First Successful Bonfire of the Season

As I've mentioned, part of being a driver, in my opinion, is enjoying life in between driving.  Life, after all, is not 'just driving'.

So in the interest of keeping things balanced, I want to incorporate other things that we enjoy doing - when we are not driving.  Enjoying the scenery.

One thing for me that is nearly unrivaled in terms of pure enjoyment and relaxation is having a backyard bonfire.  I do a lot of thinking when I am driving... I do at least as much thinking when I am staring into the mesmerizing flames and glowing coals of a good bonfire.

Two Fridays ago, I decided to invite some friends over for a bonfire.  We have had several over the summer, but these summer bonfires (especially in South Carolina) are not exactly the ideal example of a bonfire.  You break into a running sweat getting the thing going and no one wants to actually go anywhere near the fire because it is HOT until at least 11 or 12.

This Friday was different though.  Although we are now back up in the 80's on a regular basis, this Friday was cool (almost chilly) and there was a little bit of an overcast feel to the sky.  It was just cool enough to want to be by the fire as it got dark.

I got the fire going with some of the kids that I work with and, for at least the first hour after we had told people to come, thought we were going to be alone in our enjoyment of this fire.  This was fine with me, but a little disappointing, because, as I mentioned, it was a perfect season opening in terms of weather.  Also, I love sharing a fire with as many people as possible.  The bigger the crowd, the better the fire.  (I think the same will prove true with this blog... so invite your friends!)

Anyway, just when it looked like no one was going to be able to make it, EVERYONE showed up!  We work at a home for children.  Across our rather large campus, there are 9 homes with 5 - 8 kids in each home.  Ours has Elementary and Middle School age girls.  There are boys homes and girls homes, all with varying ages.  When I say EVERYONE showed up, I mean we went from a 'crowd' of about 6 to a MOB of about 40.  The kids played football and on the swing set and the adults circled up around the fire and got some much needed adult time.

What do you do to enjoy the scenery?  What is your escape from the ordinary?  The weekend is almost here again... what big plans are on your horizon?