(I almost always start the write up of the events with the weather...so why stop now....)

The weather was gorgeous. It was in the mid 70's most of the day. The drought continues, so the sky was clear. It was a beautiful day for riding. It was hard to believe this was the eighth day of the month of December....wait....this is just wrong....this isn't about riding....this is about our Christmas party.......let me start over....

Maria and I were overjoyed to be allowed to have the party at our home again this year. As we have done in the past, it was a "pot luck" event. The chapter provided the big 22 lb turkey (cooked by Doug and Teresa0 and a delicious ham. About 7:00 pm everyone started arriving with a dish (or two or three) in hand. By the time everyone was here there was A LOT of food, and it all looked very good.  I'm pretty sure that if riding bikes is our passion, then cooking and eating has to be a very close second.

As the cooks got the food warmed and ready to be served, everyone enjoyed some snacks, some drink and a lot of conversation. With everyone here, we blessed the food and dove in. Everyone got their plates, filled them and headed to a table. Even after everyone had gotten their food, there was still a lot of food on the table, Thankfully there were some repeat offenders and a few multiple offenders. But that was just the beginning, We had a whole table of desserts that needed to disappear. I think most everyone had some kind of desert and I think a few had some of all !! Long story made short...everyone was full when we finished.

With dinner done, everyone found a place to sit and let the food settle. Conversation was still lively. Nothing replaces the time to sit and fellowship with our extended family. I put in Shrek 3 to keep our younger attendees occupied and before I knew it everyone was watching.

In the course of conversation after dinner, while everyone was too full to move,  a very informal and very short meeting was held. We discussed the fact that the officers are unchanged for 2007. We also talked a little some ride ideas for 2007.

As the night was drawing on, we had a little business to discuss and I had to stop the movie so everyone would pay attention to Doug. We quickly discussed the upcoming year. With no nominations for new officers it was accepted that the existing officers would continue for another year. A few ride suggestions for the coming year were discussed, including Trail of Tears and STAR Days in Rogers, Arkansas. Everyone was reminded that 2008 will be the 5th annual Andersonville event. It is anticipated that this will be our biggest turnout ever. Also, we are now able to bring a Feed the Children truck to Atlanta and there was a short discussion on when, where and how we wanted to do that.

With the business end of things done and the food settled people slowly began to leave. It had been a great evening. We had all eaten a lot of food, had a lot of fun and started this Christmas season with our extended families. This is what the Christmas is about. Spending time with and being around those we love and care about.

To those of you where were unable to be with us on this night, we really did miss you. Hopefully we will see you on Saturday the 22nd and if not then, on New Years Day.

To everyone.....have a wonderful Christmas and remember the reason for the season.

Attending:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Preston & Stephanie Howard
Steve & Kay Argo
Dave & Josie Hughes (Carissa & Chesley)
Gary & Charity Kohl (Eli & Faith)
Mitch Argo
Ryan & Angel Dunlap
Rick & Barbara Campbell
Rick & Marsha Curtis
Henry Williams & Francis Cornett
Chuck & Cindy Pierce
John & Sharon Saari (HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN)