MADMEN/SIERRA VISTA MINIS Holiday Party

[JPMINITUCSON]

Thanks to everyone that made this year's Holiday Party such a roaring success!

Special thanks to Bobi and Carl Hammett for opening up their home and being such gracious hosts to the 30+ MADMEN. Next time hopefully we can get to play with Carl's great train layout.

Most Gifted Award goes to Arnelle Publicover for picking the most gifts ( and having the most stolen away) in the Bad Santa Gift Exchange. To no one's surprise, Martha chose an orange hat, orange gloves and orange scarf.

It was also a treat to see Suz, our invisible member from the Invisible Theatre Company and Bella. Decked out in cheques from earings to toes, Suz is starring in her company's production of "A Conversation with Edith Head". Check it out: She also won a checked gas pump beverage station at the gift exchange. (Darn, I wanted that!)

J. and Jenny Dolak, our Sierra Vista Minis co-chairs, were part of an 8 person contingent from SV. They brought friends from Germany and a mini madmen who helped us open our gifts. Great to see the chapter active once again.

After stuffing ourselves on a giant buffet, we motored from the west side to mid-town to the Winter Haven Festival of Lights. Barney had made arrangements with "Red's Saddle Mules" to take us on a trolley ride through the lighted neighborhood. This is a true community effort that has even involved the local electric company in furnishing and hanging thousands of LED's from the trees.

We had an entertaining driver from Spokane WA who was extremely knowledgeable about mules and who had a fine singing voice. This year's event was packed with people. From the Elvis Blue Christmas House to the Dancing Waters ala Bellagio vegas House to the Penguin Parade, our hour tour was lot's of fun. Let's make this an annual event for the MADMEN.

And personal thanks to Deb and Barney for picking us up and driving us around all day. True friends!

Thanks also to Drs Ray and Martha for the second and third opinions.

Thanks Alexis for bringing the Christmas Goose!

So best of holiday wishes to all MADMEN, RAT PACKERS and SV Minis folks. We will see you after the 1st! and look forward to a great 2009!

Jon and Patty