You're all invited to the •••• First Annual Caedes Virtual BBQ ••••

This is a come-as-you-are but BYO food. Be sure to bring lots because some will bring nothing at all. (Shhh...you know who they are)

We've arranged for a beautiful location, you might even have a picture of the park to post to illustrate for others. If you do, just name it so that we'll recognize it. We don't want any pictures of members though.. we want people to come.

Where we're having it has many spots to hang out. One spot will be for the photographers, they like to hang out together. Another spot for the fractal and computer-gen folks, some of those rarely socialize with others 'not of their kind'. There is a path leading from spot to spot though as some of them seem to go both ways. The "framer" people will be joining hands forming boxes and circles around the groups espousing that the groups look better with borders.

Another spot will be for the for the Caedes "Lurkers" and those whose names we don't know because they don't really contribute anything, they just register with silly little, sometimes rude names to bypass the download limits. You'll recognize the area set aside for them because it won't have any chairs because they won't stay long anyway. You'll know who they are because they'll arrive with empty coolers and armfuls of Tupperware, don't say hello and immediately ask for instructions on how to fill their containers before they go.

Another corner would be filled with people who will eat their own food but never say thanks for the location or comment on the good eating provided by others. They're over there *points* .. just follow the sound of the burps.

Another corner for those who will look at the food and say "it's over cooked”;” it’s under cooked"; "I don't eat pork"; "bbq is good but where's the beer" ignoring the fact that the bounty is provided for free but for the optional donation. *sigh* ....we brought in some Oscar Myer Hotdogs for them, they can cook their own over the flame of discontent. *lights the candle* ((..hmm... What was that Oscar Myer jingle again? "O I wish I was an Oscar Myer wiener ... " <-inserts EarWorm. ))

At the BBQ, you'll find me smiling at the special majority. Those wise and talented people who are walking from group to group offering their help and serving wherever they can. They look to collaborate, to share talents and to improve the value of each of our experiences. These people are the BBQ A-list, but everyone is invited.

The real party is in the center of the yard .. where all those with kindred spirits join to chat and enjoy the bounty, share the joy of our works and the celebrations of life.

This is what you can expect, we all need nourishment.

The park has many spots, perhaps you have a group of your own that you can bring a sign for. Just post it below.

My question, and for your careful pondering. What would you bring to this BBQ? We have folks coming to the virtual party from all over the world. I'm making a list, so tell me what you're able to bring that will help the celebration! You needn't bring anything ... but you wouldn't want to get put into the hotdog and candle group by mistake!

Just post a response to this topic with what you can bring. Make it interesting though, we want the group to be fun. There will be no votes, no c-indexes the only measure of success will be the menu you provide. So, do tell, whatcha going to bring? Is it true to your country/interests/culture? What's good to you?

*extends the invitation*

Can't be any worse than my grandmothers Lutefisk... Now that was awful!!!! Even Charlie wouldn't eat that....

If Klas opens that can of surströmming we will all be running....lol..

My heads spinning from all this activity around me (the grog wouldn’t do that would it) I’m going to join Flurije at the fire to make some more Damper. It’s just flour, water, salt and honey you know. Tastes marvellous strait of the fire. Can someone get me some more water please? And watch out for that crocodile… though I doubt it’s very hungry after eating those two dogs and all those lobsters.

It's a long way from Sydney to here! But, to make up for my lateness and to balance the menu, I have brought a dutch oven full of 'wine and pepper' roasted potatoes to go with an asparagus and parmesan rissotto, kindly supplied by my local restaurant - I cannot cook!
I have also purchased dozens of lamingtons from the school fete, (as always - but this year they might actually be needed...) and made a liqueur trifle to go with some fine Italian coffee I have stashed in my backpack.( I can't cook, but I CAN pour!) I have also brought extra chairs. Oh, and several pillows and picnic rugs, as perhaps some may need to lie down soon after all the food and activities! Finally I have created a handmade paper book where we can collect our reminiscences of the day...

<perk> Italian coffee?? :D *sits next to mum* hi :D lol

*pours first of many espressos...*

down at the pond, fishing..as usual, shaking his head at all the crazies up there... thanks for the croc boots, they're nice, drying em now in the shade :o)

good thing i hid half that Tiramisu from Flurije hehe.. Italian coffee and Tiramisu.. who needs anything else? *melts*

It's gunna take me forever to catch up on all of this but........
I am bringing my guitar so we can have a sing along.
And I am making all kinds of baked goodies, starting with those cheese buns, and those oatmeal choco chip cookies.
Another case of pepsi for that burping contest. Note to Robert.......
I can belch as good as or better than any man. Don't let the tiny beauty fool ya, hehe.
JuneBug

Well, we seem to have just about everything here. I bring some decent ale (none of that lager). Also some banana's wrapped in tin foil. Why? To slit lengthways, insert chocolate, and then put in the embers to cook. Mmmmm... I will try and create some of my messy strawberry and marshmallow kebabs.

*shows up fashionably late clutching bottles of Kahlua and Stolichnaya Gold*

Thanks bb, for getting Charlie and Freddie out of that croc. Hope that vet arrives soon to get the lobster off his nose..

Um, do we mean getting the lobster off the crocodile's nose? Wish him luck :)

looks at Robs photo... hehehehehehe.... lmao.... mums got lammingtons... YUMMMMM *staying away from Klas... lol... between him and Junes baked beans.. deadly combo... lol...
boy after today wont need to eat for the week... lol...

Plugs hair dryer into car lighter.
Begins blowing up portable hot tub.
Never leaves home without it.
Calls for all melted ice from coolers.
Tactfully declines offer for extra bubbles from Klas and June.
First six to help fill, get the first soak.
Hands out tickets for turns which can also be used for door prizes later on.
Searches for Rob. Hopes he remembered the door prizes!!??

hahahaha @ extra bubbles.. and wow.. portable hottub.. i need one of those..

*seeks donations for door prizes*

*askes everyone to bring a can of unperishable food for donation to food bank*
*reminds Klas that surströmming should be considered perished* ;)

*sees Romane with a mirror and BJB's hair dryer trying out Morywn's hairstyle*

*hears June winning the belching contest ... again*

Thanks Romane, for getting that lobster off Charlies nose. Guess we won't need the vet after all. Won't hurt the croc a bit

That's an awful lot of hair to work on guys, it's nearly to my waist.

???????????????
I was gone for a nice trek. Just at home -> I take a look at caedes.net (of course), and................. JUST IN TIME to take a jumbo jet, cross the Atlantic see and take part in this incredible BBQ...... :-)
I didn't forget to take with me a dozen of good Bordeaux red wines. 5 years old ;-)

Searches car for door prizes...flashlight...baby wipes...basketball...choir music...cheerleading pom-poms (black & gold)...jumper cables...sunglasses...pair of size 2 girl's shoes...dog treats...crossword book...melted crayons...sidewalk chalk....one pink sock.
Sighs...............
Hopes someone comes up with something quick!

oooooooooooooooooooooh jumper cables :P lol

Gives Dj a ticket. Wishes luck!

So this is where everyone is...thanks to BB's photo I found my way here...late, after being sick with a cold/flu, but feeling much better and ready to rock and roll...heavily armed with aspirin, pepto bismal, and strong brandy for medicinal purposes, to stave off a return of the flu and for any here who may overindulge...also some lanterns and candles as it looks like this party will continue into the wee hours, and some peanuts, popcorn, potato chips to snack on in between times...also brought along my old guitar to help out in the entertainment department when Dj is in the hot tub and June is busy burping.:Pat.

** slightly buzzed from trying one of every beverage brought and hanging leasurely from a high limb in a nearby tree until someone de-crocs the area **

Unsure what to do with Dj's Dragon Guitar. *puts it in the Dragon in the Caedes Petting Zoo with the moose, the cat, dog, and Kangaroo*

*lays out large tarp* <-- the lurkers like to come but don't like to be seen or heard from.
*lures lurkers under tarp with sign " ENTER HERE FOR FASTER FREE DOWNLOADS " *
*places one of the speakers from Dj's BIG amp under tarp*
*notices tarp inflating to sounds of music loud enough for Arne*
*wonders if the growing tarp is from the speaker or from June's beans*
*Ponders alternate meaning Mum42's dutch oven*

*snatches cheerleaders outfit and black and gold pom-poms from Pierre, returns it to BJB*

*wheels out 2 large wagons to use for serving*

Can anyone bring paper plates and some large garbage bags?

*helps to gather door prizes .... hears Romane tuning up for another burping contest against June the reigning champion*
*is very very surprised to find Morwyn as a contender*

*leaves to buy more Pepsi*

Tosses back a couple fast shots of brandy, tunes guitar, and shyly asks, "Any requests for a song?", wondering if I can be heard above the sounds of the belching contest.:Pat.

*Opens Pierre's wine and drinks *. Also brings samples of world's 100 finest gourmet cheeses and select breads/crackers for grand tasting.

*Grabs some more ice and garbage bags*
*Passes out after eating too much tiramisu*
*Wakes up half an hour later with shaving cream all over my face*

HEY! Who did that!!!

*points to the lobsters*

Decides it is time to get silly..........
FOOD FIGHT
First pie aimed at Darryl.... brother or nothing, you'd better head for cover, lol.
Just for fun, throws a second pie at Mimi cause she's too sweet, lol.

*grabs some swedish meatballs and runs after DJ and June trailing bits of shaving cream in my wake
*picks up some apples and tosses them at Rob in some more belated revenge for the unripe pear incident

Muahahahha!

how bout a little sample music for everyone.. click here to hear a "mellow" song from my band.. hope you guys enjoy..

* fills up ballons with water from the hot tub, aims at June, Mimi and Darrel....hehehe

* hides under the table with freddie and charlie in her arms *

decides that jello would be fun to toss around too.
Lori gets a bowl full down the back of her tshirt!
Cold and jiggly, lmao!
Glad it wasn't me!

*joins _myst_ under the table. Don't want to mess up the new hairdoo.

dam! you throw the Jello shots, what a waste..

OOPS!
Good thing it is nice and warm! Time to run into the lake for a swim. We are all having this bbq BTW in my end of Canada where there are no sharks, no crocodiles/alligators, etc. The only thing to fear is snapping turtles. And with all the commotion, they will be long gone!

you guys, make a fire so June can warm up...shmores anyone?

HORRAY

*Jumps in the water and back out again, splattering everyone in the process.

Whoops. Hehehe.

Who ate all the meatballs..????....I bet it was Charlie !!!! Morwyn !! ....only Klas´dreadful surströmming left....UUUUHHHHH !

*borrows some pepto from Pat, for Charlies tummyache. Too many meatballs.

Checks car again...Comes up with a few cans of stew that rolled under the seat from the last grocery trip...contributes to the soup kitchen...finds laptop...tries out new solar connection...takes a nice shady break under a tree with Mum's expresso...and catches up on some images at Caedes.net

LOL they call that an addiction, perhaps we need to start a self help group at the evening campfire, ralmao!

june.. great idea :) can you help me? :)

my name is tina and i'm a caedesoholic.

HI TINA!

*counts the other 11 steps*

*checks yard for gators ... beckons Quiet down from the tree pointing at BayouBoogers new boots and the crock-o-steaks on the BBQ*

*brings out massive bowl of Seafood Gumbo from Verena*

*finds yet another bowl of swedish meatballs for Arne* *calls Arne ... calls Arne again .. .anyone know where Arne is?*

*observes Dj penning a Caedes Anthem*

Thanks Dj! .. that tune is awesome! ... *requests another*

*leaves to get more fixin's for S'Mores*

Anyone want to roast some hot dogs? How about meatballs. Can you roast meatballs on a fire? :-P

*sits down and attempts to stick one of Arne's meatballs in the flames

Uh oh...

* just wakes up from sleeping off wines and food...... what did i miss? your eating my croc !!!! sheez i go to sleep for a few mins and you make boots outta him.. hehehehehe... hope you enjoy 'em... lol... June's winning the burping contest?... come on Romane do Brissy proud... you can win.... i'll give ya trophy to take north if ya win... Arne's hidin behind the tree with the pavlova...... turn the music up... lets get this place jumpin......

Looks up..."Oh, Hi Morwyn!." "Wow, how did you get all the way up there?!" "I'll get someone to help me hold this blanket and you can jump." "You can trust us...really..."

*cranks the amp even louder* HERE is another song from my band.. recorded live last year.. and like the song before, that IS me on vocals.. this song im the loud guitar that kicks in.. youll hear it :D enjoy!

Trying to keep away from the water fight. Don't want my pretty hairdo wet.

Ok, I'll trust..... this time.... Carefull, hang on tight...

Keep those guys with the water guns away from me and Charlie...

thinks Rob had the right idea, we may have to do at least one of these a year, from the stories above, this has been the most peaceful fun loving discussion ever posted in these halls...Amen

Second that...Amen!

Excellent jump Morwyn! Not a hair out of place. Hung on tight. Only broke 10 nails but who cares?!!

*gathers broke nails*
*builds outhouse*
*sees Morwyn enter first ...failing to notice the casters underneath*

Hears squeals of panic as outhouse disappears towards the water, laughing to hard to help.

Hehehehehehe would like to help but too busy laughing....

OH! shoot, someone throw her a life jacket..... :-)

Gives a whole new meaning to casting into the river!

BB...Your fishing rod...Quick! You can hook the moon on the door!

Good thing I can swim. Us old surfer chicks can handle a little river.

We still need to save the outhouse, yes? Rob worked so hard.

That was a moon ... but it wasn't on the door!

Har har har. :-P

*splashes some dirty riverwater on Rob

i saw that Rob, did you see that surface dive down after the house, was it?

wait a minute! You guys are ganging up on me!

*gives BB back his fly*

*notices the clear sky and all the photographers lined up with tripods trying to shoot the full moon and shots of the bon fire*

Pack up the babies
Grab the old ladies
Everyone goes
Everyone knows
Brother Love's show
Amen.

holy jehosifelt, did i bring all this stuff?

*thinks it's time for me to turn in*

No need to stop on my account. There's certainly plenty of food and a few cases of Pepsi left. The bon fire's roaring and the sounds of music echoes in the trees. The warmth of the night is matched only by the memories of the event. To me, it's time to go.

*provides a large wooden plank of fine Cyprus*
*notices the title "2005 Caedes Annual Virtual BBQ"
*proceeds to carve the inscription ...

"All our friends gathered this day and found we share a passion for life. We left with more than we brought."

*invites you all to carve your initials on the plank before you go*

I'll come back in a while and pick up the pieces, gather the tarp, fish the outhouse out of the pond and try to return the containers, now empty of food. I'll pause a moment, and listen to the echos of the day and look forward to the photo's soon to appear on the site.

*moves out of virtual*
_____

To those who were part of this event, thank you. You know how it was valuable for you. For me, it was more than fun, it was moving. When I reflect on the fact that we did this across so many nations, laughed (I laughed SO LOUD at most of the postings ...as Quiet can attest!) joked, kidded showed playfulness and generosity and the willingness to help. We found a common ground where we shared the essence of ourselves within the walls of Caedes.

I want to thank each of you, now, for your contribution to this fine experience of human sharing.

I wish you all well and look forward to your future posts in the galleries.

Peace.


Rob

I note noone else thought to bring any umbrellas. It always rains at picnics. Don't we have any other pessimests around here??

I'm gonna bring a big bag of "take out" food from the Reflecting Diner in Athens, Ohio. All- American cuisine! And maybe a couple of spare rolls of film so we can take pictures of everybody.

Here, here!
June

There is something about the smell of warm weather that begs me to rgab an acoustic guitar and head to a scenic place. I will bring my sister's Taylor, assuming she permits (as always, as long as I put new strings on it).

Winds down...listens to the wonderful music provided...beautiful voices...soothing guitars...watches the fire dwindle...thankful for the best of the best and the privilege of spending the day with them...pitching a tent for anyone who wants to stay around and help with the clean-up. I think we can have it all done before Rob gets back...don't you agree?

Looking somewhat dazed, or mesmerized as I prefer to call it, after self-medicating on brandy for several hours, wonders who won the burping contest, and begins plucking a few chords of "Classical Gas" the old Mason Williams tune, to honor the final winner of the contest.:Pat.

Pulls out all of the heavy duty yard bags for the clean up!
Embarrased that I participated in the gas and belching, lol.

Lol... it has been a wonderful day... lots of fun... look forward to the next one... thanks to all...

Awww this was sooo much fun! Sigh...now back to my papers and exams.
You all are awesome!

*Sneaks off with hidden tiramisu

Teeters over to help with the clean-up, fumbles with the garbage bag trying to open the wrong end, while seeing double and wondering why June never mentioned she had an identical twin.:Pat.

* carves her and freddie's initials *
* packs up the bags but doesn't want to go.. :( *
* waves at everybody with a huge smile on her face *
* takes some pictures to remember this crazy day *

bye bye :o)

as always, im one of the last to leave.. *helps with the last bits of cleaning up*.. good thing i grabbed a plate for the road.. ty everyone for making this one of the most unique experiences ive had in some time.. i have thouroughly enjoyed it.. ive laughed so much at the crazy antics we've all posted..

so to each and all who participated in this worldwide event, ty for sharing.. and adding.. some great memories.. i look forward to the next time..

*carves his name as he leaves*

*crawls out from beneath the barrel of Betty Stogs*
Did I miss much? Oh....... where'd evryone go?

Almost forgot the tree! Takes paper and melted crayons...runs to tree...does rub drawing of all signatures in all different colors...packs up car and skidaddles with the scribbles.

*waits for BJ's post of the scribbles* :P

I awoke very early this morning to the sound of loud snoring...no, it wasn't my husband and I wasn't at home...still at the scene of the BBQ, I look around and suddenly I am shocked to discover Marilyn curled up in a flower bed, sawing logs, with her camera tucked under her arm...I quickly carve out my initials and discreetly leave...what a crazy time..Many thanks to Rob and everyone...I'll never forget this.:Pat.

::slides silently out of the tree so as to not wake up the sleeping bbq'ers, scribbles something illegible on the tree, cleans up a few stray garbage items, takes a final glance towards the water to make sure no gators, and slips off into the brush, grateful for the fun::

Oh sheesh, I think I accidently ended up under the lurker's tarp! Now that I finally clawed my way out, the party is over, and all the fun people are leaving! Hopefully there are still a few of you around to join me in a cup of coffee, or perhaps a frosty beverage (whichever is appropriate to whatever time of day it happens to be now!) Well, it's fortunate that there were so many awesome photographers at the event so I can see how much fun it was. Thank you very much for the invitation, Rob, I'll have to plan better next time.

I will join you for that cup of tea! And together we can plan the next virtual blast!

We'll have to include a little more advanced notice too perhaps. I can think of many who could have used and appreciated this relaxing break and opportunity for belly laughs. ;)

coffee sounds like a good idea.. i need caffiene..

I think we should have a new theme every week. Keep everyone concentrating on having fun, getting along and having a good laugh. Live on the sunnier side of life!
Hugs from the one, the only JuneBug

Sorry, I had a flat, let's get this party rolling.....what? Too late? Rob says "not late at all" and hands me a trash bag. (mumbles) Too late again, and I had lawn darts too. That's always fun with fifty people. Rob, it'd be easier if we just rented a bulldozer and plowed it all under.

* waves magic wand *
* great day safely stored for future reading and laughter *
* collects all those last little bits of picnic debris to final strains of Option 21*
* Quietly clicks heels 3 times & returns, smiling, to Oz ...*

And a great time was had by all. Next year we'll need to have a photo assignment for the BBQ as well. We were able to see some of the shots captured (thank you for those contributing) and posted on the site. Sure wish I had a picture of Charlie and with the lobster on his nose. ;)

Thanks for all who hung-around and cleaned up. The suggestion of putting a bulldozer to it was looking good for a while! It all came together.

Here you'll find the tree that everyone carved their initials into. Next year we'll have to carve the names of our four legged friends too .. they were just as much a part of the fun. Maybe even a prize winning fish contest. It was quite a feat for B² to have caught a salt-water yellow finned tuna in the fresh water pond. That's some tricky fishin. ;)

Thanks for the fun folks!

Rob

LOL @Rob's, "quite a feat......some tricky fishin".

Best word to describe this event!! KEWL!! so very kewl!! Can anyone think up something' else now? I am so hyped I need MORE MORE MORE!!!!

Best word to describe this event!! KEWL!! so very kewl!! Can anyone think up something' else now? I am so hyped I need MORE MORE MORE!!!! But I WAS there with all my Cajun food, but I cant find me on this list.............awwwwww!!!!! No one liked my contribution eh? Or did someone eat it all up and it POOFED??

Hmmm... we just wake up with an hangover... ;-)

Ooooooooops I found it I found it!!....I'm still thinkin' on th bbq thingie!! wouldnt it be great if we could have a real real one in some very quaint spot? meeting everyone and laffin' and havin' a great time! There's not enough of that in life!....here in this big city I live by, its all a huge race...for most anything....wishin' I lived out in the countryside next to a few sweet neightbors..not many tho....hehe

would be great to do Verena.. shame most of us live so far apart.. i know i would enjoy meeting each and everyone here, as i think many of you would feel the same.. maybe one day in the future we can actually have a big BBQ.. maybe after we all get rich and such lol..