TI Retiree Christmas Party at Safari Texas Ranch - December 16, 2008

On December 16, we enjoyed the best Christmas Party we have had yet.

There were 66 guests attending. Six members who signed up but weren't able to attend would have given us a total of 72. The price for each guest was same as last year - $25.00.

The party started at 6:30 p.m. The weather was excellent making it a great evening for our biggest yearly event.

After a successful party at Texas Safari Ranch last year, a return to TSR turned out to be an excellent choice for our party. The San Antonio Room was spacious and very nicely decorated. And again, there was no need to have our members work decorating the tables.

The servers, dressed in their neat attire of black pants, tuxedo shirt and bow tie, gave` the evening a formal flair. They were courteous and attended to all of our needs throughout the evening.

All the ladies were elegantly dressed and the gentlemen all stood proud.

The Christmas tree served as a back drop for a great picture taken by Ralph and Estella Garcia and Charles and Sylvia Slanina.

The seated dinner included China, Glassware and Flatware. White linen tablecloths covered the tables, with white linen napkins and a it featured a Holiday Centerpiece. The Dinner was excellent.

I received several compliments for the selected menu.

We enjoyed Chicken Piccata, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans and Carrot Wheels, Dinner Rolls, Chocolate Cake, and Coffee and Tea.

There were a few more new wrinkles this year that we haven't had in the past:

· For the first time, the hired DJ not only entertained us throughout the night with our favorite requests, he led us in dancing La Macarena. He also led the guests in some line dancing.

· Instead of the customary door prizes we had "table prizes" for one lucky person at each table.

· Favors were passed out to all guests.

It seemed everyone had a great time. All worked out well. Especially the dancing part. I think that just about all of the guests danced to the music and beat of La Macarena either while on the dance floor or from their tables.

The party ended at 9:30 p.m.

This party will be hard to beat. But somehow, some way, we will find a way to equal or out preform this one.

See you next year.

Israel Morales