Leading up to the big event, my hairdresser had to cancel my appointment. You women get it...that meant that my naturally brown hair would look as if I had dumped baby powder on the roots. Yes, I have gray hair...and quite a bit of it. So, being resourceful, I went to my local pharmacy and invested in...
Oh, I thought I was special, smart, and all that. I got up early the day of the big reunion, washed and dried my hair..and touched up those roots as best as I could...right, not fabulous, but better. Then Millie and I set out for a walk. Word for the wise, do not fake color your hair and then go out and sweat. Not good. Yes, I had lovely brown streaks running down my face. I tell you, Papa Joe contemplated leaving me behind. Throughout the day, as I scratched my head, my fingers emerged brown. I just told everyone I was a die hard gardener.
Well, in spite of my mishap, we arrived at our hotel...and to Papa Joe's utter delight...there was a BarcaLounger! Seriously, in the hotel room!
He brought fortification...or false courage. This man planned well!
And I found the free popcorn in the lobby. You see, we had to have our cocktail hour in the room because the reunion was in the High School...no cocktails. And although he would not admit it, Papa Joe was a nervous Ned. And I must admit, I was a tad nervous myself. I knew no one. So, I mad a mad dash to Target for last minute items...sock for him, coffee creamer for me. I know...why does anyone need to know that? Well, we do not have a Target and we all know I love Target...so I shopped. So did everyone else in the greater Marian area. Good heavens. It was an odd set up...and old mall...it still has Dillard's, the Police Station and Target. Not much else. Kudos for re-using existing space, ok, I digress. I came back, tried to salvage my odd hair and stuffed my chubby self into my Spanx. Spanx for you who do not know of this miraculous garment...is an old fashioned girdle with a sassy name. And I thank the great lady who invented them. So what if I could not breathe...not important. What really mattered was trying to look good for the reunion. Trying being the operative word. It began to rain as we drove off.
So, yes, as I walked to and from the car....my amazing color job started leaving ginormous brown streaks down my face. Special. Thank goodness for Kleenex and the fact that most of Papa Joe's classmates had failing vision.
My Papa Joe with his liquid courage! And, yes, he looks quite dapper.
See, my guy looks darn good!
Cousin Linda, a classmate and Papa Joe
Yes, he was getting tired of my camera already...but in truth, he loved looking at the pictures later.
The classmates. And we all know that I could not let this one pass....the old girlfriend...as Papa Joe put it.."she broke my heart, kicked me to the curb." So of course I was curious, and grateful for my Spanx. So of course I took a picture...sneakily...of course!
She is in the middle...brown slacks, cream shirt, next to cousin Linda..Papa Joe says that her husband does not like him. Hmmmn. I asked no questions!
The star basketball players in the old gym. It was a great evening...new faces for me, and renewed friendships for Papa Joe. Afterwards we met some classmates at BIg Boys, a bar in Vienna. There was a Pimp and Ho Birthday party going on there. I could not even make that one up. It was worth the price of admission to observe that. Papa Joe brought me a glass of wine that tasted like pure vinegar. You know,there are some bars where you simply should not order wine. Lesson learned. By that time my hair felt like peanut brittle that has been left in the sun for a year. Disgusting. I think I really made a great impression!!!!!
In other news, Friday night Millie and I headed to 29 Gallery for a girls night.
This is Allison, the owner. Known to my children as Big Al. She babysat for my children once upon a time. She is the sitter that Cole and Madeline tied to a chair with a jump rope in a closet, and left her while they went on to watch The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But that is a story for another day. And yes, she still speaks to me!
With my sisters
Christine painting her pottery....
Which turned out far better than I imagined. Millie helped me with mine...which did not turn out far better than I imagined!
Julie and her jewels, and yes, she still has her tattoo. So, feeling left out, I got one...courtesy of Julie
That is a wine glass, in case you could not tell. Red wine is good for you.
Then we gave Millie one on her lower back....
Not to be outdone, Jamey got one at home as well. Yes, we are so mature. But we had fun! And ok, Julie's looks better than any of ours. But that does not mean I like it. I just like her.
In other news,
The front of The View got a facelift. Nice work!
My 8 months pregnant friend Khara took a tumble while on her daily run. Poor dear girl!
Grandmommy Henry hung out with Andie McDowell and her Daddy. She always told us she knew Andie...I guess she really does!
Sweet Henry, all tuckered out! Life on the farm can do that to you.
Adam surprised Maggie with a 30th Birthday Celebration at American Harvest. Aw, favorite son in law did well!
The girls...
Meanwhile, Cole spent the weekend in Brooklyn, NY. He and Jon went off to visit Greg. I asked for pictures, and this is what I got. Ok. At least I know he is there!
Have a great week!!!
Location:Vienna, Illinois
