Fine Dining and Friendship at the Love Fest

The Social Committee and the Cookbook Committee joined forces to present a special evening of food and friendship, called a “Love Fest” on Saturday, Feb. 18^th at the O’Brien’s. The members of the cookbook committee, Evelyn, Marie V, Ann Marie, and Marilyn O, prepared recipes from the cookbook for a group of 18 RKIDs, which included the committee members (except Ann Marie who was taking care of her mother for the weekend), Obie, Tim, Bob, Tom, Sonja, Pat, Dan O’C, Kate, Christine, Judy, Michelle, Maura, Larry, Evan, and Sandy. The “restaurant” was decorated with red and pink hearts; and an air of camaraderie filled the room. Entertainment was presented by Obie (playing some taped music from Robbie O’Connell), Kate (singing Cupid and Thank You For the Music), Tim (playing his trumpet), and Evan (leading us all in the singing of Me Jolly Jolly Grog). Sandy reminded us all about the family we have become in her toast. Sandy was also the winner of the What Do You Know About Your Cookbook? contest! Bob and Ann Marie generously prepared bookmarks/name tags for all the attendees. Everyone went home with a cookbook, notepad and their name tag in a decorated bag. The women also received a tiny vase. A grand evening!! More photos are available here.

Pre-Empted! Due to the Old Town Alexandria Parade on March 4, there will not be a brunch gathering that day.  We'll resume in April.

Joanie Madden Folk ‘N Irish Cruise

The Joanie Madden Folk ‘N Irish Cruise merrily sailed away again this year. Seven RKIDs were mustered – a good showing – adding to the 700-plus participants on the 4,266 passenger ship: Michelle, Larisa, Toni, David, Bill, Madelyn, and Marilyn M. Everyone agreed it was a great trip. The nearly dawn-to-midnight activities schedule overflowed with Irish music, dancing, and craic.

Some of the RKIDs took lessons in Ottawa Valley dancing, which is like a combination of step dancing and sean nos. Here's a highlights video and here's more information about the 2017 cruise. Joanie is offering two cruises next year, one to the western Caribbean and one to Alaska.

Every winter Christine spends a week skiing in either the US or in Europe. This year she swooshed down the slopes of Snowmass in Colorado. “The weather was beautiful and the skiing was terrific,” reports this snow bunny.