by ♯ ♪
Member since:
August 11, 2006

A Holiday Gathering ~ Christmas Party Charity Benefit for NOCH

December 15, 2006 09:03 AM EST
views: 302 | comments: 184

Welcome to the Gather Holiday Party!


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This party is given as a charity benefit for NOCH (New Orleans Children's Hospital). I'm starting the party off right by donating $100 in Barnes and Nobles gift cards.fileId:3096224743980943;size:full;

Don't forget to bring the kids! There'll be fluff and stuff, and they can participate. To borrow the words of the Listeners' Lounge, this is a family thread... mostly. fileId:3096224743980953;size:full;

 

 

Once you get settled, don't forget to grab a drink. This is an open bar, people! There's wine, beer, and mixed concoctions. Maybe we can get Shannon W to help out the bartender with some of her splendiforous creations! 

We're serving dinner, too! I hope it's up to the standards of Kevin Weeks and Chef Friese! Bring on the roast beef and turkey! Bring on the green beans and corn! Don't forget the mashed potatoes and gravy!

Afterward, there's dessert! Forget the calories! This is a party! You can always diet next year! fileId:3096224743980947;size:full;

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year, we're having karaoke for entertainment. Come on Mugg and Nippy! Let's hear some blues! Maybe later on, Danielle and I can get out the fiddles and play some Christmas carols. I've been practicing for months! Some of you shyer gatherers should pick up the mike and try it! You might like it!fileId:3096224743980950;size:full;

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those of you more cerebral, we'll also have a poetry corner. Edward Nudelman and Amanda W. -I hope you will dust off some of your favorites! fileId:3096224743980944;size:full;

 

 

 

Later on, we'll have dancing too! So get out there and boogie! fileId:3096224743980945;size:full;

 

 

 

 

 

Watch out for mike e and Rob L. Those two will have a lot of risque jokes to tell! 

Remember, if you must drink, don't drive! Better yet, if you must drink, stay the night and party!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY KWANZAA, HAPPY HANUKKAH! 

Now let's get this party started!
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Comments: 184

♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 9:04am EST
Holy moly! It took me several hours and Gather crashed this article three times, but I finally got it in!

Welcome to the party!
William M. Dec 15, 2006, 9:19am EST
Great article for a great party, Joanne. Congratulations. I'll mention it in a comment on the Breakfast Club article. It's too late to mention it in the article which is already published.
Dannielle S. Dec 15, 2006, 9:30am EST
Joanne, I know what you mean!! I think with all the amazing efforts for NOCH, with those long, long comment threads, maybe the servers are as stuffed as any holiday turkey!

Oh, yes! Let's get out the fiddles, and I know of a few folks here with guitars to back us up -- what's a holiday without music? Where's Carol Voights??
mona d. Dec 15, 2006, 9:32am EST
a party first thing in the morning? now you're talking!
let the points raking begin!
Carolion Grailbear Dec 15, 2006, 9:37am EST
I'm here! I flew in straight from the Dreamtime - brought my ukelele and my little Remo kid's djembe with the jungle motif - that's one happy, happy drum. Gonna drum up points for the par-tayyyy!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 9:40am EST
Oooooh! Ukeleles! Didn't even think of them!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 9:42am EST
Yeah, morning party. We often break out the champagne and orange juice around here. That way no one knows what we're up to!
Bill's Spirit Dec 15, 2006, 9:43am EST
I'm here, but probably won't stay long. I've never been very comforatble in large crowds. (Not to mention that huge comment strings crash my poor little computer),

I'll dance to Danielle's music, eat some of Kevin and Chef's gourmet selections and hang out with the poets.

I love these NOCH fundraisers.

Merry ChrismaHannuKawanza Everyone !!!
Joe T. Dec 15, 2006, 9:45am EST
I always have to leave early because my computer can't manage the huge comment strings either, Bill's Spirit. But, I'm here to weigh in and wish everyone Happy Holidays.
Bill's Spirit Dec 15, 2006, 9:48am EST
Hey ya Joanne,

Fix me up with some of that Mimosa, will ya? I was trading insights with some Rastafarians and my mouth feels like the Sahara.

Ukelele? Do you know Tip Toe Through the Tulips?
Tricia C. Dec 15, 2006, 9:49am EST
Happy Holidays everyone... Hope it is a good one for everyone....
Cheri D. Dec 15, 2006, 9:51am EST
The Merriest of Holidays to All! I can't stay, but just wanted to say this. Party on!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 9:51am EST
Okay, mimosas coming up. We can hit the hard stuff when the DJ arrives!
Dannielle S. Dec 15, 2006, 9:52am EST
Echoing Bill's Spirit: I can't access the long comment threads, either, so here's another MERRY CHRISTMAS! for the cause -- best wishes to all, and applause for everyone working so hard for NOCH.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 9:53am EST
What? is everyone on dial up?
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 9:59am EST
Thanks Liz, but you better get that shower in before the party really heats up!
Bill's Spirit Dec 15, 2006, 10:14am EST
Joanne - Nah. we're not on dialup. Donna and I run off of a Pentium3 with only 300-something Mb of RAM. For being six years old this computer of ours is WAY behind the technology for fast effortless running on the Internet.

Thanks for the drink.

Ahhhhhhh.... much better.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 10:19am EST
Bill... Where's your sweetie? And have a cookie. Maybe you'll get a new machine for Christmas. Santa's been known to work wonders.
Warren Keating Dec 15, 2006, 10:25am EST
Excellent idea. Great party.

Thanks for your support of the Crescent City, my birthplace. I was there in July, and they can use all the help that they can get!
jessie voigts Dec 15, 2006, 10:29am EST
lovely! i brought my camera!

these huge comment strings crash my computer, too, so i am glad to come before everyone arrives. plus, more food available at the buffet. heh heh
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 10:29am EST
Yes, it sure does need help. We have friends in Slidell, and they're just now coming out of it. Their house had only minor damage, but it took over 6 months to take care of it. Of course, New Orleans still needs help, in a big way.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 10:30am EST
You know how Christmas parties are, jessie! I'm sure your camera will come in handy to capture some of those "naughtier" moments... I smell extortion here!
Bill's Spirit Dec 15, 2006, 10:39am EST
Joanne - It would be sweet if Santa worked that miracle. One of the items in the letter I dropped into our local North Pole Mailbox was a laptop. Momma always told me to ask for the best and gratefully accept what I got. God Love Her!

My sweet Donna blue eyes is at work. During the days, she checks in when and if she can. Sometimes, she doesn't get the chance.

Mmmmm, Cookies...

The Mimosa has gone to my head. I'm switching to coffee.
Mugg Muggles, "The Man With the Jive" Dec 15, 2006, 10:41am EST
Here's a little blues verse courtesy of Martin Mull. When he performs it he plays bottleneck ukelele with a doll-sized baby bottle on his pinky.
"I woke up this afternoon and BOTH my cars were gone.
I said I woke up this afternoon and bothe my cars were gone.
I felt so lowdown deep inside, I threw my drink across the lawn!"
Okay, where's the keg?
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 10:45am EST
Thanks for the ditty, Mugg. I knew I could count on you. Keg's over there. If you have some herb to share, that would be peachy. Just don't smoke in front of the kids!
George Corneliussen Dec 15, 2006, 10:46am EST
♪Joanne ,

We wish you a Fairy Isthmus
We wish you a Fairy Isthmus
We wish you a Fairy Isthmus
And a happy mule's ear .
Dannielle S. Dec 15, 2006, 10:50am EST
No dial-up here, either, Joanne -- my computer at home is about 20 years old, I think. The IT guys here at work explained it to me, but I can't remember all the tech stuff. The line I recall was "This is last century's computer." It's just a step up from a typewriter, but it was free.

One more time: ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON TO ALL!
Bill's Spirit Dec 15, 2006, 10:50am EST
Singin' for NOCH

Deck the cubicles with boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-laah Lah-la-la-la
'Tis the sesaon to be Jolly
Fa-la-la-la-laah Lah-la-la-la

Don and all his gay apparel
Fa-la-la Lah-la-laah Lah-la-la
Trolls sing ancient yules at Carol
Fah-la-laa Lah-la-la-la

For the Children at NOCH
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 10:52am EST
George... I didn't know you could sing!

Danielle, that's funny. I think you should join the rest of us in the 21st century, girl! Computers are so cheap these days!
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 10:57am EST
Hi, yall. Watch out. The bat-shit crazy redneck iz in tha house. Ah be muchablige fur yew ta get me won of them thar Mimosas.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 10:57am EST
Maywood, those were my little ones 10 years ago. One's in college! They're still cute, but in an entirely different way.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 10:59am EST
Serina! My favorite bat-shit crazy redneck! Here's a mimosa, y'all. From your favorite bat-shit crazy northerner... ;-)
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:01am EST
MERY CRISMAS! Ah jus got thru with my griyuts and dont nede attire ornga juce. Jus giv me some of attire champaign.
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:03am EST
Dayum, it is to hard to keep talking like that. I have a print out of redneck words. I gets tiring look up the ones I want to use. Haha.
Marsha B. Dec 15, 2006, 11:04am EST
What a marvelous idea!!! I love Christmas parties. It's so nice to see so many people jumping to help out with a wonderful cause. Hand me a mimosa....just don't tell my boss. LOL
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 11:04am EST
The associate bartender has arrived!
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:04am EST
Well, did I run everyone off? Sorry, I did not mean to spoil the party for everyone.
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 11:05am EST
Now, what can I get everyone?
Bill's Spirit Dec 15, 2006, 11:05am EST
(wandering back from the smoking poets corner)

Now there is a jolly old elf
who, in red all over does dress himself,
through dark of night careens a mad sleigh
delivering presents before break of day
to kids of the world, even those down under
Dude spreads Joy to both wit and dunder.

burma is shaving
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:06am EST
Yeah, Shannon is here! Woot! Woot! I'm tired of my mimosa. I'm ready for Sex on the Beach.
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 11:06am EST
I LOVE that boogie down pic by the way! It looks like she is having a great time!
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 11:08am EST
Serina, you didn't even have to tell me! I remembered you like Sex on the Beach.

Shoot, Liz, I'm in my pj's til late afternoon everyday! Here is your mimosa.
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:09am EST
Hey, I want to go to the corner next trip. I may not be speaking poetry now but I promise I will when I come back.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 11:10am EST
Sex on the beach? Why not a Screaming Orgasm? Shannon, can you make one of those for me, please?
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:11am EST
Where's the Joanne? Is she still in the corner.
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:13am EST
Oh there you are. Haha. Screaming Orgasm. Now that sounds interesting. That is what my next order will be. Sound like the next step up when drinking.
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:15am EST
That is beautiful, Zenith.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 11:16am EST
Woo hoo!
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:17am EST
Is that drink already going to your head, Joanne?
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 11:18am EST
Shhhh... I'm supposed to be working too... But you know me, I'm able to multitask. It's a good thing payroll was two days ago, instead of today! HA HA!
Kathryn E. Dec 15, 2006, 11:19am EST
I'd stay and party witcha, but I've gotta go to work. I was scheduled for 8 a.m., but my daughter split her lip getting into the car, so we ended up at the doctor's office, instead. She is fine.

Two days ago, I was rushing and pricked my finger on a sewing needle stuck in my coat pocket. I then tripped on the concrete platform on which you pay into the meter for the town parking lot, next to my work. I scraped my wrist, knee and ankle and ended up dizzy for the day. I stayed home yesterday, sleeping.

Now, I think I've had TOO much of something !!!


NOCH!
Kathryn E. Dec 15, 2006, 11:21am EST
I'd stay and party witcha, but I've gotta go to work. I was scheduled for 8 a.m., but my daughter split her lip getting into the car, so we ended up at the doctor's office, instead. She is fine.

Two days ago, I was rushing and pricked my finger on a sewing needle stuck in my coat pocket. I then tripped on the concrete platform on which you pay into the meter for the town parking lot, next to my work. I scraped my wrist, knee and ankle and ended up dizzy for the day. I stayed home yesterday, sleeping.

Now, I think I've had TOO much of something !!!


NOCH!
Serina Matteson Dec 15, 2006, 11:22am EST
Kathryn, please be careful and get better!!

Well, I have to go now and so some errands. I will be back to party some more a little later. Great job, Joanne.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 11:22am EST
I think you need a drink, Kathryn. I need a drink just reading what has happened to you. Don't you think you deserve a mental health day? (Not making fun of you, Serina.)
Kathryn E. Dec 15, 2006, 11:23am EST
I'd stay and party witcha, but I've gotta go to work. I was scheduled for 8 a.m., but my daughter split her lip getting into the car, so we ended up at the doctor's office, instead. She is fine.

Two days ago, I was rushing and pricked my finger on a sewing needle stuck in my coat pocket. I then tripped on the concrete platform on which you pay into the meter for the town parking lot, next to my work. I scraped my wrist, knee and ankle and ended up dizzy for the day. I stayed home yesterday, sleeping.

Now, I think I've had TOO much of something !!!


NOCH!
Bonnie L. Dec 15, 2006, 11:29am EST
How wonderful Joanne!!! Merry Christmas -- and Happy Hanukkah, since tonight is the first night. Now someone pass the Egg Nog - better yet, I'll have a glass of Shiraz please!
Sue * Dec 15, 2006, 11:32am EST
Hi...I have leftovers from the cookie exchange party last night!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 11:33am EST
Sue, bring them in!

Bonnie! Glad you could make it! Shiraz coming up!
Bonnie L. Dec 15, 2006, 11:36am EST
You know Joanne, it's only 9:30 in the morning here and Shiraz doesn't sound so good right now. I think I'll start with a Bloody Mary, or a Mimosa and work my way to the wine. Now where's the music, let's do some dancing!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 11:40am EST
Maybe Nippy can provide the link to his myspace. There's music there. We can dance to that til the DJ gets here.
Layla Morgan Wilde Dec 15, 2006, 11:50am EST
I'll bring the Champagne. How many cases do you think we'll need?
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 12:00pm EST
Sorry about that, Liz! I'll get you one pronto.

Better bring me a case too, Layla.
Janet H. Dec 15, 2006, 12:04pm EST
Stopping in to visit the party for a minute. I have to go to work on my volunteer job in a little while. You guys have fun while I'm gone.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 12:07pm EST
Damn, that'll be hard. Shannon never taught me how to put the pics in the comment box!
Points for the kids! Huge hugs to you! :)
Edward Nudelman Dec 15, 2006, 12:16pm EST
"Poetry corner!"
he shrieked in horror,
"Why do they always put us in a corner?"
(Just look at little Jack Horner!)
Perhaps to hide this poem's ridiculous hide
and the rhymes that barely adorn her.
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 12:23pm EST
I brought confetti!

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♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 12:24pm EST
Well, Mr. Nudelman, you can always wrestle the mike out of my hand and take center stage!
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 12:24pm EST
I think that's why we get along so well, Liz. I am a pretty demanding bee-yotch myself!

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♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 12:25pm EST
Shannon, Teach me how to do that!
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 12:27pm EST
I sent you a PM (or two). Did you get 'em?
Dolphi D. Dec 15, 2006, 12:47pm EST
Oh, the heady drinks and the mouthwatering dishes; the smells and flavors fill all over Gatherdome! The music and the dance in full swing; the party spirit is in the air! And I am already late. Thanks Joanne for the invite.

Merry ChrismaHannuKawanza Everyone!
(A multipurpose greeting borrowed from Bill's Spirit.)
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 12:58pm EST
Sorry to hear about family troubles, Liz. The holidays bring out the worst in some people. That's why we're here to party! Friends can be so much better!
Apryl Just Apryl Dec 15, 2006, 12:59pm EST
Wow, Joanne!! This is amazing! What a fantastic surprise and Thank You so much for your generous donation.

MERRY CHRISTMAS GATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John Calvignome Dec 15, 2006, 1:04pm EST
Merry Christmas kids! I wish we gave as much a damn on the Cape as you guys do!

-john c
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 1:04pm EST
Remember, Liz, men sometimes seem to be uncaring or not listening, but they are.....

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♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:07pm EST
Here's a mimosa....
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♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:08pm EST
Oops... wrong mimosa! Here's the right one...
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♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:09pm EST
Thanks, Shannon! I learned something new today, and I was under the influence too! Hope I remember it tomorrow!
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 1:10pm EST
Yay Joanne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:15pm EST
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Here's a sweet treat!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:16pm EST
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Here's the dinner line!
June M Dec 15, 2006, 1:23pm EST
What a Maaarvelous party. The crowd is growing! Will stop in later and leave some more points.
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:23pm EST
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yee ha!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:24pm EST
Thanks Foxylady!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:25pm EST
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Lining up the drinks now!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:26pm EST
Come on, let's dance!
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Randy- Being true to myself Dec 15, 2006, 1:27pm EST
I love holiday parties...presents are 60% wrapped, and the trimmings are up.

The holidays are so awesome
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:27pm EST
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Let's dance!
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:28pm EST
Oh, look! Nippy's cat is dancing too!
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♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:29pm EST
LOL, someone found a new toy.......................................
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:30pm EST
I've got some work to do, be back in a few minutes....
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♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:33pm EST
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Be back in a minute...
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:38pm EST
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This is funny....
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:40pm EST
in a weirdly perverted way...
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 15, 2006, 1:40pm EST
I'm with you Joanne

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Edward Nudelman Dec 15, 2006, 1:49pm EST
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT YIKES, IT'S ROCHESTER'S CAT
Joanne...looks like Shannon created a monster! I had to laugh really hard at your dancing cat. My REAL cat came flying over and attacked the screen. I keep scrolling back up for my own amusement. I need to learn how to do that, too. I'll be back later. I have to let my cat attack Nippy one more time.
Edward Nudelman Dec 15, 2006, 1:51pm EST
I thought I'd seen
just about everything
ain't nothing more to miss
'till I saw an elf pooh
a hershey kiss

Joan... perverse, simply perverse (but funny!)
♯ ♪ Dec 15, 2006, 1:59pm EST
Ha, ha, I forgot about David Rochester... It might be HIS cat, who knows???