Photo Albums

Christmas is a great holiday on which to end the year.  Not only are there lots of parties thrown by friends and office mates, seasonal egg nog (usually fortified), but opening those wonderful gifts puts a nice smile on your face too.

But what about those gifts that bring a look of puzzlement?—  They are what our annual Ugly Gift party is all about!  The smile that didn't accompany the gift in December arrives in January as you now get to see that look of puzzlement on the face of whomever picks your re-gifted treat from our collection of other unusual presents at this party.  There are rules of exchange (read: gift stealing) in case it really turns out to be what everyone else wanted, but you will have to attend next year's party to find out what they are.

Pictured here: Risa S. finds a man who hides nothing from her.

Pictured elsewhere in this album: Allesandra C., Sandra C., Paul and Debbie J., Debbie K., Kristy K., Toni K., George P., Bob R., Jeannie S., Risa S., B-Lou T., Georgia W., and Marty W.

There was no siesta time for those who went hiking during the Phoenix Phebruary Phiesta weekend.  Jim from Phoenix, took our unsuspecting trail group on a "moderate" hike.  The reward was a beautiful view of Phoenix and the surrounding area as well as smiles all around.

Pictured here: Jack T. (ASHC), Pat C. (TCOC), Jim N. (PTC), Norma F. (TCT), Polly  S. (TCOC), Perry R. (BBTC), Gayle S. (TCOC), and Jim T. (CATS)

Pictured elsewhere in this album: Allesandra C., Pat C., Debbie P., Don P., and Willie

About a week before Christmas, several of Santa's taller elves gathered at one of his more Southern workshops to wrap presents donated by some kind TCOC benefactors.  Knowing these elves, I'll bet they put away some of the egg nog too.

Pictured here: Allesandra C., Georgia W., and George P.

Also pictured elsewhere in this album: Debbie J., Debbie P., Margie R., Gayle S., Ruthie S.

The middle of September saw a party minded group headed for Las Vegas to join the local TCI club in their "Talls Gone Wild" weekend.  There was a Sixties evening where many dressed as hippies trying to remember what it was like during their wilder days.  That may have been hard to do because according to the saying, "If you can remember the 60's, you weren't there!" This picture should give you an idea of what the TCOC enclave was like that evening. 

There was one evening when they traded their tie-dyed clothing for ties and more formal wear.  Some of us really clean up nice!

Pictured here: Don P., Polly S., Allesandra C., Geri D., Carol L., Debbie P., Kris G., Det R., Bridget G., Francine S., Joe D., Margie R., and Gayle S.

Sixty-two tall guys and dolls traveled from near and far (San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Phoenix, etc.) to enjoy the company of their extended family as we ushered in 2003 in style.  The catered event featured veggies, fruit and chef prepared hot pasta varieties with chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, sauces and spices to order.  All of this accompanied by a coffee bar and followed by a dessert buffet with champagne at midnight.  The dance floor stayed busy for nearly 5 hours.  New romances were sparked and old flames rekindled.  After midnight, champagne continued to flow along with the smiles and laughter at the various after-hours parties. 

Pictured here: CTTC King Wayne and Pamela

After TCOC decked the halls of the Villa Pacifica clubhouse, we dressed in some of our better threads to socialize amongst the membership, several of whom we hadn't seen in a long time.  Before we sat down to a catered dinner, we enjoyed specialty snacks and a huge bowl of egg nog that we just couldn't empty.  After dinner, Santa arrived and it was time to open presents.  He stayed long enough to dance around the Christmas tree with some of the ladies, doing his own version of Jingle Bell Rock.  All too soon it was time for us all to dash away, wishing each other Merry Christmas and to all a good night!

Pictured here: Richard D., Gayle S., Queen Judy, King Rich, Debbie P., and Richard H.

TCOC boarded Amtrak for a day trip to Santa Barbara.  After playing games on the way up, we went to a big lunch, and then rode up State Street on the local trams, targeting stores to browse through during the walk back towards the pier.  After some "Margaritas Grandes" at the local Mexican restaurant, it was time to head back to the station for our return trip.  Those who went wine tasting earlier were nice to uncork and share some of their selections during for our trip back.

Pictured here: George P., Russ W., Nancy F., and Clyde L.

Pictured elsewhere in this album: Nancy F., Toni K., Carol L., Clyde L., George P., Karen P., Bob R., Francine S., Georgia W., and Russ W.