No this is not an ad for Verizon. And as for the trolls out there.... Ready? Set? Troll Away! To me you are only demonstrating your own shortcomings and (I'll be honest) occasional cleverness. But I digress.

I know how tough the times are and how difficult (even in the best of times) it is to get together with friends and family. Let's be honest a modest barbecue for 5 - 10 people can cost 100's of dollars and a "formal dinner party" much more. I feel like I (well actually what's her name, cuz she's so much smarter than me) (and no she doesn't read these) have come up with a good solution.

We recently hosted a ....Wait for it.... pot luck barbecue. So what's new about this? not a damn thing. Why am I writing about it? When, not counting work or the church, have you been to or had a pot luck? If you're like me,  then not in a long time, if ever..(okay never)

How did it  work out? FANTASTICALLY! Many of the people that I have been missing in my life attended, No one felt any (I hope) financial pressure to out perform any one else and a great time was had by all.

Well what about entertainment and distraction? You would be amazed at how quickly (and chaotically) 6 grown men can set up a horseshoe pit along the back fence and a dart board on the oak tree. And for the Kids it doesn't get any simpler than a sprinkler and a couple of hoses.

What about beverages? It was agreed in advance that what's her name and myself would provide The BBQ pit a couple of 10 pound bags of chicken leg quarters ($15.00)  and juices/soft drinks etc. If you wanted anything harder you had to provide it yourself. this arrangement actually worked out wonderfully as there was no pressure from anyone to consume or not consume adult beverages.

If as I am you are feeling the pressure of the economy  but still want to have a little summertime fun, consider a potluck BBQ, It will pay for itself just in goodwill.

Eating a drumstick 

MjrF