The Second Annual Girlfriends Christmas Party

The Girlfriends Christmas Party 2004

Frieda Anderson, Caryl Fallert, Melody Johnson and Laura Wasilowski

(click on photos to enlarge)

It was a wonderful day for a party, with everyone but Emily Parson in attendance. The older we get the busier we seem to be and just coordinating our schedules is a major feat. Thanks to Laura's diligence, she was able to corral us again this year.

For a change of tradition, we did not exchange gifts, but were asked to bring a joke, a song or a poem to share. This was a lovely idea, no wrapping or shopping, but did require the new addition of wine with lunch to elicit the courage to vocalize.

Laura read us a Christmas story from Lemony Snicket which featured a lump of coal as the main antagonist, and ended happily in a Korean restaurant. I kid you not. (see Sunday's Chicago Tribune Magazine section).

Caryl had a joke for us: How many sopranos does it take to screw in a lightbulb? (answer at the end of this post).

Frieda SANG a SONG!!!

I regret that at this time we are unable to bring you the transcript of this momentous musical debut, but, with very little prompting I am certain she will agree to reprise the performance the very next time you see her.

I dredged up a song from days gone by, If I Were a Piecer, and if I may say so myself, I was in great voice.

Last Year Frieda took this picture while Laura was out of the room. However I do have other incriminating photos from that party. 12/23/03

How have we changed in one year? Laura 12/23/03, and in 12/16/04

Frieda 12/24/03m and with her St. Maarten tan 12/16/04

Not fair, she looks even better this year!

Caryl all in blue 12/23/03, and ever lovely in Golds 12/16/04

Caryl is looking forward to a major move in the new year, having sold her Missouri farmhouse, purchased a Kentucky property for Bob's New Homestead Project and is about to break ground on her Paducah Emporium/Classroom/Gallery/Art Studio. We are all so happy to hear the good news that we will have a place to visit her in Paducah, which may not require us to stay at the loathsome Executive Inn.

Moi, the birthday girl in 12/23/03, and in 12/16/04 ( Better Haircut and bifocals)

This space reserved for Gretl Kramer who arrived, handed out Christmas poems she wrote and departed in less than five minutes. We are going to her house, she promises, in January for a yarn party. The task will be to organize YEARS worth of accumulated yarns, BY COLOR. I am bringing a shopping bag for any oddments she may want to discard.


Emily last year, was not able to make the party this year, since she is now the mother of three kids, 5 and under! HOWEVER, she is the youngest of us all by far, so she has years to go before any discussion of age.

A great time was had by all, and we thank Laura for her hospitality.

The Menu

Pistachio Nuts in red, green and natural (Caryl)

Butternut Squash Creme Soup (Mel)

Romaine Salad with Mandarin Oranges, and Almonds

Chicken Breast

Cranberry Relish (all Laura)

Brownies (?)

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies (Frieda)

Wine, Coffee and Bailey's

*the answer to Caryl's riddle:

The whole world, since it revolves around her, the soprano, that is!