Annual Christmas Dinner at Madonna Inn

Traditions are pretty cool. They offer nostalgia, security, reliability, and predictability in the face of uncertain times. We enjoyed a great tradition this weekend. Every year Mrs. Ferini hires us to takes her grandchildren to enjoy a holiday feast at Madonna Inn. We have grown very fond of this family and each year we celebrate their growth and maturity. The photos we have taken year after year stand testament to her love for her family. It has been fun and fulfilling to be a part of this tradition. This year the younger children ran out and hugged us before we even got inside.


We always start the evening out with a family photo. Mrs. Ferini's house is decorated to the hilt, and finding the right backdrop is not difficult. Then we board the limobus and pour a round of sparkling cider while we watch a slide show of the pictures from years of previous trips. When we've watched all the pictures we put on a Christmas movie for the ride to the Inn.

Ken and I have formed our own tradition while working for the Ferini's. While they are dining we enjoy our own Holiday Feast. Stepping into Madonna Inn at Christmas is beyond the imaginations of a child. Forests of snow-laden trees, Carolers poised to sing, glittering globes and sparkling lights provide the perfect props for a "White Christmas". We enjoyed a great meal served with the utmost attention from our servers, browsed the gift shop (one Santa is sure to shop!)and watched the dancer's glide through the West Coast Swing to DJ Nancy's tunes. When younger we could coax the grandchildren out on the dance floor, but alas, with age comes self-consciousness, and none would dance this night. But once they were back on the limobus, they lost all timidity and could not get enough of the karaoke! Kyle even sang in Spanish!

Ken took us on a fabulous tour of Christmas lights from San Luis Obispo, through Oceano, Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, and Santa Maria. But the best lit neighborhood was won by Mrs. Ferini's street, ablaze with lights, inflatables, and snowmen. The children were safely delivered to their homes, and we contentedly said farewell to this tradition for another year. The eldest are seniors this year and are planning to leave for college. We hope they will be able to return next year to enjoy this tradition again. Until then, thank you Ferini's, for allowing us to share this wonderful family tradition. Merry Christmas!

More Parade Pictures

Check out our Club President and his wife, our enthusiastic passengers, and other Model A'ers!

Orcutt Christmas Parade

Did you miss out on the great Orcutt Christmas Parade? I certainly hope not. With Announcer Jay Turner from Sunny Country , fabulous entries, and a huge community turnout, this was a hometown event sure to usher in the Christmas spirit. As members of the Santa Maria A's, our local Model A club, we joined other Model A'ers in sashaying down Clark Ave in Old Towne Orcutt. Susie Martin dressed in her Flapper garb chauffeured the antique car with sister Jan Brinkerhoff, sister-in-law Kathy Evans, mother Katherine Evans, and little friend Cheyanne aboard(pictured). The passengers donned red gloves while they waved and blew kisses to the crowd as children and adults clapped in glee and cried out "Merry Christmas!" The Red Star dressed for the event also, with a big Christmas bow on the grill.


Susie enjoyed her position in the parade, immediately behind a 1930 Model A sporting a rumble seat holding 2 gorgeous Marines! The Santa Maria A's collect toys each Chrstmas for the Marines' Toys 4 Tots Program. The President of our club and his beautiful wife, Ron and Trudy Stevens, led the club in fun little parade and carried the Grinch and his dog. Other notable entries were the band from Righetti, the little German Firefighter, the American Legion, as well as many local businesses.


The weather cleared up for the event, though it was just cold enough to give the cheerleaders rosy cheeks. Weren't they awesome? Bundled observers were enthusiastic, and saw many taking photographs of our red limousine, while others yelled "Awesome limo!" and "I like your limo!". We had sooooo much fun, Grandma Katherine did't want the parade to end and continued to wave and blow kisses long after the parade had ended! Go Grandma!

Mark your calendar right now to either join or watch the greatest little parade in the whole world. You'll forget the economy, your bills and ills, and revell in the hometown spirit of Orcutt. Thank you everyone!