Oh, my, woman, don’t get me started on people who accept an invitation and then don’t show up or show up an hour or more late! I had a couple come to a cookout we had 2 1/2 hours late. The food was put away, the table cleared. They asked me to pull out the leftovers because they were hungry!! Some people just never show — don’t even bother to call or give a lame excuse. It’s maddening.

In my rant, I mentioned the Lopez family. Other than one neighbor. that family of 8 were our only guests. They showed up 45 minutes late — all 8 of them! And, one announced he had to go to work in 15 minutes so he needed to eat fast!

We still entertain but limit our guest list now and those that don’t show or come late with an unacceptable excuse or never reciprocate don’t get another invitation.

Besides the rudeness, there is money involved, too, as you said. From the photo of my husband’s grill, you can see we spend a lot for good cuts of meat, not to mention the time and effort of preparing the meal. Our typical cookout costs over $100 and people just don’t show!

Mind boggling!!