Hi there, come on in.

It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?  Yeah, I know!  Kick your shoes off if you want to and grab a seat somewhere … what?  Oh, sure, I’ll take that.  Looks like there’s an open spot on the sofa, or just grab a place on the floor.  The infamous ugly blue chair is open but, as always, you might end up with a happy dog on your lap.  Too funny!  Of course I remember that!

Hey!  Save me that purple pillow, the old worn-out one with the … that’s it.  It’s my favorite for curling up on the floor next to my favorite people while we eat, drink, laugh and just do whatever.  No, don’t worry, I’ll find my place.  Oh!  Speaking of drinks, what can I get for you?  There’s beer, but I don’t know what kind … it’s left over … who?  That’s right!  She brought some with her, so we’re good.  I’ve got Zin, naturally, and there might be a half bottle or two of something harder in the top cabinet to the right.  Rum and Vodka, maybe?  Yeah, go take a look around.  Are you kidding?  You know the drill – plastic cups for everybody!  Hmmm?  Look in the frig, it might be there.  That’s really not funny.  I’ve been busy.

Is it my fault it’s glowing?  Stilli used to keep up with it for me, but I think she got tired of having to wear Hazmat gloves.  You know, they say penicillin is a good thing.  Isn’t that what the furry blue stuff is?  Anyway, just grab the bag of chips on top and let’s get settled.

Somebody put some music on, will ya?  No, I mean really on.  Call me ancient but music should be played through real speakers with woofers and tweeters … is that where tweeting came from?  Who threw that?  Ha. Ha.  Ah, yeah, that’s perfect.  Everybody comfortable?  Me, too.  There’s nothing better than a knee for snuggling while we all share time with people we love.  What’d you say?  Bite me.

It’s only a few days away.  Weird, right?  I need a refill.  It feels like there’s so much at stake but so little left to do - like everything is just hanging out there in the ether waiting to relax.  I guess it’s waiting for us to vote, but it really seems like more than that.  Almost like voting is really just the beginning  … what did you say?  Oh, I know.  You’re right – enough of that!  Huh?  Oh!  No, she’s just snoring.  I warned you about sitting in the ugly blue chair.

Ahhh.  Another lovely night with friends, shared music, conversation and laughter.  Sometimes we need to be reminded that some things, heart-to-heart things, never change … and there’s no better reminder than a friendly open door.