Swing Dance Club Xmas Dance @ the Elks

What a yummy fun time @ the Swing Dance Xmas party last Sunday. Nice turnout of 70+ I'd guesstimate. This was my first and will be back next year.

Susan, Roland, Bill and Lile

The ladies were dressed to the nines which was much appreciated by the Martians in attendance. A lot of familiar faces w/surprise attendees and many new ones.

Aurora and Vince

Haven't been to the Dance Hall at the Elks since the Sunday Tea dances ended about 3-4 years ago. Very pleased to see that the hall has been tarted up w/the addition of a wonderful wood floor perfect for dance.

The event ran from 5:30-10 PM w/a nice buffet. Lots of dance, social chatter and laughter throughout the evening.

Bert Burgess (my fav DJ) was offering up choice cuts all night. During dinner the mix had people swaying, boppin' 'n tappin'. Pat commented, "I hope he plays those songs again later." Bert has a vast library of music. Don't know if he's into it but maybe if you need a DJ w/a top notch sound system (Bose I believe) for a dance or party give him a ring and ask. He can only say, "No"...which I doubt, he's too nice. Click on the Aiea Ballroom site to contact him.

Once the hunger was satiated the dancers packed the floor the rest of the evening. I heard comments of how many really good dancers there were. Picked up a couple of sweet steps.

CRS strikes again. PC definition of CRS, "Can't Remember Stuff."

I haven't been able to locate my 2 year old point and shoot camera. There is of course a perfectly reasonable explanation. I stashed it someplace really safe....... I do know where my Sony Digital is but can't locate the flash. Figure it's ensconced w/my "secured" P&S camera.

Okay this is between you and me and need to know. 

Must have been exemplary this year 'cause under the tree I noticed that Santa left a tiny package w/a tear. I could make out the word "Canon." Figured it was already almost open so divested it of the torn and tattered wrapping to lo and behold, a camera!

Don't rat me out to Santa or any of his suck up elves 'cause I'll be back to the annual lump of coal. Already got enough for an imu. It's not that I'm naughty.... I really try to be nice, maybe make one or two questionable choices during the year but nothing naughty. You know, other people get away with full blown naughty but not ole Richie. Every Xmas there I am sittin' on a cold dank rock trying to keep warm next to my lump of coal fire hopefully toasting a marshmallow. Meanwhile all the naughty are out and about riding jet skis, driving new cars and partying like there's no tomorrow. What the heck? Maybe I should try for uber naughty this year.......

I digress, back to the camera. Did a quick "How to" and thought, "This is just what my primary caregiver called for, simple enough for a 5 year old." Confidently forgoing any silly attempt to practice I ventured out. Imagine my chagrin when I realized that a 5 year old has got some serious skills.

Bobbi and some funny lookin' guy.

They as yet can't make cameras Richie proof only Richie resistant. Validated this over and over again this weekend with a plethora of shots that ranged from blurry to shaky. Somehow stumbled into a couple of mistakes that are surprisingly usable. Still trying to figure out what I did right. Oh, that's right...someone else took them!

This cretin does not have the mindset needed for photo journalism. When the music plays my body wants to move in it's usual spasmodic fashion and does so with gusto. In hindsight missed out on many great moments. Made mental notes and hopefully will be able to retrieve them from my "everything goes in, nothing gets out steel trap brain."

Merry Xmas to all,

R