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