I’d have posted this sooner but I wanted to get my 2,000 word quota in for the day on my NaNo novel. (No special website for it, I’m just writing the damned thing and I’ll post my progress when I damned well feel like it.) Anyway…

Merripan hosted an All Hallow’s Eve gathering of family and friends at her apartment last night. Some were in costume, the rest of us were casually dressed. (Among the notable costumes? Dalemar’s “inspired by Michael Landon” wolfman gig, Lilith’s “inspired by that Spears chick” naughty-schoolgirl bit of nothing, Doug and Mari as Doctor and Candystriper, and Firedancer Fred’s homage to Brandon Lee’s “Crow” persona.)

On the way to, Lil’ and Lyse and Anxiety and I picked up Leon, who has recently moved to the Portland area. (Once he warms up to our peculiar brand of humor, I think he’s going to make a cool addition to the group.) We made our introductions and our way to the Freddy’s near Merripan’s place. Once again Lilith and I proved that we have no business going shopping together, as we managed to scandalize the rest of our merry little band in our own special fashion.

It bears mentioning and repeating that Merripan’s one helluva cook. Her jambalaya was right up against the upper limit of how spicy of food I’m willing to eat, and yet I not only finished off one serving but went back for seconds, which I also finished off. Yum.

I met (and have already forgotten the names of) a number of new folks, and everybody was good fun company. Flirting and teasing and snark filled the room, which is an almost perfect ambience for a Friday night party as far as I’m concerned. I even took my own teasing in stride since it was all in good fun… and yes, I certainly earned most of the snark directed my way!

The only downside was my allergies picking last night to make themselves apparent. It’s the first time this year I’ve had any serious trouble while visiting the home of a cat owner, and I’m still rather surprised by it. It took almost two hours after I’d left the party for me start breathing normally again. Bleah.

Still, all in all, one of the better Friday nights I can remember. Thank you, friends!

(Mari, who has a better recall of detail than I, has posted her recounting as well.)