would be the last one. We'll be staying home since the kids are taking all the money with them .<P>I'm feeling a bit slow-witted and unimaginative (where DID all that separation creativity go?), any suggestions for fun & frolic? Menus? Er, activities? Or even other thread links/locations if you've posted before (oh, I remember Leilana's thong thread, never fear).<P>Ok, lawn chairs & sunscreen for everyone....

Lor~<P>Please let me bring some wine and games to play. I think pin the tail on the donkey, also maybe a inflatable pool would could provide some fun. We must have smores!!!!! <P>We are doing really good too, my husband treats me so well, and we spend as much time alone as possible too. Kinda of jealous of the five days alone you and Guard have coming. The possibilty of trouble the two you can get into!!!!! <P><BR>This is fun and relaxing,<P>Judy<P>LOR ~ This is a great idea<p>[This message has been edited by bighope (edited June 05, 2001).]

Okay ~ I'll bite. I've been around a while, but never attended the previous year's fun. <P><B>What a beautiful day!</B><P>I have some Jack's Hard Lemonade to share and some shrimp for the barby. <P>Things are ify with my H and I, but we're slowly working through it. For once my H seems to be doing the legwork necessary for recovery and renewed trust. <P>I've been a bit uptight and ready to relax and let loose. I grab a chair beside my hubby and kick off the sandels. The sun feels sooooo good on my face. I'm sure the added alcohol will eventually bring a smile to my H's face as my blood flows and gets me "in the mood"! It will be a great night for him. <P>Thanks for the invite!<P>Oh, look who just arrived...

Salmon Whip, anyone!! <P>I always bring it... can't resist... and Corona beer.... but the thing is that the salmon whip can stand alone (not in the sun though! )<P>As far as your topic: hey, public sex is free, unless you get caught, then you pay bail , but I digress...<P>------------------<BR>~Sheryl<P>And we know. We who have seen. ~Pellegrino

Alright, I have some delicious chocolate chip cheesecake and pudding cake, enough for everyone.<P>Since my H is MIA I bring my 3 beautiful kids (ages 6, 2 and 1) and someone to watch them! I hear them running off on their own playing some game or another as I curl up with a good book on my lawn chair. <P>I'll be sure to keep them far away from Free and her husband though. I don't need my kids growing up that quick!

I'll bring the crabmeat spread and a Buffet CD.

Ok I will join in the fun and I brought the pool toys (minus the kids) and some margaritas. Havent been before but what the heck I didnt sign up for this ride in the first place.<P>My H & I are working hard at recovery. It has been 3 months of no contact and we are spending all our free time together. <P>He seems to be more at ease than I in our relationship and I seem to spend alot of time worrying. Worrying if we are going to make it, worrying how we will eventually resolve our core issues and worrying if the OW will stay away and leave us alone.<P>I have many moments of the last 3 months that I really enjoy and the interaction with my H has been mostly productive. I however can slip off the deepend in my thoughts and have to work really hard to come back to the top of the water's surface but I do get there. So I could use some fun.<P>As far as your anniversary and extended 5 days of no kids, why dont you pick a different topic for each day and then proceed to work them out. <P>Ex: A romantic dinner on day one Two nice steaks cooked on the grill a little wine and if you live in a private area maybe cook wearing something light. And if not, enjoy dinner out side and then save the other activities for inside after dinner.<P>

What happened to the party? Did I scare you all away?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by hurtbyhubby:<BR><B>I'll be sure to keep them far away from Free and her husband though. I don't need my kids growing up that quick! </B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Don't get me wrong - I'm not into public displays of affection (of the wild type)! Just some flirting while on the deck then home early. <P>Sheryl - I do remember seeing salmon whip around these parts before. I think I'll pass, but thanks for the offer! <P> <P>

I refuse to be the designated driver! That said...I'll be drinking club soda and a splash of sour mix...You all mind if I consume the mixers?<P>I will offer to man the grill, for safety purposes

This is fun, I'm in! I request a warm and sunny day followed by a nice comfortably cool night, something we haven't had much of in my part of the country (brrr). <P>I say we have a big bon fire as the sun sets and all sit around and cook up those s'mores, I'll bring a good knife to sharpen sticks for those marshmallows, my hubby and three kids aged 15, 9 and 8. I will and ask my talented hubby to bring his accoustic and lead a sing a long around the fire! Pass the sunscreen!!<BR>

Party Idea!!!!<P>Every year a friend of mine throws what has come to be known as a "blender bash".<BR>Everybody brings their own ingredients and a blender and mix their favorite concoction.<BR>2 categories - alcohol and non-alcohol<BR>Everyone gets to vote and the winner gets to wear a goofy hat the rest of the night and go home with a bottle!<P>Last year's winner's ingredients was<BR>White chocolate liquer<BR>French Vanilla Ice-cream<BR>Cream<P>We, Arik and I, took second with<BR>White Rum<BR>Blackberry juice<BR>crushed ice<BR>Raspberry Sherbet<BR>Club Soda<P>O'kay everybody lets see what you can come up with!!<P><BR>

Lor, so good to have another MB party!<BR>I just got my computer back after one more crash. GRrr... had more this year than all the years I had a computer!<BR>ANd decided to visit.<BR>AS usually I'm always late for the good stuff, but let's continue the party!<BR>I'll bring more wine and instead of saving the paella I was planning for the weekend I'll bring it to the party instead. GOod enough? <P>For the people who don't know me, my name is Kat and I am on my third year of recovery.<BR>COme to think about it... I just missed the discovery date this time. It was two days ago, but to be honest it didn't cross my mind until I was writing this post.<BR>And do you know what? I'm just taking inventory of how I feel just now... nothing really. A small touch of sadness for the we all went trough during his fairyland trip, a quick mental check on how our "relationship maintenance", but other than that, nothing, really. Can't even remember how the ow looks like, or feel any of the usual - at that time - negative thoughts whenever I thought about what happened or her.<P>Many of you are now going trought hard times and may feel like you will never be able to feel better again even if your marriage recovers. Well, it doesn't have to be so. It is a very painful time and yes some scars remain - bu tI think even those ones are necessary . They're just enough to remind us of what can happen, so we can make sure that it doesn't happen again.<P>ANyway, as usual , not only I"m writing too much, but I'm getting completely off topicLOL I apologize, old timers know me already and will discount it, new friends hopefully you will discount it as well <P>Back to the party!<BR>Please don't go yet... what's a party that lasts only one day? let's make it longer LOL<P>Hugs to all<BR>Kat<P>------------------<BR>"Each and everyone of us is deserving of a gentle thougth, a kind word and the gift of understanding"

Hey Lor and all...great party...I'll drop off some brats (I swear I could be a vegetarian if it weren't for brats) and a keg, be sure to save some for me later...love that draft beer...ice cold of course!<P>Could somebody pump it while I am off on a field trip today?<P>

Great I can use a good party. I'm bringing the Mai Tais and can we say Kareoke!!!!

This time I too refuse to be the designated driver. Why do I always get to drive... is it because I have the biggest van so all the slush heads can ride safely? This time I refuse. <P>I'll bring margaritas and buckets of guacamole.<P>Oh yea, and my husband. He's a blast at parties. I'm kinda shy at parties, so I let him break the ice for me.<P>We'll even bring the three kids ages 11, 12 and 13. They are not shy at all. And they know more then all of us adults put together.. just ask them.<P>Z<p>[This message has been edited by zorweb (edited June 06, 2001).]

AH HA!<P>Lurkers always emerge for a party <P>Sorry for my poor hosting...let's just say I inadvertantly got locked in the garage when I went for more ice. Frozen strawberries & whipped cream to make it up to y'all.<P>Judy--er, is pin the tail on the donkey for the party or a suggestion for me & Guard? I'm glad you guys are doing well too. My H seems a bit apprehensive about having my full attention for 5 days . Maybe I'll get him to the party this pm.<P>Free--I know you used to be someone else. I myself used to be Lor, not Lor (Lor). Ya see my problem with creativity : ? It is wonderful that you are seeing some good effort from your H, it makes a huge difference.<BR><p>[This message has been edited by Lor (Lor) (edited June 06, 2001).]

Nyneve--I still remember your old identity WOO HOO, I am good! I got hooked on Dos Equis in Mexico, but I like Corona as well, especially with that little lime slice. It's beer-thirty (time for beer) somewhere in the world. Public sex...well, you have jogged my memory, we are considering golfing on Thurs., if the weather is nice & Guard can take off work, and we have played strip golf before. I'm a terrible golfer and once home, I forgot my undies were in the pocket of his club bag...wondered what the heck had happened to 'em...And, just in case you are really wondering about the details...I took them off in the strategically placed Porta potty. That was part of my Plan A during a separation . I'm thinking I had moments of being a complete nut. (like that has ended )<P>HBH--chocolate!!! My kids are 13 & 15...they could be persuaded to take the little ones off to the playground...payment in cheesecake a definite possibility.<P>Janie--hey, I have seen you posting here & there. 2 years ago we didn't have a whole lot of hope, did we...? I'm glad things are going better for you. And suggesting music, see you are an old-timer, it completely slipped my mind. (moving the CD player also to the deck).<P>ZZZ--welcome. First time for everything... I do get a little crazy with tequila. Just call me Tequila Sheila and clear the upper rail for dancing. I like your day by day suggestion, definitely steaks one night, maybe turn them into oscar torenadoes---with hollandais, asparagus & crab...yum, haven't made that in forever.<BR>

Your steaks sound good. Do bring that recipe

Hey Lor,<P>Guess what? Canadian beer is just as good and STRONG as the Mexican stuff!! It's just hard to get your hands on... esp. here in Canada, since alcohol is gov't regulated. You have to go to a special store, doncha know? The BEER STORE and they don't sell liquor there, oh no, that's at the LCBO, a specific store that sells liquor, although I think it's spelled "liquour" and them "u"'s is getting confusing ~ neighbour, behaviour, etc. I can't spell in my old American life, how'm I 'spose to make it here??? <P>Nekid golfing, eh? Ah yes!! With these sagging body parts I could accidently hit my boobie and cause some real damage ~ better keep my knickers on, heh heh <P>**and if I have just offended anyone tell me and I'll edit that remark out... no offense intended!