The party went well. Guests liked the food, but given the nature of the crowd, a half dozen bags of chips and some dips would have been adequate to keep it going for a few hours. It's a group of people who once gathered often, but now are busy with grandchildren and sports schedules and such, and just don't see each other much. Gales of laughter, and no, Peg, nothing near a gunshot.

Our boys came up from Baton Rouge, with their young lady friends. The boys enjoyed spending time with familiar elders and the girls seemed to be not bored.

As we get older, this party becomes shorter and shorter. It started at seven and the house was clear by 11:30. Next year, I think we'll move it back to 6:30, so people can be home by 10 or 10:30.

Of course, I picked up something, and have been shivering in double socks for two days in 55 degree weather. It seems to be passing. Lyman's been under the weather since, too.