As the University of the Third Age (U3A) year came to a close we had a lot of end of year lunches and then came the village Christmas Party. Last week I had four lunches in a row. Travel Group Lunch, Tutor's Lunch, Photography Class Lunch and Play group Lunch followed by our Christmas Party last night. I forgot to take photos of the first two lunches.
The next day we were in the same hotel, Chatswood Tavern, with our Photography group. Bill and I are not continuing to tutor photography and videography for U3A anymore. After doing it for 10 years we have had enough of volunteering and preparing lessons every two weeks. Now we are going to be U3A students instead. Our group were sorry to see us finish up but they were very appreciative of what we have done for them in the past. It was very rewarding to hear all the thanks and compliments.
There were 120 residents present and we had a bunch of great people at our table. Some I have known for years. Diane in front right I have known since playgroup days and Dot second left was in the next bed to me after our first babies were born (47 years ago). Now we all live in the same street in Elements Retirement Village. What a coincidence!
Then we had entertainment. This couple were so good. Singing and acting songs from the 60's. It included audience participation. They were lively and funny.
I enjoyed a dance with Santa and too my surprise everyone else stopped dancing and clapped me on.
I will try to add a video next.
This is our group of playgroup ladies we have kept up our friendship for over 40 years from when our children were toddlers. Now we share stories and photos of our grandchildren. I'm right up the back.
Last night we had the best Christmas party ever. Santa came too.
We were lucky to pick out of the hat number 2 for our table. So we were second to go to the buffet. There was Turkey, ham, baked vegetables and salads.
It was delicious. The caterers did well to feed 120 of us.
One of the desserts was Pavlova.
After dinner they played dance music.
I will try to add a video next.
Ha, what a great lot of fund Diane, watching you dance with Santa :-). This is a special time of year though also a busy one. It sounds like you really went to town with so many luncheons planned. The catered buffet looks absolutely delicious. Pavlova is one of my favourite desserts as I so seldom get to have it. All the best as you look forward to Christmas Day. xx
ReplyDeleteHello, you have been busy going to all the parties. Fun times with all your good friends. I enjoyed the video of you dancing with Santa. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThat was a lot of fun, I thought for a moment you lifted up a real Father Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYou are having a lot of fun there Diane.
ReplyDeleteWell done for the 10 years giving sessions, that's a long time.
Nice meal there.
ILOVE the dancing with Santa video and the photo. at first in the photo I thought it was a real santa. the food looks great and that sure is a lot of lunches... I too am about to resign from a volunteer position.. 10 years is a long time and it is time for someone else to do it... your life is always full of excitement, jolly on.. enjoy
ReplyDeleteOh Diane you have so much fun, it's wonderful.. surely must be exhausted from partying 😉
ReplyDeleteI have to say that all those lunches made me smile when I realised that no one could accuse any of you in the pictures of being, how can I put it, undernourished. Long may it continue.
ReplyDelete🎄 Fabulous post Diane! You've been having yourself a merry time with all the great get-togethers. Yummy food too... nothing can beat a baked meal and pavlova for dessert. I love the continuity in your friendships.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your dancing-with-santa video too! 🎄
You definitely can't complain of being bored (or hungry) with all those lunches and parties. I enjoyed your dance with Santa.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a lot of fun and with people you have know well for some years. Glad the songs were from the 60's, the best year ever as far as I am concerned 😊 Have a great week, t'other Diane
ReplyDeleteWhat a social life you two enjoy! I'd be exhausted after all those functions - Santa would be safe from me. Love how you have a good grip on his bum while dancing! That gave me a good laugh. Well done on your ten years of volunteering, now I wonder what you and Bill will study next?
ReplyDeleteGood God - a revival of Ann Miller x Cyd Charisse!
ReplyDeleteAnd your strength - lifting the Santa.
That food besides looking delicious must have had something else in it?????
Pray tell what.
Cheers
Colin
Such a lovely post, and I especially enjoyed your dance with Santa video :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
You all have WAY TOO MUCH FUN!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! You looked cute with Santa! You sure are keeping busy in your retirement. And that is good. We do a lot more group activities here in Florida than we do at home in Oregon, where were busy with family and also because were not in an over 55 neighborhood like we are here.
ReplyDeleteWatch that hand of yours dear..."Santa" seems to be enjoying it..(:0)
ReplyDeleteWow that was a very busy week and how wonderful to have so many long time friends
What a great Christmas party ! And you with Santa dancing is just terrific ! The food looks delicious too !
ReplyDeleteLooks like great fun was had by all. Christmas is a joyful time here too.
ReplyDeleteLoved your dance with Santa. Looks like a very fun party.
ReplyDeleteYou live in a great community Diane, and all those parties looked like a lot of fun. Loved the photos, especially the one of you dancing with Santa :)
ReplyDeleteAs I have said before, Diane, you do have the most fun parties! It was fun to see the video of you and Santa dancing, although he did have a couple of left feet it seemed.
ReplyDeleteI have also enjoyed my U3A Christmas lunches this week. What a great organisation it is. Your social life is so full in the retirement village and what a coincudence living so close to old friends.
ReplyDeleteYou and Santa had quite the jig! I see smiles and laughter all around. Your community seems great and so much fun. You made a good decision.
ReplyDelete