Yes, I know it's Thursday and we usually go somewhere challenging. But today was (1) pretty darn rainy, and (2) our annual Christmas party. Eight of us showed up to hike in the rain around the North Shore of Whatcom Lake, designed to finish early enough to make it to Amy's house by 12:30pm or so and share in our annual Christmas potluck. We managed to hike around Lake Whatcom's North Shore hike and get to Amy's by the designated time or shortly thereafter.
Yes, it was wet. Can you tell our damp it was? The trail was soggy and the rain kept falling for the more than two-hour hike, but (as you can see in this picture) the trail was covered by the canopy of trees for the majority of the hike, and then we either went home or inside the Senior Center to change into warm dry clothes before heading off to Amy's.
Many of the same people in that soggy first picture are here now, smiling and dry, enjoying our twenty-something fellow hikers and a wonderful potluck. We had salads and desserts that were fabulous before we headed home after a great time together. I love these people. Here you see me and Gina (Norm's wife) in front of the spread before we began to chow down.
I just had to show that I was wearing my "Wines Constantly" shirt, which worked well over a nice hiking shirt, and Gina is all sparkly and festive looking as well. It was a fine gathering, and now I'm home and settling in to a warm spot after having spent a fine day outside for a few hours and inside for a few more, with some of my favorite people in the world. I am truly blessed.
:-)
just LOVE your shirt! you are such a dear beauty! love that you love this group of wonderful people. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are such a die-hard hiker and party goer, DJan. Glad you had a good time!
ReplyDeletewho you are with makes all the difference in the world...smiles...no matter the weather....sounds like a fun day...a little wet, a little dry
ReplyDeleteYou cleaned up nicely! :)
ReplyDeleteToday's weather was not nice,but of course you braved it anyway. I hope you enjoyed a little extra dessert as a reward.
I know these potlucks well. Great food and the company is better.
ReplyDeleteI'm smiling at your shirt {smile}
ReplyDeleteThe hike surely looked like a wet one, but a fun one regardless, and the potluck get together, well what could be nicer, sharing festive food with your hiking buddies !
Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas dear friend, from our home to yours....
~Jo
I love that shirt. I need to get it for my cousin.. both wines and whines are true. ;)
ReplyDeleteYour fine group of people sound like so much fun.. especially you, of course. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)
Such a funny shirt! Your hike needed the canopy of trees for some relief. Looks like a wonderful pot luck and--yes--a great group of people! I can tell they just make you smile to think of them. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blouse too. I need to find some sparkly thing to wear to parties. You look very lovely. It's raining constantly over here too.
ReplyDeleteThat muddy path looks like one of those that just sucks your boots in and doesn't want to let them go! Those used to drive me nuts in Belgium! :p
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fine Christmas bash! Fun, fun! I'm missing out on the Christmas lunch with my hiking group because my sister is getting in from New Zealand and no way was I missing her first meal home! ;o)
Laughs at seeing the "wines constantly" t-shirt again! :D
Hiking in the rain. Just nothing seems to deter your enthusiasm for walking but what a rainbow at the end - that party just looked like fun,fun,fun.
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether I love the t-shirt or your huge smile more. Both are great.
ReplyDeleteSuch dedication - even on a rainy day. I love the contrast of the before and after pictures. It is obvious that you all love and support each other.
ReplyDeleteLove your shirt and your spunk!
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed, Jan.
ReplyDeleteThe hiking photos made me want for you guys to get inside to a warm dry place...and I see that you did that!
Sending you lots of hugs and warm smiles...and many wishes for a beautiful Christmas.
J.
love the shirt
ReplyDeleteand all the happy pics, even the mud seems pretty :)
I watch 'Parenthood' too, I loved the way the Grandpa explained :)
Hope sends hugs
me too
What a fun way to celebrate the holidays. I'm not much for hiking in the rain, though. But, I sure would have shown up for the potluck. Being with good friends is the best way to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteI love the T-shirt mostly I love that sincere smile that is such a genuine pleasure to look at. The pot luck looks great - have been to some myself and nothing beats a walk in the rain with muddy trails, to change into warm, dry clothes and feast. That mucky trail looks hazerdous - as my Dad used to say "Looks a bit slippy to me, Eh". We are enjoying a drippy, wet seasonal holiday here and most unusual with high winds and moderate temps. Usually we would have snow at least up to our knees?? Love your festive buddies. Just a quick question. Does yer buddy that always wear shorts, also wear shorts to your gatherings? ha,ha just curious?
ReplyDeleteI see Mikey is still in shorts! Looks like a fun get together..and I envy you the green of the PNW:)
ReplyDeleteIt does look very wet and soggy. At least you didn't have the gusty winds that we had on Thursday. That is a great shirt.
ReplyDeleteI love all the smiles in your photos.
None of you look very tired but I did notice that the men were sitting down. Lovely spread by the way.
ReplyDeleteThere are angels watching over you. You look great and so is your lfe style! What a super lady you are!!
ReplyDelete