Mile High Holiday Thoughts

Happy holidays and happy new year to everyone! Here are a few happenings from our December:

1. We threw a Christmas dinner party - the first big dinner party at our new house - and invited some friends who were in town for the holidays. It was a lot of work, especially for Julia, and even though she wasn't 100% satisfied with how the food turned out, I thought it was delicious, and I do believe the guests agreed!

2. A couple nights ago, we ate dinner at our neighborhood pizza and beer joint, Oblio's. As I sat down, Julia tried to whisper something to me. I couldn't figure out what she was saying, but after another minute of whispering and gesticulation I finally understood: "Mayor Hickenlooper is sitting at the bar!"

Indeed the charismatic and popular mayor of Denver sat right behind us, enjoying a leisurely drink, chatting with some admiring locals, and even, to our amusement, sneaking a pour from the beer tap when the bartender was occupied. Only in Denver!

3. Last night, while we were watching the Patriots' big comeback to end the NFL season 16-0, Julia was reading Westword and exclaimed, Oh my god! One of her favorite bands, Devotchka, was playing that very night at the Mercury Cafe. In less than an hour, we ran out the door, bought tickets at the Twist and Shout, and sped off to the show, getting there just in time to see Devotchka's entire set.

What a great time - Mercury Cafe's upper level was festooned with festive lights and holiday decorations, and the cheerful crowd got a fun, energetic show from the band. Devtochka has so much talent, with all the members playing more than one instrument - their female bassist plays bass lines on an acoustic stand-up as well as a lit-up souzaphone - cool! - and their violinist had the frenzied presence of a virtuoso gypsy.

In all 2007 has been great to us, and we have countless reasons to be proud to call Denver our new home. In 2008 let's remember to be good to one another. For our part, Julia and I want to devote more time to giving back to the community and doing what we can to make the world a better place (Devotchka is sure starting the year on the right foot - the proceeds of the show we saw went to charity - bravo!).

Have a great new year!