The Peripatetic Portia, and Visiting With the Killians

So Hurricane Portia has left the building. I of course mean “hurricane” in the best possible light: anyone who’s met Portia will tell you that it’s impossible not to be swept up into the vortex of fun.

I was invited to go on the first day of the journey to Disneyland with the group. I declined however since A) I had to work and B) crowds, high places and waiting in line in the sun equals please kill me now.

Saturday, the group planned on going to a local outlet mall called The Citadel, and I was going to tag along. I mentioned that there was a far better alternative farther north in Camarillo that was a better shopping opportunity, and we could go along the coast route to get there. I was actually a little afraid they’d get bored with the length of the trip or not like the shopping. I was wrong. They loved the Malibu scenery (I have to write that both Jin {Portia’s other half} and Kath {BFF} were the most delightful people ever) and as far as the outlet mall went.. Well, imagine sharks being enticed with caviar-studded chum. We were met by Andrew from Facebook Fragrance Friends, who is smart and funny and even cuter in person, if that’s possible.

On Sunday, we met for lunch at the venerable Canter’s Deli, where I ordered a Rueben that took me about two days to finish (It’s that sort of place.) After lugging my leftovers home I met them at the Melrose Avenue Flea Market, to take them to the closest vantage point to the Hollywood sign. I’m sure I bored them rigid with LA History, then we scooted along Mulholland to and down Rodeo get to Barney’s before it closed for the day so they could visit the new beauty level.

The next day they had said that they wanted to visit Venice Beach. But I mentioned that the Mayor of Beverly Hills had made her year as mayor (the council rotates; each council person has a year based on votes for them) a year devoted to health and fitness. She instituted a Monday “Walk With the Mayor” and when I said it the group decided that this would be far more fun. I emailed the Mayor writing that I had friends in from Australia visiting and Being the person she is, she was kind enough to publicly welcome the group at the beginning of the walk, take photos in front of Beverly Hills institution Walter’s Café and to thank them again at the close. My “Sis” Sherry talked to Kath about places to see in SF and literally dozens of people came up to chat and welcome. Because they’re the REAL housewives of Beverly Hills..

Then there was the event at ScentBar.

I’ve written previously that I really wanted to dislike Killian Hennessy. He’s so handsome, and so talented and so not going to date me, but I can’t because his work is just so damned good. On Wednesday we all met up at ScentBar to meet him in person. I admit there was black, jealous little speck in what passes for my heart that hoped he would be awful, but he was a delight. Warm, engaging, humorous and willing to put up with all of us asking for selfies. A true gent. We also had the chance to meet his American wife Elisabeth, who was charm incarnate: absolutely gorgeous with obvious intelligence and humor that make you think “this is a girl I’d like on the next barstool.”

So Portia, Jin and Kath are on to Las Vegas, Chicago and New York. If you’re close to the latter two you need to hook up with them. If only to bring them polar fleece- their idea of winter wear ain’t up to a lakeshore blast..