With Thanksgiving just a week away, I thought I would take a minute to reflect on some of the things that I am grateful for. So here, then, are my top 10 thank-yous:

10 – Viagra from Canada

9 – My stocks in Martha’s company might yet bounce back

8 – Gasoline prices went down this week

7 – My friend, Edith, who taught me the art of entertaining

6 – That I really don’t care who wins America’s top model

5 – Donna Frye, who epitomizes the best of democracy, and hope with moisturizer

4 – All the gay and lesbian soldiers who risk their lives for all Americans

3 – TV gardener heartthrob Jessie Metcalf on “Desperate Housewives”

2 – The boyfriend who keeps me moist regularly

1 – John Ashcroft is out of office

So whether you like dark or light meat, it really doesn’t matter. Just make sure you take time to say a little thanks to people you love. Despite having four more years with Bush, life is good!

I am constantly amazed at the number of fundraising shows every week here in San Diego. And pity the drag queens who have to shave their backs more than once a week; I now know how my sister Cristina Monet must feel! But I have to give my drag family credit for putting on those lashes and heels for a good cause every time they are asked, and providing a fun show. Recently, the Turnabout Show, produced by Center board member John Laird, raised over $2,000 for the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund. John was such a trooper; his version of Shirley Temple turned out more like Bette Davis in Baby Jane. Last Saturday, Ophelia hosted Spurs and Heels at The Hole, in association with the SD chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association and the Imperial Court, for the Tijuana/San Diego Blanket Drive. This past Sunday, Princess Royale Chantal and Mr. Gay Teen San Diego, Enrique Ledezma, hosted the Divas Workshop and Show for the youth group and raised money for the Ben Dillingham Community Grant. This coming Sunday, Nov. 21, at 7:00 p.m. is the selection of the Miss Gay Hillcrest 2004 at Numbers on Park Boulevard. And our very hard-working Empress Lala Too managed to make it to all of these events.

The season’s most awaited show, the Babette Schwartz Holiday Highball, is finally coming. This year there will be not one, but three swanky, cabaret-style shows at the new Martinis Above Fourth. The shows will run for three Fridays in December, and each show will feature a different cast of guest stars. The first show on Dec. 3 features Tootie, Fifi and Ladonna Monroe. I will be in the second show on Dec. 10 with Gina Roberts and Cashmere. The final show on Dec. 17 will include Kiki, Fifi and Cristina Monet. If you have seen one of Babette’s show before, you know you’re in for a treat; each show will be unique, festive and outrageous. “This year’s show will carry on my yuletide tradition with even more glamour and sass than ever before,” promises Babette, San Diego’s diva of musical-comedy drag. Tickets are now available only at Babette Schwartz, located at 421 University Ave. in Hillcrest; (619) 220-7048. If you want guaranteed seating and dinner, call Martinis for reservations but make sure you still get the show tickets separately in advance. I hear there will be one seating only for dinner. The show starts at 9:00 p.m., so come early as there are limited seating for non-dining patrons. Please come and see me on Dec. 10, or better yet, see all three shows. Get your tickets early as they are going real fast.

Speaking of Martinis AF (that’s Above Fourth, not Abercrombie & Fitch, though the crowd there looks like they are gayly out of the catalog!), they are open for business after only three weeks of renovations. And what a transformation! The new Martinis AF is elegant, swanky and way cool. They have a great martini menu and they pour a hefty 12-ounce drink. Try the “Coco LaChine Martini” with vanilla vodka, and both white and dark Godiva chocolate liquor. There is even a monster size (50 ounce) martini named after my lush sister, Ophelia. I dined with a few friends last weekend and we tasted half the menu. I highly recommend the escargot and the crab cake appetizers. For entrees, the filet mignon, stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped with bacon, is to die for. The Pomegranate Glazed Duck, Monkfish with Sherry leek Cream Sauce and the Veal chop with Rosemary and Roasted Garlic Demi-Glaze are also outstanding. There is a vibrant, good-looking bar crowd and cabaret performers six nights a week belting out jazzy songs, show tunes and old standards. On the night that I was there, there was such a nice energy; guests at different dinner tables wave at friends, drinks are sent over, and kisses blown across the dining room. What a swell place for a fun evening.

Martinis is open from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, and is available for private parties. Mondays, the suave staff, especially Jano, surely spend their day at the spa. Call (619) 400-4500 for reservations.

The third annual San Diego Transgender Day of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, Nov. 20, at The Center at 6:30 p.m. The Day of Remembrance is part of a national effort to bring attention to, honor the lives and mourn the losses of those killed due to trans-bias violence. Over 10 years ago, well known N.Y.C. homeless drag queen and Stonewall activist Masha Johnson’s body was found floating on the Hudson River in Greenwich Village. This sparked a mass vigil and mobilized the gay community in New York to demand more police protection and give more than token investigations into bias related crimes. Marsha’s murder has not been solved to date. Over the years, there has been a marked increase of trans homicide cases, many of which remain unsolved, including that of Rita Hester in 1998. A candlelight vigil will be followed by a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. with keynote speaker, Center board member M.E. Stephens.

Gotham City Pizza is a new pizza joint in South Park, and their N.Y.-style pizza is delicioso! They also have Philly cheese steaks, subs and other Italian dinner favorites. They are located at 1237 28th St. in Golden Hill, and they offer fast, free delivery. Check out their ad in this issue for a coupon and give ’em a call at (619) 234-9141.

The Flame starts a new Latin Night designed to spice up your Sunday nights beginning Nov. 21. So put on your finest cha-cha heels, and samba the night away before Monday morning rears its ugly head.

San Diego Eagle celebrates their second anniversary this weekend, Nov. 19-21. Friday night will be Daddy’s Bake Sale, hosted by San Diego Leather Daddy 2004. The bake auction starts at 10:00 p.m. On Saturday, the anniversary buffet starts at 9:00 p.m. and is followed by the Mr. San Diego Eagle contest at 11:00 p.m. On Sunday, there will be an anniversary barbecue at 6:00 p.m.

Rich’s L.L. Bear on Saturday, Nov. 20. Grey Rose Productions will host the release party for their newest film, Buster’s Rubber Romp, with video and DVD giveaways. DJ Derek spins.

The Brass Rail is hosting Boys Nite Out tonight, Thursday, Nov. 18, with an all-male, Las Vegas-style dance review with really hot male dancers. There is a $5 cover and the show starts a 9:30 p.m.

Friday nights are Progressive Black Out Party at Bacchus House, with DJ Ruben Casas spinning ’80s music at 10:00 p.m., switching to ’90s at 11:00 p.m., and 2000 favorites after 12:00 midnight; $1 off if you are shirtless!

And don’t forget Fabulous Bingo on Wednesday and Saturday nights at Bourbon Street!

Email me your comments and suggestions at coco@cocolachine.com