Cool Girls, Cool Guys--December 18

Flor arrived! Late on the 17th and Rose got her to Lillo Beach for an early morning swim and coffee. Som, Cat, Lola and I drove nearly to Phuket to Macro Market to stock up on supplies for the Feast. We all met up again that afternoon at a great little spot on a mountaintop where we had series of snacks and drinks.

Meanwhile, Lola entertained herself with a craft kit, creating an incongruous igloo for the Thai table. Thanks, Lola!

In the Hood--December 18

There was often an element of surprise in our neighborhood, like when we saw the pickup that had slid off the road and into the gully. We watched it get towed out eventually. and that evening we had a planning session for the Thanksgiving Feast that we casually planned at the first holiday party and now was a "thing." Impossible to do without our Cat-alyst!

Elephant Beach--December 17

The timing was finally right and we went to the "Secret Beach" close to high tide and the elephants were there. The trio were very entertaining and awe-inspiring. Ram John and John observed them solemnly, taking care to stay out of their path. Rose, of course, made a movie of them.

Post Script on Party--Saturday, December 15

The next morning was a slow start at the beach in front of Lillo Island, our usual hang out. We went over the details of the night before and pieced together the scenario. Now, you know you had a good night when you find a golf club in your car the next morning and have no idea where it came from. John remembered. Lincoln brought it from Ian's when we headed over to the disco at the opening of Nana's Rooftop Bar--which we saw in the light of day on Saturday when we were out and about on the main street in Kamala.

Catlyn was the Cat-alyst. Her friend was reopening their rooftop bar after renovations and we all thought that was a great idea to swoop in and celebrate. We took over the dance floor and had a brief but memorable blitzkrieg--that ended up with a golf club in the back seat. In the heat of the day we retreated to the cavernous cool of Lafayette, an oasis of French civility on the busy downtown stretch, where they perfect coffee, pastries and liquor, of course, including the elusive Cherry Heering. Anyone for a Singapore Sling?

Party Time--Saturday, December 14

John tried to train little Bubbles and Black Butt on Saturday but that didn't go so well for the latter. She was dragged--and didn't care about the treat at the end.

That evening we went to a holiday party at Alec and Ice Parker's home in the tidy little gated community known as Nathong House. Quite a fine spread and range of foods that included Thai specialties, Greek lamb and a whole roasted suckling pig.

The party-ers were parents of kids at Eileen's school and everyone was friendly and welcoming. We met Catlyn, Ian, and daughter Lola and instantly became fast friends with the Chicago native and her British husband. The men hovered around the bar and buffet table and the Thai women mainly retreated to sit on mats in the lower level where the kids were playing.

Chef Pui was there with beautiful and sweet daughter Gracie. The house had a traditional Christmas tree and carols were playing. Fun time with fun people!

Josephine's Birthday Party--Friday, December 13th

On Friday evening John, Rose and I had a Memorial service for Josephine who would have celebrated her 95th birthday. In her honor, we played Pinochle and toasted her with a delicious Prosecco that Som had stashed in the frig.

Mom was over my shoulder and I took the first 3 hands with spectacular cards.

But the game was going too fast, so I let Rose take the bid and she found what she needed right in the kitty. Cheers, Josephine! We sure do miss you. Thanks for all the miracles and, "Bye bye, mom mom."

Outgoing--Friday, December 13th

The next day we saw the plucky New Yorkers off to the Phuket airport and they airlifted to Bangkok for a couple of days. That afternoon Chris and Som led us on a hike up the path right outside our door. Up, up, up to the waterfall at the top of the mountain.

Rose passed a remote screen that would serve well as an al fresco office for her. Anything is possible.

A fine hike led by two strong men! But I had to ice my knees afterwards.