What: The Long Awaited Bring Something to Burn Party
When: Friday, August 17th. 8PM or so
Where: Anderwood
Who: You
Why: Pyromaniacs. R. Us.

We request that you bring at least two things. One thing to burn, and something else, edible, for roasting.

In anticipation of the words, “But I have nothing to burn,” I’ve come up with a list of things that you could burn. I came up with this list while my student was painstakingly summarizing chapter 2 of the abridged version of Huckleberry Finn, so that might explain …everything.

Things you could burn at the Bring Something to Burn Party

~Socks that are beyond mending
~Craft projects you really never will finish
~The (non-metal) contents of your waste basket
~Old love letters from former significant others
~Something symbolic, such as
~~a clock
~~an eraser
~~a pack of cigs
~~McDonald’s #4, supersized
~~a salad
~Last year’s calendar
~A secret
~Applications from universities that you’ve decided not to apply to
~Something decrepit
~Something of no real value
~Something moth-eaten
~Incense
~Notebooks from math class
~A couch
~A candle
~That ancient t-shirt that reminds you, uncomfortably, of 1999
~A pocket dictionary of that language you’ve never actually learned
~Your collection of used paper cups
~A website
~Hostess cupcakes
[Edit] ~Itinerary of an elusive favoured guest that never arrived. (DF, “Becoming unexpectedly famous” does not = “A good excuse for not being in the US in August.”)

Some recommendations for roasting items include:

~Popcorn
~Corn in the husk
~Apples with cinnamon and sugar
~Bacon wrapped asparagus
~Bacon wrapped pineapple
~Bacon wrapped green beans
~Bacon wrapped bacon
~Other, non-bacon “meat” like hotdogs

As always, accommodations can be arranged for you out-of-towners, out-of-staters, expats, and foreigners should you make the trek to the edge of Iowa.

The drunken sun calls you to the beach

Today is the longest day of the year. We’re celebrating and you’re invited.

7:30PM. Anderwood.

Sun (more of it than yesterday). Fire (s’mores). Earth (well, sand). (Pond)water.

No, I am not pagan.

When I last checked there was a 70% chance of rain on Saturday evening. Except for the lightning that usually comes with rain we could have kept the pond party. But, not wanting to lose anyone, and still wanting to have a party for my birthday, we planned an alternative. And it’s good:-)

Have you ever wanted to be a pretentious art house cat? Now is your chance. In place of the pond party we are having a Beat Poet Party. Put on your outrageous artsy clothes, a hat, and bring your poetry. What? Don’t have any poetry. No problem. Once you hear my poetry, you will know the bar is not very high! You can even write some at the party.

Even if you shamelessly swipe a poem from a book(plenty to choose from in our library), everyone will be extremely appreciative of each reading, in a cool hipster sort of way. And they will discuss the deep esoteric meaning behind each work, and extol the wisdom of the sage among them, with all the snooty pretension they can muster. Let your inner beatnik flourish. Or at least wear the clothes, stick you chin up, and come hang out.

There will be uber sophisticated chill out music like Massive Attack and Kings of Convenience along with food, and sipping beverages (such as lemonade)

Cool music, cool clothes, cool people, and err, cool poetry: hope you can come:-)

Sameday: Saturday, May 26
Same time: 5:30pm
Same place: Anderwood farm

Any Questions?: 563 260 5556

By the way, check back here after the party to see if you are in any of the photos

Wednesday, May 23rd (changed from the 16th), Anna’s evening ESL class is having their end of year party at Anderwood.

There will be ribs, lamb chops, and various other delicious foods. And English. Lots of English. Maybe even a rose or two.

Time: 5:30ish ~ whenever the food is gone.

Yup, it’s 30 years since that star shone brightly in the sky and Magi came to hear me cry.

To celebrate, we’re going to have a pond party on Saturday, May 26.

Starting at 5:30 there will be swimming down at the pond with a special surprise. Ok, I’ll just tell you what it is: A Massive Water Slide will be in operation for all to enjoy.

Like all the best parties at Anderwood, there will be food cooked over an open fire. If you want, you can bring any of your own favorite beverages to share.

We’ll spend the evening down by the water surrounded by citronella candles but bug spray might also be advisable.

The details again:

Saturday, May 26 2007

5:30 pm

I hope you can come – Andrew