Yesterday, A Holiday Lunch With a Mentoring Friend. Today, Simply the Holiday, Family, and Hooplah 2014

It was 2007 when I read about Dr. Felicia McMahon's book, Not Just Child's Play and where I drove to Manlius to meet several Sudanese men who worked with her, their traditions, and a beginning Clay Cow Project. 

That was 7 years ago, and yesterday Faye and I had a Christmas lunch together to reminisce of our collaborations, to update one another of our lives, and to celebrate her retirement and latest endeavors (jewelry included). 

Faye offered me a box of material: a cow made from each of the men we worked with, traditional instruments, public relations materials and even jewelry. It was like opening up a piece of doctoral history as I worked along side her vision and support in the Sudanese community.

But for today, it's about the Crandall tradition of eating, drinking, and doing gifts the night before Santa does his think. Too much food, too much alcohol, and an overabundance of presents. 

The Syracuse family has grown over the years and remains as special as it always has.

Let the festivities begin.