I am quite fortunate to say that I work with a great bunch of people. We traditionally gather together as a shop to enjoy a good feast during the Holiday Season with UGA's "A Cook's Holiday" hosting our feast for the last three years. Not only does it feature an incredible Holiday buffet, it also has the benefit of being held on campus. This year's event was held at the new Bolton Dining Commons, a short rental van ride from our shop. Above we see Fleet Manager Brent "The Don" Canup looking like something straight out of The Godfather.

Phil had to pick on Jamie on the way to lunch.

Actually, Phil was getting even for all the times Jamie had picked on him during the year.

Phil also had to pick on Brent for the same reason. Phil picked on everyone now that I think about it. He can do that as the Shop Foreman.

I have a feeling Jamie was very glad the van ride only lasted about 5 minutes.

The 2016 "A Cooks Holiday" was held at the new Bolton Dining Commons, which opened for business in 2015 and hosted last year's event.

Our group headed into the waiting area while Paul parked the van.

The Cook's Holiday staff always does a great job with the Holiday decorating. The overall theme is best described as, "Christmas Decorations En Masse."

And "En Masse" they were ! "Christmas Decorations En Masse" basically means that if there was available space of any kind, it was decorated.

Every available space was decorated.

I'm not sure what Wendel is doing here. He looks like he is about to make a speech, or like he is waiting for the bride and groom to come down the aisle so he can get the ceremony started.

Above is the inside of the dome seen earlier.

A few members of the Bolton crew noticed the commotion and were checking us out from above.

"Commotion" follows our group wherever we go, something we enthusiastically embrace.

We waited for everyone in our group to arrive and passed the time doing what good coworkers do - by picking on each other.

"I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

Ruben arrived with his family.

Larry and Angel arrived next.

Larry and Brent are two old friends who have spent the last 27 years working together, and somehow managed to not kill each other in the process.

Paul returned after parking the van looking refreshed after the walk back from the parking deck.

With everyone here, Felicia started passing out the tickets.

And so began the process of taking a group photo.

To no one's surprise, this proved to be quite challenging. Like I said, "commotion" follows our group wherever we go.

Felicia tried to direct traffic, telling everyone that they need to get in line for the group photo.

This directing traffic was met with limited success.

Apparently, Brent misunderstood the "group photo" directive and wandered off, much to Felicia's dismay.

Where's Brent ? Anyone seen Brent ?

Oh, there he is.

Ok, group photo time.

Felicia gave Brent and his phone the evil eye.

Almost ready.

I got a good shot after the customary "Say cheese !" I managed to press the button at the right moment when everyone was looking at the camera.

A good group photo was taken, and there was much rejoicing.

But then Phil wanted to know why I wasn't in the shot. "Photographer's Prerogative" is, apparently, not an acceptable answer, ("You're a 'picture taker,' not a 'photographer,' and there is a difference !"). So Jeremiah grabbed the camera to snap a photo that included me in the shot.

Somehow, lightning struck twice. Once again, a great photo was captured at the moment when everyone was looking at the camera.

With everyone present and accounted for and all mug shots taken, we headed to the dining area to be seated.

The theme of "Christmas Decorations En Masse" carried through to the dining areas as expected.

The Bolton staff did a great job.

Every open space was filled with a Christmas decoration. But it was all beautifully done.

The effect was festive, yet not overdone.

Table for a party of 16, please.

This year, we were seated at 4 smaller tables in the middle of the General Seating area, a decision that was met with mixed reviews. The feeling of "community" can be difficult to achieve with the tables spread out in a line. Brent wasn't able to welcome the entire group like he has done in the past. But conversation at the individual tables seemed to be much easier. Maneuverability was enhanced as well in that it was easier for everyone to get to/from the buffet.

Speaking of which . . .

This is why we're here today ! My love-hate relationship with the Christmas Holiday has been well documented over the course of my 50 upright years. But during the last decade, I've made peace with my past. This is how Todd celebrates the Holiday Season, and I thoroughly enjoy it ! Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like endless ham, turkey, shrimp & grits, and perfectly cooked smoked brisket.

I quickly became good friends with the chef at the brisket carving station.

Plenty of sides were available to compliment my brisket. I had to take a picture of the Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque and sent it to my ex-wife. She would have tried to carry the whole container back to the table. "Where are you, and why wasn't I invited" was her response.

For those wishing to continue indulging after attacking the entrees, any remaining space in your stomach could be filled with a wide array of desserts.

There was something for everyone.