UYE: Potluck Picnic In the park

In Which I Feel Like A Child And Am Hurled Back Into Reality, Literally.
Everyone’s generously covered the vast offerings of this UYE in both the full spread and diverse company. They’ve waxed poetic about the Unilocal community and the forging of friendships.
But no one has given you any life lessons.
I’m here to share one.
If you are enjoying a park picnic on a splendid spring evening that boasts a spread of fried chicken, orzo, cookies, pie, ice cream and beer, don’t go rolling down a hill at high speeds afterwards.
It was thrilling until I tried to stand up and remembered I was in my 30s. I would like to thank Tom E for being such a sport and joining me in having our bodies assaulted by grass and gravity.
I’m glad I had my hair cut so no one had to hold it when I lost my yummy mini cookies.
Another fantastic round of life with folks who turn picnics into mini food festivals.

Guys, I adore you!!!
Let me get my shout-​outs out of the way first:
Kathleen, you are a great Community Manager. James & Laura are just really cool people, always a pleasure. Tilia & Katherine are are always so bubbly and adorable that I look forward to seeing them at every event. Carrie Neal, who knew you had some skills in preparing picnic food girl! Tanya, I couldn’t help but take your pic because you were a perfect subject. I hope you don’t mind that I did, because look how absolutely gorgeous it looks. Feel free to use it as a profile pic if you like it.
Tom and Vanessa, thank you for showing my children absolutely no mercy @ Bocce Ball!!! It wasn’t bad enough that you beat them like 9 to 3, but Vanessa even broke out dancing about it… LOL
I think the big Unilocal Events are fabulous, and I’ve had a great time at every one I’ve attended. But today is really my speed when it comes to hanging out with other Unilocalers. Casual atmosphere, no need to talk louder than the music just to hear one another, just friends hanging out like real friends. I had a pretty rough day prior to coming and I was exhausted to the point of wanting to go to sleep right on the lawn. But being around you guys was just the little boost I needed. Believe me, it’s rare that I am in a quiet mood. I just wish my home girl Helena W and her «other» had been there as well as Lisa C and her hubby. Next time!
Seem like I always want to make special mention of Vanessa T, but it’s for good reason… she’s just a class act. If you are reading this review Vanessa, my boys LOVE you!!! I seriously think the oldest has a crush on you (as he repeatedly said how pretty you are). Both told us it was the best picnic ever and when we asked them why, it was because of Vanessa. If you were a business, I would write the most awesome review about you.
Thanks for a great, relaxing night ATL Unilocal crew. We should do that again several times during the summer. I hope you guys enjoy the pics and hope to see all of you at the Hiking Event :-)

Y’all. How did we not think of this sooner?
We all love spring in Atlanta, and yet we’ve never had a potluck picnic as a UYE! Remiss, I tell you. Good call, Empress!
It was so lovely. People came from work, from home, with families, with — whatever they brought to the «table» (Tom E’s cooler of tiny cute Cokes, Vanessa T’s pie– a hit — and James H’s fried chicken — one of my faves!) and it was so fun! I was worried it was going to start pouring, but then the skies cleared (was that coincidentally when Richard R. arrived? hmm. Oh, and for the record, if I could love him and Dani R anymore, it would be because they have totally awesome kids. Not a surprise!!).
Such a lovely evening of food, friends, and the open air. And a red Unilocal blanket for our seating pleasure.
Yes, I will be there in May — with provisions. Put your requests in now.