Lots of good things came together. Anne and Bob Essner had graciously volunteered their house at 1301 Westway Drive for the event. Then Anne became LSPOA Social Chairwoman and got stuck with the work and the mess; assisted, happily, by a sturdy crew of volunteers who schlepped tables and chairs (courtesy of the City of Sarasota), helped set up, and did a splendid job of cleaning up when all the captains and the kings had departed. Thank you, thank you, all of you who made that work so well!
A word about the scene: we all tiptoed through the bushes around the house to the back, the same route followed by the Sarasota firemen during the famous smoked brisket alert (of which more later). There’s a front door facing Westway Drive, but the house really faces onto New Pass, with a wonderful view across to Longboat Key and to the Gulf of Mexico.
The spaces between the house and its swimming pool are excellent for entertaining, even for a party as large as this one — about seventy people, including about ten LSPOA alumnae and alumni (classical training!). The view towards an elegant sunset was beautiful — and nobody fell in the swimming pool (Bob Essner had thoughtfully turned the heater on just in case).
Lots of good food; we’ll single out only Bob’s tasty barbecued ribs and smoked brisket, famous also for alarming MaryAnn Armour’s secretary, who then called the fire department on the smoker. (click for November 6 post: "Where There's Smoke"). The tables were filled with people chowing down so that the hubbub of conversation dropped a few decibels. The bar, tended by Laszlo and Szylvia, did a brisk business. It was also the site of the very active dessert table.
To show that we don’t waste a minute, LSPOA President Bob Garvin made a pest of himself getting guests to proof-read their own entries in the forthcoming 2012 Neighborhood Directory. Some of the handwriting reflected the effect of a glass or two of wine. Database Manager Kathy Edstrom liked the results anyway. A memorable potluck. Or is it potlatch? A hard act to to follow. Thank you Anne and Bob Essner!
~BG
Editors Note: Lisa Kates reports the food drive to benefit All Faiths Food Bank netted 89-pounds of non-perishable food. Thanks to those who donated. Credit is also due Lisa for her clever blending of decor by placing cans of food on the tables along with candles designed not to blow out. Anne says not to forget the dolphin show...especially the babies! Oh, for a camera!
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| Lisa, Janet, Susie, Ramona, Anne and Sally happily sporting LidoWear© |
A couple of other notes: Bob G's new book "Neighbors" sold briskly, as did our first offering of LidoWear© caps and t-shirts. We started with 4-dozen each, and have 9 caps and 6 Tee's left. The remainder will be on sale next at Sunday's November 20th Sunset Gathering.
~BT
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