dinner with neighbors

My mom and I are invited to a barbecue at Ted and Cindy’s.  We see Cindy at the beach and because the weather is so beautiful she says, "I've changed the time from four to five-fifteen.  But if you decide to stay a little longer at the beach and come later, that's fine.  We are very casual."  

At 4:45, my mom comes into the sunroom where I'm sitting.  She is dressed and looks great.  She sees me still in my bathing suit and unwashed hair and is stunned.  "Why aren't you getting ready?"  "I was just about to," I tell her.  "I want to leave by five,"  she announces.

Cindy and Ted live two houses over and across the street.  My mom is never, ever late. Arriving somewhere late could be her biggest fear.  So I suggest she go over whenever she wants and I'll meet her there.  "I am not going alone."  My mom is adamant.  We must arrive together.  Ah, so much pressure on the Cape.  I rush to get ready.  

We leave at 5:18 and arrive two minutes later.  The only other couple invited is Ardis and her husband Peter; they arrive after us.  The other guests are already there because they are staying there: Matt (Cindy’s son), Renee (her daughter), Brian (Renee's husband) and  their gorgeous 4-year old son (Caleb).

My mom looks beautiful, and defies her age.

Matt is the chef and man’s the barbecue.  He has many talents, and cooking is among them.  

 Caleb is gorgeous and steals everyone’s heart. 

The food is excellent, though the sangria tastes devoid of alcohol, making it just a bit too easy to drink more than I should.

Somehow though, my mom and I are able to maneuver the golf cart across the street and home, where Ellie greets us at the door.