Automotive

. . . filled with tools for the interview (voice recorder, camera, pen) and also an oro negro avocado from the family orchards.  Oro negros ('black gold' in Spanish) are a rare variety, and especially flavorful.  The avocado was meant for dinner much later that evening at The Rainbow with my pals Kevin and Frank . . .

[Frank, left and Kevin, right]

. . . who were graciously invited by Omega to the event held later that day at the Ritz Carlton.  Our plan was to meet at the Ritz for the event, then head out to The Rainbow for a late-night supper.

When I was ushered into the suite where the interview was to be held, Urquhart's staff seated us at a low table with couches on three sides.  I placed the bag on the table when the unexpected happened: Urquhart playfully grabbed the bag and looked into it, saying, "What's here?  Did you bring me cookies?"

With my usual presence of mind, I said, "No, not cookies, but I did bring a special avocado from my Uncle's orchards for you."

He thanked me, and after conducting the interview, he gave the avocado to one of his staffers.

Later that evening, Kevin, Frank, and myself were seated at a table in a ballroom off to the side of the platform where Urquhart was to give a brief talk (along with Ω Ambassadors Adrian Brody and Nicole Kidman ).

As Urquhart was walking on stage to applause from the audience of roughly a hundred guests, he saw me sitting at the table.  He turned, pointed, and said in a loud voice that all could hear, "That was a good avocado!"

So yes, he was keeping an eye on me . . . at least, at that very moment.

🥑

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