Dinner with the gang on Sunday. Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A post in which I get a Man Chair
The cats reclining in my Man Chair - this was where I found them when I got home.Monday, January 24, 2011
A post in which there is much to do
It's going to be a busy week. Tonight when I got home from work, I put in some wash, and then moved furniture. dana and I are going to get the chair tomorrow and I'm not going to ask her to do more than she's doing. The house is all ready to drop the chair in the living room, but I hate where my wingbacks are now. I may just have to get rid of them. They are promised to my friend Michael if he still wants them...
Friday, January 14, 2011
A post in which things get a little back to normal
Today at work wasn't half so bad. I got caught up on calls and didn't feel quite so much like I'm drowning.
I checked in with dana to be sure that it was OK for me to visit tonight. I promised to eat a big supper, and I did. I indulged my love of Long John Silver's. I had three fish tacos tonight, and fries. The root beer was flat again, but the people that work there are so nice that I just can't complain.
It was lovely to see Miss Kat and dana, as always. We had a great visit, and I was conscious the whole time.
I checked in with dana to be sure that it was OK for me to visit tonight. I promised to eat a big supper, and I did. I indulged my love of Long John Silver's. I had three fish tacos tonight, and fries. The root beer was flat again, but the people that work there are so nice that I just can't complain.
It was lovely to see Miss Kat and dana, as always. We had a great visit, and I was conscious the whole time.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A post in which it is back to work
I went in today. The roads weren't too terribly bad.
I got into find that my boss had been in during all the snow days. The man is a Nazi.
I put in a full day, and finally finished month end. Only by the middle of the month.
Eve called to invite me to dinner out with her and Dad tonight. Ordinarily I wouldn't have dreamed of going anywhere but straight home, but it had been a pretty exhausting day, and I haven't seen them much through the holidays. What the hell. I went, and was glad I did. We had dinner at the new location of Portofino's. It was as good as ever, and they were slammed out the doors. Apparently the move was good for them.
After supper I went on home. The roads might get worse as it got later, plus I was wiped out.
I got into find that my boss had been in during all the snow days. The man is a Nazi.
I put in a full day, and finally finished month end. Only by the middle of the month.
Eve called to invite me to dinner out with her and Dad tonight. Ordinarily I wouldn't have dreamed of going anywhere but straight home, but it had been a pretty exhausting day, and I haven't seen them much through the holidays. What the hell. I went, and was glad I did. We had dinner at the new location of Portofino's. It was as good as ever, and they were slammed out the doors. Apparently the move was good for them.
After supper I went on home. The roads might get worse as it got later, plus I was wiped out.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A post in which I scare dana
Cabin fever set in today. I have watched about as much daytime TV I can stand. But the sun was out, and I had high hopes for thawing. There was a Living Single marathon on, and I somewhat reluctantly tuned in to watch.
There wasn't a lot of food in the house. I've been living mostly on broccoli soup. I was thrilled to hear that dana was out and about, and headed my way. I wanted company, and I can think of few people I would enjoy seeing as much.
She showed up and started shoveling my driveway! I suspect that she needed to get out as well - being snowed in with Miss Helen wouldn't exactly be a vacation for her. Plus dana needs to be doing stuff. She doesn't sit still that often. She was soon distracted though, as some dogs down the street started fighting. They were tied to a tree together so neither of them could get away. She waited for a few minutes, but the owner didn't come out of the house to do anything about it. dana has a soft spot for animals, and she was HOT! She went down the block, broke up the dogs, and told the owner off. She was still agitated when she came in my house for a visit.
We sat back to spend a little time together. Unfortunately, I've been having problems with Epstein-Barr, and hadn't been eating properly. With the other stuff going on, I basically passed out on the sofa. I was only out for a minute or two, but dana was terrified. I came to with her slapping my face and calling my name. It was rather surreal.
She went out and got me a late lunch, a good ole fish sandwich with plenty o fat and protein. I ate it, and she sat with me for a bit until I could reassure her that I was OK.
After she left, I took a long nap, and woke up and talked to Miss Kat. She was worried about me too. After reassuring her also, I ate some soup and went on to bed.
There wasn't a lot of food in the house. I've been living mostly on broccoli soup. I was thrilled to hear that dana was out and about, and headed my way. I wanted company, and I can think of few people I would enjoy seeing as much.
She showed up and started shoveling my driveway! I suspect that she needed to get out as well - being snowed in with Miss Helen wouldn't exactly be a vacation for her. Plus dana needs to be doing stuff. She doesn't sit still that often. She was soon distracted though, as some dogs down the street started fighting. They were tied to a tree together so neither of them could get away. She waited for a few minutes, but the owner didn't come out of the house to do anything about it. dana has a soft spot for animals, and she was HOT! She went down the block, broke up the dogs, and told the owner off. She was still agitated when she came in my house for a visit.
We sat back to spend a little time together. Unfortunately, I've been having problems with Epstein-Barr, and hadn't been eating properly. With the other stuff going on, I basically passed out on the sofa. I was only out for a minute or two, but dana was terrified. I came to with her slapping my face and calling my name. It was rather surreal.
She went out and got me a late lunch, a good ole fish sandwich with plenty o fat and protein. I ate it, and she sat with me for a bit until I could reassure her that I was OK.
After she left, I took a long nap, and woke up and talked to Miss Kat. She was worried about me too. After reassuring her also, I ate some soup and went on to bed.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
A post in which it was another snow day
Well I was caught up on laundry today. I checked the weather, and it's not suppose to warm up a bit for a couple of days. It was freezing today.
I did have some fingerling potatoes that I picked up from Trader Joe's over the weekend so I made those. They were delicious, but man did they make a mess! I had to really scrub the roasting pan to get it clean - and it was enamel coated.
As it got later in the day, I checked the weather again - no change. I got out to walk my block to see if I could get out of the neighborhood. It was all I could do to walk to the corner, much less drive. It's not looking good for work tomorrow.
I did have some fingerling potatoes that I picked up from Trader Joe's over the weekend so I made those. They were delicious, but man did they make a mess! I had to really scrub the roasting pan to get it clean - and it was enamel coated.
As it got later in the day, I checked the weather again - no change. I got out to walk my block to see if I could get out of the neighborhood. It was all I could do to walk to the corner, much less drive. It's not looking good for work tomorrow.
Monday, January 10, 2011
A post in which there is much snow
When I woke up this morning there was a LOT of snow on the ground. I couldn't stay in the house though, as is my usual policy during snow or ice. I left the car window down a bit last night. It was still snowing - light blowy snow that really didn't fall straight down. I had to go out and close the window. I figured snow was getting in, and I was right. I trudged through the ankle-deep white stuff and closed it.
On the one hand I had a vacation day scheduled so I didn't have to worry about calling in, but on the other hand it seemed like a big waste of a vacation day. I had also scheduled for dana to come help me pick up the recliner that Dad gave me. Obviously that wasn't going to happen.
I had broccoli in the freezer that I bought to make soup, so I put that in the crock pot to get working. I also had a bunch of laundry that had built up again, so I did wash.
It was a quiet day of daytime television. After all that has happened, it was kind of nice to spend some quiet time at the house. Everyone called to check on me, which was also sweet. Russ asked me to come over. That Russ. Of course it would have been great to get snowed in at their house, but since I was already snowed in at my house that kind of ruined that plan.
On the one hand I had a vacation day scheduled so I didn't have to worry about calling in, but on the other hand it seemed like a big waste of a vacation day. I had also scheduled for dana to come help me pick up the recliner that Dad gave me. Obviously that wasn't going to happen.
I had broccoli in the freezer that I bought to make soup, so I put that in the crock pot to get working. I also had a bunch of laundry that had built up again, so I did wash.
It was a quiet day of daytime television. After all that has happened, it was kind of nice to spend some quiet time at the house. Everyone called to check on me, which was also sweet. Russ asked me to come over. That Russ. Of course it would have been great to get snowed in at their house, but since I was already snowed in at my house that kind of ruined that plan.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
A post in which it is time for the last of the parties
I got up this morning to a text from Russ about going to the flea market. Of course I wanted to go. I got to the house in time to see the last of the revelers who had stayed over last night trickled out. After some coffee, a nosh on some party left-overs, and a re-cap of what happened last night after I left, we hit the road.
Marshall, John, and Aaron had come for the party and the weekend. We did the flea market and then went to breakfast at IHOP. I'm not supposed to eat there right now because the animal-rights people are on the outs with them. IHOP is the only major breakfast chain to refuse to use any percentage of humanely grown eggs - none at all. But I wasn't going to challenge the group agreement, so I went.
The new Trader Joe's opened a month or so ago, and John, as a cook, was keen to visit, so that was next on the list. They do have amazingly beautiful produce at very good prices. I hadn't been able to get in there for a good rummage becuause of all the people that always seem to be wandering around. I guess they buy stuff, but they usually just look like zombies. Some of the frozen things looked interesting, but since I wasn't going straight home I didn't get any of that. I did pick up some beautiful huge red pears for lunch next week and some fingerling potatoes.
When we got back to the house I was pretty wiped, but there was still the party tonight. I left them all vegged on the sofa, packed up a cooler of left-over Jello shooters from last night, and headed out. It was pretty cold. When I got to the house I just left them in the car.
I tried to lie down for a bit, but it wasn't like I could sleep in a hurry. After a bit, I gave up, got up, and cleaned up. The party had started about 3pm and it was about 5. I got there about 6. I was dragging. I really wished I hadn't RSVP'd. Of course etiquette forbids cancelling an accepted invitation except in the case of a sudden death or illness. I soldiered on. I knew I would have a good time once I got there.
Tonight was Danl'l and Jim's party. They have a drop-in every year, and it's always nice. They have moved it to January now because of the crush of parties, and it's a nice way to see folks I know and wind down the season. It was laid back and nice. Taking in the Jello shooters helped make up for being late. I missed Donnie, Kimbley, and Laura, but Karen and Billy were there. It was good to see them, as always. Although it got colder, I had dressed in layers. I ended up camped out on the porch with Nicole, Karen, and a cute guy named John. He gave me his number too. It was a very nice time, and Iwas glad I went. It wasn't a late night. First, it was Sunday night, and secondly there are rumors of snow moving in. I'm skeptical, but then I usually kind of pooh-pooh the snow madness that seems to infect anyone here at the least possibility. Still, it was a really nice evening, and I had a good time. I was glad I went.
I took the day off tomorrow anyway.
Marshall, John, and Aaron had come for the party and the weekend. We did the flea market and then went to breakfast at IHOP. I'm not supposed to eat there right now because the animal-rights people are on the outs with them. IHOP is the only major breakfast chain to refuse to use any percentage of humanely grown eggs - none at all. But I wasn't going to challenge the group agreement, so I went.
The new Trader Joe's opened a month or so ago, and John, as a cook, was keen to visit, so that was next on the list. They do have amazingly beautiful produce at very good prices. I hadn't been able to get in there for a good rummage becuause of all the people that always seem to be wandering around. I guess they buy stuff, but they usually just look like zombies. Some of the frozen things looked interesting, but since I wasn't going straight home I didn't get any of that. I did pick up some beautiful huge red pears for lunch next week and some fingerling potatoes.
When we got back to the house I was pretty wiped, but there was still the party tonight. I left them all vegged on the sofa, packed up a cooler of left-over Jello shooters from last night, and headed out. It was pretty cold. When I got to the house I just left them in the car.
I tried to lie down for a bit, but it wasn't like I could sleep in a hurry. After a bit, I gave up, got up, and cleaned up. The party had started about 3pm and it was about 5. I got there about 6. I was dragging. I really wished I hadn't RSVP'd. Of course etiquette forbids cancelling an accepted invitation except in the case of a sudden death or illness. I soldiered on. I knew I would have a good time once I got there.
Tonight was Danl'l and Jim's party. They have a drop-in every year, and it's always nice. They have moved it to January now because of the crush of parties, and it's a nice way to see folks I know and wind down the season. It was laid back and nice. Taking in the Jello shooters helped make up for being late. I missed Donnie, Kimbley, and Laura, but Karen and Billy were there. It was good to see them, as always. Although it got colder, I had dressed in layers. I ended up camped out on the porch with Nicole, Karen, and a cute guy named John. He gave me his number too. It was a very nice time, and Iwas glad I went. It wasn't a late night. First, it was Sunday night, and secondly there are rumors of snow moving in. I'm skeptical, but then I usually kind of pooh-pooh the snow madness that seems to infect anyone here at the least possibility. Still, it was a really nice evening, and I had a good time. I was glad I went.
I took the day off tomorrow anyway.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
A post in which it is the bear holiday party*
Well it was the bear party tonight, but first I had cooking to do. I had promised Drew that I would make a savory mushroom baklava. It's my own recipe, and it's his favorite. The theme for the party this year was retro hors d'oeuvres, but since I had already promised Drew I pretty much disregarded. Even though I really don't like making the baklava. It's very labor intensive. But I got up and went to buy mushrooms anyway.
I fell into the manhunt vortex for a while though, and a buddy came by for a while. It had been a while since I had seen him.
After that I straightened up the house a bit, made the baklava, and had a bit of a lie down.
Eventually though, I popped the baklava in the oven and jumped in the shower. Russ and Billy were looking for me, and I didn't want to be late. Billy had been stuck for an idea of what to do, and so I made a suggestion. It was something I'd had at a wedding years ago: lunch ham spread with cream cheese, rolled around sweet pickel spears and sliced. Simple, but all these years late I can still remember how good they were. Billy made them! He also sent me a picture of them:
Billy's Party Dish
I got to the party and greeted everyone. Everyone was there to have a good time, and got along pretty well. There was a bit of drama with roaming husbands, but all the couples went home with the right one. I got many compliments on the baklava, which did turn out golden and beautiful, but which I thought was too greasy.
It was good to see everyone, but I think I'm just partied out. I just wasn't feeling it. I stuck to the more quiet areas of the party. I had a good time, but I didn't stay late late. Still it's always nice when the bears get together. I left as things started to get out of hand and let the hard-core folks take over.
I fell into the manhunt vortex for a while though, and a buddy came by for a while. It had been a while since I had seen him.
After that I straightened up the house a bit, made the baklava, and had a bit of a lie down.
Eventually though, I popped the baklava in the oven and jumped in the shower. Russ and Billy were looking for me, and I didn't want to be late. Billy had been stuck for an idea of what to do, and so I made a suggestion. It was something I'd had at a wedding years ago: lunch ham spread with cream cheese, rolled around sweet pickel spears and sliced. Simple, but all these years late I can still remember how good they were. Billy made them! He also sent me a picture of them:
Billy's Party DishI got to the party and greeted everyone. Everyone was there to have a good time, and got along pretty well. There was a bit of drama with roaming husbands, but all the couples went home with the right one. I got many compliments on the baklava, which did turn out golden and beautiful, but which I thought was too greasy.
It was good to see everyone, but I think I'm just partied out. I just wasn't feeling it. I stuck to the more quiet areas of the party. I had a good time, but I didn't stay late late. Still it's always nice when the bears get together. I left as things started to get out of hand and let the hard-core folks take over.
Friday, January 7, 2011
A post in which I apologize
I haven't skipped any days since I started this blog. I'm going to now. The last two days were a nightmare, and today wasn't much better. I"m sparing you a two-day whine-fest. Trust me.
I'll summarize:
- Canada got pissy because they scheduled a meeting to discuss their presentation for before I would have the information to complete it, and then were unhappy that I couldn't get it to them before the meeting.
- Little Boots chimed in and added yet another slide to the ones I now produce Every. Fucking. Week. As he stepped out of his office to dictate his instructions, I just turned around in my chair, elbow deep in papers. "Alan, PLEASE!" I said. He told me I didn't have to do it this week. What a prince.
- I spent two hours this afternoon trying to chase down numbers for Canada, trying to finish their stuff early, battling uphill against all corporate culture. Canadians apparently just do not hurry. Like ever, eh? I couldn't get anyone in that office to answer the phone. They got my voice mails, then emailed me that their stuff wasn't due yet, or that they would call me later. Eventually, I found out that the manager who had to approve the final data I needed was playing golf.
- I have not called any customers this week. It has been a wall-to-wall report slam from moment one. I haven't returned any of the phone messages that came in while I was out. I haven't been able to finish month end for the US either.
- To top it all off, the freakin' Epstein-Barr is definitely back. Not as bad as last year, but back, and dragging me down. Sigh.
I left the office in disgust and dismay.
The light at the end of the tunnel was that I got to go to Miss Kat and dana's tonight. I dragged my mutilated corpse in from the wars, so happy to be there I didn't know whether to cry or pee myself. Helen told me to cry, since they didn't want to clean up the pee.
Time at their house felt as if it saved my life, and may have actually saved my psyche. I perked up like a parched flower that's finally been watered. Thank God for my friends, who are so much better to me than I could ever deserve.
I'll summarize:
- Canada got pissy because they scheduled a meeting to discuss their presentation for before I would have the information to complete it, and then were unhappy that I couldn't get it to them before the meeting.
- Little Boots chimed in and added yet another slide to the ones I now produce Every. Fucking. Week. As he stepped out of his office to dictate his instructions, I just turned around in my chair, elbow deep in papers. "Alan, PLEASE!" I said. He told me I didn't have to do it this week. What a prince.
- I spent two hours this afternoon trying to chase down numbers for Canada, trying to finish their stuff early, battling uphill against all corporate culture. Canadians apparently just do not hurry. Like ever, eh? I couldn't get anyone in that office to answer the phone. They got my voice mails, then emailed me that their stuff wasn't due yet, or that they would call me later. Eventually, I found out that the manager who had to approve the final data I needed was playing golf.
- I have not called any customers this week. It has been a wall-to-wall report slam from moment one. I haven't returned any of the phone messages that came in while I was out. I haven't been able to finish month end for the US either.
- To top it all off, the freakin' Epstein-Barr is definitely back. Not as bad as last year, but back, and dragging me down. Sigh.
I left the office in disgust and dismay.
The light at the end of the tunnel was that I got to go to Miss Kat and dana's tonight. I dragged my mutilated corpse in from the wars, so happy to be there I didn't know whether to cry or pee myself. Helen told me to cry, since they didn't want to clean up the pee.
Time at their house felt as if it saved my life, and may have actually saved my psyche. I perked up like a parched flower that's finally been watered. Thank God for my friends, who are so much better to me than I could ever deserve.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A post in which I begin paying for my vacation
I had been dreading today. As it turns out that dread was fully justified.
I walked back in to the hundreds of emails at accumulate after the longest vacation I have taken since 2007, month end due, and weekly reports to be put together.
It's kind of like being annoyed to death, only more stressful.
I walked back in to the hundreds of emails at accumulate after the longest vacation I have taken since 2007, month end due, and weekly reports to be put together.
It's kind of like being annoyed to death, only more stressful.
Monday, January 3, 2011
A post in which it is the last day of vacation :(
It's the last day. I actually felt better today than yesterday attitude-wise, go figure.
I got to work early and industriously and productively, doing chores to make the next four days easier. I changed sheets and stuff like that. I got the tree down, and got it and all the ornaments up in the attic! As much as I have enjoyed it, and I have, I am never sorry to see the last of it. To celebrate, I treated myself to an indulgent fast-food lunch. I almost never do that. I was just kind of where I had almost everything done that needed doing when the phone rang.
It was dana, inviting me over to visit. There was no way I was gonna say no to that. I got cleaned up and headed over to see what was up.
As it turned out, nothing. We talked about doing stuff, but no one really felt like it. We ended up just hanging out, vegging in front of the tube, and enjoying each other. I charged my happiness battery for the days ahead. I have a feeling I'm going to need it. It was actually the perfect way to spend the last of my vacation. If I'd stayed at home, I would have felt like I should keep doing stuff.
I got to work early and industriously and productively, doing chores to make the next four days easier. I changed sheets and stuff like that. I got the tree down, and got it and all the ornaments up in the attic! As much as I have enjoyed it, and I have, I am never sorry to see the last of it. To celebrate, I treated myself to an indulgent fast-food lunch. I almost never do that. I was just kind of where I had almost everything done that needed doing when the phone rang.
It was dana, inviting me over to visit. There was no way I was gonna say no to that. I got cleaned up and headed over to see what was up.
As it turned out, nothing. We talked about doing stuff, but no one really felt like it. We ended up just hanging out, vegging in front of the tube, and enjoying each other. I charged my happiness battery for the days ahead. I have a feeling I'm going to need it. It was actually the perfect way to spend the last of my vacation. If I'd stayed at home, I would have felt like I should keep doing stuff.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A post in which it is time for a trip to Spartanburg
I woke up today bummed. Small of me with a whole nother day off tomorrow, but true. I am really bummed about going back to work. I know it's going to be chaos, and I dread it. Telling myself that at least it's a short week ain't a-workin'.
I did manage to start working on taking the tree down. We had just thrown all the storage stuff in
the attic when we were done putting it up, and I was afraid it was going tobe bad packing them back up, but it turned out not to be nearly as bad as I had feared, and I got all the ornaments off today. That's most of the work.
To reward myself, I stopped, rested for a bit, and cheered myself up looking forward to going to Jeff and James's house tonight. We have the suppers regularly, but I always have to have one eye on the clock. It used to be just me that worked on Mondays, but now that Jeff and James apparently work all the time, they have to get up too. I just don't think they have to be up as early.
At any rate, I was looking forward to staying out as long as I wanted to tonight. The only fly in the ointment was that Russ and Billy couldn't go.
I did get to see their new furniture. They've had it since before Christmas, but what with one thing and another we haven't been to the house since. The new sofa is gorgeous. Buttery burgundy leather, comfortable seating for four, and it's stitched in white like a Coach bag. Gorgeous. It actually looks as if it could stand up to the dogs. For a while anyway.
We went out for sushi. They have found a good sushi place that is open on Sunday. In Spartanburg. Amazing. And scarce as hen's teeth. After a lovely meal we went back to their place and vegged in front of the tube, Amanda curled up adorably beside me. When you're that little, everything you do is cute.
I stayed until very late.
I did manage to start working on taking the tree down. We had just thrown all the storage stuff in
the attic when we were done putting it up, and I was afraid it was going tobe bad packing them back up, but it turned out not to be nearly as bad as I had feared, and I got all the ornaments off today. That's most of the work.
To reward myself, I stopped, rested for a bit, and cheered myself up looking forward to going to Jeff and James's house tonight. We have the suppers regularly, but I always have to have one eye on the clock. It used to be just me that worked on Mondays, but now that Jeff and James apparently work all the time, they have to get up too. I just don't think they have to be up as early.
At any rate, I was looking forward to staying out as long as I wanted to tonight. The only fly in the ointment was that Russ and Billy couldn't go.
I did get to see their new furniture. They've had it since before Christmas, but what with one thing and another we haven't been to the house since. The new sofa is gorgeous. Buttery burgundy leather, comfortable seating for four, and it's stitched in white like a Coach bag. Gorgeous. It actually looks as if it could stand up to the dogs. For a while anyway.
We went out for sushi. They have found a good sushi place that is open on Sunday. In Spartanburg. Amazing. And scarce as hen's teeth. After a lovely meal we went back to their place and vegged in front of the tube, Amanda curled up adorably beside me. When you're that little, everything you do is cute.
I stayed until very late.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A post in which it is a new year
Well, it's a new year.
Actually it got off to a good start. Russ and I got up and went to the flea market. I hit on another find for Amanda (storin up those gifts), and thought I had gotten a deal for myself. I was flying blind (with no field guide) since I packed my clothes for today in my backpack. I ended up buying some well-done reproduction candlesticks. They're pretty anyway. I may sit them out for a while and look at them before I get rid of them.
When we got back, I went home to lay around for a while. But I got ready and headed to Russ and Billy's to go back out. Nothin' wussy 'bout me. There was more partyin' to do!
This evening was Rich's card party. He used to have it on Christmas day, but it's changed since he started spending more time with his family. I missed it last year and was very disappointed. His party is always relaxing and fun. There is usually a very low booger-eater quotient there. Dressing up is forbidden, and alcohol is encouraged. There was an additional inducement this year because we would get to meet Rich's non-boyfriend. Rich says they aren't involved, even though they see each other regularly and share food. Among other things. His business, but I was curious.
The guy turned out to be nice, and we had a very enjoyable evening. Alan, a guy I know who has done an odd job or two for me, was there. He's such a sweet man. There are several things around the house that need doing, but he's all tied up re-decorating Rich's house right now. I was impressed that he had the party, even in the midst of re-doing. So many queens would have been bitchy and talked about it, but Rich usually keeps those kind to a minimum. We had gorgeous homemade soup. He always makes one with no meat in it for me (what a sweetheart) and this year he made two! A really delicious black bean and rice, and a gorgeous tomato-mushroom bisque.
The party dwindled until there were just enough of us for one card table (there are usually more people there) and we had a great time talking, eating, and playing cards, until we finally just dropped all the cards pretense and chatted. It was a lovely, lovely way to start the new year.
Actually it got off to a good start. Russ and I got up and went to the flea market. I hit on another find for Amanda (storin up those gifts), and thought I had gotten a deal for myself. I was flying blind (with no field guide) since I packed my clothes for today in my backpack. I ended up buying some well-done reproduction candlesticks. They're pretty anyway. I may sit them out for a while and look at them before I get rid of them.
When we got back, I went home to lay around for a while. But I got ready and headed to Russ and Billy's to go back out. Nothin' wussy 'bout me. There was more partyin' to do!
This evening was Rich's card party. He used to have it on Christmas day, but it's changed since he started spending more time with his family. I missed it last year and was very disappointed. His party is always relaxing and fun. There is usually a very low booger-eater quotient there. Dressing up is forbidden, and alcohol is encouraged. There was an additional inducement this year because we would get to meet Rich's non-boyfriend. Rich says they aren't involved, even though they see each other regularly and share food. Among other things. His business, but I was curious.
The guy turned out to be nice, and we had a very enjoyable evening. Alan, a guy I know who has done an odd job or two for me, was there. He's such a sweet man. There are several things around the house that need doing, but he's all tied up re-decorating Rich's house right now. I was impressed that he had the party, even in the midst of re-doing. So many queens would have been bitchy and talked about it, but Rich usually keeps those kind to a minimum. We had gorgeous homemade soup. He always makes one with no meat in it for me (what a sweetheart) and this year he made two! A really delicious black bean and rice, and a gorgeous tomato-mushroom bisque.
The party dwindled until there were just enough of us for one card table (there are usually more people there) and we had a great time talking, eating, and playing cards, until we finally just dropped all the cards pretense and chatted. It was a lovely, lovely way to start the new year.
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