Saturday's big party was for Dr. Alan's birthday, and--to my utter amazement--it had been a surprise. Unless you live in this Peyton Place By-the-Sea, you can't fathom how difficult it is to invite thirty people and keep it a surprise. Even the ruse that I had had an argument with his boyfriend Darren (and wouldn't be joining them) somehow worked. Meanwhile, I was fretting for days over the invitation list and other details.

The secret party I planned was at one of the best locations here for one: the pool at The Tides on Ocean Drive. What a blast; and--just like at home--it wasn't long after this photo was taken that guests were stripping down for a nude swim. Ah, Miami Beach....

Old friends showed up whom I haven't seen together in a long time.

As did our newest group of pool party monsters, lead by that terror, Whitney, in the pink shirt.

Even a gaggle of Palace employees showed up.

Mrs. Stuyvesant-Fish (with that smug look on) and The Baroness Seitzinger.

And, no party on Miami Beach would be complete without The Incomparable Geraldine.

All-in-all, a great success. It's at once sad and relieving to know "season" is ending. The last three months have nearly killed me....literally.