The Monday After . . . . our 50th

Bags are unpacked, decorations stored away, we are sleeping in our own beds again, but already the memories of this past weekend are rolling in.

Every time I looked around the room on both nights of our reunion all I saw were smiles, laughter, mingling, and lively conversations.  Friday evening, there was so much excitement, that the sound in the room even overtook the music!  

Thank you one and all for the miles traveled, and the huge investment of your time, (and retirement accounts)  to take part in this milestone.!

Though the rain came, it did not dampen the enthusiasm, and joy that permeated the Tradewinds campus!

The cooking class on Saturday had rave reviews.  Thank you to Adam Walkover, the chef  and his beautiful family who assisted, in the Japanese Italian Fusion demonstration.  No one went away hungry, or uninspired by his culinary art.

Carmen Sotolongo Kelley, traveled up from the Keys Saturday to be with us.  She transformed the Villa into a gallery where fun and more creative expression was celebrated by some of our class.

Tradewinds staff and kitchen outdid themselves Saturday evening to provide a delicious Italian buffet in the ballroom.  Huge thanks to John Hucks, Jackie Coppins Martino, Holly Haslup, and Soozie Mahoney Jamsky for bravely taking the floor to share part of their stories with us after Saturday's dinner, to encourage, to inspire, and share LIFE!

The night ended with dancing, and raffles, and more sharing among the class, that it was late into the night when the last of us closed the ballroom doors.

Dear friends, as we all return to the reality of our day to day lives, let's remember the best parts of this weekend, and though the thread of our lives as being Vikings 50 years ago, is what wove our lives together, coming together was just a reminder that our days ahead are directed.  Our worth is not measured in dollars, but in the currency of friendship, family and faith.  We are rich, we are blessed, and we are loved!

Until we meet again, God bless 

Lisa Smith Rico