Dividing her time between Houston and New Orleans since purchasing New Orleans Auction Galleries, Susan Krohn is still beaming over the success of the venerable auction house's three-day grand re-opening fete. Adding to the glamour and bidding highs was Joanne King Herring, who not only consigned a number of interesting pieces from her collection but also spread the joy.

Among the auction highlights was the record sale of a Thomas Downing oil on canvas, Grid Five, that sold for $86,100 against an auction estimate of between $8,000 and $12,000. Interestingly, two Texas estates were included in the auction — that of Zoe B. Talbert of Tyler and that of Houstonian Julius Killough III.

The Houston contingent, that included Judith Oudt, Sandy Barrett, Traci Bennett and Alina and Roberto Garcia, did its part to make the event a success. Monsour Taghdisi purchased a piece for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Islamic art collection while Mohammed Ladjevardian bought a vase from Herring's collection that had been a gift from the Shah of Iran.

Team Night at Houston Texans Grille

Lucky those who received an invitation to the Verizon Wireless football party at the popular CityCentre eatery earlier in the week. The 250 VIP Texans fans feasted on tailgate fare, texted questions to the celebrity guests and got up-close-and-personal with seven of the Super Bowl players-in-waiting.

Houston Texans joining "voice of the Texans" Marc Vandermeer in the spotlight were Shaun Cody, Connor Barwin, Ben Jones, Derek Newton, Brandon Brooks, Johnathan Joseph and Jon Weeks. The congenial sports stars stayed late to sign autographs, jerseys and helmets as well as pose for photos with the fans.

NYC designers hit Cheeky Vintage

Tina Davis and Denise Hazen rolled out the red carpet at their vintage clothing store on Richmond for Samantha Pleet, Morgan Carper and Ann Yee, all in from New York to pick up fashion inspiration. And that they did.

They departed with shopping bags filled with goodies including tan embroidered cowboy boots, a beaded cocktail dress in pink and black and a navy Chanel boyfriend cardigan.

Partying with symphony YPs

The Houston Symphony's second trumpet player Tony Prisk entertained members of the Symphony Young Associates Council with sounds from his collection of 15 instruments and with tales of his experiences as a symphony musician.

Close to 50 members gathered at the home of Audrey and Brandon Cochran for the reception. They included Lindley and Jason Arnoldy, Allison Brayton, Ting and John Bresnahan, Divya and Chris Brown, Peter Cazamias, Payal Chana and Sarah and Ben Cotting.

Sight 'ems

Mayor Annise Parker taking time out for a quiet, nevertheless power dinner, at Haven where Cindy Clifford hosted the informal round table on current issues. At the table were Port Commissioner Janiece Longoria and Steve Lasher, attorney/lobbyist Robert Miller, United Airlines exec Marty Stein, Fulbright Jaworski senior partner Neil Thomas, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's regional director Jason Fuller and a few more . .

A full-bearded Michael Berry (a surprise too his full head of uncoiffed hair) in jeans and plaid shirt lunching at Brasserie 19 where the social tableau included Sheridan Williams, Randy Powers, Lora Clemmons, Vesta Frommer, Elizabeth Arnold, Laura Sweeney, Carson Seeligson and more . . .

Karen and Mike Mayell, Patsy and Greg Fourticq and his brother, Michael Fourticq (transplanting from LA to Houston) dining at Tony's where at a nearby table a group of thirtysomething entrepreneurs blew the tab into the stratosphere ordering three bottles of $4,000 wine, the flaming red snapper, pasta with truffles and Kobe beef — kaching!

Carol and Dr. Gary Gartsman having dinner for two at Bar Annie, the restaurant and bar packed with early holiday revelers.