Christmas Party Report from President Gary

 What a great 2012 Christmas party we had! Jim and Lorraine once again hosted a warm, inviting and most wonderful get together at their home to 33 FABAC members. Their home, both interior and exterior was decorated with accolades of light and seasonal decorations that instantly brought smiles and delight to all who entered. For many, the sight of Jim's Morgan bathed in a wash of colored Christmas lights on their front lawn, even seemed to warm the wintry cold evening air.

 Once inside the warmth of a fire place, the smell of all of the various foods that people brought,  the unbelievable decorations,  the vast array of Christmas cheer all made for an unbelievably wonderful evening.

 When came time to eat, there was no lack of food both in quantity and quality. There was a wonderful baked ham, a delicious carved roast beef, various salads, sausage, paella, chicken wings, chili and really too many things too mention. The desserts, were all delicious, I know because I'm sure I had a small piece of them all.......ok maybe it was a large piece. Needless to say nobody went hungry. So a big thank-you to all those who contributed.

 After this amazing feast, with bellies full and anticipation and excitement  for the Yankee Swap we all hobbled upstairs to where we could find a comfortable spot to rest our now bulging bellies. While excitement grew, yours truly delivered a "Year in Review" report thanking all those that contributed to the many tours and events(18 in total) for the year making it another successful year. In all of that I forgot to mention one very important component of our club something that we all rely on for keeping us informed, entertained and connected. That of course is our FABAC web site, which our very own David Nielsen created and maintains. Thank-you David! I also want to thank Jim and Ellie for all their contributions this past year, they contributed no less then 6 events for us, a very significant portion of our overall itinerary this past year. Jim and Ellie want to take a break this coming year so we will need you to contribute to an event in some way. More to come on that later.

 We also welcomed new members Jane and Frank Taylor , Jim and Linda Quigley, Dan Nichols and Susan Butterfield to the club. We look forward to having them join us.

 Ok so enough of the formalities.

 So next was the Yankee Swap hosted by Diane. Many participated in this annual fun event. There was a melange of gifts ranging from bottles of wine, tools, mugs, entertaining gifts and everything in between. The infamous MGB mud flaps have once again returned and were won, by one of our new members, whose name here will be held in secret to protect them from a possible trade in future years.  I, as luck, destiny or need would have it, picked a gift that turned out to be not a small regular container of Preparation H but a full bloody chalking tube of the stuff...really a life time supply. I must need it as not one person there tried to take it from me. Pity!

We all had a great time, the gifts aside, the entertainment factor alone made it all worth-the-while. Not only was I stuffed and in pain from what I ate but now my sides were equally sore from laughing.

 Speaking of giving gifts, these were not limited to the Yankee Swap only, Jim and Lorraine in addition to all they provided for the evening also provided additional gifts for a separate draw.  I'm sorry I did not keep track of who won. Needless to say these were all wonderful gifts as were the seasonal wrapped plants that Diane provided which too were won by draw. Most everyone who participated won a gift and still not one made a singular attempt to sway me from my Preparation H.

 At the end of all of this we were treated to a wonderful video of this summers Magdalen Islands tour provided by Curry and Sherry. This was a very well done video showing the spectacular scenery of these small islands. The tour itself by those FABAC members who attended was highly praised and recommended for a future return. 

 Also, before we ended this eventful and entertaining evening we were able to wish Ellie a happy birthday. 

 All in all, this was without a doubt one of the best Christmas Parties, I've attended. It was a wonderful evening that really put one into the spirit of Christmas. For that we all owe a big thank-you to Jim and Lorraine. This is a Christmas present to be remembered.

 Our best to them for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. .

   Gary