Weekend Update

Itchyrae and MJS have been busy traveling the world with stops in Dubai (which I keep calling Abu Dhabi for some reason) and soaking up some R&R (as if they don't get any of that here) in the Maldives. I'm not ashamed to admit it - I don't have a fucking clue where that is... We expect their return this weekend. I wouldn't want them to get big heads and think that the social circuit came to a screeching halt in their absence so here's the breakdown of the past few days.

Thursday night we had cocktails at my cousins house to welcome Karen back to her desert home. I found it slightly difficult to appear engaged in conversation while watching the baseball game over someone's shoulder, but I think I managed okay.

Friday night Chris and Peter had folks over for a housewarming at their new pad. And then we all went out for thai at Peerya which was excellent as always - except for the hideous lighting. Why are all really good thai places lit up like a goddamn hospital? Food = great. Third degree burns from the fluorescent lighting = bad.

Saturday night we double booked. We started off early with a 6:00 stop at John and Steves, my cousins former neighbors. During the nickel tour of the house, the missus leans over and whispers to me "when you get a chance, check out the ashtray on that far table." Of course I cranked my head around to look and let out a gasp. It was none other than THE Alien Space Craft from Hell ashtray. There can be only one.

How to describe it? It's 2 feet in diameter and divided into three sections. The design motif dates it to circa 1968. It's the hugest, most hideous, ridiculous thing you have ever seen. And it was a housewarming gift to us when we first moved here. When we finally got rid of it sadly parted with it at our garage sale this summer, I thought it would be gone for good. No such luck. When we asked the guys where they got it, they told us they walked into a vintage store downtown and said "that's the hugest, most hideous, ridiculous thing we have ever seen - we simply must have it!" And so it lives - it all its ugly glory!

We then headed cross town for a little soiree James was hosting for Karen and her parents who had just arrived here for their first visit to the desert. James lives up on the Mesa and the moon rise was simply stunning. Good friends, music and drink. A few of us stopped off at Estrella for a nightcap. A wonderful evening as always.

The weekend was topped off by a Sun. BBQ at John and Dougs house with a fun and eclectic mix of people. Excellent "build your own" kabobs, cold beer and full contact shuffle board out back. I had never played shuffle board other than the table ones you find in bars. This was totally different. I almost got my butt whipped by that precocious 9 year old girl, but my competitive spirit came out and I rallied for a comeback at the end. Sorry kid.

So there you have it. Season appears to be coming into full swing. Hurry home safe boys - wouldn't want you to miss another moment of PS good times! We're all set for Bocci Ball at your house next weekend. Hope you don't mind :)