So. Prime rib.

Twice in one week.

Two social occasions, both of which would be considered fairly major for this community.

The first was a roasting of Dave, who left us two months ago for the rich, swanky, hot community of Scottsdale. The dinner guests consisted of a regular Who's Who of our community, with a state Senator, publisher, several bankers, most the elected officials. Pretty much all the shakers and movers of the county.

We weren't invited. Not really our social circle, though it once was the wife's.

Until Dave showed up a couple days early from the hot state, and got a look at the guest list.

And noticed we weren't on it. And suggested to the county official running the show that should probably be corrected.

Cool.

She called a few days before the dinner and fairly sheepishly asked if there was any way we could make it on such short notice.

For Dave? Sure.

I suspect the fellow who kept their presses running for over twenty years, with his wife, was probably a late addition to the guest list by the honoree, too.

It was a fairly congenial roast. Just not too many embarrassing tales to tell, I guess. Did learn Dave was Massachusetts born and raised... didn't know that. And that several of his clan have followed his migration West.

He seems happy with his new, real desert. Although there, it takes an hour to drive twenty miles.

Around here, maybe 16-18 minutes, depending on whether you're driving north-south or east-west.

There, being an anonymous one-of-millions, a quick shopping errand takes 15 minutes. Here, he forgot mouthwash. Between running into someone he knew in the parking lot, and someone else in the aisles, it took him 45 minutes.

There's a cost, and a savings, either way I guess.

Oh, the couple we partnered up with? Their daughter wished them a good time at their barbecue.

"Roasting" Dave, eh. Get it?