Ward's Retirement BBQ Party

My former boss left for retirement back in January if I recall correctly. At least it was the beginning of the year. It was all rather sudden as some strategic employees moves were made and he was offered a golden handshake and accepted. Anyways we always said we'd get him a gift and do a retirement party for him later in the year when the weather was better. Well it was around 30 degrees and perfect sunshine this Friday at noon... everything was in place and we had our company BBQ for him. I said I'd go up and join them during my vacation and I'm glad I did, it was a lot of fun. Julia came in from Vancouver and Marty from Grand Rapids and most of the regular gang was there with a couple of exceptions where people were away on vacation. Chantale couldn't make it but sent an e-mail wishing Ward the best of luck which was really nice of her.

Anyways here's the pics with some comments

We had it outside where we have a small patio for people to eat out during the summer. The company also provides a BBQ for anyone wanting to cook something for lunch which is rather nice.


André, Sophie & Stephane


Bernard & Jacques from purchasing, Martine & Amélie from Administration


Three of the guys from the warehouse


Precillia looking pretty cool


Gaston and his two cuties.


Julia having a good time


Gaston again... this guy is 45 but has a body of a 20 year old.. amazing actually.. if only I could work out like him.


A general shot of everyone


Carmn, Precillia, André, Stephane & Melanie


The Three Babes...LOL Julia, Dorit (Ward's Wife - not sure of the spelling) and Jeannette


Gift Time.. Ward is the fella with the white hair of course


Gaston. Frantz, Bernard & Sophie taking in the event


Out President for North America, Marty looking on


Ward


..and his wife


The big present;


Ernie & Carmen looking on


Same for Francois & Jeannette


Martine & Precillia


Francois & Sylvain


Jean


The unveiling


It was a nice wine cooler






He seemed to genuinely like it.






After the Party I went down to Rockland and took the plunge and bought new glasses. The insurance will pay $200 but I got Gucci frames so it came to $549 so I really pay $349 which isn't all that bad. I took the Transition lenses, the ones that will turn dark when in sunlight and have UV protection... so let's hope they'll be ok. I have to say they looked pretty good on me. The salesman was really good.. knew exactly what to say and really sold them to me. There was another pair he and I also liked, perhaps a little younger/funkier but with the Transition lenses I thought the fact the lenses were smaller might negate the purpose of them being both sunglasses and regular glasses. I would have liked to have bought but anyway. They will be ready next Friday. They are rimmed glasses as opposed to rimless ones I have now. My current ones are ok except I find them too light actually. They aften flip off me.

Some bad news came out of the party unfortunately. Linda in our Toronto branch had a small stroke at the start of the week. She went blind temporarily! Imagine. Her eyesight came back and she went to the emergency in Toronto where she underwent a whole battery of tests. In the end they diagnosed her with TCI. Not sure what it stands for but the bottom line is she's lucky to be alive and not have any side effects from what happened to her. Apparently smoking, stress and other things brings this on. She said she had dizziness and numbness (in her arm) over the past little while but never connected any dots until this happened. More reason to watch what your body is telling you. Glad she's ok. I spoke with her this afternoon and she sounded fine.