This past week I almost feel like I've been living in a bit of haze. While talking current events over with Harry, we determined some things are at such a point of ridiculousness, that it's like watching a 3 stooges style comedy. Yes, life in some surreal, ludicris comedy. I just keep hearing myself say, "you're kidding me!" Harry had the head of CUC on his radio show on Wednesday morning promising no more blackouts. I kid you not, it was about two hours later that Harry was running back up to Tapochao againnnnnn to switch the generator on because the power was OUT. Hmmm. But on the upside of that, it may have inspired Harry to write some very good fairy tales. Could just be a coincidence, though. (fft) And as a result of some superb leadership decisions, we lost a newfound friend. Yep, we met someone with a good sense of humor, kind, decent person who came out here to help out one of our business people while he was gone on vacation. He was treated with such rudeness and disrespect, he packed his bags and went back home after 3 weeks. Good job - way to draw businesses and encourage the economy. And I read about and cheered on the peaceful protestors from last night, who are seeking help with our crisis power problems. That's right, hundreds of our citizens gathered in a formal protest with the hope that the feds will have mercy on us and take over this mess, in spite of our leader's prideful foot stomping. I planned to attend the protest, but had two other obligations - one was dinner to say good-bye to the friend leaving after 3 weeks. The other was to attend the Saipan Chamber of Commerce reception for the military ship. It was a pleasure to meet the men who serve and protect our country, but also to thank them in person for their volunteer work on our island.
Yes, strange week. Surreal, like a haze hanging over reality. I think I need to go diving.
This year we had the couch in the entry way. Here are a few of the guests, Rhea, Hozumi and Esther, waiting for dinner to be ready. 
Here's the table, all set complete with soup bowls, for Sarah's yummy butternut squash soup. Harry's grandmother's china was used again to serve our guests. We get alot of use out of the china. 
Here's chef Sarah smiling over her table. We just placed the three big pumpkins on the table. Sarah stuffed the pumpkins with rice, pine nuts, zucchini, etc. and baked them for a dual purpose of centerpiece and yummy rice dish. 
Harry and I are ready to enjoy our guests and a very good meal. 
See, Chris and Sarah both smile really nice when giving each other bunny ears. 
Hozumi is happy to be passing the roast beef along, and Harry is happy to take a picture of me holding roast beef. No, I didn't try any. There were plenty of good veggies. 
This is a closeup of one of the pumpkins, stuffed with wild rice. We got the pumpkins from our back yard. Last year we bought pumpkins, and I threw the seeds off the back patio. So now we have our own pumpkin vines and fresh pumpkin. 
Chris in his he-man pose, ready to dive into his soup. Ha. 
Starting on the left and going clockwise is Chris, Harry, Kaye, Hozumi, my seat, Maggie (behind Barry), Barry and Esther. 
And at the other end of the table is Rhea (blue shirt) and Sarah with her back to the camera. 
Our 2008 Fall Dinner guests. 
Here's a better shot of Maggie. 
And here's Maggie putting the finishing touches on her fruit skewers. She chased Barry away because he wasn't arranging them correctly. : ) 
Esther is thoroughly enjoying her fruit skewer. 
Barry arranged the banana leaves on the table and centered the skewers. 
Hozumi took one of the banana leaves and is pretending to fan Barry. 
I think Barry wants to know where the girls with the grapes are. 
Rhea and Hozumi are enjoying some carmel and nuts to dip the apples and fruit skewers. After all, what is a fall dinner without carmel, apples, apple cider and pumpkins? Mmmm - it was all so good! Thanks for coming to our dinner, everyone. It was a really nice evening. 
