Motor Man and I began our Christmas celebrating Saturday.
We were invited to join friends in Richmond for dinner, to see Christmas lights and have dessert at the Jefferson Hotel.
One of our first stops was The James Center, a complex of shops, offices, restaurants, etc. Right after I took this photo, I was approached by a security guard who informed me that professional photography was not allowed (nothing using an adjustable lens camera). Hundreds of people were taking photos with their cell phones, but I couldn’t take pictures with my camera. I’ve sent an e-mail, asking why it matters if you take photos OUTSIDE with an adjustable lens camera. I’m sure there must be a good reason. So, please enjoy this “bootleg” photo.
Anyway, on to the restaurant, Pasture, where we had a wonderful meal, and our server even took a photo (with my “professional” camera) of our group .
From there, our next stop was the historic Jefferson Hotel, where we had dessert. Motor Man and I had Cinnamon Chocolate cake with White Chocolate Ice Cream.
This was Motor Man’s and my first visit to the Jefferson. It was built in 1895 and is breathtakingly beautiful, even more so decorated for Christmas.
Santa’s sleigh is made of gingerbread.
The Christmas tree is 28-feet tall.
Motor Man and I stopped beside it for a photo.
In this next picture with me are Donna, Shirley and Linda, three of my dearest friends. Allow me to introduce you: Donna and Shirley were classmates of mine in school. Linda and I worked together many years ago and have remained friends. (The three of them live in the same neighborhood and knew each other before either of them knew me.)
Motor Man and I were delighted to be invited to join our friends for this evening of fun. (Thank you to our hosts.) It was a warm, wonderful way to begin the holiday season.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
It look as if you all had a wonderful time. So glad the weather held for you. I think there was ice in Richmond on Sun. wasn’t there?
Love the pictures ….it’s great to have such good friends.
Darn ‘s’ key is sticking…..
What great PROFESSIONAL photos (hahahaha). Seriously though the Jefferson is a beautiful place any time of the year but especially the holidays. Looks like you all had a really fun time together celebrating the beginning of the season of joy!!
Pam
Wow! Looks like you had a great time! Ellie
Everybody is smiling.. 🙂 It is a Merry time of year! The lighted outside display is cool!
Now that’s a Christmas. Sundae would have a good time with that!
Great pictures!! – (especially the bootlegged one) Ha! Love the lights outside the James Center and the Jefferson Hotel is always breathtaking. This makes me miss being in Richmond! But I miss you guys even more:)
What a grand trip and a grand time you had! I have never been to the Jefferson. That tree is gorgeous. And I love your professional photos!
Happy Christmas! Luv, Dor
VERY NICE IMAGES…..SINCERELY ANDREA:))
Dianna what a beautiful, educational (dates on Jefferson we did not know OR height of tree-thanks) pictoral of our adventure. Thanks.It was a wonderful evening wasn’t it; but then any time spent with dear friends is!
Merry Christmas, my friend.
Oh, and the picture I awkwardly took of you and JR is great! I have zero mechanical skille LOL!
nice smiles throughout. the camera restriction is interesting.
This looks like so much FUN! What a wonderful way to get in the Christmas Spirit:) I would love to go to The Jefferson…it looks so beautiful…and the dessert doesn’t sound too shabby either, YUM!
A very nice evening ! – I’ve never really seen much about the Jefferson, but it’s quite the place .. and dessert sounds great 😉
..& I don’t know about that restriction.. sounds like a bored security guard wanted to throw their power around !
Ohhhh it’s so pretty! You all look so happy and I can see why! Pawesome! =^.^=
How fun! Richmond isn’t that far from Bland. Don’t you love all of the beautiful decorations? And I agree, by the way. What is the difference in taking pictures with a camera of one kind as opposed to another. I’ll be interested in hearing how they explain that one.
Here comes Christmas!! What a fun time it looks like you all had. The pictures are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Everything looks better decorated for Christmas, but this is really a beautiful place. How nice to get to see your friends, over good food, too.
Beautiful and fun – loved this post!
MJ