I think the best approach for Saturday would be to start around mid-afternoon so we have plenty of time to arrange things before people begin arriving. The park has those covered tables near the north entrance which should work well if we want some shelter from the sun. I can bring the grill and charcoal if you handle the sides and beverages. Let me know if you think we should also bring additional chairs since sometimes the built-in benches are not enough for a larger gathering. We could ask Jen to bring her portable speaker for background music and maybe Mark can bring some outdoor games. I was thinking we could keep it relatively simple this time and just focus on enjoying the afternoon without overcomplicating the menu or setup. Does that seem reasonable to you? We can finalize the details later this week once everyone confirms their availability.

I finally got around to reading that novel you suggested last month and I have to say the pacing really surprised me in a positive way. The character development felt natural and the setting descriptions made me feel like I was present in the scenes. I particularly enjoyed how the author handled the relationships between the main characters without making them feel forced or rushed. There were a few moments where the plot seemed to slow down a bit but overall it was a solid read. I might actually pick up the sequel when I finish a couple of other books I have lined up. Your taste in fiction is usually pretty reliable so I appreciate the recommendation. If you come across anything else you think I would like please share whenever you have a moment.