829 Southdrive

829 Southdrive

A New Jersey state of mind



Sunday, June 26, 2011

Graduation!



Our first baby.  Someone once told me to enjoy the first couple
of years when she's little because she'll grow up so quickly.  I
went to the fridge to get a beer, and when I returned, Wham!
There she was on the stage receiving her High School diploma.


We took advantage of the great weather forecast and the natural
amphitheater that is our backyard and invited family and close 
friends to celebrate the occasion.


Main course:  Roasted Pig.  Having never attempted this before,
I spoke with several people and watched countless Youtube
testimonials, ordered the pig from a butcher, the charcoal roaster
from the party rental outfit, and dove in head first.  It was quite
an experience, one I will never forget.  But there are a couple
things I may do differently next time.  I think I may expand on
this subject in the near future at a different location.


Lawrence High School's finest.  A great bunch of friends
who are all always welcome in our house.


Well this is supposedly a blog about sailing too.



Some watched from nearby, while others watched from the safety
of the hammock.  From any vantage point, it was a spectacle not
to be missed.  There's nothing more entertaining than watching
someone handle a hot, slippery, crispy roasted pig while trying to
grip a large, very sharp knife and carve enough meat to feed 50
people at one time.  Fortunately, a friend grabbed another knife
and made smaller serving-sized pieces out of the hunks I was
producing.  I would not have been able to do it without his help.




Happy-people sounds emanated from under the tent and umbrella.
Good conversations were had and friends, siblings, cousins, and
 relatives who don't always get to see one another as much as they 
should got caught up and re-acquainted.  It's what usually happens 
when we all get together.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

10 comments:

  1. Congratulations to the graduate.
    "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." - Aristotle

    In Hawaii, the pig goes in the ground, but your method saved a lot of digging and carrying around hot, heavy, stones. :^)

    So, where was Hazel? The aroma must have been driving her wild.

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  2. Looks like a great day and congratulations - but how do we get an invite ?

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  3. Congratulations to your daughter, and to you and your wife for a job well done!

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  4. Congratulations to your daughters graduation!

    (And that roasted pig looks delicious!)

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  5. Congrats, old man (and face it, that's what they will be calling you now).

    Seeing that pig, I think I know why the wiener dog may have been laying low.

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  6. Fabulous! Congratulations to both grad & the dad who fearlessly went whole hog!

    ha ha ha!

    Looks DELICIOUS, btw!

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  7. Kudos to the kid!

    Can you overnight me some pig, I just got hungry.

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  8. A totally awesome post! Congratulations! And to the Graduate, also!

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  9. congrats to your daughter! (and job well done to the Mr & Mrs Baydog).

    the roast hog looks awesome.

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  10. What a fantastic day! The food looks delicious :) XO

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