A Tale of Two Parties

This past weekend both our ward Christmas party and Wayne's work party were held. Because they were on the same day and at the same time, we ended up attending the work party. We would have preferred being at the other where we knew everyone. However, I was able to help with the decorations and food, so at least we knew a bit about how the ward party would look. The person in charge of decorations likes to go all out! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

This year the work party was held at Mar-a-Lago, which is the club on Palm Beach Island owned by Donald Trump. He and Bill Koch (the owner of the company Wayne works for) are long-time friends. Anyway, the event started with appetizers and drinks around the pool, followed with dinner in the ballroom. It was a bit chilly outside (we had our "winter" weather arrive that day) but not too bad.

Instead of ham and potato casserole and salad and rolls and pie (what was served in the church building), we had "fancy" food that needed a written explanation so we'd know what we were eating. Of course, it was all very delicious.

Because President Trump was actually in town (which meant that we had to go through security to even get on the property), and because he and Bill Koch are friends, everyone suspected the president might come to the party (as he had in previous years when the party was held at Mar-a-Lago). And he did. It was actually pretty cool, and Wayne's excited that one of his co-workers got a great picture of him standing three feet away from the President of the United States. This wasn't a political event, so President Trump just walked in, spent about five minutes talking to Bill and other people at the head table, and then walked out. He didn't address the goup. However, the route was such that he walked right behind our seats, and he even patted Wayne on the shoulder. So, now we have something to talk about when we've exhausted all other subjects.

I don't mind participating in these fancy events once a year or so, but I'd really rather prefer relaxing in my own home. However you decide to celebrate the social part of this holiday, I hope you have a fantastic time.

Merry Christmas!