I often default to plants and pretty succulents these days. I mean, succulents are plants, so if I don't know whether someone "does" houseplants, then succulents are usually a safe bet.

I can check out the nursery too. Thanks.

That does sound awesome, David. Enjoy, all!

It was fantastic. Especially considering how starved everybody is for social contact still. The highlight for me, was that Chip got to spend time with my kids, who are, frankly, really cool, nice, funny people. And their charm is amplified by ten when they are together because their affection for each other is so playful and present.

I didn't plan it this way, but Chip sat opposite from Emmett at the table and they were just vibing on each other all night as I knew they would. Chip was close with my Dad, and Emmett has a lot of my father's best qualities (gregarious, laughy, warm hearted, great storyteller).

Also it was really nice to have EM there. We didn't get to do xmas or thanksgiving with her last year, and while we've seen her since, this definitely like a renewal of our family celebrations. Also really nice to have Emmett's girlfriend, Kalena there as she's becoming more integrated into our extended family.

Before they arrived I went out and got cocktails to go from Alembic, so we could they could all have a fancy drink before we walked to the restaurant. We went to our favorite local Thai place, and had the restaurant to ourselves, and they treated us like royalty. (It's one of the three restaurants I personally tried to keep afloat during the lockdown by going there regularly for takeout.) Food was superb, they brought the cake I got from our traditional baker, Schubert's (the Fuerst Pueckler!)

Came back home and opened Emmett's presents (all big hits), and Matilda opened her presents from Emmett (reserving some for her actual birthday). Chip got to hear Emmett do his Irish stories (with all the accents), which are fucking hilarious. And EM was too schnockered to drive home, so she slept on the couch.

So the whole thing was wonderful on multiple levels, and I got to have coffee and fancy cake for breakfast.

In I can apparently still be surprised news, the wackadoodle Cyber Ninjas audit in Arizona results in more votes for Biden and confirms his victory. Did not see that one coming.

I don't know why I'm surprised, too, but I am! Even though now that I think of it, that's literally exactly what's happened with every other audit of this election--angry people pouring a whole lot of time, effort and money into widening the margin by which the former guy lost--so this should have been totally predictable. Still, it's sweet.

I agree with both dcp and Jen--baked goods and succulents!

Dinner last night was lovely and happy-making; it would be wonderful if Chip and Carole could come back and visit again when we have a bigger place, for longer than a single dinner. And I still can't believe that big burly self-assured loving young bear of a man is the same little kid who was amazed and crestfallen when I explained that the voice of SpongeBob was just a regular human.

And I still can't believe that big burly self-assured loving young bear of a man is the same little kid who was amazed and crestfallen when I explained that the voice of SpongeBob was just a regular human.

Awww, that's so sweet.

Sounds like such a wonderful evening! Makes me happy just hearing about it.

I agree with both dcp and Jen--baked goods and succulents!

I did get a flowering plant, as she has a green thumb. I also got a lovely rustic bent wood basket for the plant, and stopped at the Amish stand and got a big jar of yummy looking black raspberry preserves.

Nice, Laura!

Sounds good (you can visit me any time!).

Several years ago, a friend was trying to come up with a Mother's Day present for her mother. Flowers seemed kind of ... not what she wanted. I suggested buying her rose bushes, which were a hit.

Voted, Sail.

Timelies all!

In the latest from my folks, my dad called to tell me that they have been moved to a non-COVID ward. They are both off of oxygen, though my mom is still weak and having trouble eating. Still, it's something.