Chocolate Party

This year we moved the party up the hill. Aimee offered to host at her place and Heidi and I thought it might be fun to do something different. Lots of Mammoth folks, not as many Gardiner-ites this year. But some great food and some great fun!

Fur Ball

Every year the Stafford Animal Shelter throws a fantastic “ball” to raise money. There’s a silent auction and a live one with great items that are donated. Last year, the food was fantastic, the lines were short and the wine flowed freely. This year, they sold more tickets and expected that folks would move around as they ate so that people would circulate through the seats. I don’t know who thought that this would be a good idea or even feasible but it made it a little less enjoyable. Also, the food just didn’t have as much pop. I splurged on a martini and it was okay but not fantastic. Hopefully Vicki will be on the volunteer board again next year so we’ll get to hear what the plan is but I’ve got to say, if I’m spending $75, I would hope for something a little better than what we were given. I want good food that I can eat in one to two bites. They did a fantastic job in 2010 and I hope it gets back to that.
Other than that, over twenty people from Gardiner came, which was a huge percentage of the town and a great percentage of the number of people that actually showed up. A great chance to reconnect with some folks that I don’t normally get to see and probably won’t get to see with the business of summer coming up.

Fancy eyeliner from Birchbox. Pretty but it itched after awhile

Me and Pat

Laurel and Leigh Anne

Heidi and Leigh Anne

Leigh Anne and me

Sixth Annual Chocolate Party

On September 11th, we had our sixth annual Chocolate party. Not as many people as usual but it was later in the season and on a Sunday. Still, 25-ish people isn't a bad turnout. There were some awesome dishes (Christie's Mexican dish was AWESOME) and some not so great dishes (my chocolate hummus didn't turn out like I had hoped.) It was a gorgeous day with friends and wonderful food.

Chocolate Party

It was the year of the third annual Gardiner Chocolate Party. We had over 20 people show up. Of course, when you put it in the news letter and announce it at yoga, people tend to come. We even had a white trash fire. Just like the one in my back yard. Every edible thing was chocolate (except the red wine.) There was hot chocolate, chocolate tea, chili, chicken mole, mousse, french silk pie, double chocolate pie, and more. The chicken mole that Heidi made was wonderful and she even posted the recipes! I live in a great town!