Sue and I had started the party Friday night after work. We both had chiropractor appointments in Hampton and after that we were heading over to Newmarket to check out a small tavern over there for dinner. But on the way up Rt. 1, Sue suggested we stop off at the N.H. Liquor Store and grab a bottle of Tequila for the party.

Well, when we came out we could smell the cooking at Renaldo's Italian Restaurant just a few doors down and just could not resist!

We lucked out Saturday eveing the 21st as the rain and cold weather we had been experiencing ceased for about 6 hours so we could all sit outside on the deck for the first part of The Great 2011 Mr Rogers Cinco De Mayo Memorial Backgammon Tournament And Lose The Sweater Fiesta.

As last year, this party was a combination of celebrating both Mr Rogers and Cinco De Mayo, complete with my Santa Fe Rice And Beans: a tradition now. The Corona was flowing and Sue had a pitcher of Margaritas going, though I didn't dare mix the two of those!

Sue and I went shopping for the food around 3:00pm and I set to food prep as soon as we got back so that by the time folks started to arrive I could take some time and relax.

As I mentioned the weather was so nice that everyone was out on the deck having fun and playing backgammon. Then we realized that today at 6:05pm was supposed to be The Rapture from that nut Harold Camping who had predicted the end of the world would happen. Well, as the clouds started to roll over us around 6:00pm it turned cool and the wind picked up to the point where around 7:00pm it started to sprinkle. It wasn't the rapture, and no one was taken up, but it did force everyone to grab the boards and come inside.

Toward the end of the party, as we were getting ready for the movie of the night (the really fun movie RED), I decided to break out the Jack Daniels for a toast to those of us remaining who were not taken up in the rapture but who would be smitten in October. Note to self: nice job on the Dr. Jack; you didn't overdue it. Remember that....

---

I got everything laid out for the Sante Fe Rice and Beans dinner that I had planned. It took about 45 minutes to do all of the prep work and that left me time to have a beer and play some backgammon.

Sue and Tim pretending to get along. When you're over the board, you have no friends....

Sue laughing at Tim's unsolicited advice. Tim, she—doesn't—care....

Rick can't believe it....

Good friends, some laughs, and a Corona: how could it get any better.

Rick in da house, ready to play!

Eleanne brought her daughter, but I didn't get a chance to play backgammon with her I was so busy with food activity. Next time!

Getting down to the cooking.

There was some stove top stuff to do while other stuff cooked in the oven.

A break in the games for some picture review. We also had to move inside about 7:00pm because it started to rain. That was the worst of The Supposed Rapture that we experienced: We were only swept up inside the condo.

Steve trying to teach Melinda how to play backgammon so that then we can all pick on her next time!

The Sante Fe Rice and Beans turned out to be a little too spicy, so we had some fruit and yogurt on hand. It's tough being a kid....

You guys can't gloat unless you're over the board, so this must just be a 'happy smile' deal....

Tim, the girls just don't want to hear it. Have another beer and relax.

Colin swung by for awhile and had dinner with us before heading back out to help a friend move.

Looks like one of the final games of the night before eating.

Excellent instructional process, Tim. I'm sure she appreciated your insights and thoughtful suggestions.

Here's Colin not wanting his picture taken.

Here's Colin really not wanting his picture taken.

Sue pouring out the last of the Margaritas; a sad moment.