The Big Chill that almost Wasn't. At least for the Bazzanos, who gave a scare to everyone when they luckily avoided serious injury in an accident on the way to Chill. They were hit by a car and were able to swerve so not to get T-boned. A word to the wise when trying to beat everybody to the House. Anyway, some quick repair by that old standby, Duct Tape ( or was it Duck Tape?), and a call to the insurance agent (who was away, galavanting...) and the Chill was afoot...
This was our first foray away from Gentle Heritage for several years. We were unsure whether the new Chatham location would be worthy. But we were all pleasantly surprised: the house was spacious in a rambling sort of way, with rooms cascading upon rooms, a great deck (although we all agree needs to be built out) and a nice "Meditation Area".
Everyone picked their bedrooms, brought in their gear, and enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous fall day...so nice that we decided to take a nature walk before settling in.
 |
| Marsh at Coast Guard Beach |
 |
| Coast Guard Beach Flora |
 |
| Hikers.... | |
 |
| Chill minus 2... |
Time for lunch. We headed back to the house, and enjoyed some of Steve and Carol's now world famous seafood chowdah, guessing what type of fish was used. It was EXTREMELY good!
 |
| The Chowdah Mastah |
Well-sated by the chowdah, it was off and running to the gift stage...
 |
| Did someone say "Monkey?" |
|
 |
| Big Chill XVI Official Gift |
The Chill is known, if for nothing else, drinking and eating,and this year was no exception. We had our second Scotch Tasting (won by Clynelish, again submitted by two teams, the Rosenfields and Zerios, who shared the Trophy for one year);
 |
| Baz, Carol and Stevo testing the Scotch |
 |
| Vicki giving a grade |
|
 |
| Z putting in his score |
 |
| Rankings R to L: Clynelish takes it! |
A great seafood dinner on our first night...
 |
| How many cooks spoil the broth?? |
 |
| Needs more garlic... |
 |
| If you can't stand the heat... |
 |
| Chef Stevo prepping the pan.. |
 |
| SeaChefs toasting... |
The annual Pasta Bowl...
 |
| Setting the table... |
 |
| Z prepping The Sawce |
 |
| The Presentation of the Fresh Pasta, courtesy of the Bazzanos |
 |
| The Annual Pasta Parade...with music... |
 |
| The Delivery |
 |
| Randy and Brick enjoying the Vino e Sawce |
 |
| Those Little Ol' Pasta Makers...mmm mmm good! |
With all the eating, there had to be time to work off the alcohol and calories, and the sumptuous backyard allowed some great Bocce matches....
 |
| Carol showing nice form...throws a mean ball too.. |
|
 |
| Where's the damn pelote?? |
 |
| Baz finessing it... |
 |
| Vicki going for broke... |
As ever, The Chill Ladies (minus one, boo hoo...)
We did have one unexpected guest over the weekend. As typical anytime we move to a new location, something goes awry (remember no heat and hot water at the Great Gatsbys, f'instance?) This time, shades of Bazzano's plumbing at Gentle Heritage, we had a problem with the septic system, and the owner responded quickly with his plumbing contractor. Baz claims no responsibility, but we'll never know. Then there's Brick, who we told "Don't Flush!" Well, there you go, and there he went.
 |
| Plumber Greg Ling: "OK, I'm going in...DON'T FLUSH!!!! |
Sunday Morning...
We always enjoy a wonderful breakfast on Sunday, and this year was no different. Bloody Marys made with a recipe from a seaside bar in North Carolina started it off, along with Mimosa's a la Baz. Along with a superior quiche (NOT made by Brick...), the Monkey Bread (did someone say "Monkey"......ooowowowoooaoaaoaoaoo.."?) was as sweet and gooey as ever...necessary to counteract the alcohol consumed this weekend.
 |
| Stevo making the Marys, with an assist by Z |
 |
| Baz in charge of Mimosas, with strict supervision.. |
 |
| Yum! |
Denouement...
Time to clean up on Monday, the day before the worst day of the year. We took account of the vino and hard liquor, and accounted ourselves well. We all promised not to share the picture with Baz's insurance company, as evidence of consumption BEFORE the, er...accident. We then lined up for the annual shot (missing our Dear Lynnie, sadly), and agreed that we will head here for Big Chill XVII. And we all wonder, how can it ever get better.
 |
| BIG CHILL XVI |
Per Sempre Amici
