Yeah, I know. I’m posting this a month after the event, and the day before the January CAPS meeting. Sometimes, one just falls behind on these little recitations of activities.
The party itself happened on our usual meeting date of the second Thursday of the month, but we gathered together at the Montrose Bowling Alley (site of previous holiday extravaganzas). It’s always a pleasure to gather together and talk and enjoy the company.
It was, of course, a party, and that meant FOOD.
The food was delicious – very nice mashed potatoes, barbeque grilled chicken, brisket, veggies, rolls, a nice cole slaw, and of course, a whole table full of desserts. There was plenty for everyone.
It’s a party that is welcoming to all comers, from our venerated elders to the youngest. If they can put up with the conversational chatter and the sounds of bowling (and they are a member or a family attachment of a member) they are treated as “one of the gang”. Here’s a picture of this year’s youngest attendee, who seemed quite relaxed amidst the noise.
CAPS 2012 Holiday Party
He’s already getting aclimatized to the comic book culture, as you can see.
After we’d gotten through the main bout of eating, President Pat McGreal made a few announcements.
CAPS 2012 Holiday Party
We acknowledged service done for the organization during the last year.
The gift exchange proceeded well (my camera battery collapse about that point, so I didn’t get pictures of people with their gifts, alas). Except, of course, that Jim MacQuarrie waited and waited and waited for his number to come up. But since he was also doing duty as “Santa”, he could still hold center stage.
Some folks actually did do some bowling.
CAPS 2012 Holiday Party
In fact, I got in some bowling as well. I went prepared this time, having trimmed my fingernails beforehand (I tore a thumbnail last year on my first time on the lane). I joined in an incredibly unserious match (2 of the players actually drifted off in conversations), playing all my frames. I enjoyed myself, even though my shoulder was sore for two days afterward.
Others made very diligent attempts at their game.
CAPS 2012 Holiday Party
Nat Gertler’s daughter took the activity seriously enough to make some good attempts at knocking down the pins. (Actually, it’s possible her score was better than mine.)
It was quite a festive mood, with lots of smiles and laughs.
CAPS 2012 Holiday Party
After all, cartoonists are not likely to take everything seriously, especially at a party.
It was a wonderful way to wrap up (as it were) the year.
