What can I say? As Saturdays go, yesterday was very different. Krl was in a tizz, trying to finish her flower beds and flower projects. She had to clean 'cuz "company" is a coming! Refining the menu and then filling it at the grocery store, all the above while leaving adequate time to cook.

Krl had been trying to get hold of Jeanie since late morning. While they had talked in gereral time frame, Krl hadn't told Jeanie exactly what time supper would be. As we were heading to the store I asked Krl to try calling Jeanie once more. No answer. As we began down the street we met Jeanie and we followed her to her driveway. When she hopped out she immediately announced, "Steve said we are going to have to cancel". Krl asked "Why?". and Jeanie replied, "Steve wants to wait until the weather is better!" OoohK!

As we continued to the store, Krl and I were discussing what the weather had to do with the cancellation. Finally we decided that it had nothing to do with it as we were cooking out (but could have cooked on the back porch), but probably had more to do with Steve not feeling very well. He is scheduled for some surgery in mid-June.

We decided not to dwell on the why's of the cancellation, Krl had made preparations for company and when Krl gets ready for company, we're going to have company. I handed the phone over to Krl and she called Trc and invited her and her family over. "I don't know, maybe burgers and hotdogs" she said. "O.K., six-thirty" and hung up the phone. Krl told me that the "cheergirl" and the "prez" already had plans but Trc, Brently and Kat would be here. When Krl and I began through the store I told her, "Let's keep to the original menu, just add some grilled wieners to the list." She agreed and we continued on and made quick work of the shopping. It was a good thing because our checker took her time!

When we returned home, we unloaded the groceries and began putting them up. The final thing we had purchased at the store was some additional potting soil for Krl's final project. As soon as the last grocery item was up, Krl brought her yard cart to the front and I loaded her three hundred pounds of soil into it. (I kind of felt like a parent putting a child in the back yard sand box). At four o'clock I had programmed the oven to begin preheating. After checking it, I began washing "taters" and wrapping them in foil. I retrieved the ice cream freezer from the garage and rinsed it out and laid all the components for Krl's ice cream alongside. I had prepared a time line for everything and shortly Krl came in to begin her part of the meal. At five-forty I told her we needed to have the grill heating, the ice cream going and her corn on the cob needed to be over the heat! Everything progressed almost effortlessly and at six-thirty I was buttering Texas toast while the Bush beans were heating. When Trc, Brently and Kat arrived, it was all ready and waiting! Some steaks, a couple of butterfly pork chops I had found, Earl Campbell sausage, St. Lawrence sausage, beef wieners, baked 'taters, Bush beans, corn on the cob, Texas toast and ice tea. Sounds like a small slice of Texas heaven to me!

Probably one advantage to having family over is the fact that they have lived with you and don't expect everything to be perfect! Last evening was, good food and a good time!

As an added bonus, Kat decided to stay the night with us! She and her Meme are "buds".

If you are in Abilene and go by United on Buffalo Gap, you need to run in there and see the outdoor kitchen they are giving away. It is gorgeous! Krl and Trc have been on me to shop for a new grill but I don't see any need right now, especially since I am going to win this big one from United! (Those that know me and my luck know the only thing I have ever won in my life is the draft lottery!). If you don't enter you can't win so Krl and I register everytime we are in that store.

Finally a calm night for most of the Big Country. I know several of the outlying town have to be tired of being battered. Lots of hail and high winds. Mother Nature has really been in a mood.

Well, let's have a day!

Be the real deal!

FATHER, you are great.