Claudia, you can come any time. Plus, driving a hot rod home to California from Michigan sounds like a great deal of fun. Next to visiting here, of course. (grin)

I'll cook for him, tell him that!

Annie

What a great hostess you are and what fun to meet San in person! I remember San specifically because I was born in NH and still have family there.

We sure don't have Forum Friends get-togethers like we use to so I'm glad to see this.

Yes I miss reading, seeing, and being jealous about all the forum get-togethers. I've only had a few, but they were fun. Ah, the good old days. How fitting to meet someone from the good old days. (Hi San!)

I must have been inspired telepathically because I made the cider-braised tenderloins on Thursday! Great dish - every time I make it I wonder why I don't make it more often.

Glad you all had fun!

Wish I had known she was in our home state, I would have loved to have given her a real hug instead of a virtual one. San is one of my CF angels! Think of her all the time and miss her!

Wonder woman and super hostess! ;)

San & I were swap partners way back. We did ours separate from the group the first time around. Artie loved the catnip bag she included in her package. I finally tossed it after he died. Didn't matter how many new toys he got, he still loved that funky bag the most. He'd lick it until it was soaked.

Speaking of swaps ... you were the one who introduced me to Honeycup mustard when you sent a jar along with homemade blueberry syrup and a few other things. I used some (not the same jar) the other night to do oven fried chicken with Panko.

Oh, I remember...and forgot...the Honeycup Mustard, gotta find some. Thanks for the memories and sharing handsome Artie.

BTW, I love your front yard.

Annie,

Thanks for the invitation we would love to stop by for a
visit but after figuring out the cost to bring the car back into California it
added about half again to the price of the car which was pricy enough. We are planning
a move out of California DH said he would look again when we get to a more friendly
place.

Claudia

Wow, what a blast from the past! I miss San and think of her often. Looks like you did a wonderful job (as you always do) making her feel at home!

But no Croquet match? It sounds like a splendid time with old friends! I miss San, it's good to see her smiling face! I'll never forget the surprise anniversary gift that she sent to us. What a generous and sweet lady!

What fun.....and to meet San-ta for real! I envy you!.

You are the hostess with the most-est, for sure. I'm glad y'all had fun. I remember San, too. What a lovely place you have.

Sally

The food you prepared looks so delicious. And it sounds like a wonderful time all around. Thanks for sharing. It's heartwarming to read about these real-life connections.

I also have fond memories of San - she sent me a white an silver candy dish that I love and have displayed ever since I received it, and so it reminds me of her often.

This is a great time of year for cherry pies, and I planned to make another one but forgot to buy cherries. The season lasts for a few months, however, according the last package of Washington cherries I bought. It said the season lasted through September, and so I still have some time. I do wish I had lard for the crust.

I like pappardelle noodles thick, and so they would have been perfect for me, and the sauce also sounds perfect, even though I seldom make cream sauces.

I just got a note from San, who wanted me to tell you all that she's reading the posts and she misses the fun we had "back in the day". (grin) She also said that it's nice to see so many old friends, still around and still cooking.

L, I'm sorry I didn't let you know, I figured you had your hands full with your Dad and didn't need anything else to do at this point. I should have let you decide that.

Linda, it's been too long, we should get together too. After you move, which I just did and it takes forever, you'll need a vacation after that!

Ellen, no time for croquet, just enough for eating and talking and generally enjoying her wonderful company. Maybe croquet lessons for me next time...

Sally and Cathy, I'm glad you like the front yard, although I guess it's actually the side yard, since the house faces East, overlooking the pond, but the road is on the north, as is the driveway. So the entry to the house is on the north. Is that front or side? LOL (Hey, the pasture is on the south, THAT'S my favorite) Did you notice my resident geese out there, probably pooping all over the grass, nasty dirty birds.

LindaC, I remember you used to call her "San-ta". And true to her name, she didn't come empty handed. She brought some habanero catsup for Elery, and some hot pepper jelly and raspberry chipotle sauce, and some pizelle for me and chips and lots of other goodies! I sent her home with salsa, since she was flying I didn't want to load her up on the plane.

Elery is loving this stuff, he's had it on everything from omelettes to potatoes!

I think we're going to try this on the rye krisps with a bit of cream cheese. I'm thinking the ginger/pepper might be something I'd like.

San says she loves those Snapea crisps, so we're trying those next!

Oh, and Lars, my new pasta maker just came yesterday, so no more thick pasta here, unless you come to visit, then I'll hand roll it, just for you!

Annie

First, Annie, I meant to comment on the fun, fun, fun cake pics and ribbon results -- a post that made me truly smile.

Second, I can tell that you had a wonderful meal and good time as evidenced by San's smile. What fun and the overnight cinnamon rolls? Sign me up. At first, I thought that was ice cream and then I thought, well, that would work too.

San probably doesn't remember me, but I remember her from the Birdwatching forum many, many, many years ago:) There were a few regulars (Joe from NH, Jo and Al from New York, Nancy from RI (I think). I had to put my binoculars down for a bit, but there used to be a tremendous amount of camaraderie and fun on that forum. San was involved in all of it.

I'm so glad you were able to give a real life hug.

Cathy in SWPA

Nice. I'm glad you got to meet. I think of San often. ..whenever I use the lovely (short stems so I won't knock 'em over) glasses she sent me in a well-timed care package. Glad you are well San!

Food looks great. I wish I had a transporter, I'd show up for dinner.

This is a nice thread. We haven't had a CF meet up thread for a long while.

We don't seem to get together as much as we used to, John, and I miss my friends. Sherry/sheshebop also stopped a couple of weeks ago, she's moved since her husband passed away. She only spent one night, because Elery and I had to leave for Tennessee, his BIL passed away from cancer the day Sherry arrived. So, she spent the night and the next morning she started north for Nancy/wizardnm and we started south. I was sorry to cut that visit short.

Annie

Nice to see San. You are such a generous host, Annie. I'm sure yu two had a ball. I have enjoyed the get-togethers I've gone to. I will make it to Michigan some day. Gotta visit my FB friend Elery, Bud and the Monkey Princess. Oh, you too, Annie.

I am getting close to the time when I will be able to travel more, which should be next year. I definitely have Michigan on my list (summer only, however, which is booked up for 2016), and so it will probably be 2017 before I will be able to go. I have a few matters to get settled in Texas this year still. I can take the pasta thin or thick, however!! I will be over as soon as possible!

What a lovely picture! These meet ups always make me feel nostalgic. Such an interesting group of kind and generous cooks.

Arabellamiller!!! I'm so happy to see you here again. How is everything? I'll bet the kids are nearly grown up. (sigh)

Lars, you just come to Michigan whenever you can, I'll be here. I got my new pasta machine from Amazon, too, so I'm ready...

Pam, I have a spot, just for you. Come on!

Annie

Nice to see you too Annie, my friend. I truly appreciate Elery's kind messages on FB on all the holidays!

Elery's messages on Facebook are very sweet. I always feel like they keep me in touch with you and the family.

I will be sure to let him know that he is appreciated on FB, since I refuse to participate, LOL.

Annie