did I mention how damned cute the kittens were?

Not a single kitten picture -- and that makes me sad. I could barely get out of bed today because I was so bereft in my kitten-picture-less state.

Looks like much fun was had by all, and I'm sooooooper jealous.

Looking at Sail's pictures in the thumbnail view, I thought that Em was naked.

I still can't get over how big Emmett is. Clearly he's been eating his Wheaties.

Deb's floors look swanky.

Up! Coffeeing.

Yup, the party was fantastic--those of us who, ah, tend to overheat, shall we say? or were cat-allergic, or on intermittent people,Ack! overload hung out on Deb's front steps. This, for those in the know, was the stairwell contingent. It and the indoor main party swirled and changed as folk came and went between the two--and still there never seemed to be as much time with everybody as I wanted to spend. It was grand.

The food? Was sublime. I've had pasta fagioli. My husband makes an excellent version, however, his does not come close to the perfection that is Deb's. The tortellini-spinach, etc. salad was So.Damned.Yummy. And the fruit compote was yummy. Just so you know? I rarely eat at parties, the company is so heady and stimulating I can usually not manage to eat. Deb's food? Not a doubt in the world.

Others have praised the desserts, so I'll just nod vigorously and point you to their posts. Chapeau noir was...OMGFG! Cinnamon cake was incredible. And Beth B contributed lemon thins of a thin, crisp, delicate nature that had to be tasted to be believed.

But excellent as was the food? The people were the best. SUCH a good party. Know what? May 2006 is gonna ROCK!

Oh, the reason there were no kitten pictures? Is because the wee ones were no doubt crammed in the furthest, darkest, quietest corner they could find, away from the big noisy people. I never saw a whisker of anybody but the Elder Statesman and Gentleman Greeter, Gadabout, and the mostly unflappable and utterly gorgeous Rupert. The elegant grey-tuxedoed Thomas and his sister black Willow posed on the bed, but didn't, that I noticed, come out of the sanctuary of bedroom to join the party.

If kittens can be lured out before the cameras go home, there shall be kitten pictures.

this makes the anticipation of May's F2F so much brighter.

See, Laura hit the nail on the head. We were really just here to check everything out for the larger gathering in May. Yeah, that's it. We brazen brave few decided to make the sacrifice and travel here to do a test run. For everyone else. Because we're givers like that.

Deb's floors are indeed gorgeous.

I didn't see the kittens last night but I was able to hold Queenie, I believe, on Thursday. She did a fabulous impression of a fierce kitty when I found her under a couch. The little hiss was incredibly adorable. Didn't keep me from dragging her out so we could hug her and pet her and snuggle her and call her Queen... but still an impressive imitation of a much larger and much fiercer kitty.

As gorgeous as the (yes!gorgeous!) floors is the new pale-wood furniture: bookshelves, glass-doored cabinets. The office and dining room are much larger and lighter without the doors closed between them, and the Ikea bookshelves (dark to match the dining room woodwork, and light to go with the office furniture) hold easily as much, if not more, than the built-ins did. The new back door is gorgeous, too, and the sunporch has more storage in less floor space.... Those of you who've seen Deb's house will be pleased to know that it's no less welcoming and cozy, but also lighter and more open.

Did I say? Gorgeous.

And also? Yes, Nicole is the kitten-charmer. I think when she scooped Queenie out from behind the couch may be the only time I"ve been able to touch her. Farrowen, however, has climbed my legs and base-jumped off my back several times.

Thanks for the Mr. Potato Head Pumpkin, Sparky. They rock!

You're welcome. I'm planning on making myself a pirate pumpkin today.

Deb, the cakes? Were amazing! I am now on my way to spin class so that I never have to turn down a dessert from your kitchen because I think I should be on a diet.

Thanks for the pictures Nicole & Sail!

Gronk. Not caffinated yet. The evil duo are withholding it until I'm ready to go. However, I believe Bev is about to rescue me. My hero!

Again, thanks to Deb and Nic for hosting. The desserts were indeed delish and I refused to share mine with anyone. I have short video clips of Deb, Nic and Matt playing guitar, but I have to figure out how to get them in a place where everyone can see them. Truly, last night was unforgettable and I'm very happy that so many people could make it. I know those of you who couldn't, were here in spirit, but I missed you! May is too damn far away right at this minute.

Oh, the reason there were no kitten pictures? Is because the wee ones were no doubt crammed in the furthest, darkest, quietest corner they could find, away from the big noisy people.

Nic found them curled together in a ball in one of the drawers under our bed. Aimee and Beth B and Kristin got to see them both.

Typing one-handed, as Farrowen (rapidly getting nicknamed "the F-wit" around here) is sucking left hand.

I love giving parties. Looking forward to the next one, which is Thanksgiving, and after that, I do believe I can concentrate on next May.

Still some cleanup to do, but really, it's minimal.

I just LOVE this picture of Deb. She looks almost innocent.

Heading out in a few minutes to pick up Katie Bee and then go visit with -t. Extremely excited! There will be pictures.

I just LOVE this picture of Deb. She looks almost innocent.

Really? I think she looks like she's scheming something.