It seems every year at this time, and this year is no exception, we try to fit in all those casual  BBQ’s that we haven’t had time for all summer.

This year we promised ourselves we would not schedule every weekend, that we would try for more spontaneous get togethers.

With no plans we could run into a neighbor and invite them over for a drinks that quickly turn into an impromptu dinner.

Or at the grocery store, run into an old work buddy and make plans for that night.

However…..

June disappeared with end of school festivities and graduation parties most weekends.

Then 10 days early July in France/England with the kids, I am not complaining here, really.

Squeeze in a few visits from family and far flung friends as well.

Now August arrives, and we feel pressed to get a few college visits for Bunny out of the way.

Off we go to the Hudson Valley, Rhode Island, New Hampshire then finally Vermont.

Thankfully while dealing with the suitcases and getting acquainted with our empty fridge, our dear friends from across the street invite us over for dinner.

Yea!  Spontaneous, we’re there.

Never mind Scotty has had his smoker fired up all afternoon, and was eager to share his fabulous smoked ribs with us.

I have been in the habit of buying mozzarella in ciliegine form, tiny little mozzarella balls, perfectly bite sized for salads.

And a nice little departure from the layered tomato mozzarella salad that has been kicking around BBQ’s for quite a while now.

An english cucumber and lemon from the crisper (I always seem to have those on hand), a carton of perfect little tomatoes from a farm stand on our drive home,  a snip of basil from my garden.  15 minutes, done.

I am so glad it all came together so perfectly, because this coming weekend we already have plans.