Christmas Dinner

John Kelly, Len Wansborough pose with Charles Van Gorkom

What a wonderful time we had on Sunday evening!  Hosted by Len and his great staff, we all enjoyed an evening of pretty settings ( did you note the CLOTH napkins and CHINA settings?) and Christmas cheer.  Not one to skimp, it was well presented by Linda Kelly and her able staff.  Saying it was beautiful does not do it justice, but there you are!!  

 I particularly enjoyed meeting new neighbors that came!

The help in the kitchen was so cheerful, especially  when  it became obvious that many more came than were  expected, they just put on a cheerful face and proceeded graciously.  Which is the real test of a host or hostess!
   


  A word here on the phrasing of  our invitiation: 
We were asked to pre-register for this dinner so the hostess could order the right amount of food for x number of people.

             Unfortunately there were 20 more people that showed up 
(not unwelcome, mind you) and there was actually not enough for everyone to have vegetables or salad. So, please, next time you get an invitation read ALL of it.  Some assumed that it would be like the little get together residents had last Christmas where we brought our own things and set them out.  This, however, was a hosted function and though it turned out fine, was rather an embarrassment to our hosts.
Please keep in mind this is only my opinion, no one on staff complained at all.

Gerry checks the meat

Cim MacDonald serves up dessert

By 6:00 it was packed and visiting began.  I got to meet people from the "2nd phase"... newcomers! 

Pauline and Judy

   I met Judy and Kirby for the first time, though Pauline and I
 have met quite a number of times usually walking our canines!

Mary!!

Dennis and Maureen

Beautiful layout

Good lookin' couple...eh, Paulie?

The biggest surprise to me came in form of a beautiful book on Chemainus Gardens by Cim MacDonald!  AND a calendar.  All wrapped up with pretty ribbons, no less and the author willing to autograph it, too!  I read mine through cover to cover and learned a lot about the history of the Gardens that I didn't know.

After all the cleanup of the food there was still lots for the staff to do.  Getting the food put away properly was part of it, but the beautiful plates and glasses had to be washed too. 

 As you can imagine, it didn't get done last night so this morning some pretty tired staff had to finish off.

 Maybe next year a group of volunteer positions could be posted for setup, cleanup and washup or something.  I wouldn't have minded helping after all the layout!

Several people have asked for the recipe for the lemon squares that had almonds on top. If it was anyone that is getting the Blog, could you write out the recipe for me to post? Thanks!

 So now I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, too!!