An Evening of Fire and Smoke

March 22, 2025

Yesterday, knowing we had friends coming over for “An Evening of Fire and Smoke.” Bruce named the party this in his invite. Having friends over really motivated Bruce to finish several projects. Thanks, S and C!

Bruce put replaced the broken screen door pneumatic closer and put up the missing wind chain.

Bruce got the dresser legs replacement project done.

I was able to get my side of the bedroom cleaned up. I was thrilled to have access to the closet.

Bruce put up the doorbell that had been sitting on the pink bathroom counter since we bought the house. The doorbell was old, but it works and sounds nice!

Bruce finished putting up the “Platinum Series #5” in the dinning room.

In keeping with the theme of the evening, we ordered smoked brisket, smoked chicken and a 1/2 smoked baloney chub from Mitchell’s Smoked Meats. We also ordered hot mustard slaw and some macaroni and cheese.

I made the buns, caramelized onion dip, guacamole dip and a hummingbird cake.

Bruce also purchased two single malt smoky scotches to serve. He also bought hard cider and a box of mixed craft beer.

When our friends arrived, Bruce took them around and showed off the property while I finished making the cake frosting. I then spread it on the cake and decorated the cake with chopped pecans, pecan halves, coconut shreds, a small amount of pineapple and sparkling sugar.

I put out the folding table with our camping table cloth to act as a buffet.

I went out to see how our guests were doing. They were ready for a tour of the house. They came in through the garage and laughed at the mess the odd room is! It is still full of boxes.

We offered drinks when they made it to the kitchen, which they accepted.

They were amused by the pink bathroom. They admired the rest of the house.

We ate snacks and then the main meal. I toasted the buns I made under the broiler and burned the first batch. Luckily, I had made more. These I watched until they were perfectly toasted.

We finished dinner and moved to the living room just in time to watch the sun go down from the picture window.

I suggested to was a great time to get the bonfire started since it was still light, but would be dark soon.

They guys took their scotch and headed out to start the fire.