I was writing yesterday and then I forgot to save. So start again

Now I have to start  all over again.  You know old age can't remember what I was writing about yesterday to put it back on here again.

Now where do I start again.

 Life story coming up here.  Well maybe not just a little to get a jest of what I am talking about.

I can say at the beginning here red hats to the rescue.

You see all my life I have been a bit of a loaner.  I did have few fiends but once I hit on marriage at 18 they seemed to have petered away.  We moved around allot for my hubbies job.  So never got to stay in one place more then a year or two.  My social graces where not very good.  I have a disease called foot in mouth.  So I may get to know someone and then I put my foot way down my throat and say someing so stupid that they do not want to go out with me anymore.  So the loaner got to be even more of a loaner.  I love my crafts and keep busy with them but they do not get you out talking with other people.  Social surroundings for me where just family.

So a shel started forming around me.  Boy did it get thick.  I had trouble talking with people and still do.  Someone says hi how are you and I say I am doing just fine and leave it at that.  Talking on the phone or face to face was such a chore for me.  You know I can type on here for hours to someone but to have a face to face that is difficult. In my fourties I had started figuring I should do something about this shell.  I need people a round to talk to or at least get to know a little.  Or I am going to be a lonely old women in a house without anyone to talk to.

I tried going to bowling and choirs or volunteering or book club  It just did not seem to cut it.  They had all been there awhile and did not seem to want to let anyone else into their circles.  So I again sat at home.

Now I hit on fifty and still not many people to talk to.  We have been living in the same place for ten years now and still no one.  Gaul what should I do.  Going shopping just makes it so I have more junk in the house.  Swimming great exercise but does not meet anyone.  Those ten cats are looking better to me all the time.  A lonely old women in the house with her ten cats.  I almost started that I have two dogs right now.  Thank goodness hubby said no more.

When I was still a little whelp I use to take moms jewelry and then take old cloths a dress up as beautifully as I could then pretend I was out someplace having a ball.  Could something ever happen like that again in my life or am I destined to dull nothingness.

A few years ago I was diagnosed with having something called Sjögren's syndrome.  It is an autoammune disease that start attacking the soft body tissue.  No tear ducs no spit and my skin in just so dry.  It will also start attacking organs in my body.  The a. Couple years latter I was told that on top of that I have austeo arthritis is my back and legs.  Now this past two years have been told that fibromyalgia has decided to take refuge in my body as well.  Great I will be stuck in this house forever not being able to do anything and have no one to talk to.  Is this my future.  Well no not if I can help it.  I have the pain.  I have the problems but I am trying not to let it get me down.

So now I say I have to do something about this or I will see that future.  Got to get back out break out of this shell and start seeing people.  Okay how do I do that.  About a week later I see an add in the paper for a social club.  The red hat society is having a new group start up in my little town and and wondering whether there are any takers.  So I said what the hey.  Do not know what the red hat society is but it wouldn't hurt to check it out.

I write to the email and you know she got back to me right away.  Said they were going out for dinner and a movie next week would I like to join them.  My problem is I had to work but could get to the movie afterwards.  Great meet you there.  One stipulation.  You should wear a red ant and maybe something purple. Mouth shopping for a red hat.  Hate wearing hats period.  Will I like this?  Well let's see.

So that night I drove from work my heart beating a mile a minute.  Will I see them or will I be going to a movie by myself.  Well it was something I would like to see anyways..  Mush.  Not shootem up blood and guts my son and hubby like to watch.  So if do not see anyone will see a movie on my own.  So I sat and in the movie theatre and there are three ladies come in with red hats on.  They walk right over to me and greet me with so much joy.  Make me feel welcome.  Aw ladies I can talk with.  Just keep your foot out of your mouth and everything will be alright.  Had a great time that night and the rest is history

I have cracked the shell I am in.  Well it is not all the way opened yet but my wings are peeping out and I am ready to fly.  Is till do not say much but these ladies except me for being the quiet one in the group.

So now I have been a member of the red hat society and have did a little flying on my own. They are callingme a gutsy gal for what I have done.  I have signed up for going to eight funventions.  These are times that allot of red hatters fpget together at a themed event and have a hell of allot of fun.  Yeah I said hell.  I have gone to three of them already.  The first was in Sacramento.  The theme was over the rainbow.  You get to dress up real fine like I did when I was little.  Also can go as far as going in costumes for the event.  I signed up for this event and then wondered should I do this.  Should I not.  Going back and forth on what I should do.  I spent the money so I was going but my mind was telling me that shell is protective.  Stay where you are.  One days couple of weeks before the first event the ambassador queen for the area called me up and said come on over and she would give me an idea of what might be happening at the event.  She was going so would guide me through what I would need to know.  So nice of her.  Gave me a idea and to be traveling with someone was even better.  You know what.  I had a blast and got to meet some more ladies that where traveling at the same time from our area.  My wings are a fluttering.

The next event was in Reno.  I was going by myself.  I had one glitch and that was that my luggage did not make it with me.  It came the next day.  I am dang proud of myself.  I drove down to the airport in the states not far from our home in Canada.  Flew out on my own.  Found the hotel okay and had a wonderful time.  Also met some more ladies down there from my area.  My circle is expanding and those winfpgs are just a fluttering.  Shell has another crack.  Still not broken but is getting bigger.

So I now have lots a friends I converse with on Facebook.  Met them at these funventions.  And am meeting more on Facebook all the time.  They are all looking forward to getting to know me..  Hmm I am a social butterfly.  Well on Facebook anyways.  People to talk to.  Not face to face but on the Internet.  Hmm have I did the right thing.I am on allot on groups through Facebook.  All red hat oriented.

So now come the third event for me.  I go to ferndale in Washington state.  I drive down on my own.  Find my way with only one wrong turn.  Find this casino out in the middle of nowhere. Really? I thought I was lost again.  So check myself in.  Unpack a little the head down to casino as event is not until next day.  Entertain myself at slots.  I win.  Not much but usually I loose it all in a short time.  But hey I won!!!  Then I head to resteraunts and get abite to eat.  Head up to my room and off to beddyby.  Next morning am a wake early.  Getting ready for event when my phone rings.  Well they must have the wrong room.  No it is one of the ladies I have been talking with on Facebook.  She going to come up and finally meet me face to face.  Well come on up.  Stays for a few minutes and then hatter hugs and she is off to help with the event.  Takes along and afghan I made for Los Vegas. I donated an afghan I made with a red hat on it for the funvention in Los Vegas.

So now the event starts,  go down  and register.  You know how many ladies have said hi to me.  Reconize me from other things I have gone to.  And just all around welcomed me in to their groups.  I was just overwhelmed.  I think I may have walked away from someone talking to me.  If I did I am so sorry.  To be known by so many ladies and to be able to talk to soo many.  And to know so many from other things.  I was just so overwhelmed. I may have shut down for awhile.  So if I did walk away on you please forgive me.  I am new at this social thing.

So now I have so many more things to do.  I will be in Vegas and then Oshawa and  sanfransisco then back to ferndale and then the last one I am signed up for is edmonton.  Plus on top of that I have events going on in this area that I am attending as well.  I am making friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.  I am keeping myself going in hopes that it will stave off the wheelchair syndrome that the doc said I would be heading for.

So for now I thank you Sue Ellen for starting this all and how it has evolved.  If not for you I would be sitting in my house starring at the walls waiting for the paint to peel and me to be not walking much.  It will happen eventually but not for many years to come.

For now my shell is still I tacked but it has a very large crack in it.  My wings are a fluttering out this crack and ready to fly.  Someday I will have the courage to break out of the shell altogether.  At least is hoping.  For now a little overwhelmed about this process but I am trying.  

I would like to thank these ladies that ha pave taken me under there wing to try to fly.  Pauline my queen.  Norma the ambassador queen Bev, and Lorna who took me under their wing in Sacramento.  Jean another queen who has helped me in Sacramento.  Then there are ladies who have friended me on Facebook and I am getting to meet in person little by little .  Lynette, Emma and Carol.  And to all the rest of you ladies out there I will be meeting in the future.

I give you all red hat hugs for helping me to finally be a social butterfly and break this shell completely.  See you all at future funventions and beyond.

Had a marvellous time at project runway

After talking so much on the Internet to another red hatter we finally met.

Lynette.  We talked on Facebook quite a bit.  Or at least I made comments on things she had put up and vies versa.  Down in Washington state at the at the silver reef casino. Doing red hat event.  

This one was a dinner and fashion show.  Well a very interesting fashion show at that.  The participants had to get a lampshade and decorate it into a hat.  The stipulation was that you had to buy all of your supplies at the dollar store. Sure came up with some interesting ways to decorate

 a lampshade.  Some went elligant others went all out and then the was just the plane silly.  All beautifully decorated with lots of imagination.

Elizabeth did a flamingo theme

This is a lampshade with a bra on top.  Looks like a boostiea.

A gambling lady

The use of an emergency blanket.  She said she was pretty hot after awhile.

Here are just a few of the hats with also a few going all out and doing a while costume from the dollar store.

So this was a get together of ladies from both sides of the border.  Getting together to enjoy everyone's company and make new friends and have a few laughs.

This is the first event where I started to reconize ladies I have seen before.  Sat with some ladies from surrey that I have been to other places with.  So I am starting to feel more comfortable with going to these places and meeting new people.  I walked a round the room and little and you know I recognized allot of ladies.  From seeing on Facebook and from other events.  They are so welcoming. And love to hear what I have been up to and vice versa.

Well anyways back to the event.  We where registered into the room and given a breast cancer pin.  The event raised around 700 dollars for cancer research.  Very good job.  They raffled off two quilts, 

Oh yeah a meal as well.  Buffet with lots and lots of food.  Chicken and seafood.  Veggies and pasta salads.  Dessert was on the table and you know a few had their dessert first.  You know that is a red hat thing.  Enjoy your dessert first.  I like that motto.  I do that more then I do eating my first course.  

Here you go red hats everywhere.  After the event was over you would be out in the casino and see red hats everywhere out the playing the slots.

I tried a little again but that was the end of my luck.  I could put money in and it would go just as fast.  Didn't loose what I won yesterday but if I would have kept going probably would have.

Oh it was good to see Darlyne and Angela out to enjoy a red hat time together.  Also congrats to Angela for having her last checkup being told she is cancer free.  Koodos to her.

A little while since I wrote on here.

Well let's see what I have been up to in tlas tittle while.  Well I did some sewing.  Made a few things that will go with outfits for some of the events I am going to.  I spent one whole day with a borrowed sewing machine and material everywjphere just trying to get things done.  Well I think I did pretty good.  First I got a cape done with purple fur trim done.  Very long cape to keep me a little warmer with my strapless dress.  It will be April when I wear it and yes it will. Be in Ontario where it will probably be still a little chlli.

It flows beautifully and may bea little long without the dress under it but I believe that the dress which has a wide skirt it will be the right length.  This will be a titanic first class outfit.  Hoping it looks okay.

Next I had some dragonfly material in the colour of purple.  Thought it would be a good start for a Chinese New Year out fit.  Have a pointy hat that I can do something with to make it red and this is the material

Pretty isn't it.  Well this took me all day to finish and get the sewing machine back to my friend .  This is what it turned out like

The couloir does not look right in this picture but it is purple  and the Jammie's under it a a silky purple. With wide legs to make them confy.  The light was not good when I took the picture.  So yes they do look red..

Now I have a couple more projects to work on.  I said I would make a couple of quilting projects for a couple of events coming up in the future.  I just love crafting.   It keeps me busy and the advantage is aim not eating. If I am keeping busy.  I can stop when I have to and I can keep working on it if I know I can.  Not like work where I have to be there standing all day without a chance to sit down.

Alright enough about work.  This blog is not about me whining about having to do something that is going against my grain right now. 

Alright so today I did a little drive on my own.  Very proud of my self.  I have ventured out on my own.tomorrow is an event for red hatting.  Called project runway.  Some ladies are going to model the hats that they made.  The best part is they made them out of lampshades.  And the criteria is they get a lampshade and decorate it so that all the items come from a dollar store.  This should be interesting to watch tomorrow.  Give eat few ideas about what I could do.  Well I did make a lampshade hat but I did not use all dollar store items.  So it sits at home while I go out and have some fun.

Just so georgious isn't it.  Ha it will stay in my room and not be worn anywhere special I think.  Anyways I did try something different.  Next a bra hat that some of the ladies are making.  Don't think so on that either.

Well let's see getting back to my drive.  For the morning I tried to do a little drawing on my next project.  Flubbed it up at least twice before I got it right.  Or as close to right as I think it should look.  It is suppose to be a spiral design.  Now for me getting it down on material.  That will be another question. Anyways gave up on drawing and decided it was time to leave.  Was not sure what the border crossing would be like or the drive over the countryside.  Might take forever or might just be a snap.  So I get to the border and the line is only five minutes or so.  Okay this is good.  I get up to the gate and say gods afternoon.  He says where you heading.  I say casino in ferndale.  Are you meeting anyone there.  Yeah and few red hat ladies.  So your a red hat lady.  Yes I am.  Okay have a nice day.  This is so nice I love being a red hatter.  The border crossing seems to know them well and so far has not given me much trouble and not many questions for going to the states.  Now I am on my way.  I have my route all written down so I know where to turn and where to go.  Hopefully no construction that takes me off route or I am hooped.  I make all of my turns until all of a sudden I seem to be going further then I thought.  Oppps must have missed a turn.  Next thing I know I am at  another road I reconize from the last time I was down here.  I am in Bellingham now instead of heading towards ferndale.  Okay where did I go wrong.  Hey this is the road to the airport.  Okay just take it over to I 5 and then backtrack a little.  That will get me to the road I should have taken.  Yes back where I shouldbe.  Off the expressway and onto overpass.  Now I am driving on the road I should be on. But things do not seem right.  Should there not be buildings around here.  I thought this was in a town someplace.  Nope.  I am driving in the country.  Up ahead well!!!  There is the casino.  Out in the middle of nowhere.  Only see a gas station here.  Well this will be a fun place to walk around.  So I get my self checked in   Unpack a little and then head down stairs and wonder around.  Well should have brought my swimsuit.  Could have gone in the pool.  Did not think of that.  So the only other thing is casino.  Well I gamble but always loose.

Never any luck with me.  So I spent the past two hours down I the casino.  You know what. I am up 210 dollars.  What cha think of that.  And all on just putting 20 bucks in the machine. Went to another machine and no luck there.  So jumped to another one and nothing much there either.  Okay around five figured I should get something to eat.  So went over to the buffet.  Oh boy was that a good buffet.  Veggies and uns to start.  Then there is seafood and more seafood and then there is beef and steaks. More veggies to choose from.  Then the. Best part of all.  Dessert.  Lots and lots of dessert.  I am just stuffed.  So now it is either go back to room and wear off food just sitting on bed or do I play a little more slots.  Well I went back to the slots..  Traveled through a couple of machines before I found one that gave me the rest of my winnings for night.  Figured I better stop while I am ahead or I am just going to loose everything I just gained.  I know it is not much.  But it paid for my dinner and is giving me a little more for my Vegas trip.  So a little more spending money down there.  Probably loose it in machine tomorrow or Ina. Machine  in Vegas.  My luck never stays very long.

So that was my excitement for today..  Got a little lost and got back on track.  Won a little cash.  Not much but nice to do for a change.  Did another adventure on my own.  The dashing darling is doing her best to have a little red hat fun.  Talk to you tomorrow night.

Just sittin and chillen today

So this morning was another early morning.  Why can I not sleep in a little.  I look at the clock and there it is 5 in the morning.  Guezz I do not need to be anywhere until 8 this morning.  Well might as well get up.  I ain't sleeping anymore.

Last night after party was over.  I was bushed.  Came back to room did my little blog and then hit the pillow.  Out like a light.  Boy I wish that could work all the time.  At home I stare at the ceiling Nd wonder why I am not asleep yet.

So anyways back to this morning.  I rolled. Half around in my room as long as I could.  Then headed down to the ballroom.  One of first ones there.  Signed in and found a seat.  The others started coming in afew minutes later.  The ladies that sat at my table came from Richmond and campbell river. And Courtney or kamloops.  Didn't quite get it when she said where she was from.  So a few more Canadians where there besides the langley group.

Breakfast was buffet again.  It was an extra cost but since I was here an extra day might as well get together one more morning.  Very good breakfast.  I think over the past couple of days I have had enough food to keep me going for a long time.

They did a few more prize giveaways again this morning.  Blingies slippers and decorated slippers.  I got a prize for blingyest.

So what cha think of that shoe.  Heal very high.  Well at least it is not to wear.  You put your wine bottle in it and display the bottle.  Kinda cute.  I don't drink wine though so will have to have something else to display in it.

Meal over and all goodbyes were made.  Queen vernice is not going to be doing the convention organizing anymore.  Too much for her and her crew.  They are also going to take the convention down to one day instead of two or three.   It seems that it is just too much to organize.

They started making these conventions in 2002 and had an attendance of 10 ladies.  It grew from there to 250 this year.  Now they are cutting back to make it more itament 

Low and behold a couple of vendors where still upstairs.  So lets go see if there was a y deals left.

Duh!! Yeah.

I found this feather fan.  And

Another facinator.

Me thinks I is getting too much junk.  You know you can never have enough red and purple.  I wonder who said that?

Well now convention is over and I am at a loss for something to do.  I guess I might as well walk and see if I can find an elusive store to get something at.  Like my caffeine fix of pop. They sayvirginia street is suppose to have some stores of some kind.  I went one way on Virginia street and all I saw was pawn shops and closed shops.  So I walked the other way.  Nope that did not work either.  Just bank buildings down that way.  So headed up the other way on Virginia street.  Went a long way down and came to the university of Reno.  Well nothing down that way.  Now what do I do? Well there was a Walgreens at least.  Can get a drink and a snack.

Okay after coming out of Walgreens decided that it is too hot for walking outside anymore.  So decide to go in circus circus.  Cooler in there.  What I find little stores and lots of resteraunts.  Well who would have thunk.  I think allot of people just not me.  So now I can walk in the casino and look around and make it from one casino to the next and see stores of all kinds.  Well I know where I will be tonight..  There was a few places that looked good to eat at.  Okay someplace to go tonight.  Just be back here in plenty of time to get enough bed rest to get up early tomorrow for shuttle to airport.

So came back to harrah's and walked over to a slot machine.  Decided to give it one more try.  Well I lasted a little longer this time but still it took my 20 bucks.depressing.  Never a winner of anything in the way of money.  I can win prizes at red hatting but my money just goes poof in a slot machine.

So now am in my room. Resting my sore feet from walking in the heat.  Drinking my pop and eating some Cracker Jack.  Enjoying a little of the boob tube.  Will head out tonight and get something to eat and then off to bed to get some much needed sleep.  My bag is almost packed and I am going to get it all home without having to stuff this time.  Did it buy that much this time.  Very good girl I was.

So this is me signing off.  Am not going to pay for another day of Internet so won't hear from me until tomorrow when I am home.  Hopefully will be a better journey then the one here.  No bumpy plane ride and no loss of my luggage.  Lets hope all goes nice and easy for me and my drive I do not get lost on way home.  I think I remember the route.   Oh oh!!

Reno big day I need a nap

Hey all. This is the big day.  Lots of stuff going on today.

Woke up around 7:30.  Had a good night sleep for a change.  All is back to where it should be.  I have clothes to wear and have a fun filled day.

First took a trip down to the vendors to see if anything was new down there.  I am trying to find things that will go with outfits for the upcoming events I am going to.  I think I found a few things.  Should have a couple of outfits complete now.  Except for the outfit itself.  That has to be finished yet.  So I guess when I get home will be doing a bunch of sewing.  Fun stuff.  

So went down for brunch.  Ended up at the table with some of the Langley ladies.  A lovely bunch of ladies to spend some time with.  Well I did my usual and that was sit back and listen.  Not much in the way of words from me.  The quiet one was in the room again.  I know, I know. Got to get up and do things and talk and such.  Well I did put in a few cents once in while but not very much.  I did get to know these ladies though and I guess that is all that counts from me.

Before brunch started we had the cadets march in the flags.  One for USA one for red hat and one for Canada.  We then sang the national anthems.  They then talked about the Shriners and the daughters of the Nile.  This was a fundraiser they were helping out this year.  Raised 400 dollars for them just in donations.  We then had a buffet brunch.  Of a lunch time and breakfast type food.  So much.  Couldn't eat anymore if I wanted to.  Awards where given out for who came the furthest, who had the most in their group, who dressed the same and so on.

So after brunch was over everyone dissipated into places they where going.  Some went out on the stroll down Virginia street.  Some went back to shop and others headed over to do a little gambling..  Me I went up to my room and took some of my vendor shopping and put it into suitcase.  Then I went downstairs and yes I did a little gambling.  The slots took me money again.  The dang thieves.  Well what else is idea with me.

After my money was lost went back up to room and had a little time to figure out what to wear tonight. Suppose to be a blingy night.  So I got out a blingy top and blingy skirt.  Figured out what I should put on for jewelry.  I then sat on the bed for little while and I guess I had a little nap.    I woke up and realized it was four o'clock.  Oh gosh I have to get ready and get downstairs.

So what cha think.  Blingy enough.  Well maybe just a little too blingy.

So downstairs outside convention room.  Everyone waiting and are dressed to the hilt.  Georgous everyone is.  The big hat.  The bling and more purple then you have ever seen.

There where a couple of pinkos in there as well.

The call was made for the queens to line up.  They went in first and had their pictures taken.  Then they lined up along the wall while we came in a took our seats.  They then walked across the stage being announced as to where they came from.

Here is the dazzling diva from Langley.

Supper was a plated meal.  There was steak rare,  salmon, rice and some veggies.  Just delish it was. Then came desert of a delectable piece of chocolate cake. Just so full could not finish chocolate cake. You know me I just love my chocolate and couldn't finish it.  There is something wrong with that.  After meal was done. More prizes where given out.  Bling head to toe, best dressed, most blingy hat.  I went up for a couple but came in without too many votes.  Oh well all in fun anyways.  I do like getting, dressed up anyways.   It is fun. As you can see from picture above.

Through the night the Sierra swingers played big band songs.  Was very enjoyable and some of the ladies got up to dance the night away.  Me I sat on my duff.  If you want to see some of the dancers go to Facebook page of Sierra swinger.  The singer says she is going to post some pictures on that page.

Here they are boogying the night away.

Was allot of fun. But now sleepy time is catching up with me.

So one more day tomorrow and then back to a normal life for another few weeks. Then I head to ferndale to enjoy another day of dress up and enjoy other ladies company.

Day two in Reno

Hey I got my luggage today.  Yeah that makes me happy.  I do not have to wear the same clothes over and over.  I can brush my teeth and be minty Fresh.I think other people will that me for that.

So early this morning woke up with a dang migraine.  Well that is not a great way to start off the day. Have to get rid of that pretty with it pretty quick or I will have a real problem.  The thing was I woke up around 5:30.  Yeah I know real early.  Couldn't go back to sleep,  my head was aching and trying to sleep was just out of the question.  So took a couple of arthritis  pain killers to see if that would help.  Laid down for a little while longer and do not sleep but I was laying down.  After while decided that that was not working so go up got dressed and went down stairs in search of food.  You know what I came up with.  A cinnamon bun and bottle of water from Starbucks.  Not nutritious but it did hit the spot..

Oh here is an interesting picture from the plane.  Pacman was down there.  Well I think it is funny.  Had to pas the time of riding in the bumpiest ride I have ever had.

Here is a picture of the first night.  As I stood there waiting to see whether this queen would show up with my ticket to the show that was on.  Allot of other red hatters waiting in line to see show..  That was from my first night in Reno.

So now this morning after having a little it in my stomach I headed out on a walk to clear my head a little.

This is a river walk.  The river is called truckie river.  And along the edge they have built sidewalks to walk along.  It was a beautiful walk.  Nice crisp air and an easy walk.  Took me about an hour to stroll along there.  After a few minutes of trying to find it.  The travel book says that there is small shops of interest and such to see.  Well all I really saw was the homeless out sitting on the benches and a few runners and dog walkers.

When I got back close to hotel decided to check out down town and see if there was any shops there to look at.  Well had no such luck there either unless I was on the wrong streets.  I saw allot of pawn shops and shops that had been closed up.  I guess people only come here to stay in the casino and gamble.  So that walk was a bit of a bust to look around at the city..  

Balloons in the sky over Reno.  Big balloon race going on this weekend

There is the sign on main streets Reno.  Biggest little city and here is the entrance to harrah's where I am staying for another couple of days.

As I made my way back into hotel room there was a message on my phone.  Yes my luggage is here.  A load off my mind.  I go down and get my bag. Hoping it is in one piece and everything is still there.  Heap still good.  So spend a little time unloading and hanging up my dresses.  Get the wrinkles out.  Change my clothes and head down to register for today's events.  Played 40 dollars in a slot machine and yeah I lost as usual.  What else is new.  Did a little shopping at the vendors for the convention.  may have found another part to my vegas costume.  it is coming together.  and a cape to have for the oshawa comvention as it will probably cooler there and my dresses are kinda summery.  Then i come back up to room to try to Lay down for little while hopefully to take a bit of a nap before I get ready for tonight event.

Well I may have napped or I may not have.  I know I layed there for a while.  About four was up and getting gussied up

So what cha think.  I clean up real goo huh?

Down to the convention center to enjoy a good meal and some good company and watch a bit of entertainment afterwards. Had a meet and greet first.  Standing around before the doors open and buying raffle tickets and talking while some of us have a drink.

The doors open and everyone heads to find a table to sit at.  I found myself sitting with a few ladies from Reno groups.  A fun bunch of ladies.  Tonight was a buffet type meal.  Once everyone was seated. The mc had a few announcements and then said the meal is ready to serve.  It was every person for them selves.  Two tables set up on either side of room.  Half went to one side and half to other. Lined up on both side of table.  There was salad, noodles, buns and butter.  Scalloped potatoes, shrimp, mushrooms, chicken and beef. And a table full of desert.  Well you know motto of red hatting alway eat desert first.  It was just so yummy and so filling.

After food was cleared up they started giving out prizes.

This is what I won.  A teacup with two red hat mice in it.  I think it is cute.  Something to put in my china cabinet.

Then the entertainment started.  We saw all the different dance styles from over the years from 30's to 60's

These ladies are the silver Reno dancers.  Not one of them is under the age of 60.  Two of them are in their 80's.  my they are good too

The next group to come on a preform was a Reno ballroom group.  They brought us from the 30's to the 60's.  one of the ladies in the group is over 50 and she is a red hatter.

After a few generations of dancing Elvis was in the building.  He rocked the house for the finally.  A few more prizes were given out and a few ladies showed off their costumes from over the year

There was allot of flappers and with the high feathers in their hair. A couple of groups dressed the same.  

Then was the closing for the night.  The elevators where full on the way back up to rooms.

Tomorrow some of the ladies are getting up at 5 o'clock to go see the balloon races.  That will not be me. A restful sleep is in order for me. I hope!! Brunch will be at 10 and then we are going to walk Victoria street.  In our red hat glamour.  After that there will be more prizes given out and more shopping.  Might as well see if anything different is up there.  Might find another prize to buy.  Who knows.  Then to get all gussied up again for another night of drinks and a meal.  This one will be plated and you have a place to be seated this time instead of sit where you like.  So who knows who I will be sitting with tomorrow night.  Surprise, surprise!!!

So one more night and then breakie next day.  Then this one is over.  They are fun.  If there is no frustration on my part.

So now I have had a couple of first.  I drove to the Bellingham airport myself.  Didn't get lost and it didn't frustrate me.  Yeah I am still a chickenshit.  I came to a convention on my own and met some really nice ladies.  We talked a little about dogs.  Something I have. And they talked about things in their group which I sat back and listen to.  Put my two cents in once in while.  Okay maybe not so much a chickenshit but yes I still is.  But this chickenshit is spreading her wings as far as she can and maybe chickens do fly.  Well this is trying anyways.

So guess that's it for night

I sit here in my room wondering why

So I wake up early this morning to a pounding headache.  Okay this is going to be good day.

After yesterday's fiasco.  No luggage when I get off plane.  And then at night not seeing a cabaret show that I was suppose to see last night.  Other then that everything went great.  Planes on time.  Got from one to the other no problem.  Was able to drive down to airport with no problem.  A shuttle was came a few minutes after I got out to shuttle terminal to take me right to hotel.  I have a nice room to go back to each night.

So now today I will go down and register for convention. Hope for the best today

But for now will complain a little more here.  I haven't blingy, I have no nice cllothes to wear or even other clothes to wear.  No toiletries to clean my self up with and I also do not have my pain pills for my arthritis.  That is probably why I have the migraine today.  Wanted to com my hair out this morning but do not even have that.  This is really sucks.

So I was awake at five thirty this morning.  Head throbbing like anything.  I have tried a cold compress to bring it down a little.  Feel a little better now but I know it will rage up again.

Okay let's make the best of this day and get on with it. Time to go for some breakie.. Sun is shining lets go out for a walk and maybe clear my head a little

My first day to Reno

Hey all am writing my first leg from the plane from Seattle to Reno.

I am doing this. Amazing the chicken is sprouting wings.  Well a little bit anyways. There may be afew mistakes on this first part of my composition.the flight is dang bumpy.

Today I was up early.  Did the usual.  Had ready and walked the dogs.  I am feeling the effects of getting up early now.  I feel a little light headed and just all around want to go back to sleep.  Well maybe I should be napping on the plane instead of writing this.  He'll no!! Too excited on going to Reno.

So now I take off in my car.  This will be my first time crossing the border on my own and driving in the states.  I hope I get the directions right or I will be driving around Washington for awhile trying to find that elusive airport in Bellingham.  I followed the same route I went last time.  But then I wasn't driving for that so hope I get it right.  There is always someone esle driving when I head across the border.

So now at the abbotsford crossing.  The border crossing gaurs asked me three questions.  Where am I from, where am I going and why.  As soon as I said red hat convention he said have a good trip and gave me my passport back.  Well that was easy.  

Now to get on the right road.  It seems pretty simple on paper but if I miss one of these roads I am hooped.  Highway nine to guide meridian then onto bakerview and across the expressway highway five where the airport should be on the other side.  Okay off I go.  Radio blaring away to great tunes.  Sun shining.  Aw beautiful day.  Not too warm and just a few clouds in sky.  Well hope luck of the weather stays with me.  Last night listened to a thunder storm going on out side.  Yeah why wouldn't a storm be outside,  they are not in the house.  The dogs heard it too.  Rocky just kept getting closer and closer every time another clap of thunder went off.  So there is where part of my sleep was lost from.

There is the Columbia river down there.  Traveled that river along the road on the bike one year.

Anyways back to my reality here.  Lack of sleep.   Besides the thunderstorm was the excitement of going to Reno.  So took a little while before I steepled in for good night sleep. Until alarm went off in morning.

Well I made my trip to Bellingham with getting lost.  You proud of me?  Well I am proud of myself.  The wings are getting bigger all the time.  I can do this says the little train.  Well you know I can do this. Last time traveled with other ladies this time I am doing on my own.  So proud of this so far.

So now find parking spot in Bellingham airport.  Easy as pie.  Get a ticket and am unloading my luggage from car when a bus pulled up behind me.  You looking for ride to terminal.  Now that is service I was just going to walk the little ways over there but now have a ride from a very nice lady who lifted my luggage into her bus and drove me over there .  I know it is part of service but I figured you would have to walk to bus stop to get on.  She stopped right behind my car.

Okay so in terminal now.  Way too early me thinks.  Oh well can read for while I guess.  So through security and find seat on other side.  Seats are packed full must be a few planes going out soon.  Sit down and start reading.  Do a little facebooking and check my mail.  An hour or so later they are calling the plane loading.  Running a little later then should be.  

The downpour starts.  Great just in time to walk out on the tarmack and get on the plane.soaked I mean soaked!!!  My boarding pass is all wet.  Hmmm should have put that away before I walked out in the rain. Hope it will work for next flight.

So that flight was just a little bumpy. Not much.  Did not see much out the window but clouds.  A little patch clearing once in while.  Then we get into Seattle and sun is shining.  Walk off the plane along the tarmack.  Head for the next gate that I have to get on.  You know it is the same gate I just got off of.  Well that is handy.  So take a bathroom break and then ht the Burger King for a few fries and a drink.  Well that hit the spot.  Back to the gate in plenty of time to wait for boarding.  I walk back out to the tarmack and get on the same plane I just got off of.  Now just in a different seat.  Before at front of plane and now in back of plane.  Very last seat on plane.  Window seats.  Just like being in a window seat and watch the ground go by.  It fascinates me.  When I travel with my hubby he always takes the window seat and sleeps.  So I do not see much of anything.  This time it is my choice.  Just love it.

So now am riding in the same plane heading for Reno.    Had a warning stay in your seats with seat belt fastened .  It seems we have some bumpy weather ahead.  Boy is he not kidding.  Just went through a few pockets here.  Bouncing around all over the place.  Thunder storms ahead.  This is going to be a very bumpy ride.  I can tell you that.  Oh here we go again.

This is not easy typing.  I think I will stop for now and maybe read some more.  We pass through clouds and once in while see the land below.  Not too exciting right now.

When I get to Reno will have to figure out if there is a shuttle to the hotel.  If not guess I am taking a taxi.  Then after checking in will unpack then head down the Sammie in the hotel to take in a cabaret show I have a ticket for.  Well at least hope so.  These tickets are for red hatters.  I said my plane would not be in time to pick up my registration today as they are stopping registration today at five.  So the queen organizing this event said she will have ticket for me when I come down the show place..  So then all I do is go to Sammie's and get my ticket from her and enjoy the show tonight.  Then take in registration tomorrow to have a red hatting good time.

So I guess since the bumping is going on too much to keep typing.  Will close for now and finish off tonight after I am settled.  So far one long day and I am doing this.  Butterfly wings are spreading far and wide.

Okay have now made it to harrah's.  I have a room way up on a top floor. Nice 

Lookie lookie I have a view of a football field.

Okay now the bad news.  My luggage did not get here with me.  So now I am going to have to go to the cabaret show tonight in the clothes I traveled in.  Great!!!

Flying in here tonight.  Well it is still day light.  But flying is was a dang bumpy ride.  I hate roller coasters and this was just like it.  My stomach is right now on the roof of the plane yet.

So after waiting and filling out paperwork to find out where the heck my luggage is I venture outside to find a way to get to the hotel.  First start walking down one way and that is arrivals.  So next best thing ask someone and see if there is a place to get a ride.  He says just go down the other way to the end and you will come to the shuttles.  Now I was worrying that I would not get a ride without having to take a taxi and that might be an expensive process.  But when I walked up to shuttle and read their sign it says.  Harrah's every hour on the half hour.  Yes a free shuttle.  Gotta love that.

So now am at harrah's finishing off my blog for the night.  Am paying for it so might as well use it.  So I will not be on every nights unless it is in the same time periods that I am paying for.  So probably after the show will be on for a little while again.

So just letting you all know I am here and sitting in my room playing on Internet instead of exploring.  Well it is time to go explore.  So will talk to you again tomorrow night.  Or when I decide to pay for Internet again.

 Hopefully luggage will make it here before I go home or I will be traveling with out.  This sucks!!!  So much for being all dressy and blingy.  Now I am in jeans and a sorta purple shirt.  But at least Ido have my hats.  They I carry on with me.

Well until tomorrow.

Last day on Sacramento

Hey all just finishing off from my days at a convention

Today up and down to breakie for last day.  So ball room is not opened yet.  Great is there any venders down stairs yet.  Might as well take a boo and see if there is anything to buy that they may be getting rid of now so they do not have to pack it back up.  Well well well there is still some venders still down in the other ball room.  So take a little gander.

They are spread out now that the workshops are not in the other part of the room...  Time to get a little better look.  My tiger broach is still there.  Just take a look at this.  A very pretty piece.

Just beautiful!!!

I picked up some more feathers and a couple other things of pins.  Something I can put onto my self when I am out at events.  Just to bling up a little.  I don't want to be too blingy but have to shine a little.

Anyways I said no more shopping.  Have to fit it all in my suitcase.  I already had to buy another hat box.  A soft sided one to put my new hat into.  You know that big gorgeous hat I got two days ago.  It looks so good on me..  Sorry do not have a picture of it now, but when I get home and get some pictures from other people I will put it up.  But for now.  No

So after the ball room opened up we all filed in for our last meal together.  Then there was prizes to give out.  Tickets were sold and other draws were made.    I got a basket full,of goodies from one of the prizes.  There was a fan,  picture frame, mirror, a note pad and a purse.  Oh great more stuff to take home.  I am going to be packing up forever trying to figure out how to get these things home.  Plus the new hat and bit of jewelry that I had gotten.  A bit of junk jewelry and some nice stuff.  A few clothes that were on sale in kohls and the trip to hobby lobby i made.Well I am happy to say.  I have it all in.

Will I do it again. Yeah probably.  I should have bought a pin that said shopping is my life.  Well I did stop and not buy anything today.  But what I bought were not that much.  Yeah on sale.!!!  So next time bigger suitcase.  Ha ha!!!

So after breakfast. They did some draws and then they played a couple of games.  Horse racing.  Bring your own hobby horse and race it down some blocks.  A caller says who is going when. Whether it is one block or three blocks or more until you get to the end.  Me I was asked to race and ended up last.  Oh well.  Did not need anymore stuff to take home.

So after the races did closing and and said all our goodbyes.

Me I went for a walk.  The ball room was dang cool today so out into warm air to warm up a bit.  Meanwhile back at the hotel it seems that the other ladies were trying to call me.  Well I did not get the call, but did meet up with them at the front of hotel later.

Over to hobby lobby we did go.  But gee the hobby was closed.  Who would think a store would be closed on a Sunday.  Not us anyways.  But the sign outside said closed on Sunday so staff can spend a day with family.  Have not heard anything like that in ages.  All stores are opened all the time.  But this.  Well unthinkable.  Well kohls is opened.  Down there for a few minutes to check out the sales.  Yes again I did not buy anything.  Just wondered while the other two ladies did a bit of looking..  So then had a little time to spare before we were going for something to eat.

So headed over to the mall.  Across the busy highway we head.  Walk along the parking lot.  It is dang hot out there.  Great!  It was suppose to be getting a little cooler.  Not!!!  Into Macy's which is the closest door.  Wander around for an hour or so.  I show them the bling store I found the  last time I was in the mall.  Pretty pretty pretty.

Then we headed back across the hot parking lot to the Olive Garden to have a very yummy last meal.  Talked about the convention and about other things coming up.  I had heard of a few but not all,of them they were talking about.  Sounds like there is allot more going on them I hear about.  Even in my area.  I would not have to go far and wide to enjoy red hatting if I knew about some of these things.  For now am doing a little traveling to see a little country and getting to know a few new friends.  Sounds good to me, but can't keep it up or I will run out of money.

So now that is my little adventure in Sacramento.  I had allot of fun.  Meant a few new friends.  Still did not come much out of my shell to meet more ladies but got to know a few from a round the area I live. Well lets see what happens at the next one.  Maybe or maybe not.  I might get to know some more friends or I will sit around and just watch what is going on.  Well time will tell.

So closing on this adventure and onto the next in a few weeks.  Fun, fun, fun, well at least I hope

Hi all from the land of oz

Well today started off with a yummy breakfast dress in our Jammie's.  well mine were not exactly Jammie's but close enough

Canada t shirt and a night cap that looks like a Santa hat and canda jammie bottoms.I made it awhile ago.  I am standing next to scare crow.  Yeah right which one is the scare crow.

But look at all the Jammies still on while the workshops are going on

Then it was off to more shopping shopping shopping.  For all the things you did not pick up yesterday.

There were also workshops going on.  You could make a hat pin, or maybe a button ring or a flower earrings..  Then there was the picture frame or the cell phone case.  There was also a facinator workshop.  Here is my piece of art

I had to finish it in my room as there was not enough time to do all they wanted done on it.  So I bought a few flowers to cover up the glue spots I had made.  Look pretty good.  Will need a little touching up when I get home.

I had to buy a hat box to get home my big hat.  I seen this hat and you know it looked so great on me I had to buy it.  Wore it the first night to the dress up dinner.  Now I just have to get it home

Beautiful isn't it?  I know I have to get it home don't I?  

The facinator class took up most of the afternoon after lunch.  So didn't do any other workshops. I got in the hat pin workshop in the morning and the flower earring workshop in the morning.  Other then that just wandered around and looked at all the stuff for sale.  Oh how much I would love to have allot of it but. That is it.  Just looking.

Now tonight was the night of nights.  It is a twister costume party.  My my allot of emagination out there.  I saw ladies dressed as the yellow brick road.  Or the was allot of witches.  A few Dorothy's and scarecrows and tin man.  I didn't see much of the cowardly lion.  There was one dressed up as over the rainbow. Some ladies from the emerald city.  Was interesting to see what everyone thought up to do.  Me I was a witch.  Not a great one but I did try

What cha think?

So now just one more day and then it is homeward bound.  Yeah with all my excess luggage..  Will still have to figure it out.  Next time bigger suitcase then if I buy something silly I know I can get it home.

So lots of fun so far.  Great food and lots to do

Day four in sacramento

This morning up and down to a little breakie.  Not much a muffin did seem to do the trick.  Too much food here.

Am meeting a few other ladies from different groups.  Still am a little on the quiet side so just sit back and listen to what is being said.  They say get in there and have a good time.  Well that may be for some people but for me it is hard.

After breakie hopped on a shuttle with a few other ladies and headed down to old Sacramento.  

We went to the costume store that is down in the this area.  The sidewalks are all made up of timber. Looks like when the cowboys where still around.  Interesting to see.  So in the costume store I found some feathers.  Very long feathers that I want for a hat I am going to make for gold fever.   Then I also found something to go with my which costume tomorrow.  A good day of walking around the old part of town.  They said there is a bling shop down here as well but did not have time to look as the shuttle would be coming back at a certain time to pick us all back up.

Well we sat for awhile waiting for the shuttle.  It was suppose to be back at 12 but did not get there until 12:30.  Warm sitting there waiting for it.

Back at the hotel.  And time to register.  Standing in line and they open up registration half hour early because so many are standing there.

So now registered and heading to the shopping area.  Bling bling bling.  Everywhere.!!!  What to choose.  Wandering and I see on top shelf a hat.  The most beautiful hat I have seen so far.  Bring it down and try it on.  You know it is mine.  It fits perfectly.  It is mine.  I will wear it tonight.  I find a bit of bling.  You know it has to be dolphins.  Did I mention I like dolphins.  Found a bracelet of a dolphin and a ring to match.  Oh am in my glory. I better stop or I will keep buying.  Wondering around.  There is so much to look at.  Clothing bling and more bling.

Back at the room.  Had to tear myself away.  But had to get dressed.  On goes the makeup.  Yes I am wearing makeup.  Not too often you see me with that.  No more pony tail.  Hair is pulled up.  On goes a very pretty dress.  Sequinned all over.  Gloves and then bling and then the hat.  I did not get a picture of this but maybe from one of the other ladies later on.  I think they may have taken some.

Well check this out.  The seven of us are the only Canadians there.  They say that we are the first Canadians to come to this affair.  Imagine that.  My first convention and it is the first time for Canadians.

Shop shop shop.

S now the dinner we all sat together.  Not spread out around the room.  Well that made me feel a little more comfortable.  I am not sure about sitting with people I don't know.  I know I better get use to it as you have allot more of these to go to.

Red hats everywhere.  Big beautiful red hats..  Some of them tried themes for the over the rainbow theme.  Is interesting to see what some ladies do.  Others were dressed to the hilt beautiful dresses and bling bling bling.

We go to choose what we wanted when we signed up for this a few months ago.  It started off with a salad and then I had the salmon and desert afterwards.  Yummy.

Then there was prizes given out afterwards.  One of the ladies at our table won a prize for best hat.  A very nice tea pot.

That partying will go on late into the night.dancing and socializing.  I being party pooper I am headed back to the room so I can get some sleepy by and be ready tomorrow for the pyjama party they are running tomorrow morning with breakie.  Well all our meals are included.  I am going to be so stuffed after this is all over.  Lots of food.

So that is it for the night. Another fun filled day tomorrow.  Shop till you drop.  Workshops and  costume party at night.

Hi all day three from Sacramento

Tomorrow is going to be the big day.  When all the red hatters converge on Sacramento.

I was down by the lobby and there seems to be allot of them already. Getting off the shuttles coming into the hotel.  Red hats and purple cloths.  Some already getting into the spirit.  Dressed all up and taking pictures and enjoying each others company.  The bar had a couple of tables full of red haters.

Tomorrow will be a mad house of red and purple. Bling bling bling everywhere.  This is going to be interesting to say the least.

So now for my first experience of going to a convention.  Today I decided to get a little into the spirit.

I is gussied up in red and purple.  Well not all the way but my shirt is purple and I bought a new skirt here which just flows so nicely longer in the back then in the front.  Shows off my not so great legs in sorta heals.  Never ever would I be in four inch heals but my little heals look okay.

I also bought my self a little bling to day.  Not anything blingy blingy but it is what I love.  Dolphins.  Yeah I know not another one.  This one is a necklace of three dolphins.  Two gold ones and one made of diamonds.  

Pretty pretty huh?  Well who cares I like it.

So today was kinda a bust.  I was thinking of walking a trail in behind to hotel.  Well at least the person at the hotel desk said it was not far away.  So up around 8 o clock and down to meet Lorna and Bev for breakie.  Something very light for a change.  Then I headed off to take my walk.  Well I was told not far away. Just take this map and it will get you to a walking trail.  Just go to the right and you will have a nice walk.

Okay so I start heading in the direction to take this trail.  I am walking and walking and came to exebition stadium.  Turn there and head along the road past the race track and then on down to gets 12. The problem is. I keep walking and come to gate nine then further and gate ten.  It is getting hotter and hotter and I still have not made it to the trail.  So go a little further and do not come to gate eleven yet.  So now hot and tired and not wanting to see how much further I have to go.  I do not see the next gate for quite a while.  Finally say piss on it.  And turn around.  The mall is back the other way and they are a cooler place to be.  The heat is just too much.  

So scoot back towards the mall area.  Head for kohls as it is the closest.  Aw cool air much better.  So wander around there for a little while just to cool down some.  The temperature is getting up to 40 degrees.  Way too hot to be out walking around in it.  In kohls is where I found this necklace.  So great I went back in.  I also saw a skirt yesterday and was hoping that it would still be there.  I am not much on skirts and dresses that do not cover my legs.  But this one looks okay.  My puggie legs are going to have to show.  

My next stop is e hobby lobby.  Crafts crafts craft.  I seen some feathers that would look great for a hat I am making for gold hat fever.  Just have to find a whole bunch more in order to make it.  It will take allot of feathers for it.  Be patent I will find them.  Also found a few other things that I can use.  Gosh I could have bought allot of things out of there to make stuff but I know I have not much room in a suitcase.

So had a little time left before coming back to room so headed over to mall again.  I know wasn't much over there but thought might just take another look and see if I did miss something.  Well I did.  Not to buy but to look at.  I found a store in a corner that sells blingy stuff.  I didn't see anything in there that popped out to me but it was nice to look at.

Well later in the day now and headed back to room to maybe take a dip in pool.  Message on machine saying that part of my group is heading to Applebee's tonight at 4:30.  Well not that does not give me much time to soak in the pool.  So off I go to the pool to get in a little.  To cool off.  Stake out my chair in the shade.  Grab a towel and then hop in the pool.  Well not exactly hop.  Slowly I mean slowly down the steps.  The pool is cool and I have had a hot day.  Finally in.  Soak away. Aw!!!  That just feels so good.  Do a few slow laps back and forth.  Just to loosen up my joints from walking.  Then a little stetching.  After I have limbered up I head over to hot tub.  Bubbles, bubbles.  Feels so good.  Then one more dunk in pool.  Just to cool off after hot tub.  This is suppose to be good for the joints.  I wonder though.

So sit on the chair for a little while to dry off a little before I walk back down hall to room.  It is getting late and I was suppose to be down in foyer to meet some of the ladies to go to supper.  Well I am down there were is everyone else.  Walking around a little then there they are.  Shuttle was suppose to be here.  Waiting and waiting and waiting for a shuttle. Finally it comes back from airport and we are ready to go.

Applebee's for happy hour and appies.  Yeah cheese sticks here I come.  Oh they are good.  Well not as good as Arby's but they are good.

After a couple hours of eating and some drinking the shuttle is back to take us back to hotel.  Party tonight in one room.  No I think I have had it for the day.  Too many long walking days in the heat.  Time to go back to room and put my feet up and watch a little boob tube.  I know BORING!  My choice tomorrow is going to be a big day and my legs they are a telling me now.  Sit down relax and just take it easy.  So here I is talking with all of you.  Well maybe one or two.

Tomorrow is registration and then it begins.  So talk again tomorrow.  I just a chilled tonight