Avast! And hear this, now. I had me an annual Talk Like A Pirate backgammon dinner party, I did. Was a lot of fun, it were. So, I'll run the 'hole story out for ye here.

But if ye'd only want the short splice of it, well then, here it is. I started cooking about 3:00pm as the stew was going to have to simmer for a few hours so wanted to get a head start on that. Took longer than I thought, but was great. It was mostly my own concoction of stew meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, some diced tomatoes, corn, raisins, green pimiento-stuffed olives, cinnamon, paprika, hot pepper sauce, rum, dark beer, and pineapple chunks. What a combo, right? Yeah, well it was met with rave reviews by the assembled ship's company!

After we all ate, I put the movie of the night in, Resident Evil: Extinction as the movie I had wanted to show (Mutiny On The Bounty) didn't arrive in time. But we had a good time, regardless of that, we did. And even me parrot, Backgammoned Jack, partook in the celebrations with a few too many nips a'rum, he did. But, to see those pictures, you'll have to be a'goin' through this 'hole page itself. So, be off, now, with ye, and don't be tryin' to get 'ol Backgammoned Jack to speaking ill of me or any of me hearties or you'll be walkin' the plank out back, ye will!

Movie of the night was supposed to have been Mutiny On The Bounty (the 1962 version with Marlon Brando, Trevor Howard, and Richard Harris). I say supposed to have been because for the first time NetFlix either screwed up or they didn't get my return movies in time. I usually drop them in the box and the returns are back to me in 2 days; this one took 6!

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Just back from shopping. There's well over a hundred dollars of great mixings sitting there calling out to me to get going! Where's me beer, me hearties? I can't be fixing no vittles without some grog, now!

Tim and Rick arrived about the same time and are ready to get it started. News flash guys: I 'started' about 45 minutes ago....

This is me 'started'....

Ahoy! And here's Backgammoned Jack, returned from last year's pary to greet everyone and perhaps crap on their shoulder as they pass! Easy, there, Backgammoned Jack....

Rick and Gary pushing the checkers for all they're worth. But how about the cube, guys? No guts, no glory!

Cindy House made this up for me. How appropriate! Arrrrrr....

Sure, Tim, your sword is ready, but are you ready to do it over the board?

Still fixated on that damn sword? Can't win against me with that crap. I'd just take it away from you and stick it up your ass. Now, over the board would be a far more interesting battle field. Oh, by the way Tim, how'd you make out over the board with me next Friday night? How'd that work out for you?

I think Marissa and Courtney are harassing poor Gary.

Michael and Eleanne arrive. Eleanne, where's your sailing gear?

Michael wastes no time in getting into the mix with Tim. Nice patch, matey. Hey, Tim. Maybe Michael would be impressed with that sword waving and bad talk you were throwing my way?

I'm either in the kitchen to stir the stew or get another beer. Or... possibly, both.

Posing for my hungry fans as the stew continues to simmer. Sure-sure, let's get on with it! Takes time, mateys. Takes time....

Is Eleanne pointing her finger at some imagined Position of Doom on the board, or what? Does Rick care? Probably not. Throw, double, take, or pass. Pointing? Naw.....

We don't stop the games just to eat. We play through!

Marissa showing me her terrific semester 3.47 grade results. That's my girl!

A rare smile. Is it because I'm full, won a game, or have snapped the head off of some student for something? I'm not telling....

Rick dares to take on my Fists Of Doom. How rude....

Gary and Courtney midgame.

Just throw the dice, Linda. Don't roll 'em around in your hand like Rick does saying, "What's that sound you hear? It's the sound of the train comin' to get you!"

All hands are on deck!

Marissa patiently waiting for the FOP to get finished fooling around and get the movie of the night started - which, by the way, was from her archives and her selection: Resident Evil: Extinction. You just have to love Milla....