Block Party 2011

We moved on to our street almost 10 years ago. It was a new development in the middle of an already established neighborhood. All of us moved in to our new houses within a few weeks of each other and fast became friends. We were all in the 25-45 age range, which made for some crazy street parties, poker games and backyard BBQs and celebrations. A lot changes in 10 years and 4 divorces later, some new neighbors and general Desperate Housewives drama… things fizzled out and people went about their busy lives with an occasional “hi” with random mailbox chatter sprinkled in. There were no parties or gatherings and the street became fairly quiet… until this past Saturday. We got an invite early in the week reinstating the street’s post Thanksgiving/tree lighting block party. Sweet! We haven’t put lights on the house for a couple of years – it was time to buy some new ones. Dan and I went to Lowe’s and picked up some old school energy sucking lights. C9 ceramic multicolored lights – yeah baby! My grandparents had them on their tree – houses had them in the 70’s and 80’s – they remind me of my childhood – it was a done deal!

Strings of lights, clips for the roof and wire for the giant wreath… I’m so thankful that I have a handy husband.

No arguments, no cussing, no problems… he installed row after row with ease. He even bought brown extension cords so you can’t see the connections on the brown roof. Details my friends… it’s all in the details.

The  neighbors were out on their own ladders installing lights. Icicle lights, LED lights, blow up Santa Claus riding motorcycles…

I hung the door wreath, polished the coach lights, swept the porch and then started getting the food ready for the party.

I went to our local butcher for some tri-tip (2.5 lbs.) and he hooked me up with some that had been marinating overnight. He also gave me a free sample of the sauce he used for the marinade. Bansankan Black Pepper Sauce – it was screamin’ good. I grilled the tri-tip steaks on medium/high heat for 3 minutes a side and let them rest for a good 20 minutes. I heated up the remaining sauce and sliced small french rolls for the sandwiches.

I cut the meat into thin strips, sauced the bread and drizzled more on the meat.  I then wrapped them in foil and placed them into the oven at 250 degrees F. for a 1/2 hour before the party started. They were delicious and all 24 went quickly. There was lots of grilling going on – carne asada, chicken, artichoke and asiago cheese sausage and a few other things I’m sure I missed. We had side dishes of homemade mac-n-cheese, enchilada casserole, chips, dips and hot out of the oven apple crisp.

One of the neighbors brought out his fire pit and we had several propane heaters and it was still freezing for this CA girl.

Good times were had by all. We even decided that later in the month we will go Christmas caroling as a block.  One neighbor broke out with a song book and started picking songs for us to sing. The Christmas Song was #1 on the list… Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… looking forward to that – they are also building in a “get wasted” time period before we start knocking on doors :).

I’ve also started decorating the inside of the house. I used to wait until Dec. 1 to decorate, but my life and scheduling is crazy for the next month, so I wanted to take my time.

It was back to work this morning and I couldn’t help but smile as I pulled into the driveway tonight – our lights and house look so friendly. It’s nice that the block festivities are back in full force and the street reflects that.

How about you?

1. Do you put lights on your house or apt. balconies?
2. Real tree or fake tree?
3. Multicolored, single color or white lights?

Inquiring minds want to know…