On Saturday the 27th Beth and I hosted a dinner. It just so happens that the 27th is also my birthday. Our idea was to use my birthday as an excuse to host a comida but not to actually make it a birthday party. Well, it ended up being a birthday party. We're not sure how the word got out that is was my birthday but it did. Chisme (gossip)! 

Because of the number of guests we invited we rented a tarp and ate outside. Flies can be a real problem with outside dinners but it usually stems from families having their animals close to their homes. As we have no animals the unwanted guests were kept to a minimum. We have attended fiestas where the tables are almost black with flies. Thousands and thousands of them. It takes some getting used to. Keeping the cap on your beer helps and a napkin over your soft drink is a must. 

Early in the day Scooter found a mouse and got a little tied up chasing it!

Every Sunday in the market at Tlacolula this man and his wife sell barbecued chicken. We've eaten it a few times and enjoyed it so we asked them to prepare the chicken for our dinner. It was fantastic!

This is my neighbor Manuel (Manny) with his wife and grandson. Manny is retired from his work for the government.

On the very right is Felipe. He is recovering from having his second eye operation. The family is Humberto's. Beto works for the government.  Beside him are is wife Lucy, Armando, Shela, and Yesenia. Yesenia gave me a piece of art she made at school for a present. I can't believe how well behaved Beto's kids are. They are a pleasure to be around.

Augustine and Dalia. Augustine owns an electric repair shop in San Dionisio. Dalia is originally from Vera Cruz. She was kind enough to make frijoles a la charra and a very tasty desert for our dinner.. A lot of work preparing for forty five people. The lady on the left is his mother and the lady on the right is Felipe's wife Alejandra. 

The gentleman on the right is Juan. He is from Matatlan. He makes mezcal and farms for a living. His wife across the table is Dolores. When talking to each other they usually speak Zapoteca. 

In the forefront is Ciro. He is a policeman in the city of Oaxaca. 

Kids doing what kids usually do.

What a surprise. She's usually beating him up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We love how the women jump in and help serving the food without even being asked. Here Lucy and Amparo are preparing plates to be served. In addition to the chicken and frijoles, Beth had prepared a huge pot of potato salad. The potato salad turned out great and we love turning our friends on to other foods. In keeping with their tradition, the red cooler is holding forty pounds of tortillas!

Felipe's dog Colt loved the icy cold water.

Augustine's daughter Iris on the right with a friend. We are padrinos to Iris.

At many fiestas people do a lot of sitting. We decided to have a balloon toss for something to do. We wern't sure how it was going to be accepted but everyone enjoyed the fun. We played in three groups: men, women, and children.

Not sure of the relevance but Beth and I were told to dance first. While we danced we threw candy and plastic bowls out, given to us by Felipe and Alejandra.

Even grown ups expect candy! This is Casto. He too is a farmer and makes mezcal. One day i'll explain the process of making mezcal. Its very physical work with critical steps along the way. Casto makes our favorite mezcal. 

Casto gave me some mezcal and a cool container to keep and serve it in.

Beto brought his television to display a slide show I'd created over the get-togethers we've had over the first thirteen months. It was pretty emotional. I'd post it but I used copyrighted music and I'm sure Zenfolio wouldn't like it.

We did another dance this time a circle was formed around us. Talk about being the center of attention! This was a great day. The food was excellent, we were able to talk with friends for hours, people had a chance to relax, and a bit of alcohol was consumed. Can't wait for the next one.