Hello there Jim,
Just to say a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you, mom and nuns!
We hope you have a good break from work and keep out of the cold. Having said that, we are freezing our asses off here in PS, high winds from the north are causing havoc with our Christmas decorations! We decided against the 6ft lighted palm trees this year but so far, two nodding dear are down and one santa smashed!!! and I don't mean drunk!!!!

Tony and John had their 2nd annual Christmas party last Sunday. We went for an hour and dragged Dennis & AJ with us. Mike and John were invited but didn't show. John (Tony's John) knocked a bowl of nuts onto the carpet and swept them up with his hands. He didn't exactly put them back in the bowl but I noticed he didn't throw them in the trash either! Second thing to go was the glass dish of green beans, smashed onto the kitchen floor!! I don't know what happened to them or the glass or why he was so nervous. Probably couldn't cope with us professional party givers!!

Mike and Johns new house is really lovely but we are so sorry to lose them as tenants. No doubt they will want to have you over while you are here. It's very close, only 2 or 3 minutes in the car.

We are looking forward to seeing you again. Don has also booked for a month during the time you are here. Nothing from Dean!!!!! I expect he's a Helios convert now, (which is for sale).
Lots of love,
Ian & Stuart

Meeting Helen

Tonight we picked Helen up from the Chase Hotel downtown, brought her back here to see the Christmas lights and then we went to dinner at Cafe Scandia. For those of you who don't know, Helen stayed with us for 5 months when we first moved to Palm Springs in 2000. She was our very first guest to arrive and our last to leave. She arrived the week after we moved in and she left on the Tuesday before we became Chaps Inn on Good Friday 2001. She is from Nu Joyzee and is now 102!!! Yes, one hundred and two years old and still visiting Palm Springs almost every year since 1976. She flies out here by herself (first class of course). She is an inspiration to us all. She still goes gambling at the casino but has given up her beloved evening Manhattans due to diabetes. I think if I were ever live to be 102, screw the diabetes and give me a Manhattan.

You would never believe how this small frail old lady can eat!!! Soup, salad and lamb chops AND she ate her fair share of chocolate cake. Screw the diabetes!!! She has outlived most of her relatives, her dear niece Mitzi died last year. Mitzi was 85!!!

We know how to throw a party!!!!

Hello, It's been a while, very remiss me I know!!!!
Yesterday, December 15th, Tommy and I held our annual Christmas party at 'the house'. None of us can remember how many years we have been doing this but at least 6. It was a wonderful party with the usual huge amount of food. The house looked lovely, both inside and out. The lights on the outside of the house were all blue this year, It's a pitty my cameras is still not working!!

A few years ago somebody asked Stuart and I what is the secret of a good party. Well, there is no secret. It is all down to the guests and friends who are invited. I want to thank my favorites for showing up year after year, Frank & Jenny, Jordan, James, John, Matthew, Dominic, Jackie, Phyllis and John Cameron. Didn't attend .. Scott, Jennifer & Dianna, neighbours Gale & Darryl. Couldn't attend, John and Angela because they were on their way to London for the holidays. Well, you missed a great party and it was even warm enough to be outside. What a contrast from last week, cold and raining.

I must say my mulled wine was a hit thank you Delia Smith. Tommy made some kind of meatless meatballs made from stuffing, chopped brocolli, egg and cheese. So trailer park and white trashville you wouldn't believe but they were delish!!!
Same time next year, December 14th. Hope you can make it.