Impressing the Boss

Derek and I went to a couple of work parties in the last couple of weeks.  One was a big gathering, and the other a smaller one at someone's house.  This smaller one was the party for the people who work under Derek's boss, and their spouses.  Derek's boss is from the UK, and I got to meet him briefly at the big party and I got to spend quite a bit of time talking to his wife at this party.  I liked them.  They are nice people.

At the end of the party Derek's boss thanked everyone for coming and said how impressed he is with the people he works with (including those there).  He hadn't ever had such a kind group of people who help each other and were even willing to open their homes for Christmas parties.  I have been thankful for him because he is a lot more reasonable than the last boss, and I am glad that he recognizes that he works with good people.

The top thing is a "Christmas Cracker".  Derek's boss' wife Alex told us about them.
It is a tradition in the UK at family gatherings for everyone to have one.  You pull the ends and a firework goes off.  A paper with a joke on it comes out.  Everyone shares their joke.  She said it is fun, but they wouldn't let them bring any to America on the airplane (because -- fireworks!).  Fortunately they sell them in the US now.