July 23 - Richard, Sharon, Dante, Bob, Irina, Hays, Shannon, and Brent H.

Tonight was the biggest gathering this year - the guests included Mike's uncle Richard, aunt Sharon, and cousin Dante, as well as our friends Bob and Irina, former UGA debater Hays, current GSU debater Shannon and former Emory debater Brent Hansford. Brent Culpepper was still staying with us at the time, but he agreed to babysit for Mike's dissertation advisor Ed Panetta and his wife Patti Gorham while they attended a black-tie dinner dance for Patti's law firm, so he missed out on the night's festivities.

The menu tonight consisted of fresh vegetable salad (which made great leftovers); baked sweet potato fries (which turned out kinda mushy, but still tasted good); BBQ turkey breast; and onion, cheddar and chive biscuits (I don't know what happened here, but Irina's question sums it up nicely: "Oh - are these cookies?") The libation selection was a Czech beer, Pilsner Urquell. We also had some fantastic dessert options. Sharon made a wonderful New York-style cheesecake, which she transported all the way from Augusta (well, actually Appling, but how many of you out there know where that is?!). Shannon brought a strawberry cream pie, and we also had an Oreo cookie cake on hand as well.

Special thanks to Bob and Irina for the beautiful hostess gift - I love the tea cups. Also, thanks to the Sartini family for traveling so far to see us. We are looking forward to seeing your new house the next time we can make it to Augusta for more than a couple of hours! Finally, good luck to Brent H. as you make the move to NYC and to Hays as you transition into the crazy life of Liberty University. And, for Shannon, thanks for not hating Mike any more!