Christmas with the Book Group 12-13-14

The Book Group started as an activity of the Faculty Women's Club at Cal State University-  Fullerton, where my husband was a professor and associate dean of Engineering. Everyone has a University connection, either their husbands were professors or they worked there, mostly in the library.  The group had been going for a number of years before I retired and had the time to participate.  I joined in 1979, 44 years ago.  Three of the current members were already members and the group was much larger then.  Some members dropped out, some moved away, until we are left with nine members who fit nicely into each of our homes.  The group is more social that it was originally, but we do read a book each month, always mention it at meetings and sometimes discuss it extensively  This month  was the writings of Lisa See; I read "China Girls", but I am a fan and have read all of her books.

We try to schedule the December meeting so everyone can attend, but this year it wasn't possible and Verna was entertaining her brother who she seldom sees. 

Our potlucks are very simple these days, since we request what we like best.  At the top of the table are biscuits (wrapped in a towel) from Ann, pot roast from Teresa (our hostess), Lisa's Carrots from Del, zucchini casserole from JoAnn, Fantastic Potatoes from Nancy, and, in the center of the table, cranberry salad from Kathy.  Not shown was the Texas Fruitcake from Marlita and the appetizers from Carol.  There was champagne and wine with the appetizers. I made a huge triple recipe of the delicious carrots so there would be leftovers for everyone to take home.  

Carol Bednar, Nancy Mastroianni, JoAnn Woodard, Ann Morgan.

Teresa Malinowski, Marlita Bellot, Kathy Frazee

The hit of the evening were these dragonflies as a table favor at each plate, courtesy of Teresa, our hostess.  They are hand painted by a Chinese-American lady and each is a bit different.  This is mine who I named Marvin, and he balances nicely on his nose on the corner of my laptop.  He shows up nicely against my 2015 appointment book.

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