Christmas Greetings

[dekeguy]

A very Merry Christmas to all gcers! This year is looking a lot brighter than last. One year ago today I was packing up to report for reserve call up. Been there, done that, home in one piece. All my men home in one piece as well. Can't ask for anything else as this Christmas is just about everything I could want (except perhaps for someone to maneuver under the missletoe). I arrived yesterday morning at Heathrow, met my brother, cousin Chip, and old friend Jamie and drove down to St James Square where I dropped my bag at the East India Club. We called Dad's flat to let everyone know I had arrived and then went over to call on some old friends from school. Last night we all met at Rules Restaurant near Covent Garden and had a great time. Then back to the East India for drinks and conversation. Jamie is a Flt Lt. in the RAF so we went to lunch at the RAF Club on Piccadilly. Saw more old friends. We are going this evening to Farm Street Jesuit Church in London where the whole family will attend Midnight Mass and then go back to Dad's flat for champagne, oysters, smoked salmon, cold poached sturgeon, and shrimp remoulade served as a stand up cocktail party (can't fit everyone if seated). Tomorrow, Dad has a surprise for us. He has changed the plans for dinner and is being very mysterious about it. Should be both fun and interesting. All he will tell us is to be at the flat by 2 PM sharp.
Its great to see the family together here. We have the New Orleans, Dallas, St Louis, and Virginia branches along with the London bunch and the French cousins as well. So far, the Scottish bunch are planning to meet us for New Year's. Near as I can figure we have about 22 from the states and counting close friends and family about that many from the UK and France.
Whatever he has planned it looks like upwards of 40 for dinner.
So, I hope all of you are with family and friends and have a really great Christmas this year. I am looking forward to a right Merry Christmas.
Freres et Soeurs, Joyeux Noel!
Oh, and to keep things directed to the real reason we have Christmas, Happy Birthday Lord, and thanks.
AMDG,
dekeguy