Christmas 2009
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. - Washington Irving
Time To Dine And See Fireworks
Working up an appetite
Laurie and Franklyn take a moments to rest
Nick does his artwork
Robin and Bob
The love birds - Sue and Paul
The General Manager drops bye for a visit... Albert always makes it special
Sue, Paul Michele, Theo, Sheri (Left)
Bob, Robin, Nick, Franklyn, and Laurie (right)
Dessert is served
18 bizillion calories
Did you know? - Gingerbread dates back to the 15th century, and figural biscuit-making was practiced in the sixteenth century . The first documented instance of figure-shaped gingerbread biscuits appearing was in the court of Elizabeth I of England. She had the gingerbread figures made and presented in the likeness of some of her important guests.
Most gingerbread men share the same roughly humanoid shape, with stubby feet and no fingers. Many gingerbread men have a face, though whether the features are indentations within the face itself or other candies stuck on with icing or chocolate varies from recipe to recipe. Other decorations are common; hair, shirt cuffs and shoes are sometimes applied, but by far the most popular decoration are shirt buttons, which are traditionally represented by gum drops, icing, or raisins.
Tummy full
"These are little gifts!"
Heading For The Fireworks
It was cool but not cold
Bam.... Boom... Echo's everywhere
Did you know? - The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China where they were first used to frighten away evil spirits with their loud sound and also to pray for happiness and prosperity. Eventually, the art and science of firework making developed into an independent profession. In ancient China, pyrotechnicians (firework-masters) were well-respected for their knowledge and skill in mounting dazzling displays of light and sound. A record in 1264 states that the speed of the rocket-propelled 'ground-rat' firework frightened the Empress Dowager Gong Sheng during a feast held in her honor by her son Emperor Lizong of Song (r. 1224–1264).
Captivated
Booooooom
Theo tells the story of the fireworks
The blurr is Theo running
Time For A Nightcap
Did you know? - A nightcap is an alcoholic beverage drunk right before going to sleep. The alcohol content is higher than a wine or beer drink, usually a liqueur or spirit. Traditional nightcaps are brandy or a cream-based liqueur such as Irish cream.
Renee had outdoor duty
Goodnight Theo! Merry Christmas