2026 presented us with a particularly fun iteration. The weather was balmy with only one slight rain delay. There was lots of music. The porch fest rocked on until 3:30am. Just really fun.

As we get older, the winter solstice has generally overtake the summer solstice in terms of audience participation. This summer was a welcome exception to the trend. I guess people were chomping at the bit since we skipped a year due to a death in the family in 2025. Thanks for joining us!

We’ve moved the party nexus close to the house, and it makes things swankier with Kitselman’s excellent patio in full swing.

Food is under Josie’s oak.

The garden is just ramping into production.

And off we go! The Charlottesville/NY contingent arrived early to get the party started.

And Leiden was the featured guest! Gonna keep him up…all night long!

Bubble?

John and Betty came as the ghost of wedding past.

Baby on the porch! Who knew that the dog gate doubled as a baby gate too?!

Music on the patio.

It rained for a few minutes and we all temporarily raided the kitchen… but soon we were back outside where we belong.

At dusk, we lit the fire to turn the sun.

Woo hoo!!

This is my favorite picture of the party. Romey cooks a marshmellow.

Sure is a nice ritual.

Iulie obliderates a marshmellow.

Tunes around the fire followed. And after that, back to the porch for even more music into the wee hours. Special thanks to Gina, Allan James, the two Mikes, Emory, Chip, Linus, and all of the other musicians for a hella time.

Using a hay bale to block the heat…now that’s how to do it.