Urban Disco Speakeasy - Christmas Party

The Proprietors

Darling Dasha

Jackpot Yahtzee

It was great to have so many friends come to our establishment and for a sophisticated evening of

DRINKING

POKER

DANCING

AND ENJOYING THE COMPANY OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I hope you all had fun kicking up your heels.


I am collecting pictures now from the evening and will post to everyone once I get them all.  So send them to dashawired@gmail.com or upload to somewhere accessible for me to grab.

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Well its been a very eventful weekend to say the least.
Friday, our bar stools were delivered. I love them. They are fun and comfortable and finally, the cook can be entertained from the onlookers at the counter, just like at my Moms.

Yeehaw! New Counter Stools!

 So Yahtzee entertained me from Barstool #2 as I cooked Sunday Supper - Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.

Piggy Hat is Back

We started our party preparations and much of the weekend was dedicated to running errands and hanging "stuff".

Yo! St. Nikolaus

Disco Balls

I think Yahtzee strategically placed the mistletoe this year at the kitchen entrance so he can steal more kisses from me. For two people who don't cook much, we spent an awful lot of time in the kitchen this weekend ;-)

If you like our Christmas tree you can thank my husband who insisted we get one despite my protest (it was so sad last year to put the tree to the curb BEFORE christmas because of travel but we did, eventually, have a taker). We went to the Astor Square Christmas tree market at 2nd Ave and 10th to find the "boy" - as Yahtzee and Bob, the tree expert, so adorably put it.

The Keeper

Abbey Road XMAS Strut

Of course, you can win any argument with a Hot Toddy and a nice fireplace at Shoolbreds.

Made to Order Toddy's

Saturday night we joined my Superhero friend Silvestro for his birthday celebration. 

We went to Korea Town and ate some good Korean BBQ. 

Venerio's Tiramisu cake

We then hit a nearby karaoke joint and got a private room where we did several hours of singing.

I did not know that Yahtzee was such a karaoke fan but he actually DID sing several songs.
Were we any good...not necessarily.
Did we have fun...LOADS!

Highlight still was Silvestro rapping "its my birthday" - a classic.

This morning we headed to our friends in the hood on 13th Street for a festive St. Nikolaus Brunch. We were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. G and served the most wonderful food  - and met quite a few nice people too.  A very festive event for sure.

Thanks for the invite, be sure to tell Santa what a nice girl Dasha was this year.

Mrs G dancing it out

And we topped off the night with a win from the Pittsburgh Steelers. I bit off all my fingernails so my guitar playing should also improve now.

I hope you all have a great week ahead. 

Giving Thanks

The Pellarin Six

The Compound was very hopping this past weekend - my parents had lots of guests in addition to the Hays', including these cute kiddos and my sister from the Netherlands.  At Thanksgiving we really make the time to sit and talk together and remind one another what we are thankful for. And with so much love and laughter at the Compound this year, it made for a great atmosphere and a very memorable thanksgiving.

One thing I especially look forward to is Dad's dinner Blessing before we eat so much delicious food. I always had fond memories of Grandpa Ted saying blessings - and can feel his presence in hearing my dad say Grace.  

Britta & Dad

My sister-in-law and niece are forging a special relationship and I think it all started with last years advent calendar.  Someone knows all the tricks and needs to teach them to Tante!

New plate set for a princess, directly from Germany

My nephew was busy exploring the worlds beauty while the rest of us slaved away in the kitchen

I am thankful for such a warm and bright family...

The Cook

and these pies...

 The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind. 
I went to the Backyard Brawl but am ashamed to say what the score was. 
Lets just say it is too embarrassing to mention...but at least we left optimistic

Hail PITT

True Blue Fans

Da burg

Love those Tailgaiters

Nonetheless, it was a 'Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"

Mr. Rogers was a Dasha childhood favorite and a son of Pittsburgh

When it came to children Fred was a safe pair of hands, and I find this a beautiful tribute

I went almost directly from the good hands of Fred to the good hands of my high school friends on Friday night.
I had fun at the Warehouse & I sure miss you guys

And then there was the high school reunion on Saturday. 

The most classic line of the evening: "I like your shirt"

Only thing is, I wore a dress...

good times, good times

Bestie since grade school

 Ah yes, the old Porch Wave
This is a picture that both breaks my heart and warms my heart. 
See you soon Mom and Dad.

Bye Dad, see you in a few weeks

Happy Birthday Yahtzee

Today is my husband's birthday.

He is 35.

He is smart and handsome and generous and funny.

He loves me.

I love him.

Happy Birthday Yahtzee.