One of my fondest memories from high-school and University days is the hospitality extended by Mrs. Pifko to Daniel's friends. The Pifko home always made us feel welcome. It was a pleasure to feel that welcoming spirit once again.

The gathering was composed of:  Esther Pifko, Daniel Pifko, Carolyn Malestic; Hal Berman; Ron Vida, Heather Walters, Hannah and Sophie Walters-Vida; and the web-master. Charles Frappier and Victoria Wells were unable to attend but sent their best. Paul, Paula, and Aidan were in Calgary, but with us in spirit. As is customary at such gatherings, large quantities of food were enjoyed by all.

It was especially enjoyable to watch a video-taped episode of the CBC programme Our Hero, which stars Cara Pifko. To see the pleasure taken by Mrs. Pifko, as she watched us enjoy her daughter's work was at least as rewarding as the show itself. We unanimously chose to watch a second episode.

Video tapes, food, draydl playing, and (of course) the admiration of babies, made five hours fly by as though only seconds had elapsed. 

A good portion of our visit was spent taking turns in the kitchen to prepare and serve the vast quantities of food that were featured at this gathering.

Hal, Mrs. Pifko, and  Heather, listen as Sophie describes the hard day of eating and sleeping she just completed. 

It takes almost no time for Hal to become attached to the former Baby Bee. Sophie seems to enjoy his company as well. 

A Chanukah present from a Aunt in South America, this magnet that allows you to record a short message was a great toy to play with. We all sang "Twinkle twinkle little star" and (gasp!) it was recorded for posterity.

It's amazing how much stress and pressure lifts right up off your shoulders when you hold a beautiful baby in your arms (I'm told it does not always work when the child is your own).

Hannah and RV spin the various types of Draydls found in the Pifko home. Hannah seems to take to this activity quite naturally.

Finally, after the third rendition of Beethoven's fifth, Heather is forced to take Sophie away from the piano so she can get back to her Calculus studies.

Though people have tried to flatter me in the past, I think this is the first time I've really had a good head on my shoulders.

Hannah is showing great instincts. At her young age she already appreciates the benefits of looking at the things from every perspective. Clearly, Ron is a supportive parent.

No cute caption for this one. It's just a nice shot of these three partiers.

I think everyone should have a massage after they've washed a few dishes. Carolyn is one lucky girl!

As always, Sophie was very friendly and brought joy to all in the group. But it's clear from this photo that she's pleased to be back in her Father's arms. Dad doesn't seem to mind either.

It's always a pleasure to get together with good friends. This gathering was especially fun because we got to see Daniel, Carolyn, and Mrs. Pifko. I hope the next time we get together more people will be available to share the fun.