Saturday, October 30, 2021

Slept in a bit. Checked on work laptop Time Machine first backup: it is completed. Checked on external hard drive restore for the home server and entertainment computer: it is completed. Ran a verify process on the restore. Deleted call history in Google Voice. Still had to manually delete lots of messages in the Spam folder. Weeded Google Voice archive. Medium bowl of oatmeal with milk, sliced banana, water. Vacuumed. Cleaned in the bathroom. Cut my hair, showered. Cleaned in the bathroom. Patrick made a dark chocolate pan de muerto today. Prepared my outfit for tonight's party. My first big gathering with friends following the COVID-19 Delta peak. Rode UberX to 15th Avenue House for a dia de los muertos house party. In attendance: Romy, Phil, Drew, Barrett, Cesar, Alvaro, Brenda, Paul, Soufyane, Cricket, Sean, Eric, Severa, Nathan, Marvin, Nene, Quyen, Dave, Raphael, Martin, Richard, Michael, Heron, Peter, Jonny, Trevor, Jonathan, Andrew (demius and droxs), Jesse, Todd, Bill, Nick, Tai, and possibly others whom I might have carelessly forgotten. Patrick and Chris both were not in attendance due to dental issues. Before I had arrived some had already gotten started with a tequila tasting. I brought the dark chocolate pan de muerto, which turned out great except for the presentation. I had forgotten to set it out for viewing just after dinner so that everyone could see the skull and crossbones. When serving as slices, the skull and crossbones design was no longer visible, and it was untidy for serving small-enough pieces for a large-ish gathering. This gave me ideas for different methods of presentation for the next time we have it. Severa and Eric gifted us with their amazing living art matching the party's theme. One ofrenda was indoors at the grand table. The other was on the back yard dining table. People were invited to bring offerings. I think Nate read tarot cards? Barrett helped me find my missing mask which had fallen from my pocket while I was sitting near him. I got a ride home with Cesar, Alvaro, Brenda, and Barrett. So good to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.