UNDER THE PALMS

Two tenderloin with side dishes are being prepared while I lean nonchalantly to the bar, enjoying my Dry Martini while watching my wife's graceful activities under the kitchen fan..

"Abadia Mantrus", (heard of it?) - newly opened and smiling teasingly from the kitchen counter a little further while I polish the two special weekend glasses and put the water carafe in the fridge.

Doors and windows open and the fresh scent of all five drops from the autumn rain earlier in the evening, (third time since September 1st) heralds a mild evening and night, while the mini palm tree on the terrace lazily waves to compete with the bougainvillea in the almost unnoticeable evening breeze.

- A million stars in the night sky form a sparkling stage carpet out on the terrace where the table, of course with candlelights, - is set for the evening's supper.

Then it doesn't really matter much if the TV set is off.