There are a few of us girls who hung out in high school that try to get together every now and then (as in every four years or so) and do something sort of special. Our tradition started out with a meal out the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We've had big groups and little groups. It's always something to look forward and we have a great time. In fact, that will be upon us shortly. There is nothing better than eating and laughing with friends and family, is there?!
This past Saturday three of my girlfriends got together for a night of camping. When this idea was proposed several weeks ago, the response I received was humorous. Camping? Uh, no. In a tent?! Uh, no way. I explained to them that we had just purchased a pretty modern camper and they would survive. At my dad's surprise party, I got the approval from 'Susan' and 'Danielle' after a tour of the camper. They were all about it...especially Danielle. 'Brandi' would just have to trust us on this one.
The day came, and of course, life got in the way a little. (This is what happens when you don't go far enough away from home.) For a couple hours, I ended up at my son's playoff football game in Palestine and Danielle headed to Casey for her nephew's game. Susan and Brandi were left behind in the camper to catch up.
I had warned the girls that I was hoping to be at a playoff game for Lane's football team, but I didn't realize it was also the conference tournament championship game for volleyball. It didn't matter though because Jay was working nights. Lane is 10 years old and in a contact sport. Madolyn is a freshman dressing varsity, and as long as there isn't a major catastrophe, she shouldn't actually play in the Varsity game. Of course, this made Lane and I laugh...(Madolyn is a walking catastrophe). So there was no question that I would skip the volleyball game and go to the football game. (I do believe that is the first volleyball game I have ever missed since Madolyn started playing - eck.) I'm sure it won't be the last!
We didn't plan much of a menu and were going to keep things pretty simple. But great minds think alike...I was baking a batch of Grandma Great brownies in the camper oven when Danielle showed up holding a plate of her delicious cupcakes with homemade icing (they were so yummy), then Brandi waltzed in with a package of Pilsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (oh, just like old times). And later on that night, Deputy Deb (Brandi's sister) brought us some homemade chocolate & peanut butter chip cookies that Brandi's mom had made us. I had forgotten what a good cook Dorothy was. They were soft and mouth-watering. We had the sweets covered.
It was funny, right before I left to go to the game, I asked the girls if they wanted me to start a fire in the fire pit. They laughed, "Uh, no, we aren't going outside. We're going to sit right here." That cracked me up. But I had the furnace on, there were warm brownies, cupcakes, hot cheesy salsa dip, and a working bathroom. Why would you go outside?!
The football team lost (boo) but on the way home, I learned that the volleyball girls had WON. I was so excited, I almost (almost) teared up. I was sooo happy for them! Now I could quit stewing about it and get back to my girls! I arrive at the camper and am filling Susan and Brandi in on the games, when I get a text from a mom that says the fire trucks are escorting the girls' bus through town. I looked up at Susan and Brandi and without hesitation said, "I have to go!"
They wanted to go to Pizza Hut and Danielle was going to be heading back from her game soon, so the plan was for me to drop Susan and Brandi off at Pizza Hut, go to Martinsville and return. Danielle would head over to Marshall from Casey and go straight to the restaurant. Only, I started to panic that I was going to miss the bus and the escort, so what do we do? We all went to Martinsville.
And just like old times, we got in line and escorted the Streaks through town behind the fire trucks with horns blaring and hazard lights flashing. It was great. Honestly, I was glad they came along so I wasn't by myself, and Danielle's car added one more to the fan caravan! We talked and laughed reminiscing about our glory days, when we were the ones going through town with the fire trucks and the sirens.
We made it to Pizza Hut and sat there for almost two hours, talking away, and returned to the warm, cozy camper for more chit-chat. It was a good time, even though it was heavily interrupted. I wouldn't exactly call it a camping trip either. I told them that theoretically, we could have done exactly what we did with my camper sitting in my driveway plugged in. Ha. Danielle got numerous texts and phone calls from family members asking her if she really was camping. They seemed to be in disbelief. I wonder if they realize we weren't really roughing it...ssh, maybe that is a secret.
Soon Brandi will be back home, and hopefully, we can have more nights like this one with our fellas and kids. I think I've made 'campers' out of at least two of these gals, and we're trying to convince Brandi to live in mine temporarily. I'm not sure that's going to fly though. She might have been the least impressed with it all. That's okay, she brought the cookie dough and her mom sent cookies. (By the way, B, I ate that cookie dough the next day:)
Oh, and the exciting news, Danielle and I are planning to rent an RV and travel across the USA some day. Now, doesn't that sound like fun?
Showing posts with label Mville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mville. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Friday, October 17, 2014
Celebrating Fall at the new Linn Park & Amphitheater
This Saturday night beginning at 5:30 p.m., the Martinsville on the Move Events Team is hosting a Celebration of Fall at the new Linn Park/Amphitheater in Martinsville.
They will have a pumpkin carving contest with awesome cash prizes. $50 first prize and $25 second prize in each of three age categories: under 10, 10-16 and over 16. You don't have to be present to win. Carved pumpkins must be entered at the amphitheater by 4:30.
Games, hayride, bonfire & wienie roast begin at 5:30. DJ and dancing starts at 7:00. Bring your lawn chairs and a sweatshirt and come out to the beautiful new park and amphitheater. The weather looks to cooperate for a great night celebrating fall.
Food costs at the fall celebration are: $2 hot dog, $.50 chips, $ .50 bottled water or hot chocolate. Marshmallows are free, but chocolate and graham crackers to make a S'more is $1. All activities are free.
A little later on in the evening, if you're looking for a spook, head down to the fairgrounds beef barn and enter the Haunted Barn sponsored by the Fireman's Auxiliary and Fire Department. Cost is $5. Hours are 9:00-12:00.
Our bunch went last year and thought it was fantastic. We usually visit a couple haunted houses in the area and thought that the fire department and ladies auxiliary did an outstanding job. The Haunted Barn will also be open Oct 17, 24 & 25.
Happy Fall Ya'll!
They will have a pumpkin carving contest with awesome cash prizes. $50 first prize and $25 second prize in each of three age categories: under 10, 10-16 and over 16. You don't have to be present to win. Carved pumpkins must be entered at the amphitheater by 4:30.
Games, hayride, bonfire & wienie roast begin at 5:30. DJ and dancing starts at 7:00. Bring your lawn chairs and a sweatshirt and come out to the beautiful new park and amphitheater. The weather looks to cooperate for a great night celebrating fall.
Food costs at the fall celebration are: $2 hot dog, $.50 chips, $ .50 bottled water or hot chocolate. Marshmallows are free, but chocolate and graham crackers to make a S'more is $1. All activities are free.
A little later on in the evening, if you're looking for a spook, head down to the fairgrounds beef barn and enter the Haunted Barn sponsored by the Fireman's Auxiliary and Fire Department. Cost is $5. Hours are 9:00-12:00.
Our bunch went last year and thought it was fantastic. We usually visit a couple haunted houses in the area and thought that the fire department and ladies auxiliary did an outstanding job. The Haunted Barn will also be open Oct 17, 24 & 25.
Happy Fall Ya'll!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Time keeps on slipping...into the future.
Ahhh, can you tell it's summertime? I went to my blog page and noticed my last post was way back on June 6. Who can even remember what they were doing that far back?! I'm still alive and well, people...just enjoying summer and it's busyness.
This week's excitement consists of one of my fondest childhood memories: The Martinsville Ag Fair. There is none like it. If you have a chance to come visit, please do so...(unless you're just a fair hater - you better stay home.)
I know some people just don't get into it like I do, but it's in my genes and I cannot imagine a summer without it. I go every day as much as I can and soak it all up. First rule: skip grocery shopping for the week - use the grocery money on fair food!! It can get a little pricey, so that's how I make it work.
A lot of time and energy is demanded to make it all together, and no one really realizes just how much until they've had a family member or friend on the board. I certainly hope that every person who enjoys even just a couple hours at the fair will extend a simple "Thank you" to the fair board at some point.
I was probably considered a "fair rat" when I was younger, spending all day, every day at the fairgrounds running around with friends and cousins, driving the ladies in the secretary's office crazy, answering the phone and giving out somewhat accurate information. Fast forward to the present and my kids are the fair rats running around driving everyone in the office crazy, enjoying their candy and air conditioning, answering the phone, etc.
It won't be long and the week will be over; the fairgrounds will stand empty and still. I often drive by thinking, wow, I can't believe just a few weeks (months, year) ago, that place was jam-packed with people from all over, partaking of the festivities. It's a beautiful little corner of my world, covered in a blanket of the Lord's protection. I firmly believe that.
If you have a chance, stop in and visit the Martinsville Ag Fair. And, please, say a prayer for the board members, volunteers, vendors and spectators. Praise the Lord that we are still able to host such an event with great success.
This week's excitement consists of one of my fondest childhood memories: The Martinsville Ag Fair. There is none like it. If you have a chance to come visit, please do so...(unless you're just a fair hater - you better stay home.)
I know some people just don't get into it like I do, but it's in my genes and I cannot imagine a summer without it. I go every day as much as I can and soak it all up. First rule: skip grocery shopping for the week - use the grocery money on fair food!! It can get a little pricey, so that's how I make it work.
A lot of time and energy is demanded to make it all together, and no one really realizes just how much until they've had a family member or friend on the board. I certainly hope that every person who enjoys even just a couple hours at the fair will extend a simple "Thank you" to the fair board at some point.
I was probably considered a "fair rat" when I was younger, spending all day, every day at the fairgrounds running around with friends and cousins, driving the ladies in the secretary's office crazy, answering the phone and giving out somewhat accurate information. Fast forward to the present and my kids are the fair rats running around driving everyone in the office crazy, enjoying their candy and air conditioning, answering the phone, etc.
It won't be long and the week will be over; the fairgrounds will stand empty and still. I often drive by thinking, wow, I can't believe just a few weeks (months, year) ago, that place was jam-packed with people from all over, partaking of the festivities. It's a beautiful little corner of my world, covered in a blanket of the Lord's protection. I firmly believe that.
If you have a chance, stop in and visit the Martinsville Ag Fair. And, please, say a prayer for the board members, volunteers, vendors and spectators. Praise the Lord that we are still able to host such an event with great success.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Project Runway
I had my first experience 'modeling' vintage clothing for our local style show, Styles from the Attic, on Sunday. When I was asked about six weeks ago, I hesitated for a moment, suggested my daughter do it instead, realized she had a conflict and accepted the invitation. I try to help where I can and not be a party-pooper, though this is really something that is not within my norm.
A few weeks after I committed to the show, I tried on several dresses and found a few that seemed to fit, some that didn't (put in the skinny girl pile) and did next to nothing to prepare myself for this modeling debut. One might think making good eating choices and some toning exercises would be appropriate...but that didn't really occur to me until the rehearsal. Of course, by then it was a wee bit too late. Off to Wal-Mart I went to buy a cheap version of some Spanx (stuff-it-in-tight-type undergarment).
I originally was supposed to wear two dresses: one from the 1920's, lovely, black velvet with ivory lace trim, flowy and forgiving; and the other from the 1960's, Aqua Blue, lacy and just about right in the size department. At the rehearsal, I was asked to wear another dress that a nine-year-old was supposed to wear. Yes, you heard that right - a nine-year-old, not a thirty-nine-year-old. I suggested that perhaps someone a little younger and smaller than I would be better suited for the dress, but the lady was insistent that I could wear it, she had and she just knew I could too. I tried it on, and that's when a friend and co-model suggested the 'Spanx." Thank you, "Lora," for the suggestion. I was grateful to find one that worked.
It was obvious that the style show committee, made up of energetic, organized women in our community, had worked long and hard to put on a class act...and I think they did. I believe there were approximately 60 different outfits modeled, beginning with dresses from the early 1900's and ending with the 1970's. There were several children who participated and they too, did a great job. Some of those younger gals had to change in and out of outfits quickly and run right back out on stage.
Our local 'high-dollar' hair stylist was there to give us very quick up-do's and he was fabulous on my first fix. I thought I would just wear my hair down and not mess with up-do's...apparently he did not agree with that idea because he called me over and said, "What are we going to do with your hair?" I told him my first dress was 1921, and in less than five minutes, I had the most perfect hairstyle. I felt like I had just walked off the set of Downton Abbey.
Jay was working so I texted him a picture of me in each dress. His first thought: Oh, your grandma would've loved this. Yes, she sure would have.
I had a little time to spare after the first dress, so after changing into a lovely aqua-colored lacy dress from the 1960's, the hair stylist called me over for hairstyle number two. And let me just say it was a doozie. The hair guy says to me, "I'm going to exaggerate this style just a little bit." That is the understatement of the century.
There weren't any mirrors over by the hair station, so I had no idea what he was doing, but wasn't too worried, until he turned me around and everyone downstairs started laughing and grabbing cameras. I scurried over to the mirror and about lost it. Holy smokes, I looked like I had been caught up in a tornado. I had no choice but to go with it because I was up very soon. The expression on the emcee's face when she turned to see if I was ready to come out on stage was priceless.
Inside I was mortified, but I made the best of it. I will say I didn't waste any time on the 'runway' for this mother-of-the-bride dress at all. Cameras were clicking from all angles. AHHH! I can only imagine the cackle I would have heard out of my grandma on this one.
As soon as I got to work today, a coworker had a nice 8x10 printout of me and ALL my glory. One of the deputies was in my office and he just laughed and laughed.
I had to quickly change out of the pretty mother-of-the-bride dress and stuff myself in the cute meant-for-a-nine-year-old dress and then starting dismantling the nest on my head. Lots of heavy brushing went into taming that beast. I also lost several strands of hair. (Thankfully I have a full head of hair!)
Within about ten minutes I was out with somewhat 'normal' hair in a tight-fighting cute dress from...you know, I don't even remember what decade it was out of. But it really was a cute little dress...(emphasis on little.)
By the time the show was over, I was worn out. And I didn't have to hustle like some of the girls did...I can only imagine how exhausted they were! One little gal literally got stuck in her dress. They were yelling, "we're waiting on you" over and over, and the lady helping kept yelling back, "she's stuck, we are trying to get her out." It was one of those funny/not funny situations. She escaped that zipper and was back up in no time.
I really wish I had more pictures to share of the decor and all the hats and outfits displayed upstairs. The table decorations were very nice and tasteful. They served punch, mints, cookies and cupcakes to everyone. It was obvious the committee had worked very hard on this event. I had a lot of fun participating and am pleased that I accepted the invitation. There were a great group of 'models' downstairs and lots of good helpers.
I had pretty big hair in junior high and high school. Perms were all the rage, and I had lots of curls. Sometimes I miss big hair. I always say that I hope some day big hair comes back, but not the I'm-going-to-exaggerate-this-style-just-a-little-bit big.
A few weeks after I committed to the show, I tried on several dresses and found a few that seemed to fit, some that didn't (put in the skinny girl pile) and did next to nothing to prepare myself for this modeling debut. One might think making good eating choices and some toning exercises would be appropriate...but that didn't really occur to me until the rehearsal. Of course, by then it was a wee bit too late. Off to Wal-Mart I went to buy a cheap version of some Spanx (stuff-it-in-tight-type undergarment).
I originally was supposed to wear two dresses: one from the 1920's, lovely, black velvet with ivory lace trim, flowy and forgiving; and the other from the 1960's, Aqua Blue, lacy and just about right in the size department. At the rehearsal, I was asked to wear another dress that a nine-year-old was supposed to wear. Yes, you heard that right - a nine-year-old, not a thirty-nine-year-old. I suggested that perhaps someone a little younger and smaller than I would be better suited for the dress, but the lady was insistent that I could wear it, she had and she just knew I could too. I tried it on, and that's when a friend and co-model suggested the 'Spanx." Thank you, "Lora," for the suggestion. I was grateful to find one that worked.
It was obvious that the style show committee, made up of energetic, organized women in our community, had worked long and hard to put on a class act...and I think they did. I believe there were approximately 60 different outfits modeled, beginning with dresses from the early 1900's and ending with the 1970's. There were several children who participated and they too, did a great job. Some of those younger gals had to change in and out of outfits quickly and run right back out on stage.
 |
| Just call me Her Ladyship. |
Jay was working so I texted him a picture of me in each dress. His first thought: Oh, your grandma would've loved this. Yes, she sure would have.
I had a little time to spare after the first dress, so after changing into a lovely aqua-colored lacy dress from the 1960's, the hair stylist called me over for hairstyle number two. And let me just say it was a doozie. The hair guy says to me, "I'm going to exaggerate this style just a little bit." That is the understatement of the century.
There weren't any mirrors over by the hair station, so I had no idea what he was doing, but wasn't too worried, until he turned me around and everyone downstairs started laughing and grabbing cameras. I scurried over to the mirror and about lost it. Holy smokes, I looked like I had been caught up in a tornado. I had no choice but to go with it because I was up very soon. The expression on the emcee's face when she turned to see if I was ready to come out on stage was priceless.
 |
| No, it's not a wig or hairpiece. |
Inside I was mortified, but I made the best of it. I will say I didn't waste any time on the 'runway' for this mother-of-the-bride dress at all. Cameras were clicking from all angles. AHHH! I can only imagine the cackle I would have heard out of my grandma on this one.
As soon as I got to work today, a coworker had a nice 8x10 printout of me and ALL my glory. One of the deputies was in my office and he just laughed and laughed.
I had to quickly change out of the pretty mother-of-the-bride dress and stuff myself in the cute meant-for-a-nine-year-old dress and then starting dismantling the nest on my head. Lots of heavy brushing went into taming that beast. I also lost several strands of hair. (Thankfully I have a full head of hair!)
 |
| Thank God for the 'Spanx" |
By the time the show was over, I was worn out. And I didn't have to hustle like some of the girls did...I can only imagine how exhausted they were! One little gal literally got stuck in her dress. They were yelling, "we're waiting on you" over and over, and the lady helping kept yelling back, "she's stuck, we are trying to get her out." It was one of those funny/not funny situations. She escaped that zipper and was back up in no time.
I really wish I had more pictures to share of the decor and all the hats and outfits displayed upstairs. The table decorations were very nice and tasteful. They served punch, mints, cookies and cupcakes to everyone. It was obvious the committee had worked very hard on this event. I had a lot of fun participating and am pleased that I accepted the invitation. There were a great group of 'models' downstairs and lots of good helpers.
I had pretty big hair in junior high and high school. Perms were all the rage, and I had lots of curls. Sometimes I miss big hair. I always say that I hope some day big hair comes back, but not the I'm-going-to-exaggerate-this-style-just-a-little-bit big.
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