Christmas Day Dinner

Christmas night Ron, Jean, Ben, Josée, Cynthia and I shared a meal at our home. Cynthia had cooked a lovely turkey, prepared the veggies and the dessert. About 4pm Ben and Josée arrived and were followed around 5:30 by Jean and Ron. We had some nibbles before dinner and a couple of drinks. About 6:00 pm we sat down to the sumptuous meal Cynthia had prepared. As the wine flowed, conversation was lively and we had a really good time. We even had a Christmas pudding for Ron! When the meal was over, we retired to the living room and played a new game Cynthia and I had bought a short while ago. It was called Buzz Word and provided us with some laughs as the men took on the ladies for the title. The evening came to an end about 11:00 pm when the guests left. All in all it had been a fine day, one to remember.

Christmas Eve Gift Exchange

Here's a lovely picture of Andi taken at our Christmas Eve gift Exchange. This year the eight of us, Jean and Ron, Tim and Andi, Ben and Josée, Cynthia and I, went to Boston Pizza for our annual Christmas Eve lunch and gift exchange. Prior to this day, we had drawn names and each bought a gift for that person for Christmas. The gifts had to cost ten dollars or less. (We'd allow you to go over ten by the amount of the tax!!)
We had a good time, the food was ordered and while we waited for it to come, we opened the gifts from each other, one person at a time with all the others observing and making all the necessary rude comments! It was good fun, a way of keeping the shopping and expenses down, and also keeping the focus where it should be...on the birth of Jesus! 

Berkshire Group Open House

On Dec. 22th 2005, Ben's company, The Berkshire Group, held its annual Christmas open House. Cynthia had spent quite a bit of time cooking sausage rolls and mince pies for the occasion, and Ben provided a variety of drinks for the clients who were invited to drop in from noon - six pm that day. Shelley and Jennifer helped serve the goodies to all who came.
In the picture you see Jean and Ron Hussey along with Jennifer Gilbert who is the new employee Ben hired in September of this year. Jennifer has settled in well and is enjoying her time with the company we believe. The day was a great success and many clients dropped in for some finger foods, a glass of their favourite beverage and most of all some chat! Thanks to all who came and to those whose preparations made the day work for all of us.

Getaway to the West Coast of Vancouver Island

From Dec. 17-20th, 2005, Ben, Josée, Cynthia and I traveled to and stayed at the Clayoquot Orca Lodge close to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Ben and I, (but mostly Ben!) had planned the getaway as a surprise for the ladies and we managed to pull it off without them grasping too much of what was going on! During our stay there, the weather was superb for two of the days. We were able to walk Chloé, Josée's Great Dane on the beach and also watch the surfers riding huge waves incoming at Long Beach. In the picture you see Cynthia with her God-daughter Keltie Minton. Keltie works at Middle Beach Lodge another beautiful resort on this coast. We surprised Keltie with a visit too, and she seemed delighted to see us as we were glad to see her. We managed a short chat with Keltie before she had to return to her work. We had a great time there. Ben and Josée got some R & R and we just did what we do everyday!

Sprint to the Spit

Last Saturday, Dec. 10th 2005, Ben's company, The Berkshire Group sponsored its first charity run. Featured events were a 10Km run and a 5Km walk. Between 30 and 40 participants came from Victoria, Port Alberni and Campbell River as well as from the local running group.
Sprint to the Spit wound its way through the streets of downtown Comox, then out to the Spit and back. All who took part, whether walker, runner or volunteer had a good time.
In the picture above, we see that famed athlete Ron Hussey of Comox bursting through the finishing tape in a magnificent last place finish! It is to be noted though that Ron is over 80, walked for pleasure, and asked Dr. Neufeld's wife Heather to marry him as she walked along with him over the 5Km route!!