Bill turned 40 yesterday, and celebrated with a smashing party in his front yard. Unfortunately the police showed up at about 2am. The DJ was a little loud, and the uplighted palm trees must have tipped them off. But we all looked smashing in our costumes. I was a priest, with long black cassock. Jason was a monk. Not sure what prompted the religious theme, but it worked.

I normally object to costumes, since they get out of hand quickly. There's nothing sadder than costume deterioration after a long night of drinking. I don't do makeup very well (despite several years of theater in high school). So the trick for me is a simple costume with no rigamarole on my face. I also like like the outfit to be somewhat realistic.... And no drag. I can't walk in heels.

But the best moment of the evening was the quick visit by a score of geisha, in full kimono. Whiteface, yards of silk, and little polite shoes.