The bitterly cold low country boil

Despite the record cold temperatures on Saturday, the Low Country Boil was great fun! I must give me self some credit, as the food was remarkably good. I tried a new appetizer, Hot Virginia Dip, which everyone loved, as well as Beth's grandmother's Freezer Slaw recipes - a favorite from a 92 year old North Alabama woman! Shelly shined with her ability to mix Sweet Tea Vodka into marvelous cocktails and the dogs only stole of ear of corn, even though they ate 2 starter logs (do those even taste good?). The red velvet cupcakes were PERFECT and Steve is going to keep me in the kitchen making 7up Cake (which he calls Lemon Chiffon Cake).

The weather was unexpected with 40 degree temperatures and rumors of sleet and snow on the West side of town. No one went outside, but we had fun catching up, gabbing, drinking and eating and watching Pickles play piano! Here are some photos for your enjoyment.

Hot out of the pot, the shrimp was cooked separate, ya know, allergies ... Pickles had a few too many .... beers and potatoes
Pickles favorite Aunt Shelly who freed him from his crate and fed him all night
Pickles entertaining the crowd, what a ham ...
Gary enjoying Hoegarden, his favorite!

Southern Vodka - Sweet Tea and Muscadine Wine, some Merlot in case anyone wanted to take the classy road
Sally and Kelly

Auntie Alex and Uncle Shane getting some Snickers ans Simon love

Rebel quickly found his new favorite aunt ...
Shelly and Alan
As the night came to a close, Rebel took himself a nap, paying no attention to anyone around him or their desire to sit there
Sally and Fern rest by the fireplace


The next day left the dogs exhausted, so much entertainment from company meant they had to spend the day with their daddy watching football and laying around

Our Sunday afternoon amusement came from a raven in our tree, and some of his friends scattered in trees in our neighbors yards ... Fern went very "coonhound" for a while and was determined to climb a tree ... the rest of them just ran in circles