George Sydnor, Ellen Carpenter, and Phil Stich had come from the other side of the country for a conference, but what they really came for was a party at Pete Zell's house. Along with Don Nickison and Mike George, Pete's wife Claire and me, we celebrated George and Ellen's engagement, Pete's son's college graduation, Bigturnip's pending de-catheterization, and the friendship of honey badgers. Photo on the right was taken inside Pete's Tiki Hut.

The evening started in Pete's back yard, pictures below.

When Mike, Don and Pete get together, the chances are good that there will be crab [opens in a separate tab or window]. Don is showing George and Phil how to take care of them, while Ellen watches.

Pete and George worked on the steaks and chicken that Pete had grilled to go along with the crab. Joining us for dinner were Pete and Claire's children, Ian and Annie. The table was bountiful and all of the honey badgers enjoyed themselves.

I guess you'd have to be a honey badger to understand what all of this was about.

Epilog: The Next Evening

George and Ellen stayed in the Bay Area one more day, giving us the chance to meet again for wine and cheese in our back yard before going out for dinner that night. George took these two pictures, a reminder of a very nice time spent with friends. Thanks, George, for letting me include myself (and Mike's Sydnor Farms hat) on this page, and all the best to you and Ellen!