Well, another one for the books. Every year we say it can't get better, and then of course, it does.
Chill chatter started in earnest a couple weeks beforehand, but for most of the year we had weekly updates of the ensuing weekend by Claire Bazzano, usually with a pertinent graphic thrown in as well as an occasional Jib Jab video.
The early birds, Bazzanos and Sweeneys, left for the Cape 10 minutes off schedule Thursday morning, almost throwing off the whole weekend, but by the time the last to arrive (Zerios, natch...) all was right with the world. Pizza and wine at the Cape Point Motel, along with a distribution of "Get out of contention for the Chain of Impunity free" badges officially kicked off the weekend. In a moment's notice, Brick and Lynn left their badges unprotected, and paid the price. For a short while they thought they were in the running for the award, until Baz magically "found" them and returned to their rightful owners. The game was afoot...
Breakfast next morning at "Kukla Fran and Ollie's" and then off to Gentle Heritage. The weather Friday promised uncertainty with a Nor'easter visiting the area, and winds of 35-40 miles an hour prevented the raising of the Chill flag on the Heritage flag pole. But the expected rain held off, and the flag did grace the entrance to Gentle Heritage to greet the Chilldren.
Because the weather prevented hanging out on the beautiful lawn overlooking Pleasant Bay, the normal Friday afternoon activity, instead the Gang brought out some great commerative gifts. This included logoed sweatshirts, coffee travelers with the motto Per Sempre Amici; unique glasses for wine or other spirits with a chalkboard patch suitable for writing; glass coasters with pictures of Chill couples and memories; tee shirts embazoned with cryptic messages; and personalized Chill sandal thongs...although Randy's feet somehow grew to gargantularge. Very creative selection this year, and I may have missed a couple. Soon thereafter, the annual Sawce dinner was enjoyed, and a good dent into the wine was made. Lynn brought a decadent chocolate mousse cake, and the diets went out the window. Friday ended with a quiet and content household.
Although every year we say we just want to hang out at the house, for the second year in a row our weekend coincided with the Wellfleet Oyster Festival. Although the winds were still blustering from the Nor'easter, it was sunny and we all headed into the town, fortunately early because the crowds hit it big later in the day. Oysters, clams on the half-shell, fritters and chowder were the menu for the afternoon. After a little shopping, the couples took off for various points on the Cape Cod compass: Sweeneys and Bazzanos to P'Town, Zs and RosenMorganfields to Eastham, and the Bricks to Chatham. Back to the house later in the afternoon for snacks and spirits, a fire started, and soon steaks and scallops were on the grill, with the Chill Grillmen in fine fettle.
While dining, Z got the call with the unfortunate news of the passing of Max, Emma's pet rabbit of 8 1/2 years. Stevo made some poignant observations, and for some reason, the Sergeant at Arms (Vickster) revoked Stevo's badge. His flank was thus opened for consideration of the Chain nomination.
During the course of the weekend, all were concerned and watchful of Claire, who had a pre-Chill scare with a kidney stone. But we all breathed a sigh of relief, because she apparently was passing freely large kidney beans all over the place without any pain or concern. Thank God for that!
Of more concern was the small scarecrows that surreptitiously showed up, scaring the bejeezus out of Baz, clearly evoking a deep seated fear of scarecrows, no doubt due to some dark vestige of his past.
Sunday morning broke beautifully, and apparently some of the Chilldren welcomed the Dawn in person. Z JUST missed it! Maybe next year...not.
The highlight of this day was the annual Mystery Tour, although not very mysterious because we all knew for months that we would be cruising the Hyannis Harbor courtesy of an old UConn friend, Phil Scudder and his wife Sherrie. Phil's family own the Hy-Line ferries to the Islands, but use their company's first marine vehicle, The Prudence, a 100 year old boat bought by Phil's dad to start the company, to give tours around the harbor and by the famous Kennedy Compound. Baz made the arrangements early, and it was great to see Phil and Sherrie after 30 years. They looked great, and the cruise was marvelous. A good time was had, as they say, by all.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying, finally, the great weather on the lawn, and the women did what they like best, while the men repaired to their hideaway, Chill Hill.
Monday came too soon, as it always does. Packing started early, and then the award of the Chain of Impunity was made, with little surprise, to Stevo, who claimed it even before the full vote took place. His wife was proud.
The Chilldren then set off to their various destinations, once again basking in the glow of a superior weekend with the best of friends, and the addition of new and happy memories of The Big Chill.
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