Storytelling Sunday---25th Anniversary

We went to The Palm for dinner on Friday night with our Poker Group. We always pick out a really nice restaurant in December and go out together---after meeting for cocktails and to exchange gifts. This year, we "pre-gamed" it (as the younger---Mindy's set says) at Jack and Connie's.

This year, we're celebrating 25 years together. It all began in 1987. Butch and I had started a poker group when we lived in Kansas City. Once a month, the guys play poker and the girls go to dinner. It was a lot of fun, so it was only natural that we'd get a group going in Nashville.

When we moved in to the brand new neighborhood (Devon Park) in 1985, we were homeowners #5. It wasn't until 1987 that we started the group. Actually, Butch and I (and almost Hugh and Pam) are the only remaining original members. We had only played one time before inviting Hugh and Pam to join the group.

Over the years, we raised our families together, have taken many trips, had many parties---all of which still continue today. We still travel a lot together, but without the kids. The photos above are from our Alaskan cruise this summer. The Potters, Broussards, Bohans and us went. The Blacks, Dawkins and Sperrazzas couldn't make it this time.

We started a new tradition about 6 years ago. We have a family trivia night on the 23rd of December that now includes our grown children and grandchildren. Each family brings 10 questions, an appetizer, and $5.00 for the prize money. The losing team has to host the next year. My grandkids say it is one of their most favorite things we do at Christmas. We always try to be obnoxious in some way. Last year, "Team Eads" all showed up in red sweaters. Everyone thinks that we have the advantage since our team has 12 people on it. It's actually a hindrance because just about every one of us are "know it alls"---which leads to much arguing!

Friends for 25 years. That's really something. Of course, when I proposed a "toast" at dinner, there had to be a "Debbie Downer." That would be Connie who piped up, "Isn't' it sad to think that we don't have another 25 years in us?" I think everyone shot daggers at her!

It was a fabulous evening, great food with the BEST of friends. I have faith that we can do 25 more!