Christmas party get together today

Well was a nice quiet get together with only four of the members of this red hat group. Did a little gossiping and present exchange .

Went to one of the ladies houses and talked. A very nice dinner was made of fettichini with shrimp and home made bread. Then some nice snacks afterwards of pumpkin tarts and pie and Christmas roll. Very filling meal. We were suppose to go to the queens house but ended up going to the co queens instead. Little mix up on where we should be going, but all was figured out in the end. Thank you Loa for the very relish meal.

The gift exchange went over very well. They just loved my shawls I made. Said will be put to great use over the years. Just in time for winter will keep them very warm. They said I had gone over budget on it but I said an was left over yarn from other projects I was working on. I also gave away a snowman and an angel as well. For me I got a piece of homemade soap and a pair of oven mitts. Not much of a cook but they will come in handy when I burn something and have to get it out of the oven. My other ones are getting a little ragged now so these will come in handy.

So this is the last time this year we will be getting together. So merry Christmas to all and a happy new year as well.

Until next year when we have a full meeting and and plan out what we will be doing for e year.

One tea toddler in a wine shop

Well it is not a red hat outing but it was an outing on my part.

A lady from work had decided to invite me along. She and a few other ladies she knew go out once in awhile and check out the sights around the area. Or do a little stitching and bitching in her craft room. Well this time they invited me to tag along.

Now get this. I am not a drinker. Have never been much of a drinker or even a sipper for that matter and they decided to go to the wine brewery out in Deroche. Well I am up for it lets go.

Now these ladies live in Maple Ridge and are heading my way after everyone else is picked up. I get a text that says. Just heading out now. Will be picking up everyone and then heading your way. Okay I figure about half hour or so and they will be here. Lets see hour later after hubby bugging me that they got lost and couldn't find the place. Aw they forgot about me. Two cars come up the road. But they are just neighbours coming home. Then their they are. Driving slowly up the road checking out each address. And then pull into my driveway.

Aw freedom from my hubby. Off on an adventure of such. Five ladies in a car heading out to delve into tastings of the vine and the berry. Yummy on some peoples palate. Mine well I am not too sure but will give it a go.

Not more then ten minutes down the road we are there. It isn't far from wereI live. Mind you I have never been to the winery before so it will be an experience for me. The last time these ladies were here they drove all the way out to find it was closed on Mondays so had to try another day. So comments were. It better not be closed today. Well as we pull into the drive the door opens magically. Well it is like they were expecting someone to come and visit..

So now glasses are set out and a wine list is brought out. Lets see they all look so so temping. Well to someone else. I know shit about wine. When I was was a kid I had some wine and thought well yeah that is something I could do with out.

I did give it a go though. Tried the glacier bear, and a blueberry flavoured and a couple of others. They were nothing like the wine I had when I was a kid. Go figure. Still had the bit of a flavour that were pleasing to the palate. Well I can say that I did try some wine. A little sip here and a little sip there. Sorta yummy but not enough that I would like to take some home and keep for special occasions. Anyway who would drink it. It would probably sit in the cupboard like the other booze we have sitting here from a party my son had many years ago.

Well after cases were bought to give as presents by the other ladies we were on the road again. Headed back to my home town and had lunch at the mission springs brewery. Very good food there. Also very filling. Good conversation and a few Facebook pictures taken. Then it was time to head home.

Well ladies had a very nice time with you all. Thanks so much for the meal and conversation. Made my day off a little more special. It was almost a red hat thing but didn't have to wear the red and purple. I would love to venture out again sometime if you are in the mood.

Until next time

Was one great day at the race track

Today after some conversations about who would be meeting were, we finally got it all figured out. One car was full and another was filling up fast. All of us had a ride and were on our way.

Today was red hat day at the Cloverdale raceway. Our group got there about post time. We went into the building and checked out the crafts that were in the main entrance. Allot of knitting and sewing projects there. There was one woodworking person there. He took driftwood and shined up the wood and then made candle holders out of them. Very nice. It intrigued me a bit. Something else I might be able to do someday.

After that we headed in to find our table. Right up by the window so we can watch the action of a race or two.. Two of the ladies went over to the casino to do a little betting before it was time to eat. Sounds like they were up money before they came back to the table.

The meal was just grand. There was food galour and all different kinds for every pallat. The line up was long but well worth it. It was a breakfast menu to start with and then when you came back for seconds the meal was totally different. The desert you got two of when you were finished. Plus any drinks you were interested in. Totally pigged out on that meal.

As we sat at the table I took a minute to stand up and take a look around the room. There was red hats everywhere. It was just like a wave of red hats and purple clothing. Allot of bling to top it all off. It was an amazing sight to see..

After the meal was over there was a chance to use a complimentary coupon to make a bet or two. Some of the ladies used them and won at betting on the horses. Others not so lucky. I just sat back and watched the horses run. Some of the ladies went over to the casino again to play the slots. It sounds like they may have been up a little by the to we left. So was a productive day for some.

I shot a few pictures of the time we had together. Are posted at the side here on my blog.

Then it was time to head for home again. Through the rainy day back to the car and home. Was a great day to be had by all. Can't wait for next time out with the ladies. I am having a great time going places I have never been before. Lost of conversation and good times with some great ladies.

Tomorrow; Cloverdale Raceway with soooo many ladies in red and purple

There is a big event going on tomorrow and i am being part of it.  The Cloverdale Raceway is having red hat day.

Sounds like it will be a hoot.  Get to meet with allot of ladies who are members of red hats in the area.

The buffet sounds fabulous and there is a craft  market also going on at the same time.  I could scoot over to the casino and do a little betting or maybe do a bet or two on the horses at post time.

We have a table were there are 7 of the members going from my group. the darling dalhias.

Pictures will follow tomorrow or the day after.  Depending when I get time to post them.  I will have them on my facebook page as well.

the next day we are suppose to be going to the eagle festival in Squamish.  This should be a fun event as well.  I haven't heard much on this as yet and hoping to get a few details tomorrow.  We are heading up there early and having lunch at the native reserve.  then maybe enjoy a boat tour were we can get a great look at all the eagles in the area.  This sounds like a great time.  Hopefully will still be going. Our Queen has gotten a new job and is not able to make all the events as much as she use to.  So hopefully will still be a couple of full cars heading that way.

Well will write again when I get back from these two days of fun and red hatting.  Hey i get to go places now and with some really great ladies to boot.

Today was a great day out

Well the morning didn't start out too good. Hard to get out of bed. Did a craft fair the day before. So standing there all day and not selling a dang thing is just frustrating.

So now this morning was just so hard to get out of bed. Even with the change of time it still did not help much.

On top of that had to go get groceries this morning and then head out to meet the queen at 12:30 to head over to Langley. The guys left the house before I did so had a few minutes to myself to get myself in some order.

Well I did get myself out the door and headed to the queens place. I even was there a little earlier. So sat and read a book for a few minutes when I got a call to come over a little earlier. Seem she did not have something out of her car and had to need help to get the roof off so she could get it out. Well it was easy to do. Oh we get to ride in a convertible BMW. Nice ride.

The other lady showed up and we headed for Abbotsford were we picked up one more lady. Then on our way to Langley.

The queen started worrying that we would not get to the theatre in time to pick up ticket. Well to top off this drive a train decided to cross our path as well. Making us even later. So Pauline called the theatre in order to keep our tickets on hold. It was a call centre she called. You know what? The call centre was in Los Vegas. They gave us the number for the theatre and then that place was called. Just got an answering machine there.

Well to make a short story even shorter. We did make it and our tickets were not given away. Yeah got to see the play.

The play was called Christmas Bells. A comedy. Yeah it was very funny. It is about doing a production of trying to make a pageant for Christmas. What could go wrong did go wrong. Yeah it did alright. Actors got sick. Family members find out dirty little secrets and props are not what they are suppose to be. It was one laugh after another.

After the play was over we headed to the pizza place and enjoyed a meal. I ordered myself a nice steak. Ummmm medium close to rare. Yummy. Caesar salade. Was just confey with what I had. Then out came a piece of cheese cake with a candle in it. Oh no going to be overstuffed now.

You see my birthday is tomorrow. So since I had worn a purple hat instead of a red hat it was telling everyone that it was my birthday. Thus the cheese cake. I even got kazzoed to. That is the official instrument of the red hats. So a few sang and some kazzoed me.

Well I guess that is more then I will get from home. There is no sentiment in this house. Just another day so my hubby says. So tomorrow will just be another day for me I guess.

Now for the long ride home. It is now dark and just a pouring out. The freeway seems kinda busy too. I am glad I am not driving. Good conversation goes on all the way home. Finally back in Abbostford. The weather is not much better. All that BC sunshine we get around here.

So we drop off one lady then head back to Mission. Then off we go our separet ways. Home I am to well you get it. Hubby not happy about something. He is banging and cleaning getting dishes out of the dishwasher. I guess I am not doing my duties again. Well I have not been home all weekend to do anything. Okay stop complaining. Life is not going to change.

So to sum it up. I had a great time. Thank you red hats for being in my life. I have someone or other now that I can relate with. Also thank you red hats for a great day and nice to have my birthday acknowledged at least. It was a very nice day for me and look forward to many more days like this.

well not really a red hat thing, but I went to enjoy myself anyways

I went out again tonight on my own.  It was to a ladies soiree in Abbotsford.  it took place at Tanglebank Gardens.  There was demonstrations and gifts galour to buy.  Lots of food to enjoy as well. 

I seen a couple of ladies I have ment before who are red hatters,  but for the most part I was on my own.

It is nerve racking to get out and do things on your own.  I am trying though.  Just have to keep the courage up and get out there and do things.  It is the only way I am going to be out in the world and meet people.  If not I believe I will sit in my house upon retirement and twiddle my thimbs.  Doen't sound like a good plan to me.  So push myslf and get going.  That is my new motto.  I know it is hard to do.  Right now I feel pretty good for what i am doing. Hopefully i will be able to keep it up and not go back into the shell I have lived with all my life and scared to do anything.

So next place to go will be to another play.  This will be happening this weekend.  First I have to do a craft fair on Saturday.  Show off all my wares.  Hopefully I might sell something.  That is always debatable.  Then on Sunday anotheer social event with the red hats.

This will takee place in Langley.  Meeting up with another group and enjoying a lunch at a pizza place and then going to a Christmas play.  Souinds like it will be fun.

For this event I should be wearing a purple hat and red clothing.  You see it is my birthday month and at that time you revese the colours.  When I was at the thrift store  I picked up a couple of purple ons as well to enjoy the occation.

I guess will write again after this event and tell you hpw it went.  I intend to have fun.  Wish me luck

checked out the thrift store

I headed the other day to see if i could find a costume for halloween. So the thrift store is were I was heading.

I wandered the lanes checking out all the costumes when I came across a red hat.  Oh my gosh it was just perfect to wear to some of the events I go to.As I delve further into the store low and behold another red hat gets my attention.  Then another and another.

Okay now what.  I can't decide on which one to get.  Well they are all around a couple of bucks so instead of deciding  I bought a whole slew of them.  now I think I have enough to do me for so many events.

I know this is a small blog today because I have to get ready for halloween.  To make a long story short.  I bought them all.  i think aboput a dozen of them.  And then I sat the next night and did some decorating on them.  I am so hooked now.

red hats to the rescue

what to wear, what to wear?

I have a couple of events to go to in the next couple of weeks.  One is very close to my birthday and on that time instead of the red hat and purple outfit you have to switch and wear a purple hat and red outfit.

I don't have any red or purple in my closet at all.  now what do I do.

Well to make a long story kinda short.  I headed to the thrift shop today.  was actually looking for a costume to wear for halloween.  I think I have it figured out.  That is if I am working that day and have to wear something.

 But while I was in the thrift store I saw sooooo many red hats and sooooo many purple hats.  I was just in my ellement and decided to get a couple.  Some of them are pretty goofy.  there is a shiny one and one with a flower on top and then another one that looks kinda cowboyish.  Then there is a sorta clown one.  I couldn't decide and went and bought a whole slew of them.  What am I thinking.  Now I have a closet full of red and purple hats along with a couple of purple scarves to go along with any outfit.

I was trying them on when I got home.  I still think I look pretty dorky in a hat and some of them are just plain dorky all on their own.  But yes I am going to wear them.  One to this event and another to something else.  Really starting to get into rednessdom.  If that is a word.  With a little purple thrown in to mix up the pot.

I'll get the usual from my hubby.  You are not going out looking like that are you.  I will give him a big resounding YEAP!!!!  and off I will go.  Feeling just as silly as he thought I looked.  He called me a bag lady last time I went out.  Well thanks allot.

So now I don't think I have to wear the same red hat twice for at least a month or two.

 I was working on decorating one here the other night.  Got purple feathers from a boa all over the house.  That was a bit of a mess to clean up before the dogs started eating feathers.  I just have to put a few more stitches in to keep things in place and will have it done.  maybe that one since it is purple I will wear for my birthday time.  Or maybe it will be too big to wear to a play and will have to figure out something else.  Well will decide when the time is right.

Well who knows.  for now I am having fun with it so enjoy I will.

Another event over

And many more to go. I have a social life now. Well at least I think I may have one.

I went out the other night to a meal and a play afterwards. There was only three of us at the meal. It was good company though. We talked and got to know each other a little more. I am starting to feel a kinship with these ladies. Feels so good to be able to talk with someone. Even if I am not that comfortable with talking with people. So maybe after a few more times out I will start to feel even better about going out with people I really don't know. It is really hard for me to get out to know people. I am more of a home body and have trouble getting out to do things. So now am pushing myself to get to know a few people.

So now the meal was at the Mission Springs. After we were seated we started to talking and didn't get around to ordering as soon as we should. Talking just kept up. Finally the third time the waitress came back we had finally decided. One special for the queen(. That is what the head of the group is called). A burger for another lady and me I had my usual. Lasagna. Meal was great, then again at the Springs it is always great. Too much for me and had to take home a doggie bag.

So this is the first time I have been to a play in Mission. Just down the road from the Springs. It is a small theatre that sits about 50 people. Just a store front area. Seemed kinda interesting. Down across from the train station. I wasn't sure what to expect. A lady sitting behind us moved because a hat was blocking her view. Didn't think much of us sitting in front of her. The hat was taken off anyways and Could have probably saw everything anyways.

The play had five parts to it. With an intermission in between the third and fourth section. The play had seven actors to it. Very interesting to watch.


I hadn't been to a play since I was in Campbell River many years ago. So was a joy to go again.

Well the next outing will be coming up in November. I have a women's night out on the first. The 3rd I am doing a craft fair to try and sell some of my woodworking. Then on the fourth I am going to another play in Langley. And then on the 17th will be going to Cloverdale for a red hat event at the raceway. On the 18th will be doing the eagle fest in Squamish.

As I said I think I now have a social life. Feels so good to say that. Most of my time up to now has just been watching the tv and working on my crafts. Not getting out to do much of anything. Now I get out and get to acted crazy and not worry about it because the ladies I am with are just as crazy as I am. Still have to come out of my shell a little though. I gues that will come with time. I hope anyways. Would like to be a wild and crazy person once in while.

Will tell you about my next event later when I get more info on it. Well I am having some fun anyways.

Another night out

Yeah I get to spend another great night with a few ladies in the red and purple.

Tonight I am going to Mission Springs to enjoy a delightful meal and then we head over to railway ave and watch a play called Blithe Spirits. Sounds like a good night to me.

Mission Springs is a pub on the outskirts of town. Serve great food and very filing. The pub also produces its own beer there. It is a very popular place to go here in Mission for a meal or just a drink.

The play we are going to is about a wife coming back from the otherside to find out that her place has been taken by a new wife. So she haunts the heck out of everyone to see if she can get her rightful place back. Sounds like a fairly good comedy to see.

So now from being a sit at home person to someone who goes out once in while. It feels so good to be able to get out and do something. The thing is everything they are doing does have a cost to it. I guess nothing is free in life is it?

I had an invite to go down to the states next week but work would get in the way of that and also my passport is in transit. Means it expired and had to get it redone. So now have to wait until it gets back before I can plan any types of trips to the states.

Well it is off to the pub I am a going right now. Will write again tomorrow on how it all was.

I am a red hatter and proud of it. A lady at work called me a mad hatter the other day. Don't care am having some fun for now.

Well another event done

All dressed up and yes someplace to go. Don't I just look darling in my giddup. Check out the pictures I have added at the bottom. That is if they will come into this blog.

This was a hospic Galla called the time of the diva. Well I have my purple dress on and my red hat and away I go. All by myself. No one in the group I belong to is going. Soooo I guess I am going on my own. It will be fun I hope.

I drive over to Abbostford wondering what I will have in store for me. I don't go out to many places on my own or to places that I have never been to on my own. Oh Gaul what have I gotten myself into here.

First off I pull into the wrong drive and get into the parking lot for the college. Well at least I am in the right area and not somewhere across town figuring out were I should be. I have done that before. It is usually with my hubby and he does not appreciate that. Anyways back to reality. I get myself into the right parking lot by going around the back of the college parking lot. I then pull into a spot and wonder. Okay am I in the right place or not. I do not see see any sign that says pheonex lounge. Well time to walk into the building and see. Yes right place!!!! Now do I pay for parking. Good no only if it is a big event. I guess this is not classed as a big event.

Really I am in the right place. Yes!!! I see ladies with red hats sitting over on the bench waiting to go in. Also allot of divas dressed up to go in as well. Okay should be a fun night. Hoping anyways. We finally are shown to our table. We are put up higher which is behind a post and not able to see very good. So we are moved to another table. Much better and are close to the buffet. Starving so hope we eat soon. Shucks another half hour before buffet is served. Entertainment started. There was a Jamacian singer and a comedian slash magician.

I end up sitting across from the queen bee herself. She made me very welcome. Relief, relief, relief.

Buffet is served. Great, buns, 3 types of salad, potatoes, veggie dishes, and chicken and salmon along with desert. Beautiful and plentiful. Stuffed to the gills I was. The event went on for the night. They sold little beaded purses and with a ticket inside for a draw at end of night. Some of the purses had surprises in them. I ended up with a piece of silver and cultured stone earrings. Very pretty.

The big prize draws at the end of the night were a pair of black diamond earrings worth 3500 dollars. Wow!!! The other prize was a spa visit worth a good chunk of money as well.

There was a silent auction as well. I took a look at the items for bid. Allot of beautiful stuff that included jewellery, clothing items, and accessories. I saw a very pretty necklace and put a bid in on it thinking someone will probably outbid me. You know no one else bid on it and at the end of the night I got myself a 300 dollar necklace for 75 bucks. Not bad. I guess my taste isn't the same as allot of other people. There was also one last draw from names put in a silver bucket. I got another set of earrings out of it. Lucky night for me

Not a bad night all around and I did have a good time as well. Meal was great. Company did not bite me or ignor me as I would have thought. Which is usually what happens when you are the new kid on the block and they already have their circle of friends.

The queen also said to please come back and do some more things with the groups. She called me a daring diva ( a name given to ladies that set out on their own instead of traveling with someone else). Well I am going to keep being a daring diva and get out as much as I can. I need this in the worse way or I am going to be board out of my gore sitting in the house staring at my hubby in retirement.

That's kinda it for this night. Had a great time and met some new friends. Enjoyed myself despite the fact I wasn't sure I should go myself. I am getting out if this shell. Lets hope it keeps happening. Next time out is Friday night. I am going to a play and out to Mission Springs for a meal with the ladies from my own group. Another fun night of being with a few ladies.

I'm a red hatter and proud of it

I saw this add in the paper that said "Ladies interested in getting out and enjoying yourself". The red hat society is forming in your area. Come on out and meet new friends.

Well that is exactly what I did. I went to the first thing they were having for the year. They don't have meetings, just activities. A movie. well I like going to movies and going to movies by my self is just boring. So after I was done work I headed to the Cineplex and put on my red hat and purple shirt. Waited for some other ladies who looked like they were in the same attire. Well as a matter of fact there was a few ladies came in dressed the same way. They had just gone out to dinner together and then headed for the movie afterwards. Me I had to work so missed out on the dinner.

Still I started to make some new friends. Sitting in the theatre and enjoying a movie.

A couple of weeks later there was an event going on for all red hatters. It was called "talk like a pirate day". So I decided to give it a try. I called up my queen bee and said I would like to go to this dinner. She called up the queen bee running the dinner and said that there would be two going from the Darling Dahlias. Or the Double D's as she called our group.

So now I have to come up with a pirate outfit. Dressing up for Halloween early. That's what it felt like. As you can see I wasn't too creative in my outfit. This was my first try at decorating a hat, which had to be red with purple decorations on it. There is always allot of bling to add with it as well.

Back on track here. There was about 30 ladies there. All dressed in some way or other as a pirate. The meal was just delicious. We all picked from the menu. Had a few activities along with the meal. It was a fun thing to do and I got to meet a few nice ladies.

A couple of weeks later I got a whole list of activities on the computer that was coming up. I could pick and chose to what I would like to attend. There are things that go on all over the country. Conventions of all kinds. All ladies dress to the hilt in red and purple and bling as they call it.

For right now I am just staying local. I went along with my group to a dahlia gardens. Oh there was so many different kinds of dahlias and in so many colours. This place is known world wide for their many different kinds of dahlias. Some of these flowers are produced here. And some of these flowers are over a hundred dollars to purchase the root. The only thing is for me flowers are not my thing. I would kill them in a week of them being in my garden. After the walk around the garden we headed to a pub and had lunch. Another beautiful meal and lots of talk.

In the next couple of weeks I am going to a few other places. There is a gala for the hospital coming up next week. There will be a table set aside for red hat ladies. I am not going with my group, but will be meeting up with a few other ladies from other groups in the area. This event should be allot of fun. Get to be dressed up with the bling and my red hat as well. There will be events as well going on to make money for the hospital.

A few days after that I am meeting up with my group again to go to a play right here in Mission. A dinner before and the play. Sounds like another great night. Along with the ladies I will get to know better.

After that there is another play that I am going to in Langley. Christmas play will be fun to watch. A bit of a drive but more ladies I will get to know.

So for now I have a social life which I have never had before. I need to be doing something. Retirement is going to be coming up to me sooner or later and this is the best thing for me. Get out and socialize. Just what the doctor ordered. I do not want to spend my later years sitting in my house with three cats, two dogs, and a husband that is staring at me. I will be bored out of my gore in no time.

So for now I have a life. Get to be out and about. Seeing other people and talking with them. I am going to have such a good time with this. I'm a red hatter and proud of it. Just have to find a few purple cloths and red hats.