gewgaw

Justin turned 30 this weekend, and had a little party at his new place in LA. I went expecting to sleep very little and drink a lot – but the exact opposite occurred (which is probably for the best).

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Upon arrival, I helped sweep and organize the porch and house for guests – cleaning, shopping, stringing lights… and generally being of service. Then I enjoyed two days by the outdoor fire pit – eating and chatting with a mix of friends and strangers about a mix of subjects. It was nice after my weekend in SF, where conversation tended towards the technical/games.

Highlights included Salt Lick BBQ (flown in from Texas!), bitchin latkes and samosas, a lovely Swedish family, mask making, and the Culver Hotel (I recommend the Clark Gable Room). My vote for best gift goes to Seamus and Van – a slim PS2, coupled w/Katamari Damacy. Because of this – I got to share the game with several new people – including the next door neighbor’s girl – who absolutely loved it!

We aslo made a trip to the Museum of Jurassic Technology – which is just around the corner from Justin’s new place. I hadn’t been to the “museum” in several years, and was pleased to find it expanded. In addition to my favorite exhibits there is now a second floor theater and tea room. The gift shop carries several new catalogs of the work presented – as well as books on a variety of Jurassic subjects. I picked up three Wooden Books on the science of Harmonographs, Astronomy, and Platonic solids.

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This was a short trip. I flew out Friday and came back Sunday – just making the final call for an earlier flight and avoiding weather delays. Riding home in the cab I saw the first snow of the year. The windchill today is 12 degrees – not even a firepit can fight that! I cannot *wait* to move to California.

Happy Birthday Justin – here’s to 30 more!