We had perfectly blue skies, slight breezes, and the temp was in the mid 70’s – my idea of perfection. Family and friends gathered around a fun meal… who could ask for more? We nibbled on an artichoke and spinach dip with lots of cheese (from Sam’s Club) while Jeff started the grill and I did the indoor prep. Honestly, the hardest part of the day was finding all the bowls and platters for serving. As I mentioned before, the ribs were pre-cooked and simply required reheating and glazing. Three kinds of glaze, though: the cranberry and onion (couldn’t find fresh cranberries, so I used whole cranberry sauce and omitted the sugar – it worked); a bottled sauce called “Big Hawaii” featuring pineapple and teriyaki flavors; and a classic BBQ sauce from ATK. In case there was a “hold out” or two who didn’t like ribs, I marinated split chicken breasts in “State Fair”, a sugar and gluten free flavorful blend. Those went on the grill first. Couldn’t make up my mind over what type of cucumber salad to make – so you can guess – I made both. While both Hungarian Cucumber Salad (slightly spicy, sour cream based) and Cucumbers with Dill (pungent, vinegar based) were very good and enjoyed, as a rule our gang thought the sour dill version was a better companion to the sweet ribs. BTW, the rib glaze selections were very successful, but there was no definitive “winner” – each of us had a favorite (but they ALL disappeared, as did the chicken)! Salt potatoes and a simple tossed salad finished off the menu – until dessert! Papa & Mom brought a deep-dish apple pie, and a delectable brownie that came from a BOX! Very UNLIKE Papa, though he added his own touch, by layering pieces of chocolate over the warm brownie, so they melted a little, and yet had a little texture… Aunt Barb even brought a rhubarb and strawberry pie that was still warm from the oven – made with rhubarb that had been picked just that afternoon! Hope you too had a glorious day. I for one am still full ALMOST FORGOT! Comic relief was supplied by the finger bowls (bowls of water with lemon slices) I had placed around the table to wash away the stickiness. It was a very practical idea, but bad jokes abounded...