It's hard to believe that it's been three years already. Our numbers for this dinner at the Triple Crown Restaurant were slightly diminished due to the weather, but we made up for it with our exuberance and enthusiasm.
The centerpieces on the tables reflected the theme with cut-outs of hands in red and purple with sparklies interspersed to give a festive appearance. And at every place setting was a pair of warm gloves in either a shade of purple or red.
In keeping with our Mission Statement, we began with dessert first!
Queen Mum welcomed us and introduced our guests: Queen Mimi of the Quirky Red Hatters and Linda M. a guest and cousin of Judy H. One of our members was in Florida enjoying the sun, but Mary B. sent her greetings with a postcard.
A new title was bestowed on Mary S. She is a charter member and comes to every event and she shall henceforth be known as M'Lady Mary.
Linda Cl--- gave a short presentation about what being in the Red Hat Flashes! has meant for her.
After a delicious dinner, the poem Warning by Jenny Joseph was read by Baroness Barbara accompanied by some silly antics by the Royal Court.
Announcements were made about changes to the Auxiliary Court for the coming year and two new appointments were made: Lady Elaine will also take on the role of Empress of Embellishment and Mistress Marilyn will be known as Diva of Dallas in reflection of the location of the convention for 2004 in May.
Our annual RHF Spirit Award was given to Baroness Barbara. She was selected by her peers as reflecting the true red hat spirit during 2003 by her wearing of our colors and general enthusiasm and participation.
The 50/50 raffle was won by Baroness Barbara and a purple tote bag was won by
Linda Cl---.
We each put on our new gloves and joined in singing He's got the Whole World in His Hands and concluded with a group Red Hat Hug!
A big tip of the Red Hat to Lady Elaine and the Auxiliary Court for their planning and co-ordination of this event.
Contributed by Vice-Mother
Business Meeting
Wednesday February 4
Several of us met downstairs at Taylor Memorial Library
(soon to be renamed the Cuyahoga Falls Library)
and shared pizzas, desserts, magazines, and ideas.
Queen Mum brought the meeting to somewhat of an order and introduced our two newest members: Jane Snow (food editor of the Akron Beacon Journal)
and Carol K. (a long-time friend of the Queen's).
Brief reports were given from the Royal Court and the members of the Auxiliary Court who were present. Many of our members are sunning themselves in the warmer regions of the world and were not able to be present.
Service pins were presented at this time to
Lady Elaine, Hysterian;
Gloria M. and Countess deCoconuts Carole,theco-divas of Do-Good;
Mistress Marilyn M. Diva of Dallas, our official National Convention Representative;
and by proxy to Marie K. Knave of Nametags.
Queen Mum went over some things that needed to be discussed, like the new
Purple Perks card that has been introduced by our Exalted Queen Mother, Sue Ellen and other changes in the national "dis"organization and official website.
We then had a lively discussion of some new ideas for events, mini-events, gatherings, opportunities for Do-Good and activities in the coming year.
It's going to be busy and fun times ahead!
So watch for upcoming emails with details.
Since our weather tends to be so very difficult in January,
(our official Anniversary date)
there was a general consensus that we will put off our Annual Anniversary Celebration to perhaps March when the weather seems to be a little better.
We will then have our business meeting and discussion of things to come in January of 2005 and then these activities can be presented at the Anniversary Celebration in March.
Linda Clark, who was wearing a purple hat since it is her birthday month was the winner of a beautiful Red Hat Wreath handily embellished by
Queen Mum.
Contributed by Marie, Vice-Mother
Mini Event: Winter Campout
Thursday February 26
The indoor shelter in Fred Fuller Park in Kent was the site of our campout - complete with campfire, campfire songs, S'Mores and toasted marshmallows.
RKE Mary B. provided the chili, Lady Jane brought her Challah bread
and lots of others contributed other desserts as well as the fixin's for the S'Mores.
We helped ourselves to salad, chili, bread and soft drinks. Lots of good conversation and laughter was heard as we relaxed together.
Linda Cap...... was presented with her service pin as our 2003 videographer.
We have quite a video library now - we should probably have a popcorn and video night soon!
We continued our discussion started earlier in the month, and we now have a rather full event calendar for 2004. It should be a busy one with lots of exciting gatherings coming up with something for everyone to enjoy.
Then it was time for a group picture in front of the fireplace and to exchange recipes and cookbooks. Desserts were enjoyed and songs were sung.
A tip of the Red Hat to Mary B, Dame Nancy (prep chef) and everyone else who contributed to our fun evening.
Contributed by Vice-Mother, Marie
All Fired Up
pottery painting and light supper
Wednesday March 17
The snow on Tuesday was a slight disruption in the well made plans of our co-chairdames,
Dame Nancyand Lady Elaine, but they carried on with our evening on Wednesday.
We were a few members short of the expected turnout,
but that certainly didn't stop us from having fun.
We all inspected the pieces to select from and it was a very difficult decision.
We then gamely started applying paints as we learned how the process works.
After the initial coats of paint were applied, we startd to consume the wonderful Taco Salad Bar provided by our co-chairdames.
Jane Snow and Dame Nancy had made spectacular Red Hat Cookies with awe-inspiring decorations and embellishments. They were delicious, Ladies!
There were a few mishaps during the evening, but the staff was more than willing to assist us with problems that arose.
We finished our projects and they will be "fired" during this next week.
Dame Nancy will pick them up for us and deliver them at our Bunco Night next week.
We can't wait to see what delightful treasures we have created!
A big tip of the Red Hat to our co-chairdames, Lady Elaine and Dame Nancy for all the planning and preparation that goes into an evening like this.
Contributed by Vice-Mother, Marie
Dinner out with the Girls
Tuesday, April 20
Reserve Inn - Hudson
Our two co-chairdames, Carole de CoCo-Nuts and Duchess of Do Little, Jan chose The Reserve Inn in Hudson for our little gathering last evening.
They had us in a private room, but our laughter must have been noticed because a couple of women came back to say hello and ask about our group. We are always happy to share and encourage other women to join us or another local chapter for our special camaraderie.
We were twelve at table along with two guest who are both thinking of joining us permanently.
We introduced ourselves to the new guests who wanted to get to know us better.
Vice-Mother Marie wanted to announce that she is adding the honorary Esteemed to her title; because we can just do that sort of thing. It is even encouraged!.
Carole de CoCo-Nuts said she also wants to change her title but she doesn't know what she wants it to be as of yet.
After we all enjoyed delicious food together, Queen Mum went over the next few months of our calendar. We are going to be very busy ladies.
Linda Cap-----had just returned from Dallas and the National Red Hat Society Convention so she spoke a few words about what she had seen and done. Sounds like that was a very good time!.
EVM Marie had a fun game to play while we enjoyed our yummy desserts. It brought back memories of old commercials and TV shows of the 50's. We of course had to do a little singing of the old jingles and songs. It was titled the How Old Are You Game and if you got between 24 and 26 correct it meant you were over 50 - well of course we are - that's why we are having so much fun!!!
The three top scorers, Carolyn C. Karen M. (both guests) and Dame Nancy each got a grab bag of prizes, including chocolates and candles and all sorts of goodies gotten together by Duchess of Do Little Jan. You know, she has that title but she really does quite a lot!
No one was in a hurry to leave but we gradually left with promises of getting together soon for the next planned activites.
A tip of the Red Hat to our co-chairdames Jan and Carole for picking out a lovely place to dine.
Contributed by Esteemed Vice-Mother, Marie
National Red Hat Day
April 25, 2004
In memory of the very first meeting of Sue Ellen Cooper in 1998 with her friends, April 25 has been declared National Red Hat Day.
Making this year even more special is the debut of her book - all about US.
It is already listed on the New York Times bestseller list and is flying off of bookshelves across the country.
Some of our Red Hat Flashes! met at Belden Village Mall under the co-chairdamesLinda Cap .... and her sister Sandy K.
Mary B. (RKE), Mistress Marilyn, Jo B. and Lady Jane met for lunch and strolled
the mall talking and chatting with many other ladies decked out in their red and purple.
Linda has decided that she will now have a title also and has proclaimed herself to be
Lady Linda!!!. More power to you.
A tip pf the red hat to Lady Linda and Sandy K. for arranging this afternoon on our
national day!
Contributed by Lady Linda
High Tea at the O'Neil House
Saturday May 22
We gathered on a beautiful May afternoon for the day we took High Tea at the O'Neil House.
After the storms the past two nights, it was a gorgeous sun shiny day.
This Tudor-style mansion was originally built in 1923 for William O'Neil and his family.
The current owner, Gayle Johnson, has owned the house for the past 15 years and has completely restored it and turned it into a Bed and Breakfast. We were allowed to informally tour the first floor and it is truly lovely.
We gathered in the Garden Room which was beautifully appointed with flowers and vines and watched delightedly as hummingbirds flitted about outside the windows.
We were seated at four round tables on the perimeter of the room.
Each place setting of china was completely different!
The central table was completely laden with yummy goodies from which to select.
And indeed we did - there was hardly a crumb left.
As we had arrived we were given a glass of punch. With our High Tea, we were given ice water and a lovely tasting tea.
There were door prizes - one for each table and there were several guests present.
Door prizes were won by Judy H., Karen M., (a guest of Jan S.), Contessa deCoins Sue, and Rose H. (guest of and Mom to Jo B.)
There was a mini-ceremony in which Queen Mum and Duchess of Do-Little presented a completely surprised Vice-Mother Marie with a pin in commemoration of her new title of Esteemed which she had announced at the last gathering.
The pin was a glittery pair of red shoes.
Mistress Marilyn announed that for next year's convention she will be known as the
Vixen of Vegas.
After our tea, several members went on to Stan Hywet to tour the gardens where they were met by Dame Nancy.
A big tip of the Red Hat to Mistress Marilyn for all the planning that went into our wonderful afternoon High Tea.
Contributed by Esteemed Vice-Mother Marie
Murder Mystery
at the Spaghetti Warehouse
June 5
We gathered in a separate room in order to participate fully in our Murder Mystery Dinner and play.
Salads and bread were already on the tables as we sat down and began chatting.
Chairdame EVM Marie provided little magnifying glasses as favors to help
Find those clues.
On the back of one was a Red Hat Sticker and that person won the door prize of a bag full of goodies. It was won by Shirley of the Quirky Red Hatters.
We chose from a selection of pasta dishes for our entrees and had a yummy piece of cake for dessert.
We were originally supposed to see Happy Murder To You but for some reason we saw Shootin' Stars put on by Random Acts
The setting was a radio show in 1949 at WJAZ in Akron.
There were sing-a-long songs and audience participation. Our very own Lady Jane S. was one of the "finalists" in a jingle contest. She delivered her lines with great aplomb.
During the Cop Net section of the show real bullets had been inserted into the prop gun and a murder occurred. EJ the DJ was dead!
We all filled out our cards with whom we thought the murderer was and why, but I don't think any of us guessed correctly.
Oh well, we had fun anyway!
Contributed by EVM Marie
Menopause, the Musical
Saturday, June 19
Several Red Hat Flashes! and their guests met and carpooled up to Playhouse Square to enjoy this wonderful show.
Four aging divas sing their way through familiar hits by the Beach Boys, Tina Turner, Martha and the Vandellas, Sonny and Cher and lots of other artists - slightly "adapted" to lament the woes all women experience going through "the change".
It was clever, poignant, a touch bawdy and downright hilarious!!!
My face hurt from laughing the entire time.
There was the gospel-voiced black woman who definitely knew her own mind and became Tina Turner at one point; the naive housewife who wasn't comfortable in her own skin but who blossomed hilariously before our eyes; the slightly overweight, average-looking middle-aged woman who wore a muumuu as her daily garment of choice; and the aging starlet, consumed with preoccupation over her appearance - until her friends remind her "beauty's only skin deep".
The voices blended beautifully and with precision. Humor dominated the show and it seemed that no one who attended left disappointed.
Among those dinng out afterwards were Queen Mum, Bev T., Lady "Laughs a Lot" Linda, and Sandy K. They ate at Ruby Tuesdays at Summit Mall.
A tip of the Big Red Hat to Duchess of Do-Little, Jan for stepping up to the bat and arranging this excursion.
Contributed by Duchess of Do-Little and Queen Mum
A Healthier You
Ultimate Back Care
Tuesday July 2
I just returned from the afternoon session of this wonderful class and my back feels pretty good. Two of us couldn't fully participate - we had to sit on chairs - but still Julie Nichols, L.M.T. was able to give us pointers also to get a good stretch.
The other 8 Red Hat Flashes! were all down on the floor on their exercise mats with their exercise balls.
Our instructor put everyone through their paces for stretching and gently exercising the abdominals and our backs to make them stronger. Our Co-Chairdames Mary B. and Carole McD provided plenty of water to help cleanse our bodies through the routines.
Julie provided us with books to remember the exercises and stretch bands to use at home.
She finished up with a great relaxation technique to end the session.
Then we had cool fresh fruit as a refreshing healthy snack.
Mary tells me that eleven more should be attending the evening session.
A tip of the Big Red Hat to co-chairdames Mary B. and Carole McD. for coordinating and planning this healthy event!
Contributed by Esteemed Vice-Mother, Marie
Chocolate Taste Test
August 5
Mustard Seed Cooking School
It is part of our motto in the Red Hat Flashes! to eat dessert first. Last night we did - and that's ALL we ate - and it was all chocolate!
Need I really say anymore?
Our co-chairdames Jane S. and Dame Purple Papparazzi Nancy worked very hard to make the evening unforgettable. Everything was planned down to the very last detail.
We had chocolate fondue to whet our appetites as we waited for all to gather.
Queen Mum presented our latest new member Karen M. with a new member goodie bag and her own visor. Then we had a new experience as she presented Re-Member Dorena H. with a purple boa. She is a Re-Member because she was an original member of our chapter, had to leave for awhile but now is able to re-join us again!!.
EVM Marie introduced a visiting Queen, Sylvia R. from Arizona as one of her guests.
Jane conducted the blind taste test just as she does for the panels she selects for the Akron Beacon Journal. She explained all the ins and outs of what makes good chocolate for eating as well as for cooking. Our taste buds were stimulated by Nestle's as well as Ghirardelli, ElRey, Calabo and Valrona (ALL spelling mistakes are MINE).
And we all had different choices for the best as per our personal taste buds.
Then Bev Shafer, the Cooking School Director at Mustard Seed Market showed us exactly how to make warm Strawberry Saute and it was served to us over vanilla ice cream.
Yummm
Dame Nancy and Jane S. then presented Bev with her very own red sequinned apron.
Many, many door prizes were won by the following: Sylvia R.(guest of EVM), Contessa de Coins Sue, Agnes G.(guest of Angie R.), Jan, Duchess of Do-Little, Judy H., Peg H.(guest of Madame Matilda , Phyllis(Lady Jane's Mom), Anita(guest of Chris B.), Mary B. RKE., and Gloria M.
And if that weren't enough, we then had a chocolate buffet.
I wonder if it was illegal to drive home under the influence of sugar!!
A big tip of the Red Hat to co-chairdames Jane S. and Dame Nancy for this wonderful, tasteful and memorable evening.
Contributed by Esteemed Vice-Mother Marie
Picnic at WaterWorks
Friday August 13
We were the guests of the Quirky Red Hatters for a fun evening complete with good food, good friends, new friends, and carnival games.
It seemed as if the whole park was alive with red and purple as we followed the signs directing us to the correct shelter.
When the chicken arrived from Mark and Philly's we all cheered because then it was time to share the delicious dishes for which the Quirkies are famous.
Co-Queens Shirlee and MiMi were busy helping to make sure that everyone was eating and playing the Match the Pet with the Owner game.
All right Ladies, who owns the goat?
It seems that one special member was the sole Chairdame for the event. Many thanks go to Joyce J. for all her creative thinking for the games and all the decorations.
Our own Lady Elaine won the 50/50 of $47.00.
In spite of the rather cool, damp night we all had a wonderful time.
Next year it's our turn to host the picnic!
A Night After New York City
Tuesday August 24
The Cuyahoga Room at the Sheraton Suites was the location for this Mini-Event. The beautiful centerpieces provided by the Sheraton caused quite a few remarks. They were lovely at our several round tables. We gazed upon one of the many waterfalls along the river while everyone arrived. This was one of our most well attended events as we gathered to pay honor to our Queen Mum, but she didn't know it.
She might have had an idea that something was up when the Mystery Guest arrived and it was her very own Princess Daughter, Debbie, who presented her Mom with a wrist corsage with colorful trailing ribbons.
We ordered from our special menu and chatted and laughed as we all caught up on news from everyone. There was a lot of traveling from table to table so everyone could gab.
After dinner it was time for
Our Surprise!
Don't let anyone ever tell you that women can't keep a secret...because this whole group of ladies kept a secret from Queen Mum since the beginning of February.
We told her the story of our proclamation and then presented it to her.
The words were provided by all our members as everyone responded to the phrase:
Purple Pansy, Queen Mum is so important to us because...
Our Baroness Barbara B. wrote the responses in her lovely artistic style of writing and then embellished it with many red, purple and other colorful flowers.
It was framed and ready for QM to hang on a wall where she can be reminded how much she means to us all. Also given to her were the complete sentences that everyone responded with because only a small portion could actually be written on the proclamation or it would have been the size of a whole wall! (It's hard to find a frame that large)
Queen Mum was a bit overwhelmed with it all but we kept her on track with the rest of the program. We had already honored one Queen but we had 4 more in attendance!.
Co-Queens Shirlee and MiMi from the Quirky Red Hatters were there and our summer member Sylvia was given her nametag and a liitle gift to commemorate her being named our Arizona Snow Bird Queen. She attends our events during her summers in Ohio and is Queen of her own group in Arizona in the winter. And then last but not least, Exalted Queen Mother, Sue Ellen was present by proxy. She managed to remain decorous for awhile but then broke down and was seen sipping a cocktail or two and got a bit rowdy.
Lady Linda "Laughs-a-Lot" was given a festive Ribbon of Revelry for attending and reporting on the 60th Birthday Bash of Sue Ellen in NYC. Sandy K. was also in NYC but had strep throat last night and was unable to attend so she will receive her ribbon at a future date.
EVM Marie had a special award for her co-hort in crime. Duchess of Do-Little Jan had and completed many tasks for this affair last night but one of them in particular caused her quite a bit of aggravation and frustration. So she was presented with a Wand of Aggravation which she can wave when she feels frustrated and peace will appear again. (or so the theory goes)
Then after doing such a super job with the chocolate taste test earlier this month, Jane S. was given her new title of Kitchen Wench and a highly embellished whisk to use regally whenever necessary.
Alice "in Wonderland" S. was finally given her official nametag
and our newest Re-Member Lola was also presented with her new "old" nametag.
Our nametags now have a Royal Briefcase in which to reside while not in use and this was the reason for some members receiving new and updated versions. This was explained by Mary B., Royal Knave Emeritus (of nametags) and a new tradition will hopefully be carried on.
We have noticed that new members always comment on when they will receive their official nametag. So Ladies, don't end up in the "dungeon". Remember to turn your nametag back in at the end of an event!
Lady Linda gave a brief report on the festivities in NYC and we all wished we were able to attend.
Door prizes were awarded by locating a sticker and a number on the back of the agenda present at every place. First prize was a beautiful Red Hat pillow won by Lola. Other prizes were won by Gloria M., Carole McD., Marilyn M., and Gail S.
We closed out the fun evening by singing "Good Night Ladies" .
If anyone wants a copy of all of the responses given about Queen Mum
A tip of the big red hat to Jan for her organizational skills and providing such great prizes! and to Baroness Barbara for her outstanding embellishment and to everyone who kept the secret!
Contributed by Esteemed Vice Mother, Marie
Sunset in September
Wolfcreek Winery
Tuesday September 14
What a beautiful evening it was as we all gathered on the deck at the Wolf Creek Winery.
The picnic tables were well festooned with all manner of
red and purple tablecloths and other frippery.
Our co-chairdames Grandame Elite Kathie C. and Mary B. RKE had gone way overboard with preparations. On every table were pitchers of red and white fauz sangria and they were both delicious. We had lots of ice and bottled water also for those of us who could not indulge in the excellent wine that was available inside.
The tables for the appetizers were soon laden with everything from crackers, cheese, grapes, delicious dips, shrimp cocktail and even a pizza and White Castle burgers!
And someone thoughfully provided us with cream puffs in order to eat dessert first!
One of our guests was Diane A., who was one of our first members in 2001.
Queen Mum introduced our newest member Joyce D. and she was presented with her new member bag. Welcome to Joyce!
Also introduced was Vi O. who is in the "green room" waiting to come in next. This was her second event and she turned in her letter of intent last night.
It was also announced that Jo B. is in the hospital after having knee replacement surgery.
Good luck to Jo.
One of the members of the Royal Court was "on call" because her daughter was "any minute now" going into labor with Duchess of Do-Little Jan's second grand child.
Her place in the delivery room is to hold on to her daughter's right leg.
Well, Queen Mum had made a special "right leg" (of a baby doll's) pin to commemorate this upcoming special event. What a hoot!! Only the Red Hat Flashes!
It was time for the main course and we helped ourselves to big sandwiches, chips and home made pasta salad.
We also had a television available so we were able to view the video from the Birthday Bash in NYC that Sassi Sandy and Lady "Laughs-a-lot" attended. What fun!
We also had several September birthdays to celebrate with a big Texas sheet cake.
Time caught up with us and weren't able to play RedHat Bingo so we will have to save that for another night. We were just too busy visiting and gabbing away.
A tip of the big red hat to co-chairdames Mary B and Kathie C. for all the planning and attention to detail that they accomplished.
Contributed by Esteemed Vice-Mother, Marie
C A T S
Carousel Dinner Theater
Thursday Oct 14
Red Hats,purple dresses, lots of boas, even some PinkHats and loads of laughter were all in abundance as we gathered at Carousel Dinner Theater for the current production of C A T S.
Our chairdame Judy C outdid herself with our seating arrangements. We were at all front row tables and we really got to see the cats up close.
She also provided each of us with a purple fru fru pen!
Cameras were flashing as we made our choices from the menu.
There was even another Red Hat Chapter there from Pennsylvania.
The performance was outstanding. During this production, the cast members come out into the audience and several of the cats wanted to play with our fancy red hats. Some of them even wore them!
The Jellicle Ball was staged in the old abandoned tire factories of Akron.
One of the tunes brought up the problem of "The Ad-dressing of Cats"
and how cats are properly named.
I have a chocolate point Siamese whom I call KoKo - I wonder what his real "cat" name could be.
A tip of the Big Red Hat to Judy C. for arranging this evening for us.
Contributed by EVM Marie
Halloween Bunco Night
Wed Oct 27
6:00
The Quirk Center was the setting for our latest Bunco Night. Halloween costumes were optional and we did have some great ones.
Our favorites were Grandame Kathie as Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast and Sassy Sandy and Lady Linda "Laugs-a-lot" as Raggedy Ann and Andy.
We had several witches, one very confused old lady, a BAT lady, a Queen, a flapper, a zebra and many more. Mrs Potts won the prize for best costume.
We had one new member attending and Vice Neighbor Vi was given her new member bag, red visor, and was "initiated" into our merry midst. Her nickname is because she is a neighbor and long time friend of Vice-Mother Marie.
She also proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is "one of us" when she showed she was wearing purple undies!
Our official guests for the evening were several members of the Quirky Red Hatters and we were very pleased to see so many of them last evening.
Joyce D. invited her friend Rose to join us.
We began with desserts and pizza and then got down to playing Bunco. Bursts of laughter and shouting were frequently heard as everyone got into the game.
Everyone won a prize at the end of the evening!
A tip of the Big Red Hat to Bunco Bosses Peggy S and Lady Jane S. for all their hard work and organizational skills for our very fun evening.
Contributed by Esteemed Vice-other, Marie
A Night in Jail
Tuesday November 9
We gathered in the old historic Jail in Kent last evening for a very fun mini-event prepared by our Co-chairdames Mary B and Queen Mum.
Most of us were in red hat casual attire but we had a few in prison stripes, including Judy C,Marie K,Bev T, but the most hilarious was
Mistress Marilyn who had "busted" out of Hooterville Jail and I do mean "bust"ed.
We admired the red candles and the special art work that someone had posted in the Ladies Room. There were pictures of how Martha Stewart may have decorated
her very own prison cell.
There were thirteen purple panties and one red satin one displayed about the room.
These were for the purple panty raffle that would come later in the evening.
We were directed to place our names in the accompanying envelope for the panty or panties we were interested in winning.
We gathered soft drinks and snacks and sat down at the tables and the first thing we had to do was participate in a spelling contest. We had to try
to spell horsed'eve...hor'dev...hord've...
oh pooh ..you know, that fancy word for appetizers!
There were three of us who actually knew how to spell it correctly!
Kitchen Wench Jane, Duchess of Do-Little, and Mistress Marilyn.
Then Mary (former teacher that she is) taught us how to correctly spell
HORSD'OEUVRE!
Meanwhile we were also playing Red Hat Bingo which was created by
Esteemed Vice-Mother Marie.
Instead of numbers the grid is filled with words that pertain to the Red Hat Society.
Many, many winners later we took a brief break and then celebrated a birthday.
Queen Mum successfully (well, almost) blew out the candles
on the special red velvet cake provided by Lola for this occasion. And it was delicious!
Then it was time to find out the winners of the purple panty raffle.
Lady Vi won some very sexy hi-cuts. She'll be making lots of new friends in her new home soon. Peggy won two pairs of hi-cuts and one in particular of the kind good to wear over Depends on a long trip. Lady Elaine won a silky sheer pair and Judy C., Mistress Marilyn, Lady Linda "Laughs-a-lot" and Duchess Jan each won more panties including a lacy string bikini and a shiny silk one. Carole deCoCo-nuts won two pairs including the red lacy one. But by far the winner of the evening was Diva Gloria who won a grand total of four pairs of purple undies!!!
It was a very fun evening.
A tip of the big red hat to Mary B and Queen Mum and their helper elf Lola for a great event.
Contributed by EVM Marie
A Beary Merry Christmas Luncheon
Library Room at Sheraton Suites
Saturday December 4
The Library Room at the Sheraton Suites was all aglow with Christmas decorations as we gathered for our fourth Christmas Luncheon. There was a decorated tree in the corner and the fire was spreading warmth into the room.
There was a poinsetta at the center of every table. Each place setting had a favor bag in either red or purple and inside was a delighful little ceramic bear in keeping with the theme of a beary merry Christmas.
We had several guests that were introduced: Lady Linda"Laughs-a-Lot" brought her daughter Jennifer; Gail S. introduced Becky who is a member af another red hat group; Lady Jane S had her mom Phyllis with her; Baroness Barbara brought her mom Hilda; and Lady Elaine introduced us to two of her long-time friends Neta and Carol.
Queen Mum bestowed a purple boa on re-member Geri K.
We began with the dessert buffet because life is short and one should always eat dessert first if possible. A candle was lit and the December birthday members who were prresent gathered around while we sang to them (slightly off-key)
They were Kathie C. Karen K., Lady Lena and Lola.
Then we enjoyed our luncheon buffet while visiting and catching up with each other's news.
We're sure we were thought about by Duchess of Do-Little Jan who is on a cruise and Mary B resting in the sun in Cancun.
After lunch we were treated to entertainment by the Augmented Nine who surprised us this year by wearing their red and/or pink hats for us!
They were accompanied by Santa Claus who wore the first red hat.
Two women at each table won a table prize and the raffle of a Jackie Kennedy vintage red pillbox hat with hatbox was won by none other than Mary B.!
Then the co-chairdames, calling themselves the demented five led us in
singing a few Christmas carols.
We gathered along one wall for our annual Christmas group picture and then started to pack up with many wishes of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year being called out.
Another year with the Red Hat Flashes! has ended but we meet in January to come up with more ideas for get togethers in 2005.
