The Secret Santa Party

I took a few photos last night, but not nearly as many as I should.  The adults gave the kids their Christmas presents, so there was a lot of pandemonium while they opened their gifts.  Then we got down to the business of giving our adult presents.  

I went first, and gave Steve his gift of a game called "Brew-opoly", a monopoly-type game but with a beer theme.  Then I brought on a case of one of his favorite craft brews, an IPA from American River Brewery.  I'd say he liked it.

Then he presented his gift to the person whose name he drew, and so on.  This whole process is a lot of fun and the noisy laughing and clapping nearly gets out of hand sometimes, but not quite!  It is a wonderful time, and there are enough of us to really enjoy the process.

Donald had my name and I was stunned when I opened a fairly heavy box and found a sewing machine!  It is a Jenome which is excellent for quilting and crafts, and many of the reviews comment about the fact that it is mechanical rather than computerized.  My kids know how I feel about everything  being computerized and too technical, and I think I'm going to love this machine as it really seems to suit me and my style.

When everyone was arriving, the cooks were busy making dinner.  Donald, of course, and Stephanie who brought her new pasta maker.  She made ravioli from scratch and it was sooooo good.    There were several plates of delicious looking canapes, but I know from experience if I eat them I won't have an appetite left for the main course.    I ate a small portion of everything but haven't been feeling all that hungry lately.  Everyone I meet seems to have the same malady - scratchy throat and congestion - and it is really getting me down.

Julie, Paul, and Lula"  (Click a picture to enlarge)

Jeannie & Arianna:  (Arianna wanted to pet the dog but she didn't want the dog to "attack her".)

Some of us were working, and everyone was socializing:

Some of the presents around the tree - the piles grew as each person arrived:

The kids are ready!

At this point I didn't take any more photos, but helped pick up all the wrapping paper as the kids tore into their gifts.  When it came time for the adults to open their presents, there was too much fun going on and I joined the fun rather than record it!

I think I was the first to leave, and drove home at about 11:00 p.m.  Steve got my car turned around and pointed down the lane so I wouldn't have to back up and turn in the dark.  I seem to remember in years past that back-up lights really illuminated what was behind your vehicle, but for some reason I can't see anything now.  Joe had told me they would be glad to take me home when they left, but thankfully I can still manage for myself, and I'm smart enough to know when I can't and to ask for help.

I'm anxious to open up my new sewing machine and check it out.  Meg (Steve's wife) does quilting and is very crafty with all sorts of materials and projects.  I think I will appreciate her guidance when I finally get started on my new hobby.  So far I have only a vague idea of what I want to do and how I want the finished product to look.   I am certain of one thing - I want something traditional and old-fashioned - and I think that knowing what I want is at least a good start.

I'm going to chill out today - I need a few things from the grocery but not sure if I even want to get in the traffic to drive a mile to Bel Air. 

I just looked over the photos and they seem a little blurry, and the color is "off" as well.  Not sure what to do about it.