I almost got there. I almost made the money in three tournaments in a row. Almost got the poker trifecta… almost got the Hughie, Dewie, and Louie of poker tournaments… almost completed the elusive poker triangle… almost got the poker menage a trois.

I went too far there, didn’t I?

Anyway, I fell just short in the main event, finishing 34^th out of 165. But I played well and had a great day.

And overall, a profitable and satisfying weekend. I got to see my brother Michael every single day, had a really nice outdoor dinner on The Hollywood Circle with my nephew Max, walked on the beach a lot, got out of the snow, and played plenty of poker. And I came out ahead of the game.

My flight was on points, and my poker winnings paid for my TURO rental car and my Airbnb and then some. Can’t ask for more than that, can I?

Speaking of rental cars, I rented a cute white 2015 Fiat 500 with red trim.

I know, right?! Not the flashy car I usually get when I’m on a trip. And it wasn’t even a cost-saving venture. For more or less the same amount I could’ve got my silver Mercedes SLK 350 back, or my BMW Z4. But ever since they came out with the first modern retro version of the Fiat 500 in 2007, I don’t know why, but I’ve always wanted to drive one. Not own one, mind you, just a test drive.

So, I did it.

My thoughts? Really fun to drive, especially with the top off. Not much pep but handles nice.

And now I’ve done it. And it turns out that much like say, tantric sex, you only have to do it once, and you’ve gotten that out of the way for life. So that’s good.

God bless America, I have to say that driving in Miami is different than driving in Toronto. I never honk at anyone here no matter how bonehead their driving is, because I’m fully aware that whoever the redneck/gangster operating the vehicle is, they are definitely packing heat and at the slightest provocation are liable to put a bullet hole in my cute white 2015 Fiat 500 with red trim. Or my head.

Anyway, I fly home tomorrow night (got a great deal on business class) so I suppose this is the last you’ll hear from me for a while. Unless of course, I go into a poker tournament while I’m in Portugal next month. Which I’m certain I will. Soooooo… I guess this is not at all the last you’ll hear from me in a while.

As always, I appreciate your readership and support.

Happy new year to all.