Breaking News - Jan 10

MUSTANGS NW CHRISTMAS PARTY IN REVIEW

It was a lovely chilly night when 28 of us assembled at the Sammammish Valley Grange Hall to attend the Mustangs Northwest 2009 Christmas Party. It was dry, and while a few lonely snowflakes were falling to the North, the travel conditions weren’t bad. Thanks to Lori Bagley, her rocking chair, Christmas Tree and TV – we had a lovely homey stage that helped produce the feeling of a warm cozy “Old Fashioned Christmas.” She even had a DVD of a Fire! One guest mentioned it looked more “real” than his own gas fireplace! The Lodge was very well designed, well-kept and the kitchen was marvelous.

Gallery: XMAS

Thanks to the efforts of Terry Green, Mynor Holmgren, Jacque and Steve Janik, we were able to have everything set up and ready for our first arrivals. The decorations were relatively low key, hiding things like sparkling cider and candles that were placed in crock-pot liners. The Crockpots, with the liners, were then part of our door prizes.

Lance and Jan Lambert and Deana Couture joined the set-up crowd to help make up the “welcoming” squad, which, in the end, almost outnumbered the guests. The Potluck itself was well-balanced. The club provided the Honey Ham, and the “main” dishes that joined it were scrumptious and plentiful. The Salads were terrific, and there was plenty of dessert. And, Terry’s “Mustang” was awesome. He brought rolls just for the excuse of eating the Mustang! We may have been few – but we ate like we were many.

We were vastly entertained as we watched each attending child open their special gift. And, the club passed out a few “entertaining” items of our own to help entertain the little ones. When it was time for the adult Gift Exchange, we pulled the “fire” out of the fireplace, plopped the TV onto a table and put in movies to entertain the younger set while the older group fought over their gifts. OK – “fought over their gifts” is a bit strong, but there was much moaning and groaning as some Gift Recipients kept having their fine gifts stolen by others. Some were absolutely thrilled with what they took home and some are wondering “what happened” and “what am I going to do with this?”

Then, it was time for the door prizes. Now, I had fourteen door prizes to give away. You can do the math and see that there was a high percentage of winners. Finally, it was time to go home and everybody pitched in with the cleanup so that was done in a remarkably short time. It was a great party. The company was delightful, the atmosphere friendly and casual, and the food wonderful. Bob and I enjoyed hosting the party. As a group, those of us who were there missed those of you who couldn’t join us.

Bob and Debbie Moore

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JINGLE BELL CRUZ & TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE

On Sunday December 6th 2009, Mustangers and Classic Cars enthusiasts alike, came out in force to support the 8th Annual Jingle Bell Cruz and Toys for Tots Holiday toy Drive. Held at the XXX Rootbeer Drive-In, in Issaquah, piles of toys were collected to be distributed to the less fortunate. Of course, being car people, donations of cars and toys of the automotive variety were in abundance. However, I did also see several “girly” toys to round out the haul. The temperatures were frigid, and car show participants often retreated to the warm comforts of the restaurant to enjoy some of the delicious XXX food. Kids and kids at heart, were also treated to a surprise visit from Santa Claus, who greeted guests with a warm smile and a candy cane treat.

Gallery: Jingle

Overall, this event was a HUGE success, and the real winners are the kids who woke up Christmas morning to brand new toys under the tree!

Hope to see you there next year!