2005-09-27 - 11:16 a.m.

The lazy days of summer came to an official conclusion in the backyard of 1011 W. Broadway. Underneath picturesque skies, bare feet fielded wiffle balls and tan arms tossed horseballs in a vein attempt to keep the warmth around just a little while longer.

Friends aplenty cautiously peeked through an open backyard gate only to be greeted with rousing choruses of "heyyyyyyy!!!!." In their arms they cradled side dishes, drinks, paper plates, anything to add to the arsenal of bbq weaponry being manhandled by master chef Rob. Smoke wafted through the air like a landing beacon, the smell of burgers and dogs spurring first time visitors in the right direction.

A rediculously expensive keg ($44 for the 1/4 keg, $50 deposit for the tap, $50 deposit for the keg itself) was hauled in and tapped, the alcohol an unnecessary but appreciated compliment to the already relaxed and lazy mood. The beer flowed contiuously, and for once the bartender became the bartendee. Music poured out of rotating IPods, each opening measure igniting a smile or a "I love this one!" outburst.

An old pal came by, one who usually helps hold the bar up at Cody's, and enjoyed an afternoon of watching a bunch of kids doing what they do best. On his way out, a hand on my shoulder, he thanked us all for giving him a fantastic summer memory.

The afternoon stretched out like a lazy summer dog and the hours slowed to a crawl. You could feel the season doing its damndest to hang on. Clouds were quickly swept over head by warm breezes, the sun made us sweat just enough to appreciate its prescnece and the grass felt crisp and warm beneath our feet.

Game after game after game of wiffle ball were played. The score kept by an obnoxious, somewhat inebriated wannabe commentator who was able to back up some of his sloppy scoreboarding with the occasional homerun. Yeah, that'd be me.

The sun began to sink and smiles lingered on faces that could no longer hold them back. Wounds were temporairly mended and an overall calm settled over the backyard. The last of the food was sloppily devoured as glistening bodies wiped ketchup from cheeks and washed it down with some awfully frothy beer.

The tiki torches were lit, the white Christmas lights dangled from the roof and over the back porch via a wooden poll and scrupulous hanging by the aformentioned master chef. Music played on, this time a little bit quieter and thoughtful as the remaining revelrs settled into rocking chairs and entered into the kind of warm, quiet conversation brought on by plenty of beer and the closeness of friends. Eyelids grew heavy and summer began to concede another year to fall. As I lazily began to doze off, I reaized the warm buzzing in my ears was the sound of friends making memories, and it felt like while summer was gone, we hadn't lost anything at all.

Thanks to everyone who came:)

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