A frosty ice sculpture greets Wendy at the front door
Archie was one of the two partners that purchased Carroll Healthcare from me twelve years ago come April. Archie’s Christmas party Friday night was a most elaborate affair. It is held at his country home which by coincidence is located two laneways away from the old stone farmhouse Wendy and I rented right after we were married over thirty years ago. Archie’s lovely wife Wendy and their three beautiful daughters Martha, Victoria, and Sarah are the most gracious of hosts. Guests are greeted outside the main entrance by valets that park your car. In our case we were driven over by our son Tim and hailed a limousine to get home. I knew from past experience, the two open bars would not be conducive to driving.
Jacques is still at Carroll Healthcare in charge of purchasing.
I noticed a large refrigerated truck parked adjacent to the palatial home and rightly surmised it was from the caterer, an upscale restaurant in Mount Pleasant, south of Brantford 60 miles away. In the huge family room, a full and complete buffet featured a chef carving a luxurious prime rib. Nearby, two bartenders dispensed refreshments. At the other end of this large room, a piano player entertained on a grand piano and guests sang carols. A smaller room adjacent held a table of finger foods and hors d’oeuvres. Next, a large theatre room bedecked with Christmas decorations, surprised guests with a young man shucking oysters and a young woman pouring the best of Champaign. Another table of snacks was located near the door. On to another large room where the most elaborate and beautiful spread of fresh seafood. Lobster, huge shrimp, and dozens of other specialties were eagerly consumed by the many guests. Adjacent to the seafood buffet another two bar tenders were busy practicing their mixology. Continuing on, a new addition to the house contains a dramatic two story room with tall glass, looking out into the park-like grounds. Finally, in a parlour off the main foyer a most elaborate dessert buffet bid the guests farewell.
Kelly, Wendy, Del, and our former office manager and administrative assistant Sandy right.
We stayed for a few hours and were hoarse from talking. With so many happy guests, all talking at once the sound level was quite high. Talking continuously for several hours didn’t entirely accomplish my goal of speaking with everyone I knew, let alone meeting new ones. The guest list is a veritable 'who’s who' of London. There is also many of Archie’s neighbors from when they lived in the city, and of course relatives like his Mom and Pop, and many young friends of the three daughters. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of our hosts, since I wondered at the appropriatenes of continuously snapping pictures in their home. After all, I do want to be invited back!