Red Hat New Year

We are almost two weeks into the New Year.  Really?  How did that happen?  I think I've left the house once or twice, but for the most part we have just stayed home and tried to avoid the onslaught of flu that is ravaging our area.  I was supposed to attend a 3-day event this weekend but the scare of catching something really scared me away.  I know that makes me sound super old, but it is what it is.  The Red Hat January lunch is also today and I will venture out for a couple of hours, keep my hands close to me and clean at all times, and enjoy a bit of time with these zany ladies.



To add to the fun, it's dang cold out.  We live in Dallas right?  The last time I looked it was below freezing and yet, for some reason, people north of us are much warmer.  Go figure.  At any rate, the heater in my new car works magnificently and I even have seat warmers.  I'm off for a couple hours of fun and then back into seclusion.  What a life I lead.

Today's event is being hosted by Fonda and it's a Mexican event at Fernando's in Richardson.  I've never been up this way before and as soon as I park, my little eagle eye spots a super fun sculpture.  Yes, it's worth the walk over and a quick snap.  I love it.

Okay, focus now.  We (collectively, me, myself, and I) are not out for an exploration, although I may return to this area another day and do just that.  Back to the restaurant.  It's a great corner spot with homes above and I'm betting this place is hopping on a warm evening with lots of fun on the patio.  Hmmm, maybe bring Mister up here this spring.

As I enter the doors, I spot a room at the back filled with lovely ladies wearing crimson bonnets.  Yep, that's us AND we're in the wine room.  How fun.

I'm later than usual arriving and everyone has already seated themselves and finished the usual "hey, how are you doing's?"  I find a spot at the end of the table and just sit down to watch for awhile - oh and take a few pictures too.

With the window right behind, it's hard to get great pictures, with good light, but these are better than nothing.

Once everyone has arrived and we have all ordered, Fonda has a game for us to play while we wait for our food.  It is a trivia game and a prize for the one who wins.  She has handed out notebooks and pens for all and here are the questions (yes, and answers) to the game:

1.  What is dropped in Times Square on New Year's Eve?  (ball)
2.  Which area celebrates the new year first - California or Washington D.C.?  (D.C.)
3.  Who is the poet that wrote Auld Lang Syne?  (Robert Burns)
4.  Who was the rock star that appeared in the movie New Year's Eve?  (I don't remember the answer but I know Bon Jovi was in it.)
5.  What Feast Day celebration takes place on New Year's Eve?  (St. Sylvester's)
6.  True or False:  January was named for Julius Caesar.  (False)
7.  Who celebrates the New Year first:  Australia or New Zealand?  (NZ)
8.  On what day will New Years fall in the year 2020?  (Wednesday)
9.  Who celebrates the New Year first:  England or _______ (England - wish I could remember who the other country was.)
10.  Which country celebrates a Spring Festival on New Years?  (China)
11.  What was the 2006 movie about people trapped on a sinking luxury ocean liner?  (Poseidon Adventure - remake - why is this question here, you  may ask.  It took place on New Years Eve.)
12.  What country says Bonne Annee on the first day of the year?  (France)

Bonus Question - worth 5 points

13.  Which country wears red underwear as part of their New Year celebration?  (Italy)

Now who has the most points?  I managed to get 8 points but missed the all important bonus question by guessing Japan.  Oh well.  PAULA --- has 13 points and wins the coveted prize.  What could it be?

HAHAHAHAHA --- red underwear that are to be gifted to someone else next New Year.  Oh my, we are now the Sisterhood of the Traveling Underwear.  Interesting.

The food is here and time for some conversation with those sitting near by.  What an enjoyable time and the clock moves all too fast.  A group picture before people leave gets us moving and setting up things.

Paula and I have the same hat on today - thus a picture.

As beautiful ladies are about to leave, I grab a few pics to remember the day and the smiles all around.

Well, that's it.  It's all I've got.  Another gathering has come and gone.  It sounds like fun events are ahead of us and apparently I need to make a poodle skirt for June.  Stay tuned.

Oh one last side note - I have to admit that all those smiles in the group picture are not just because it is picture time.  Something else was indeed going on, but what happens at Red Hatters, stays at Red Hatters.  Til next time,

Ciao