That's what an incredibly slow-witted (or just tired) cop said once to my housemate Craig.

Craig was hosting a rave at our house. Four DJs, lightshow, groovy dancing. It was fun and the place was hopping. But by 4:30 am, when the cops showed up, the numbers had dwindled and only a handful were occupying the dance floor (normally known as The Den).

That was in February (January?). And eight months later Craig is moving out to pursue aviation dreams in Florida. Tonight was the going away dinner.

Dinners at the house are one of the most important parts of living here. One of the aspects that will stick out in your mind, whether you are visiting for a day or living here for seven years (like me.). Usually there are atleast 15 people. Sometimes way more than that. Almost always they are potluck. Potluck is so fabulous I'm surprised when I find out more people don't do it.

So tonight was Craig's going away dinner. What a meal. A few kinds of salads, a soup, some rice, two types of bread and a cookie (just one. one to split twenty ways.).

I told the story of how I fell down the outside stairs one morning.

"Did it hurt?" Raelene asked.

"Oh yeah," I told her.

I was all nylons and skirt and bag and coffee cup. And just barreled down the top flight. Luckily I was wearing dark wool (it was winter) and no one could see the coffee all over me.

"Boy you musta smelled good," said Jason. Then in mock-voice, "you smell awake."

Tonight was all about belly laughs.

Every night should be about belly laughs.

So Craig is moving out. I think he's lived here two years. Probably the loudest housemate we've ever had. You know the type: could not be quiet if he tried with all his might.

"I'm sorry for being loud," he said tonight.

I raised my brows, "are you only going to apologize once?" I asked and winked.

****

At dinner I thought of JDR because there was sangria. Jeff introduced us to Sangria. People are still talking about it. So tonight, there was sangria. I'll post his recipe soon.

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Also tonight, I uploaded the guitar chords to Lucinda Williams's song "2 Kool 2 B 4-gotten." Now you can play it too.

****

I'm glad it's august.

m.