Barbecuing in the rain

Last evening we drove through the persistent showers, up to a cookout at Sofie's place. Yes, Cliff and Anna live there, too; but Sofie has marked the space as her own, as new babies are wont to do. Of course, she also lived up to another primary baby function: making liars out of her parents. Slept peacefully through most of the evening, and hardly made a sound when she was awake. What could you possibly have to complain about, Cliff?

And as far as baby comparisons go, I won't go so far as to say she's the most beautiful baby ever. I have two of my own that would be in the running for that title. But I will freely declare that she's certainly among the very best of recent vintage. She's a gorgeous little bundle, and her parents are justifiably proud.

In between baby admiration moments, we had a grand time visiting with friends old and new: Susie and Luke, Jeff and Cat, Mitch and Denise, Tripp and Trish. Carolyn had a ball bonding with Trish, and watching the two of them together was uncanny: same size, same mannerisms, same temperment. I kept waiting for the "Twilight Zone" soundtrack to start playing. We're going to have to compare family trees, sometime; that was just eerie.

Oh, and one more thing. If Jeff is cooking, eat whatever he serves you, it will be incredibly good. But keep your distance when he's grilling. Sacristan and lighter fluid: a dangerous combination.