BPMDS Chuckwagon Cookout 10/27/13

Billed as a "Chuck wagon Cookout Dinner," you wouldn't expect Hawaiian beach weather. While a few days ago it was supposed to be "above average temperature," it turned out to be a real "out on the range" kind of weather. Cool temperatures (OK, mid 60's), clouds and occasional wind gusts really brought out the Wild West Chuckwagon feeling. As a best count, 57 folks representing 21 families showed their True Grit with hearty dishes, things on the grill, and dressed to stay the course. Why we came close to a record number of dogs too - 15 showed up. Alas, there were five families that signed up, but didn't show up or we would have had 18 more folks!

Several families brought "little red wagons." While it might have been fun to pull them all in a wagon train, the kids were off playing on the grass or swings, and it (as expected) got dark so fast the younger ones headed back to their corrals and stalls on the early side. Great labs Roxy & Beau almost looked like they could have been harnessed to a wagon ... but not quite.

We'd postulated a campfire sing along, and two guitars showed up. As many headed home in the gloom and there was little incentive to sing songs in the dark park, Sandy Van Mell invited those interested back to the Van Mell house for a song fest in front of a fire. After lots of helping hands loaded the tables and stuff into George's van, a few headed for the Van Mell house for a wonderful postscript. George Jacob, Michael & Gabrielle, and Marla settled in with Rick & Michael playing guitars for an hour and a half.

Chisholm Trail, Tom Dooley, Red River Valley, St. James Infirmary, Scotch & Soda, City of New Orleans, and Take Me Home, Country Roads echoed around the room with a fire blazing (and Teak asking to go out and come in!)

So, it was great way to wrap up the 2013 Bubb Park Mothers & Dogs Society season, with our friends Bagels & Babies. So, here's the table of attendees for our last event of 2013 as best we got them. Enjoy and see you next year!

If you'd like the original image file of any picture, email Rick at vanmells@ix.netcom.com

George brought it here ...	Scott lit the Grills ...	Grill work table	Getting set up ...
dessert section too ...	sign-in station ...	water station.	Attention dogs ...
food there?	Scott & Michelle ...	think it's ready.	Penny's happy.
16 year old Teak anticipates	Becky's got warm food!	Riley's ready ...	Norabell too!
Happy times.	Marla's happy too.	Signing in!	What broken collarbone?
Yes, it was him.	Heaven: mac & cheese.	Elliott's ready.	"The Boys" arrive.
But I don't want to pull the wagon!	Doggie scrum	OK, sorted out.	Lots of goodies
On the move	Dad & daughter	But I thought ...	this was mine!
Rick's in character.	Riley & Frieda	Jean & Little Bear	Another guitar arrives
Family smiles	All is well ...	around the ...	tables ...
OK, you two ...	smile!	Sam copes.	Happy family
Dad is happy too.	Dog time ...	puppy arrives	All smiles
It's a guy thing ...	grilling.	Girl power!	Chelsea power!
Kim & Maverick	A perfect Rhoads!	Dessert anyone?