a really big living room

The yuletide merriment continues to abound here north of the 49th Parallel

as we celebrate Boxing Day today.  Originated in the United Kingdom when rich

folks would give their servants a gift after Christmas, now it more or less just

features a big blowout sale at The Brick .      

Not to worry.  Jude and I are snug at home, where there’s plenty of parking.

We’re also saving millions by not shopping. 

No amount of money could have bought us the wonderful time we had Sunday. 

When I posted about Heriot Bay Inn recently and in October,  I described it as

the hub of the island then, but I heard a more accurate term yesterday when

my sweetie and I went there to help with a community dinner.

One of the organizers, the lovely and gracious Lois, likened HBI to a big living

room.  And it was fully lived in last night as 150 people or so jammed into the

lounge and restaurant for a fantastic turkey feast.  The Inn has a long history

of such celebrations, but it had faded until it was revived a few years ago.

Last year the Trayler family stepped up big and took on all the cooking.  Susan

was the main organizer, but she was so busy zipping around the kitchen that I

couldn’t get a clear photo of her.  So I’m representing the Traylers with a shot

of Gracie:

Gracie became a family legend last year when she helped peel 100 pounds of

potatoes.  That chore was outsourced this time, so Gracie helped by restocking

the appy table.

The Traylors did the heavy lifting, but they had help.  The Community Custo-

dians for HBI, represented by Lois, were vital.  And various companies donated

items for the feed.  I am particularly grateful for the beer and wine contributed

by Vancouver Island Brewery and Emco Resources.

As two of many volunteers, Jude and I were responsible for setting up the glass

and cup tables.  Here they await the crowd.

And here’s some of the crowd:

It was a delightful evening.  Everyone was on their best behaviour.  There may 

have been a few tourists there, but judging from the comfortable clothing and

sensible footwear, it was mostly us locals.

I think that after 6+ years, Jude and I qualify as locals.  I certainly hope so.  With

so many good times like this one and so many colourful characters to share

them with, I’d hate to be voted off the island.