Paris nightmare

The International Herald Tribune has a fine article taking on soccer hooliganism in Paris (that's right, I did not say the UK -- Paris). I have always found the idea of French Neo-Nazi's to be more than a little bizarre, now M. Le Pen's pals have the eyes of the Government on them. This would be in direct justapoxition with the immigrant uprisings last year and this. I do not believe that France can be torn apart from the edges, but it could become damned unpleasant. Oh, oh, mon cher Paris...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/11/28/news/france.php

Champagne and friends

Drama requires generous gestures... or it is tragedy and that is just not acceptable.

Tonight the family gathered at the Palace. David came up from Fort Lauderdale, Jeremy is here from his South American journeys, Ditmar made a grand entrance and proceeded to liven up the party, et al. Only Jesse and Brian were absent, for good reasons -- but they were still missed. ANYWAY, we hit the Palace's champagne supplies and while they were bent, they did not break.

Lovely evening, we will do it again. Current plan is to be in South Beach in late March.

I got into the champagne habit in Zurich and have never regretted a moment of it. The Swiss are definitely not cheap, but demand value for money. Anyway, the Swiss have the right idea... Tonight it was Piper-Heidsick non-vintage brut, in my snotty opinion, a damned fine champagne.

Gonna go now.... have a great week!!

Readying for blast off

I am now in full prep mode for departure tomorrow evening. Laundry will be done, the refrigerator will be emptied, and my bag will be packed. (no liquids will be packed!)

My passport, with a fresh UK entry clearance stamp, is safe once again. A hotel room has been reserved and all is well for arrival.

Alexis and David have agreed to help me eat up Sunday leftovers this afternoon(not as bad as it sounds: steak sandwiches, cole slaw, tomato salad, and cheese and fruit for dessert). We will then descend on the Palace and attempt to empty its wine cellar of champagne. (the attempt will fail, but it will be a noble attempt)

Looking forward to my new adventure and as I will (for once) be living in a place where they almost speak our language -- I EXPECT VISITORS!!

Corrupting Michael

Michael and I were in the Palace last evening enjoying a last cocktail when we were approached by a very drunken creature that I will refer to as X. Michael is a very proper student from Iowa heavy with Mid-western common sense and a certain Protestant propriety.

X engaged in a number of extremely inappropriate (fun) antics and asked questions intended to embarass. I cannot be embarassed, however, Michael is another story. Eventually X had become a nuisance, so we fled and X found new prey. Given a sufficient number of such events, Michael will become a bit hardened -- which will be sad, because I have always believed innocence to be more attractive than worldliness. Perhaps because my innocence was chipped away so very long ago....

Fascinating evening...

Had what I found to be a fun brunch. We broke up about 4 and descended on the main watering hole. As this was the Beach Party day of the White Party weekend, we anticipated the worst. We were not disappointed. I have never seen so many Trina queens in one place in my life. I know how to handle myself in a wide variety of bizarre situaions, but.... Anyway, I escaped with my skin in tact and God only knows how many others will wake up only to saw their arms off.......

TRYING to be tolerant

As I am in my final days of this extended visit to SoBe, I am trying to be tolerant of the eccentricities of the various watering holes. But last night at the Palace I ran up the white flag and fled.

The problem was the old one -- noise! The DJ had managed to drive away all but a dozen hold outs when I decided that pain just isn't fun, paid up, and beamed up to the Sand Castle. It is a bit of a shame as he does spin rather nice music. I assume he is totally deaf and is not maliciously trying to inflict his tolerance for loud music on the rest of us. (Oh, who am I kidding? It is all just an ego trip.)

There were comments after the opera the other evening that the music wasn't loud enough -- well no, not if your hearing has been subject to countless hours of disco played at maximum. Remember that dreadful trend about 10 years ago when kids would drop some unlicensed pharmaceutical or other and stood in front of a wall of giant floor speakers and "let the music move them?" (I have been old long enough that I managed to avoid personal involvement in such nonsense)

The Palace speakers sound to me like they will blow at any time, here's hoping...

Aida

Attended a performance of Aida Wednesday evening with Dietmar, his parents and the ever styleish Mrs. Astor at Miami's still has that new smell Opera and Ballet House. I saw it performed in Italy a long, long time ago and had forgotten much of it. They left out the elephants, which did take away much of the spectacle. However, let me just say it is 4 full acts of fat ladies singing their lungs out... My general impression was that I could be a big fan of opera if they had matinee performances. (the large ladies did sing well)

Nice evening. Capped it off attending Ditmar's new Wednesday night party. Pleasant crowd. The music is too loud, but that is just par for the course.

TGIF, it was a great Thanksgiving

Douglas, owner of the Palace, invited me to Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful day. Douglas and Henry have a spectacular house not far from my Sand Castle. The food was delicious and the presentation first class. I am still stuffed! Thanks, guys!!

The dollar is in free fall. Fortunately I am paid in Pounds, which is closing in on $2/GBP. The theory was that the EuroBank would not allow the dollar to hit above $1.30/euro, well it was at $1.31 this morning and headed higher. If the rates hold, the US exports will become very competitive with their Euro competitors. Also, Euro tourists will get a bit of a bargain. Oh, my, that will soon be me!!

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Hopefully, our cold snap is in retreat and each day will see a ratcheting up of our temps. As today will see the White Party crowd in full force, I will be reinforcing the protection measures of the Sand Castle and cooking up a storm. Whenever we see these weekend come along, I generally retreat to the kitchen, pop multiple wine corks and COOK....

Well, if I am going to cook, I better go acquire some ingredients... Have a great weekend!!

How not to impress...

Apparently the cold has affected some peoples' thinking process.

Last evening during Jeremy's gala (it was quite a party), the manager asked a customer to move out of the service area so that the waiters could pick up their orders. The customer was well into his cups and told the manager off. So, the manager warned him that he would call the police and have him escorted off the premises unless he moved. "Hey, I'm a cop myself" was the reply.

So, when the police arrived he was arrested, not for drunk and disorderly -- which he was, but for impersonating a police officer!! His mother must be so proud. Hope she has bail money.

Other than the Gilbert and Sullivan melodrama, it was a fab party. Jeremy looks great, obviously a latin diet agrees with him. I faded off early. My bedtime is considerably earlier than the other party goers.

Woke up this morning to a COLD world -- 45F, if weather.com has it right. Will warm up tomorrow if the Entrail Readers are on track (Oh, God, we're doomed).

Note from the British consulate in New York that my visa has been issued!! Now, we just have to wait for FedEx to make a delivery (I am doubly doomed!!)

Early chill

On the up side, it is beautiful sleeping weather. If we hit 75 today, I won't complain, but they are saying 65 tomorrow. Well, it is a chance to show off the sweater collection.

It is a bit early for this to happen, far more likely around Christmas. However, the real up side is that the earlier the first cold snap and overall the cooler the winter, the cooler the oceans become -- very good for an uneventful hurricane season.

My vacation plan is out the window, given my late arrival in Norwich. However, still looking at Easter in South Beach. Other than that, I just don't know. The Brits are very generous with vacation time and expect you to use it --- so.... I need a new plan.

It is going to be a busy week. Jeremy's Welcome Home gala is tomorrow, Dietmar is hosting a group at the new Miami Opera Wednesday (Aida), naturally the turkey pigout Thursday, recovery Friday, and then a Hale and Farewell brunch Sunday. Just have to cinch the belt and surge forward!

It is COLD!!

The Entrail Readers kept lowering the temps in their forecasts and now it has happened -- it is COLD. Well I am being a bit of a drama queen, but it is at least chilly. Several of the garden plants are begging to be taken in...

Fortunately, the ermine, mink, and chinchilla are all available to keep one warm. Maybe I should go out and cover some of the little guys (plants, silly!!)

Weekend Hello from South Beach

Another weekend. Everyone is drawing a long breath as they enjoy the last weekend before White Party madness settles in over South Beach. Thanksgiving weekend is THE circuit party of the year in South Florida, lots of skin, drugs, and craziness. I fortify the Sand Castle, lay in a stock of drinkable wine, and take many naps until is over...

Ditmar is transforming into the Partymeister. He has organized a series of parties, Wed., Thurs. and Friday nights. It is a bit much for me, as I tend to be under the covers by 9:30, however, they do seem to be well received. If anything can save the Palace this is probably about as good a shot as they will get.

Got a call from the UK yesterday. The Boss has been in France at SEAT taking their MBA course, anyway, while there a bunch of them got together talking security. So, I and a colleague have been offered up to spend a week in India in mid-December. Haven't been there for over 20 years, so it will be interesting to see any transformation that has occurred. Seems to guarantee big-time jet lag for the entire month of December...

Got a note from the consulate in New York that they received the visa package, so fingers crossed that I have it in hand by the end of next week. Still hoping to be on a plane to Heathrow on the 29th.

Winter, such as it is, seems to be starting in SoBe. Quite cool at night, and highs in the mid-70's. I should miss the real chill days -- I know it sounds silly, but when the temps dip into highs in the mid-60's and a stiff, cold northeastern wind blows, it is uncomfortable. As it is, by lunch we still generally have shorts and t-shirt weather.

Jeremy is coming home!! Confirmed rumors have him here on the 21st. Major receptions are being planned. Gotta get the liver into condition for the coming assault. J. is one of my favorite characters and I expect many, many colorful tales from his South American adventures.

Time to get busy. You all have a fab weekend. I am staying low key this weekend, in anticipation of the social twirl that will begin Tuesday.

Ho-hum

I have finally achieved it -- nothing left to do (except the dishes). Well, actually, there is always stuff to do, just nothing grabbing at my ankles at the moment.

Finally got everything together yesterday and shipped off the visa application to the British Consulate in New York. Quite a pile of goodies. It is quite a gamble as most of my official doc (passport, birth certificate, et al) are now in the mail... I am biting my already short finger nails until everything is back and (relatively) safe in the Sand Castle.

The Palace is starting a new party night (tonight). Ditmar has come up with a concept that he is calling Sexy People. Ian did an ad that is just hilarious, curious if they will run it. I suspect Alexis is manning the sewing machine as he bought 50 yards of satin yesterday (very attractive), anyway, they seem to be getting serious.

Depending on when I get the stuff back from the Brits, I will revisit the Alpine Fortress one more time to dump the treasury into a UK bank. Too much cash is setting in too many small piles -- time to sweep it together.

Haven't bought a rock in weeks(!) Truth to tell, I haven't seen much that I don't already have(!!) A few rarities in Rob's auction this week (www.irocks.com), likely will put a toe into the pool.

No emergency alerts or trails of alarming reports, so drama is at a suspicious minimum. As SoBe draws its life energy from scandal and intrigue, I am considering buying new, more powerful force shields while it is quiet (it will eventually blow big time -- think Mt. Etna after a period of inactivity).

I have put it off long enough, time to tackle those dishes...

Weekend Hello from South Beach

TGIF! Well, not really as it has been a really fast week and I can use a couple of days back.

Putting together a visa application package. The problem is bank statements. I shred them after reviewing them. I suppose I can send them the shreds, but doubt that they would see the humor. I will still send it in as my current finances should not be an issue.

Good time with the boys and girls at the Palace yesterday. Old friends were in attendence, so lots of giggles. It gets dark so early these days!! 5:30 and it is dark as midnight! It will be more pronounced in the UK (further north), by late December the sun will set about 3:30 or 4:00. For a sun lover, it is hell.

Have a great weekend!! I have no plans, which is how I want it. Laziness is the order of the week!!

Demons

I am pretty good at managing my various demons (we ALL have them!), however, for some reason this morning they all came out of the closet and danced on my bed. I had a very frustrating day yesterday -- EVERYTHING that I needed to get a task done were on walk about (missing). I am going shopping this morning to get replacements.

So, I am assuming that is what brought it on. Fortunately, I am rather feisty so I just slapped them around a bit and they retreated into the shadows. (ARG!!)

Wow!

I was so wrong! In my experience, perfect storms are very, very rare. Well, we had one Tuesday night. When I predicted that the Senate would stay in Rep. hands, I knew that in 200 years, when one house changes hands, they both do. Not wise to go against history. The Dems have what they wanted -- I do hope that we do not come to regret what we wished for...

It seems that POTUS was just pulling our legs when he said that Mr. Rumsfeld was in it for the duration (don't cut and run...). Usually when POTUS says things like that it is prudent to get out the moving boxes. Sure enough. Bob Gates is an interesting choice to replace him. Maybe Shrub is talking to his Dad after all. I predicted some time ago that Cheney would retire after the election to position a successor (??)

VOTE!!

No excuses.

Liar! Liar! Liar!

Gary Trudeau got into big trouble when he used that line to describe Richard Nixon -- the truth is often painful. With all the ads littering the airwaves/digital waves/newsprint waves -- oh, heck, littering or smelling up everything, wouldn't it just be nice if they were required to be simply civil? (hee, hee, oh, my God! I'm killing myself!! hee hee hee).

I remember when politicians were referred to as The Honorable Gentleman, the incredulity of that title is SO obvious. When we are stuck with polarizing "leaders" what will become of us? (flights to the UK are departing daily)

Talking heads

I have avoided the subject of the election, but why ignore the obvious? The liberal talking heads have been gloating over a Dem "wave" inundating the Reps. The conservative heads have been somewhat more muted, but are trying to be confident.

It seems very likely that the Dems will take the house and the Reps will hold the Senate -- there I said it! Why is this important? Committee Chairmen really rule the roost. The Rep. Chairmen in the House were able to effectively stonewall questions regarding ineffective management of a large number of issues (it was their right to do so, so they did). In politics you never shoot yourself in the foot, if you can avoid it.

Dem control of the House will undoubtedly mute the most egregious actions of the Executive Branch. This is good for accountability, if used judiciously. Let's cross our fingers.

Foregiveness

Another evangelical "leader" has been exposed as a drug abusing, male prostitute hiring sinner (shock or at least tittleation!). I don't mind the sin but the stench of hypocracy does bother me. Whether or not the individual is a self-loathing gay or just a wacked out weirdo, I really do not care. However, to take the extremely judgemental stands that he has based a career and a considerable fortune on, is just WRONG.

As a small child I was indoctrinated to believe in being non-judgemental and forgiving (fortunately, I was deprogrammed years ago... I can be a vengeful bitch). Still I do believe that what goes around comes around, therefore, the world will eventually take care of him (yes, I am also thinking of Bob Ney whose new boyfriend is waiting (impatiently) for him in prison).

OK, so BURN IN HELL you hypocrite, and I will forgive you.

Soggy day

It is wet again. These are the days that bring mildew to expensive fabrics... A windy weekend in the forecast, so it will dry out.

Soggy days tend to be lazy days. Lots of naps -- recovery time from the weekend. I will be back to my old cantankerous self in no time.

Pooped

I'm tired... exhausted... pooped... I am getting too old for the social twirl that surrounds the high and mighty. Things wrap up today, so I have tightened my belt and will head out shortly for a final breakfast with the Countess and her court.

So much fun to see Brian, Bennet, Maureen, et al. Really nice pool lunch at Ditmar's yesterday. His parents are here from Vienna and Mama Perner went all out as only the Viennese can. The rains held off and it was a great afternoon.

We are back into a cycle of rain, heat, and humidity. Shouldn't last much longer.

The Brits have issued my work permit. Several iterative steps that must be followed, but I will likely be in place within a couple of weeks. (fingers crossed) My boss has been so patient...