Spring?!














Bob taking advantage of a mild day December 28.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL

Another great year for FABAC. Here's wishing you all a wonderful top-down 2009!

For those of you who missed the Morgan this year, here's a video I took in 2000 with daughter Kristi at the wheel.
Video

FABAC Christmas Party - and an update

Stephen sent some photos--proof of a good time at the Woodford's. Click on the food to see them. I am sure someone is putting together a write-up--not that it would be possible to describe what really went on at the Yankee Swap. ;-)

Carolyn reports that $205 was collected for the Food Bank. Thanks to all.







Click on RoosterClaus for photos from Pat Sw.

A report on the party from President Gary:

To say our Christmas party at Jim, Lorraine and Jenny's home was a success would be an understatement in all regards. To say we had a spectacular time would be closer to reality because we did. This had to be our largest Christmas get-togethers with close to 35 folks attending! The friendly and inviting environment provided by Jim and Lorraine was sprinkled with Christmas cheer and the loads of fun which made for a wonderful evening for all and it was all topped off by one of the best Christmas presents we could have received, our dear friends Jim, Ellie and Jill made it home and were able to come by. We're all very happy to see them home.

....and now to the events of the Christmas party:

The evening in true FABAC fashion started off with great conversation which as always lead into a wonderful meal that everyone contributed to in form of a "Pot Luck". There was curried beef, meatballs, a spectacular roast beef, Alex's famous chicken dish and so many other wonderful dishes that my mind goes into overdrive just thinking about it again--and the desserts--well they too, were as plentiful and as delicious as the main course. There is no doubt in my mind that the cooking skills involved in these dishes far outweighed any mechanical creation that was discussed that evening.

After this great meal we all did our best to follow David's melodious piano tunes in singing and caroling. Some of us less talented were left to play rhythm instruments, while those with lesser talents were left to direct. With voices raised and instruments in hand, we all joined in and had a great time.

Following our caroling we had our usual "Yankee Swap" and in true FABAC spirit the gifts were as creative as our main dishes! There was everything from home-cooked delights to bottles of vino to wonderful and decorative home made Christmas decorations and of course the legendary mud flaps made their debut once again! Diane directed the game and made for a wonderful hostess finally getting the rules figured out so we could all understand--no small challenge. It made for a hilarious time for everyone. Smiles, chuckles and laughter were all part of the fun. Not sure who won the coveted mud flap gift but I'm only guessing that we may see them back next year! I know everyone will anxiously await their opportunity to be take them home.

Gifts were not only limited to the "Yankee Swap", Jim and Lorraine organized a draw in which several lucky FABACians walked away with some very nice gifts.

While one would have thought that all this would have topped off a wonderful evening but what followed gave it the spectacular grade I mentioned earlier. This was the video presentation that Bob E put together for us to watch. Bob collected years of still photos from all our club photographers and made them into a video presentation that was simply superb. It was enjoyable, funny, reminiscent, and made for all those wonderful warm feelings you get when you see great memories. Bob captured all those sentiments in this presentation. Great job Bob. We all enjoyed it and we appreciate the effort you put into it!

Also in the true spirit of Christmas, Carolyn collected for the Food Bank and as David reported she collected $205.00 from all of you. A splendid contribution to those less fortunate then us.

Our many thanks to Jim, Lorraine and Jenny for hosting us and making this the wonderful time it was. We wanted to as well say thanks to your neighbors and friends the Prices for being such a big part of this.

Oh yes, on the business side of the house, there were a few things I forgot to mention:
- restaurant suggestions for our Jan 2009 meeting???
- we need to start thinking about the PEI event and time to make our accommodation reservations.

So I'll end by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful, Happy and Fulfilling New Year!

Gary

A Note of Appreciation

I received this e-mail from our wonderful friends Jim, Ellie and family today, and they indicated that I could pass it on.

"I just wanted to send you a brief note. Ellie, I and our family are handling our loss and sadness as best we can. We thank the members of FABAC for your thoughts, kindness and donation in memory of Sherry.
The Montcrest School community organized a wonderful tribute and memorial to Sherry, with an outpouring of over 400 people in attendance. If you like , Google Sherry Bleakney and view the video that was part of the ceremony. Also tributes written by parents and students.
We will talk later,
Sincerely,

Jim, Ellie and family."