Pool Party

  Being around family is always cool. As Vito Corleone would say, a man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man. I’ve decided to stop being such a homebody and spend more time with mine. Last weekend my Cousin and Auntie hosted what my family generally calls, “The Pool Party”. Nothing over the top, yet not a blowup pool with burgers and hotdogs by far. This had everything needed to end a weekend just right…and my goodness, the food.

  The Metro SC is pretty flat and spread out so you can live close enough to downtown without living on top of each other. This event was just outside of Columbia in a city I once heard a person refer to as “God’s Country”…Gaston, South Carolina.

  Getting somewhere early always works for me. I can get early access to everything, parking, food, your own little corner tucked away from most things but still close enough to everything like the kitchen, the bathroom. I do the shadowy figure thing pretty good if I do say so, myself.

To explain the layout, in a typically easy going suburb, the house is deceptive in how from your initial glance, you’d have no idea how far back the land goes. While all the normal people followed the door sign clearly leading you around back, I decided reading is not fundamental and go through the front door. This sort of thing shocks absolutely no one who knows me. Fortunately, this is the tour you’d get on any regular Tuesday, but from my point of view.

  First things first. Having a bathroom just to the side as soon as you walk in is great for everybody. If you had a long trip there, you can hit the toilet and wash up before you move on into all your hugs and kisses from everyone. You’re about to hit the road, just go freshen up right before you leave. And I’m old enough to know not to pass a bathroom either way.

From there, you’re greeted by whoever got there before you. But in a family affair, all that matters is the headcount. The Pool Party is a different kind of family. It’s a mix of families, friends, friends of family. No matter how you got there, the spoken and unspoken word is, we’re all family here.

Passing through into the eatery, I love this unique sofa setup. I’m not into furniture but it’s a wraparound with cubbies behind the seatbacks. A cool touch that has my Auntie’s name all over it is phone charger cables poking out from between the cushions.

  The food was nothing short of a buffet. I mean a variety and no shortage of ribs, tenders, brats, burgers, pies, cakes. Not to mention assorted and labeled drinks everywhere inside and out. I ate twice, and a snack or two later. That put me in my place on the couch for a little bit but I could clearly see through the sliding glass door that all the fun was happening outside…where I hate to be. But I didn’t come this far out just to eat and take a nap. That was my family out there.

  Once you step out into the backyard, it’s essentially a small resort. Sure, you have your in-ground pool and your FULL basketball court (who doesn’t). Pavilions, cabanas, lounge chairs, projector. Plentiful shade for everyone. Personal cordless fans were all around. You couldn’t be a kid especially and not love the side attractions. Yes I can get away with that word here. Along one side of the yard was a row of tents covering the different games. Think carnival…not the ship. There were non-dollar store prizes that plugged into walls and drove parents crazy. They nailed it.

  Gracious host is so cliche but I have to hand it to them. A fantastic party for absolutely no reason. Well done Cousin and Auntie. See you next year.