Delightful Dinner in DelRay Beach

On Saturday, we were invited to Ray & Bonnie's in DelRay Beach. It was a mini-reunion of sorts since they also invited Toby & Bob (all the way from Islamorada) and Brenda & Bob (from Ft. Lauderdale), two couples who also have houses in Hound Ears. We hadn't seen the Bob's and their spouses since October of last year when we were in NC. So, it was a real treat to spend time with everyone in a quiet, relaxed environment.

Bonnie is the quintessential hostess! Everything was perfect and no detail forgotten! The food was absolutely delicious...From cocktails and appetizers, to the main course of a colorful variety of grilled veggies and wonderfully tender filet, capped off with fresh strawberries and a flourless Perugina chocolate cake. Yummy!

Bob, Bob, Frank and Ray taking time away from the Barret-Jackson Auto Auction for a photo.

Bonnie, Toby, Leann and Brenda

The guys trying to decide who is going to be in charge of the grilling.

The ladies catching up over cocktails.

Who's conveniently missing??

Annual Slavic Dinner with Friends

This weekend the Ruggeri's hosted the second annual Slavic dinner with representation from the Hungarians, Czechs, and Slovaks.

Jamela, Frank, Joanne, Donna and Jon (too many cooks in the kitchen!)

The menu was filled with all sorts of traditional fare:

Stuffed dates and Chex Mix (get it? "Czech" Mix) (Joann & Mike)

Chicken Paprikash and Rye Bread(Frank & Leann)

Stuffed Cabbage and Stuffed Peppers (Donna & Jon)

Sausage in sauce (Jamela and Tim)

Czechoslovakian potato salad and apple strudel (Joanne & Rick)

And in keeping with the Slavic recipes, almost all the items included sour cream! Yummy!

It was a great time and a chance to catch up with everyone.

Jamela, Joanne and Donna

Jamela, Donna and Leann

Out with the Old...In with the New! Hello 2009!

We had a wonderful New Year's Eve and enjoyed participating in the neighborhood progressive party. Three houses hosted various food courses with sweets and champagne at the end. It was a nice way to enjoy the festivities without having to worry about being on the road.

We welcomed the new year with good food, family and friends. Great weather, football, and a little putting practice for fun. Frank's sister and one of his brothers have been in Tampa for the week getting their Mom's apartment sorted and packed for her move to Winter Haven next week. Ken, Victoria and her mom, Patty were also in town and joined us. The menu was varied, but all good. The Broome's brought the Hoppin' Johns (black eyed peas over rice) for good luck. We had a tur-duck-hen with yummy sides and a scrumptious carrot cake for dessert. The weather was absolutely perfect and we were glad we could spend the day outside.

If what we experienced on New Year's Day is a sign of how 2009 is going to be....bring it on! It's going to be a great year!