Biscuits & Blues in Antelope

It was a Biscuits and Blues party, minus the biscuits (we had rolls instead) and blues (various concert DVDs, ranging from Prince to the Beastie Boys to Madonna, visually and musically inspired us). William enjoyed a private massage session with Karen under Carla's watchful eye (okay, she talked more with the massage therapist than watched). Keith and I felt like the owners of a bed and breakfast, except that we party with our guests. Food was abundant (kudos to Carla's layer dip and Janine representing the Filipino community with her bibinka) as was the liquor. We want to thank everyone for coming and look forward to partying again on Sept. 17th!!!

Karen

Bits from the Bibinka Baker

When I called ahead to say I was stuck in traffic, people already Sounded drunk. When I finally arrived and was greeted with a loud cheer, people were Definitely drunk. As the night went on, people got More drunk. And after one beer and 2 very strong and tall margaritas, "I" was drunk. But our hosts used nothing but the best tequila in them margaritas, cuz lo and behold, no hangover the next morning!

Libations aside, Karen & Keith's place is a must see. They've created a home stamped with their personalities, and I think they could open a B&B some day! Our stay included:

*meeting our hosts' friends Jen & FJ (cool & entertaining people themselves)
*a massage by Karen (for a more in depth description, talk to William)
*Madonna in concert (topless dancer and onstage hotness included)
*Beastie Boys videos
*outdoor patio chatting (mostly for the smokers?)
*a rousing poker game of Texas Hold 'Em (brought to us by Convento's Casino)
*chowing down on Karen's yummy potato & macaroni salads, Keith's scrumptous BBQ'd chicken, Carla's tasty layered dip, and the BEST Bibinka EVER (wink-wink)

AND, guests with a "late check-out" were treated to a full and delicious breakfast the next morning, thanks to chef Karen.

If you haven't visited the Phoenix King Hotel yourself, photos don't do it justice. You've got to book your reservation soon!

Lady J

Thanks, Karen and Keith!

After driving for about two hours in HOT, I mean HOT weather(105 F), it was great to be greeted by an air conditioned room and a smiling Keith & Karen. It was great to meet new people and be with old friends. The Smirnoff Ice variety pack is a godsend(great buy Karen), it's just like eating a jolly rancher candy but with a bit of liquor(not for kids). There was plenty of food, it was all great and had us munching through the night. The atmosphere was just like being at home, except with a lot more people and a little more liquor!!! Love the way the place is decorated, great job! Thanks Keith & Karen for organizing a great weekend for all of us.

Highlights:
* I had a great time watching videos and chatting with everybody.
* There was plenty of liquor and food. (of course liquor goes first)
* I would love to have another get together soon, but cooler weather(please)!
* I loved meeting new people and seeing old friends.

Carla

Priceless

Do you remember Madonna singing "Holiday...Celebrate"? We saw Madonna live in concert (DVD) in Karen's and Keith's living room. It felt like a holiday...especially to the ones intoxicated. ; )

Beastie Boys (DVD) also played in the living room. FJ likes the band. FJ is one of Keith's friend -- a sweetheart. He was also the bartender for the night. At one point in the evening, I asked him for a glass of milk. (Karen made these cookies that were deliciously addictive.) FJ offered to make chocolate milk for me instead. How did it taste? Like Nestle's Quik with vodka!

While Beastie Boys played, we played Texas Holdem. I love the game and I usually don't like to bluff. William, Carla's boyfriend, is a good poker player AND bluffer. During one round, he raised his bet to me. I feared the grin on his face so I folded. Later I found out he didn't have anything -- nada! I felt defeated as I watched him take the winning pot -- a pile of miniature Hershey bars, Twixs and the like. : )

I think it was past midnight when we all went to sleep. Sunshine greeted us in the morning. Carla, William, RJ and his sister Jen left early to start their day while Janine and I stayed for breakfast. Karen prepared eggs, hashbrowns, and sausages for us. While she cooked, I had a nice conversation with her in the kitchen.

If you haven't been to the Phoenix Hotel (AKA Karen's and Keith's place), I hope someday you will get a chance. To see the way they made their place a home (with model airplanes and trains) is a special treat. To be among friends (as well as to meet "Bobbie" the cat) is priceless.

Mary Ann

Quote of the Day

'Tis folks like you who keep the world smiling
In spite of grief and bitter tears.
'Tis folks like you who make the world go round,
When everything seems hopelessly out of vein.
'Tis folks like you who can straighten things allright
When troubles come and break our peace.
'Tis folks like you who conquer hate and anger
When others brood, pine and weep.
'Tis folks like you who sing and go merry
All the year round, rain or shine.
Oh! How can folks like me get along
Without the help and cheer of folks like you?

- Carmina B. Anonuevo, Student, University of the Phillipines, 1958