November 27, 2004

I spent the morning at the Health Resource Center pulling data wire with Mike G. It always takes longer than you expect. We managed to trace some vertical conduit, but could't find the horizontal runs -- we'll pick that up on Monday when we've got full access to the building.

The Royal Oak ward held it's Christmas party last night -- I was very impressed. It was fun for the parents and the kids. It started out with a visit by Santa. Gracie went up and and sat on Santa's lap for a picture. Dinner was served shortly after, and for once the table I was sitting at was called relatively near to the top of the dinning list. We sat with Kevin and Elise, the Freibergs and the Haslams. After dinner I chatted with Kelly McTighe about his real estate website, and how well it works for him (yesterday I spent part of the morning with Rick helping him with a strategy for the Crawford Ranch website, so having some time with Kelly was quite informative). I quite like Kelly. If it works for him, I'll likely share what I'm doing for Rick with Kelly, maybe it works, maybe it doesn't.

There was a brief program after dinner. Jeff Scott was the emcee, and started the program by announcing that a "special visitor" had arrived to greet the kids one more time, and with that introduction CJ Burton came out dressed as a pilgrim (our ward Christmas party coincided with American Thanksgiving). It was worth a decent laugh. Bishop Jones played two Scottish numbers on his bagpipe -- yup bagpipe, then Laurel Lawlor and Rachel Ruggles sang a satirical version of the "Twelve Days of Christmas". CJ sang Elvis Prestley's "Blue Christmas" and a fun version of Jingle Bells (which all the kids sang along to). That was the end of the program - short and sweet.

After the program we had a dance, mostly kids dancing, but lots of adutls too. Oh, and the deserts were spectacular. Shortbread cookies, pastries, eclaires, Nanimo bars etc... lots of deserts and all very well done. The whole night was excellent.

I took a short break while writting this to take Gracie outside to play in the snow. She's definately an "outdoor girl". Hopefully she'll stay that way.