Happy 2006!!

Simbalina Last week, after a lengthy and exhausting lawsuit against my former contractor, I received a cash settlement to resolve the matter once and for all – exactly 7 days before the sheriff was scheduled to sell all personal goods in contractor’s home. It will be a relief to start the new year without waiting, wondering and worrying … Happy New Year to me!! I just returned from a 6-day trip to sunny Florida where I spent the xmas holiday with my adopted Florida family. Christine & I made a traditional “7 Fishes” Italian dinner for xmas and consumed lots of bubbly. It was my first visit to Christine’s new house which is simply beautiful, my first visit to Mary’s mansion since it’s been fully furnished / decorated, and my 1st visit to FL in a year. What Else? I’ve been hanging out a lot with my new neighbor / friend Eve who happens to be a fabulous cook and dog lover. Simba loves her new auntie and cousin Macy. Eve has taken us hiking and her home provides the Princess w/ a doggie-door so she loves to visit. Eve is definitely Simba’s new favorite sitter. Zachary came to Philly for a visit back in July with his friend Pat. We went out to dinner (Alma de Cuba), then out for drinks at Continental Midtown & post-drinks at Bar Noir. George dropped the boys back at their hotel & spent the night with me. It was super good to see Zachary (and nice to spend the night with George!). I’ve been busy with the Beautification Committee and of course, home renovations. The 1st floor floors and stairs were installed on Halloween and look incredible. I took a week off to unwrap the living room furniture, decorate and unpack boxes. After 1.5 years, it feels incredible to have a real living and dining room. The house has finally come together and looks fantastic. This year’s Fringe Festival (August-September) was great and I reconnected with Hippie Chick Kim which is always lots of fun. Speaking of reconnections, in October I began spending incredible amounts of time with my old acquaintance, Yale. After my birthday, we agreed not to see each other until he is officially free to do so…’nough said I’m sure. Steve picked up Eve & I on new year’s eve, we picked up Eve’s new beau, Bill and settled into the Four Seasons for a couple of bottles of bubbly before joining Nancy’s house party which was much fun. I was in a non-sober state way before midnight and drank water the rest of the evening which included a trip to a party in my ‘hood that I arrived to around 1:30AM and departed somewhere around 3:30AM. My neighbor Emily and Eve’s friend Kristin both invited me to the party so I thought it would be fun. The party was held in a warehouse and a good time was had by all.