House Status: Warmed and Toasted

We survived!

Paul and I were ready at 2 p.m. hot water boiled, cold water chilling.  And we paced a bit waiting.  As expected with an open house, people could come at any time.  Paul suggested betting on who and when the first guest would arrive, when Grant appeared by bicycle!  A beat later, more people showed up bearing gifts and food to share. 

People continued to arrive in a steady stream, until 3 p.m. when there was a big wave: Wendy, Olivia, Tip Tip, and Lorena with their spouses, and some neighbours.  Ack!  Suddenly the house was too small!  We directed people downstairs and to the backyard.  I felt a little overwhelmed juggling drinks, giving mini tours, and making introductions. 

I'd envisioned help from Kevin and Celina in handing out canapes and drinks, but instead they were better - they entertained.  Kevin: "We'll be all sophisticated around your cool, hip friends."  And then he and Oliver did just that half-imitating-half-playing what they thought would be sophistication (but was more like slapstick).  They helped moved outdoor furniture and set people laughing.

Together with Celina, they drew on the fridge white-board, adding to Catherine and Jaclyn's sketches, trash talked, and created silly narratives for the mashed up scenes.  Soon there was a crowd around the fridge.  (I regret not having a large poster board for people to have more space to draw and write.)

More people came and left.  I wish there was more time to talk.

My attempts at an egg-free menu turned out o.k. (most importantly the tofu quiche for Kevin and Celina).  We'd been extremely lucky with the weather and the predicted thunderstorms only started after everyone had gone.

Earlier, Kevin had presumed, "When you guys are listening to some music it'll be all de-de-lo-do-lie-lid-li-dit, to Mozart or Beethoven." (Paul's response: Mozart goes di-di-di?).  When Paul brought the beats for cleaning up, it was actually the Black Eyed Peas.  So there!

The finally tally: Grant, Claude, Jamie, Tim, Sukh, Harpreet, Kieran, Agit, Surinda, Kristy, Clint, Oliver, Kevin, Celina, Ross, Sonia, Marjorie, Paulette, Brendan P., Cristen, Ami, Ohad, Val, Brendan, Rhianne, Chris, Erik, Kathy, Neil, Beth, Michael, Alison, Catherine, Jaclyn, Mary Anne, Donna, Rhonda, Li, Tip Tip, Lorena, Joseph, Nicholas, Christiana, Andrea, Andrew, Sherry, David, Grace, Darren, Brad, Prabdeep, and Erica... over 50 people! 

What an great turn out!  And such lovely thoughtful gifts (Coconut is pleased). 

Thanks to everyone for coming.  Marshmallows have been toasted.  The house has been thoroughly warmed.