Christmas Season, Week One

December 22, 2014January 5, 2015 / ludlumdrive / Leave a comment

Christmas season is a time for joy, a time to give, a time for share, a time to rejoice and be merry, a time to service. It is one of the busiest and more enjoyable time for me as I am everywhere volunteering, serving and spending time with those who need, the less fortunate. It is festive, joyful. The tree decorating and lighting, shopping craze, giving and exchanging… I never get tired of it. This year hasn’t been any different. It has been all about luncheons, dinners, breakfasts, food, drinks, caroling, music, games, presents and more. It has been fun, spiritual and fulfilling. I could not have scripted it better.

NEW HORIZONS, December 9

A church ministry for the elderly. They get together once a month just to mingle, socialize and have fun. This was their Christmas soiree, we were there to make sure everything run perfect and jolly for them.

EPWORTH VILLAGE RETIREMENT, December 13

A non-profit living facility with more then 200 wonderful people stuck in the middle of the city. The room was empty when we arrived but slowly they began to pour in, some had to be wheeled up, others in the wheelchairs, walkers and others on their own two feet. We were after all in a retirement home. They were happy and appreciated us being there with some joining us by singing and clapping. It was fun atmosphere and I look forward to the next year.

CAMILLUS HOUSE, December 18

We made our annual pilgrimage to serenade the homeless in downtown Miami. We have emancipated from singing on the street under a bridge to the new Camillus House building, a Christian organization that provides hospitality and respect for life through direct services of food, clothing and shelter to the needy. Personally, I was looking forward to this occasion as it was my first time in the building since it was inaugurated three years ago. I always look forward to this day. Love it!

Amore Dinner, The Decor!

February 19, 2013June 15, 2014 / ludlumdrive / Leave a comment

Table decor

The location, church wall. Lights decorated. Italian posters, curtains and chandeliers were up. Candles, flowers, glasses, utensils, Chiantis bottles. Tables were set. Music, food. We were ready!

Table setting for 6

Each of the tables sat six and it was on first come, first serve basis. However, some were reserved. The Chianti bottles, the tablecloths, the utensils, the wine and glass glasses were all donated by a local Italian restaurant, the green table runners confectionated by us were added to the table to give the flair of the Italian flag.

Table setting for 4

Chiantis bottle, candle on a glass

Just decor

The plates

Chafers, keeping it warm

Silver, red and yellow, they are corkscrew

Coffee cups

Percolators, sugar, cups

Simple but elegant decor for a beautiful night celebrating Italy!

Merry Christmas, Switzerland!

December 24, 2012January 5, 2015 / ludlumdrive / Leave a comment

Christmas tree at Center Commercial du Balexert, Geneva.

Christmas light decor at Rolex Center.

They are not big on light or Chrismas decor here. So, I was surprised to se this display and could not wait to share it with you. Perhaps that energy bill at the end of the month is really important to them. There are very few and they are very poised, reserved about the whole Christmas shindig. Not as commercialized as one would think. As a matter of fact, I only saw them rushing to the supermaket on the 24th. It was crowded but not as busy and everyone was on their best behavior.

A few ornaments I found in a shopping center in Geneva.