A Day of Memories, Music, and Gardens
Another lovely friend of mine has passed away. Alicia Partida’s ashes were spread at the Botanical Gardens yesterday. Patrice and I are headed that way this afternoon for lunch and to say hi to Curator and Founder Bob Price and his wonderful staff that keep that gorgeous project alive and well. Alicia sold me a bunch of her dresses more than 20 years ago and is 100% responsible for my love of floral-patterned fabric. I wish I could thank her again; I had planned to see her this coming Tuesday at a get-together at Sandra Bradley’s house. Perhaps I will find her amid the flowers and the hummingbirds at the Garden instead.
Patrice and I walked over to Morelos Street late yesterday afternoon and caught a photo of our giant Catrina on the Malecon with her head surrounded by some cool clouds. We arrived at the new laundromat aka White Rabbit Lie, and after some seconds of trying to open the door, the owner Andrea, swept the door open with a flourish and a laugh. I looked for the camera that I know is there but like White Rabbit Lie itself, nothing is quite what it seems. Our front row seats were reserved in advance or we would have been standing! Evidently, the B34st has an enormous following. Band members were squeezed in tightly on the center stage in a diamond fashion so that nobody’s back was toward the audience, and we were happily ensconced in front of one of the finest drummers we have seen in a very long time. Wow – he was terrific. Lead singer and bass player Wario was in fine fettle.
Jan Dorland and Rob Burton joined us, enjoyed a flute of complimentary champagne (I love the stemware!). Then we ordered a round of WRL’s signature Old Fashioneds. They are fabulous – just bourbon and bitters and a splash of sweetness mingling with a chunk of ice – a superb cocktail.
Our adventure out to the Botanical Garden will start around noon today; if you have not been, go! It is truly one of the finest public gardens in the world and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. Tomorrow we will visit Madeline Milne at her new Living Room Bookstore Cafe in 5 de diciembre, then we will take in the early show at The Palm Cabaret for Celine Dion: The Power of Love, at 5 pm. Amy Armstrong returns to Nacho Daddy at 7:30 pm on Saturday with ‘Mimi’ on guitar and Eugenia on violin. Her voice is sufficient cause to fill any room, but her sense of humor and comedic timing are off the charts with spontaneous outbursts of dialogue that seem to just pop out of her mouth. She is outrageously hilarious. Nacho Daddy is always a good time. Until tomorrow, take good care of one another.