So, the pistou and the beef bourguignonne were the most expensive and delicious dishes so far this season. But the evening was a little more flat than I would have like. Although, the impromptu bellydance class on the front lawn was a big help, (thank you, K).

I worked too hard. Guests kept arriving at all times, so I had to keep getting up and helping them get food. My husband/cohost was sick from a shot in the arm, so I said I would cover for him in the childcare division. Baby spoons, explaining why kids wouldn't like wine, picking up dropped food and chucking it into the yard rather than going inside the house to throw it away, etc.

Notes for next time, REALLY feed the kids in advance. REALLY get a kids video from the library. Don't help late comers figure out the soup. Bring all the wine out to the porch at the beginning. And don't actually cook for two days straight.

That being said, it was great to close out the season with good friends and good food.

So, we will not say good-bye; let us say "adieu."