My Christmas gathering

Friday was spent getting things ready in my home and kitchen for the Christmas gathering I hosted that evening. As I had mentioned in the early fall, our group of pool friends agreed we should see each other once a month or so afterward to continue our conversations and fun, and so far, we are two for two! We had Lee's going away party last month and now this party at my house tonight. Who's up for January? I don't mind going again...

This is Nancy M. and Bill, the nice couple who bought a house next door to the mansion just off our property. He is the brave soul who used the pool last week Saturday.  

Here is a shot of Nancy again with Phyl, waving for the camera as a greeting to Lee, our absent friend. On the table behind us is a lovely bouquet of flowers which Bob brought for me. He was thrilled to see the nice vase I put them in, saying most people would just 'stick 'em in a jar or something'. No, I have this great Princess House vase just begging for an arrangement!

Here is Stephanie G. and Bob, both of whom live on the property in The Villas. Stephanie's husband, a Clay County cop, was working so could not join us. Bob would later walk Stephanie home, making sure she got there safely. Such a gentleman! (When my mom was here in the summer of 2012, he carried her sandles over to the steps of the pool so she wouldn't burn her feet on the hot pavement when she got out.) He came dressed up in his turtleneck and blue blazer complete with pocket square, while his good friend, Bill, came in shorts and a fleece pullover. 

This is Nancy W. and Cindy, both waving for Lee, as Stephanie looks on. Cindy is married to Phyl, seen in a previous photo. She was a teacher at St. Johns years ago when Justin was there, and also taught at OP High School. Our friends cross over between St. Johns and those of my friends who know her from OP High. Her hubby and she hosted the going away party for Lee in November. Of course, Nancy W. is my lady friend who November 1st moved onto the property and is dealing with getting her 3 homes taken care of---selling two of them and fixing up her new one! She is more than a little busy these days!

Here is a photo of Lee and me taken at The Club last March 

My menu consisted of a taco ring which Justin put together for me, since I didn't trust my skills of assembly. I think I could have done an okay job of it, but was glad he took on the responsibility of it. Tasted so good! I made sweet/sour meatballs, and served spinach dip with chips and crackers, plus bought a sausage and cheese tray. Thursday night Betty gave me a very nice tray of cookies so I served those as well some sweets I bought at Publix. Where would we be without Publix?