that's using my noodle.

Rudee and our next door neighbor Liz had the bright idea of us getting together with some of the other work campers for what I have always called a "pitch in" dinner. Talking with some of our co-workers revealed that I am one of the few people who use this description and when inviting them was usually met with a very confused look. I would explain that it was a meal where everyone brought something to "pitch in". "Oh, a pot luck meal". Well, OK, "pot luck or pitch in" .... just show up with something good to eat. :-)

The girls decided Monday evening would be a good time so the plan was set in motion and before we knew it we had at least 10 couples confirmed. I decided that my/our "pitch in" would be a big crock pot full of chicken and noodles. Rudee made sure we had the necessary ingredients and then stayed out of the kitchen because I'm the noodle maker in this house! So Sunday after work I got busy and started making the dough, rolling it out and cutting the noodles. Flour was flying and most of it ended up all over me! :-) Here is the results of over an hours work.

Monday morning was cold and wet! The rain looked like it would never stop and the temperatures hung around the low 50's and there was a stiff breeze blowing too! Not a good day to have an outside gathering. The forecast promised that the rain would clear later in the day so we held out hope we could still "pitch in".

Late in the afternoon the skies did start clearing and I started boiling noodles. 

Wow! That's a lot of noodles! I was afraid the weather would keep some of the people inside and we would be eating these noodles for the next week. :-o

We pulled several picnic tables into the empty site between us and Tom (Liz's hubby) even hung some party lights. :-)

Shortly after 5pm everyone started showing up. One couple, Dick and Cheryl, brought a big load of firewood and Dick maintained the campfire the whole night. 

We ended up having 20 people eating, talking, laughing and sharing. We all had a great time and it was really nice getting everyone together before we all start to scatter in the next few days. 

Tuesday was our last day off before heading home to Indiana. We spent a little time putting our little area of the campground back like it was before the party and I also got most of our "outside stuff" put away in anticipation of our departure as soon as our work week is over. Once we got our chores done I unloaded the Harley and we headed into the hills for one last ride. 

We said our goodbyes to the winding curves on Needles Highway, the tunnels and pig tail bridges on Iron Mountain Road and to this big guy in Custer State Park.

What a great time we have had riding our bike in this area and making a lifetime of memories. So long Black Hills, hope to be back and see ya again real soon.