January’s meeting at Tom and Cherie Carney’s home has been a tradition in the GG Lotus Club as long as most of us can recall. It is one that many of us anticipate all year long. This year’s event was long on tradition and one big surprise.
It was easy to find the Carneys’ address on Palm Drive in Burlingame. Drivers could see it from three blocks away because it was still lit with Christmas decorations that served as a beacon to the festivities. The ornament-bangled, major-fire-hazard that stood in the front window was, yet, another element of the charm and tradition that we have come to love and expect.
Then there’s the food. Cherie, a splendid cook, has catered professionally, and again this year she offered a astounding array of delicious treats including ribs, shrimp, dips, cheeses, deli-meats, breads, salad, a mountain of seven-layer dip and brownies for dessert. Seriously, there was an insane amount of food available for the grazing guests, and no one left hungry!
For entertainment there was drag racing in Tom’s (new, mega) garage that now features an hydraulic hoist. Throughout the evening, there were at least a dozen spirited discussions at any given time ranging from tall tales and dirty jokes to useful, technical help. Meanwhile, many of the ladies gathered in the kitchen to commiserate.
The meeting was led by our newly elected officers Rob Deitsch (and First Lady Jennifer) and VP Dave Ellis. Another successful (traditional) Toy Rally was reported, and a drama-free, Laguna Seca track day took place under clear skies and a relatively dry track on December 26th.
There was talk of the new Evora, the LA Auto Show and the 2009 West Coast Lotus Meet. The event this year will be especially significant in that LCU wishes to launch their latest model to the West Coast at our event. It will likely take place in September. Details for time and location will be made shortly. Now, there’s a good reason to block-out your calendar!
Rob and Jen offered to host the February meeting at their home, which would be extremely exciting and a GGLC-first if Jen’s pregnancy came to fruition a tad early. The GGLC is soon to expand it membership by one (note: since then, Brandon/Susan stepped up to host the meeting).
As the meeting came to a close, an announcement was made as Cherie and long-time member Betty Nester colluded to spring a surprise, Beehive birthday cake on an aging member who reached sixty years on January 15th.
Traditions are especially great when they include such excellent friends!
