Tradition is a good thing, maybe too little to boast about - but this is my sixth annual Christmas note - mailed from Las Vegas New Years Eve weekend. This will be over 25 plus years of celebrating the new year in Vegas, and our crowd is getting smaller and smaller, enough said, ok - old age #$%^.
Most everybody has heard - I have joined Centrisys Centrifuge Systems. With Centrisys I'm encouraged to bring new ideas, marketing and service plans to the table. I'm back working with Chris Gatewood (big change in his life is coming soon) give Chris a Ring. Business is super and we are expanding both our California and Wisconsin operations with new people and bigger and better facilities.
Near my office (ok, next to it) is the Shamrock as most of you know- Tim W. always calls me during lunch. Can I have lunch in peace? JO is still married, and Greg is a saint.
Traveling this year was similar to last year, but sailing to Catalina, the annual sword fish tournament and sailing to San Diego for the Weftec Convention. Trips to NY with Kim and her girls for a family wedding in NYC. "WE" (Kim) headed to Philly for my 40th high school reunion and saw my family too. Scott and I went to Vegas for the "Big Smoke" and yes New Years Eve too in Sin City. WE went back to the Centrisys Christmas Party in Wisconsin. Saw the Newport Boat Parade. Christmas in San Diego with Kim and her delightful daughters - Blake, Brittany and Tiele, and yes, Tiele found a guy to date her! (He is one lucky guy though.) WE went to the UCLA - usc game - enough said….
The UCLA vs. USC game was disappointing, but the tail gate parties were just ok, they were USC parties, enough said.
WE and the girls went to NYC for the McCauley's daughter (Krystie's) wedding. The wedding was in an old NYC church and the reception at the Guggenheim Castle. I ended going down to the "Today Show" and was on TV a few times. Also had lunch with Elsie Lucia an x Alfa Laval buddy. Then barbecued breakfast poolside at mom Hysni, the gang and my pal George.
While in Philadelphia for my 40th high school reunion, I got to see Pam's leopard PJ's- not sure what Bob had on. We all got to listen and listen and listen to Earl- I thought sales guys were trained to listen? Norm was Norm, so polite, Scott had his eyes on #$$%%- thought you were married. WE went to see Mom, it was very difficult for me, and she is not doing very well. Again, Marcia does so much to help. Marcia sold her house and moved to Phoenixville into a great apartment. WE and Marcia went to dinner in this old steel town turning into another desired small town to live in, had a great dinner at the Black Lab Bistro. WE went to see Chris Campbell. Chris & I drank whiskey till all hours in morning. I'm glad he ran out!
Centrisys brought back WE to the annual Christmas Party in Kenosha- it was the best. Oh, Michael and Carna sure can dance. The next morning we left at 5am to head to Manuel Tollini's Christmas party. It took WE fifteen hours to get home. As soon as we land we headed to Naples to Manuel's party, one problem, his house was locked. What a way to save money on a party, invite your friends to a neighbor's house boat party - you know how the French can be…
Had the normal trips to Avalon all year with many of our friends. Yes, I did cook a 19 pound turkey in Catalina for Thanksgiving (alone again - darn).
Fishing was limited one-to-two day trip for Marlin. Three hundred miles trolling and skunked again (darn those noisy propellers) just a lot of good times and no fish.
We had our annual "boat friends" parade party - consisting of the Pelzer's, McCormack's and Stoddard's, and we had a great dinner at the Alley. We understand it will be official at the Queen Mary for the wedding bells in the spring, congratulations - Sally &George.
This year for Christmas Eve, WE had dinner at the house. Next year, instead of jewelry for Kim, maybe it's time for cooking lessons.
WE will be in Vegas for my twenty-fifth or so years for the New Years Eve party! The party has reduced in size and holding steady with good friends. Andy & Kristie, Jeannette and Pat hold the fort down as we carry on the tradition for our New Years Eve Celebration at the Orleans and stay at the Golden Nugget. Looks like we have some new youngsters that joined our group this year. Now for the worse. I was sick New Years Eve and missed dinner & the "Big Party, I payed - Kim Played and I saw midnight from the hotel window.
Again, I owe a very special thanks to my much older sister Marcia for all the help she has given to MY MOM again - Thanks Marcia.
The Linked pages below: Family, Friends, More Good friends, Sailing, NYC, Philly, Business, Christmas and New Years.
Happy Holidays! With my champagne glass raised- here's to a great year! I wish you all the best in 2008.
