Last night we had our first holiday party for the clinic. Since we only have one employee so far, we decided to invite the people that have helped us out so far. It was a great mix of people and everyone got along well and had a good time. We hosted it at our home - since it is really where the clinic exists right now (I have the anesthesia, patient warmer and autoclave to prove it!). And we had a really fun spread of pre New Year's food, created by yours truly. Here's the menu:

Lobster Cauliflower Soup with Truffle Oil

Texas Caviar

Celeriac Remulade

Smoked Salmon Toasts

Mini Chanterele Quiches

Warm Dungeness Crab Dip

Cheese Plate 

Peppermint Semifreddo 

Katie, our veterinary nurse came with her husband Paul (She brought delicious Chocolate cookies to go with the Peppermint Semifreddo). And while she was here we tried on the new uniforms that she had carefully researched. They are the London Series from the Katherine Heigl line of scrubs...yes, from Gray's Anatomy. The design was so great that we ordered them to try on. Our only concern is what do we do if we hire a guy to work reception? We think there may be a matching grey *plain* scrub top - we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it. I also ordered the matching lab coat and we were quite the styling pair at the party.

Both Michael and I are so appreciative of all the help we have received from friends as we work on getting this clinic opened and were so happy to have everyone over for some champagne, good food and conversation. We wish all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year!