I was expecting a quiet evening with Karen (who was late), Venkatesh, Arnaud and Valerie. Maurice had declined the invitation for some obscure reason. When I opened the door I had a terrible shock seeing all these people lined up behind the door. Were they here for the gratin? The ham? Of course not: They were here to 'watch TV' and celebrate somebody's birthday. I don't know how to thank all of you! It was a BLAST!! Can't wait to open the door next year!

For those people who were expecting to see pictures of Arnaud bowling, these people will be disappointed. No broken ribs that evening, but instead we had an excellent dinner in excellent company. What's the occasion you ask? Mike's birthday of course! And for some extra money we might even tell you his age. Happy Birthday!

Some might think that a week is a short time. But you wouldn't believe what these two people did in that short time: Besides shopping for a house all over north California, they also gave some Chinese chess lessons, enjoyed tons of seafood and surprised me with a delicious birthday cake that would make more than my mom jealous! We're looking forward to seeing you back here soon.