Today was the cul-de-sac's annual Memorial Day carry-in supper. It started about 4:00. When you see tents in the middle of the street and a ball game going at the end of the street, you know it's a real family thing. When a guy pulls up in a pick-up and starts pumping up an inflatable jumping castle, you know this is the golden ghetto. Opposite the tents on the sidewalk are four grills and twice as many beer coolers; you know this isn't a senior citizen gathering. It was bring your own drinks and meat for the grill which of course meant a good sized cooler for both of these. I think there are eleven house on our cul-de-sac but there had to be well over fifty adults there. Even the people who sold us their house came back. With kids at one end of the street playing baseball and soccer and the inflated jumping castle at the other end there was some serious imbibing going on in the middle. There were salads, hors d'oeuvres, chips and dip, plus the usual picnic desserts. Keri brought the twins over and they were a big hit. The twins saw things they've never seen before including a few dogs. After the lengthy cocktail hour someone finally threw some meat on the barbee and we began to get serious about eating. After dinner the adults divided up between men and women and the stories began. There was more laughing coming from the male circle so one can imagine the stories. Finally the male adults decided to play a soccer game while their wives stood by the side calculating which of their husbands would get hurt first.
As I write this at 8:45, things are still going strong. The adult soccer game has gone coed, the jumpers at the castle are still jumping and there are some serious discussions near the beer coolers.
With most of the adult attendees in their late 30's and early 40's-oh, to be 25 years younger.
Just another Sunday in the hood.