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Pam and John Masterson, who live adjacent to the farm, and Sue and Philip
Dodds, once again combined efforts for a wonderful Christmas party for friends
and family. For the first time in years (and since the restoration), the
old house was filled with food, drink, music, and merriment. (If
you were at the party and have pictures, please send them to us so we may
add them).
Derek Hayden (Sue's elder son) was sound engineer for the party. Hopefully,
he successfully captured the event with direct digital recording of the event
(to my laptop through his mixing gear). Meanwhile, Greg Hayden (who
couldn't be here for this event, but was in constant technical support by
phone), has volunteered to produce a limited edition CD for those in attendance
(provided, of course, that the recordings worked -- which is to be
determined).
Christmas Party 2001
Preparation took many days. Sue and her "extensive
staff" (none at all) did all the the work. I did helpful things
like flooding the second floor bathroom while trying to hook up the second
floor sink (separate story) a day before
the event.
This year we decided on two trees. We picked out the one on the
right and decided that it was nice, but not big enough for the event, so
we got a bigger one from Mark Weller, who gave us a great tree for a great
price.
The party started at 4:00 PM. At 4:01 we were nearly ready.
People began to arrive. And arrive. And arrive. |
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| Folks gathered in all corners of the house, as in old
days. All ages. Old friends caught up. Many thought
about all the parties held here over the past 45 years and remembered the
good old days.
It was a wonderful gathering, especially in light of the troubles our
country and the world have recently experienced.
Soon the music will start! But first, where's the beer? |
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| Many reconnections after a long time:
Above left: Jack Carr and Seamus Kennedy, Above right: Capt. Dodds,
Peter Kellog Smith and McShane Waldron Glover; Above rightmost, (left to
right) Elisabeth Dodds, her father Philip Dodds (me), and her sister,
Alison Dodds.
To the right: Elisabeth Dodds, Alison Dodds, and their stepbrother,
Derek Hayden (elder son of Sue Dodds and sound engineer for the project). |
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| To the right: Cory Seznec (my nephew), Alison Dodds (my
younger daughter), and Brad Long (Alison's boyfriend and new Ensign, USN).
We don't have pictures of Sue because she was always tied up in the
kitchen finding things for people. Well, maybe next time...sigh.
Honest, Sue, next time you will be able to have fun at the
party! I promise! (She's saying "Famous Last Words".) |
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The Music Begins!
The four(+)
Really Cool Guys From Annapolis!
Each year, Seamus Kennedy, John Masterson, Jim Hollan, and Philip Dodds
(me) get together to do a Christmas set (this year we actually sort of
practiced beforehand). We usually get a lot of extra help.
Seamus' son Damian helps us on this opening tune and many others.
Below, Seamus and Jim work through the playlist that I sort of remember
putting together with them. Seamus and John hold forth below-right. |
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| Here during a sweet ballad, my sister Thackray Seznec and my
father Capt. Dodds enjoy the song while I enjoy my brand new bass.
This year I switched from a tuxedo to kilt under pressure from the
"guys". They didn't want to rename the group "Three
cool guys and one nerd from Annapolis." I caved. (Thanks, Jim
for kitting me out.)
Below the kids listen and seem to enjoy as does the audience, who
extend into the parlor, main hall and dining room. ("SRO"
-- Standing Room Only!)
Click next at the bottom of the page to see the second phase of the
party as we moved to the next group of musicians... |
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