Paella Valencia

Food. Nothing better brings friends together than food. Alfonsina's sister, Norma, is visiting from Argentina. And tonight she made Paella Valencia. A seafood paella. 

That's Norma and Alfonsina. The chef and the hostess.

And Palomino, the host.

This is Nicole. She came all the way from NY City to visit. Ah, that's another thing about gatherings: it's always cause to have a get together when out of towners come to visit.

Walter and Baby Mateo. I learned from Walter that babies go through a stage where they are especially clingy to their father. Several months ago Mateo couldn't let go of his mommy; now it's Walter's turn.

Here are Henriette and Deborah. Henriette is a fabulous lady, opera lover, bicycle centurian, author who is always on the go. She can talk a judge into dismissing a serious parking ticket. And, you will never see her without a hat.

Deborah is little Mateo's mommy. She works at the museum. She always grows a summer vegetable garden, from which she makes a killer salsa verde.

This is Raquel. You can't tell in this picture, but she kicks butt on the soccer field!

This is Raquel's husband, Ken. He is only the best landscaper there is in town!

This is Ken's mom. She's from Iceland. I don't know anyone else from Iceland.

This is James, the other half of Bullseye Creative. You've never been to a bash until you've been to one that he throws. And, he's a cigar aficionado.

This is Bill. He has been to Truk Lagoon, and dove the same wrecks I dove.

The food was delcious! As Raquel said, dies puntos! And the company was fun and interesting. We talked, and laughed.

And talked and laughed some more. And ate some more. 

And browsed through photos that Nicole brought from NY.

Palomino even modeled his new Johnny Jinx No More Robe.

When the hours wore down, and the paella was consumed, 

it was this little face that called for quittin' time.

Good night, good night.

Don't let the bed bugs bite.