We have had several requests for repeats of the Monthly Queen's Corner so here they are for your enjoyment!  The eloquent musings of our Queen .............   February 2012   HAPPY NEW YEAR I am sure I am not alone, making New Year Resolutions, and not following through. I have great intentions, as we all do, but by February 1, have lost all resolve and drive and slowly the resolution goes by the wayside. Wikopedia tells us this about resolutions: A New Year resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to one or more personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. This lifestyle change is generally interpreted as advantageous. A New Years Resolution is generally a goal someone sets out to accomplish in the coming year Popular goals include resolutions to: · Improve health: lose weight, exercise more, eat better, drink less alcohol, quit smoking ....(always number one on my list of resolutions. It is good thing I don't drink or smoke - one vice is enough) · Improve finances: get out of debt, save money (at our age, we should be treating ourselves more - what did we save all our lives for?) · Improve career: get a better job ......(retirement is the only job I am looking for) · Improve education: learn something new (such as a foreign language or music)..... (if you attended our Christmas Stocking event at the nursing home and heard us singing Christmas Carols with the residents, might not be a bad idea - improving our singing) · Improve self: become more organized, reduce stress, be less grumpy, manage time, be more independent, perhaps watch less television ......(this is right on target - at our age and a great New Year Resolution) · Take a trip .....(always a great plan, we should travel while we are still able to get around and remember it?) · Volunteer to help others .... (great advice - the Precious Gems, donate to the Eden Community Food Bank every month at our events. Lady Moonstone has volunteered there for years, and has opened our eyes to the needs in the community. We are happy to do what little we can. Our Christmas Stocking event at the nursing home is another event we all look forward to. We get more out of it than the residents I am sure, and puts us in the Christmas spirit of giving.) Wikopedia reports on Success Rate Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. 78% of those who set New Year resolutions fail, and those who succeed have 5 traits in common. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends .... (true Red Hat style, lots of support from their friends.) (Are we surprised by these findings? No, men can only focus on one thing at a time anyway, no wonder they have a higher percentage of success rate ..... We are always focused on the big picture (probably not the best choice of words when thinking of losing weight?) and multitask, juggling lots of balls in the air to keep the household etc. functioning. Men don't have these abilities. No wonder our resolutions fail, we just don't take the time to follow through and succeed. We are always the last on the list. There is little time left over at the end of the day to do something for ourselves, exercise, volunteer etc. We are so busy focusing on the family, work, household, where do we fit in time to do something that pleases us, makes us happy, or follow through with the resolutions we make. We just don't have the energy when all else is done. We look after everyone else and their needs first. The best resolution we can make as mature women is to do something for ourselves - forget all those goals that are out of reach or that will fail. Been there....done that. Even enjoying a great cup of tea in the evening, a good book, calling a friend, or attending a Red Hat event, is attainable and the rest will work itself out. Sure helps with the "IMPROVE SELF" resolution to be less grumpy, less stressed. Nothing like a Red Hat event to laugh and have a great time with your Red Hat sisters, and forget the resolutions we didn't follow through with.)   'Twas after Christmas, and all through the house, Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste, At the holiday parties had gone to my waist. When I got on the scales there arose such a number! When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber). I'd remember the marvellous meals I'd prepared, The gravies and sauces and beef nicely reared, The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese, And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please. As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt, And prepared once again to do battle with dirt. I said to myself, as I only can, "You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!" So--away with the last of the sour cream dip, Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip. Every last bit of food that I like must be banished, Till all the additional ounces have vanished. I won't have a cookie--not even a lick. I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick. I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie, I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry. I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore. But isn't that what January is for? Unable to giggle, no longer a riot HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD DIET! TWELVE MONTHS as a RED HATTER On my fiftieth birthday, my present was to me…… A membership to the Red hat Society On my second month of membership, my present was to me…. Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society On my third month of membership, my present was to me…. Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society On my fourth month of membership, my present was to me… Four purple shawls Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society On my fifth month of membership, my present was to me… Five g-a-w-d-y rings Four purple shawls Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society On my sixth month of membership, my present was to me… Six purple sweatshirts Five g-a-w-d-y rings Four purple shawls Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society On my seventh month of membership, my present was to me… Seven sequined purses Six purple sweatshirts Five g-a-w-d-y rings Four purple shawls Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society… On my eight month of membership, my present was to me… Eight pair of earrings Seven sequined purses Six purple sweatshirts Five g-a-w-d-y rings Four purple shawls Three Cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to tHe Red Hat Society…. On my ninth month of membership, my present was to me….. Nine whistling teapots Eight pair of earrings Seven sequined purses Six purple sweatshirts Five g-a-w-d-y rings Four purple shawls Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society… On my tenth month of membership, my present was to me… Ten fun-filled outings Nine whistling teapots Eight pairs of earrings Seven sequined purses Six purple sweatshirts Five g-a-w-d-y rings Four purple shawls Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society On my eleventh month of membership, my present was to me… Eleven laughing ladies Ten fun-filled outings Nine whistling teapots Eight pairs of earrings Seven sequined purses Six purple sweatshirts Five g-a-w-d-y rings Four purple shawls Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets And a Membership to the Red Hat Society On my twelfth month of membership, my present was to me….. Twelve hats with feathers Eleven laughing ladies Ten fun-filled outings Nine whistling teapots Eight pairs of earrings Seven sequined purses Six purple sweatshirts Five g-a-w-d-y rings Four purple shawls Three cheap wigs Two bangle bracelets and a Membership to the Red Hat Society   January 2012     Merry Christmas from Queen Tourmaline   Another year has come and gone and with it lots of Red Hat fun with our Precious Gems chapterettes. We have had a busy year, with new members to meet, while saying goodbye to others, who have left the group. We have enjoyed great events and lots of laughs. We have welcomed new grandchildren, (3 of us) family weddings, great vacations, lots of new experiences to share with our Red Hat sisters. We have each hosted or co-hosted at least one event during the year and found out that it is as much fun to host an event as to attend. I hope that your experiences with the Precious Gems has brought a little more laughter into your life, and return home after an event with a lighter step, a story to share of the fun you had. (Of course, sometimes you just have to BE there to appreciate it.) Thank you for your co-operation, friendship, companionship, and your enthusiasm. I could not do this alone, we all need to join together to make a great chapter. I can't wait to see what's planned for the Precious Gems in 2012. Wishing you and your families a Very Merry Red Hat Christmas and a Healthy, and Happy 2012.   Santa Red Hats & Hugs, Queen Tourmaline   merry christmas from vice queen pearl I hope that 2012 will bring us all peace, excellent health, good cheer, much prosperity and most of all …. hours of happy times with our red hat friends and family. Hats & Hugs, Vice Queen Paparazzi Pearl   Merry Christmas from Vice Queen Diamond Merry Christmas to my Red Hat Sisters – 2011 has been a year of great successes, joy, happiness and the usual challenges that come when things are worthwhile. Welcome to our “new” Precious Gems and I wish all of you the very best for 2012 – I look forward to sharing laughter, Good Health, Friendship & Love in the New Year. Special Thanks to Queen Tourmaline for all that she does to keep our Group as Exciting & Vibrant as she does – she spends hours behind the scenes working for us and I know we are all Grateful to her.   Hats & Hugs, Vice Queen Diamond     The Week Before Christmas -- by John T. Baker - Copyright 1999 -- JTB8817@aol.com Tis the week before Christmas and all through the house I keep searching for goodies I know that my spouse Has prepared for when Santa and all the kids come - Until then she is serving a bare minimum! She's been baking the cookies and pastries all week And she hides them the better the harder I seek; I hunt and I hint but with little success, She ignores when I ask and just smiles when I guess. Those enticing aromas are so appetizing! The thoughts of those tidbits are too tantalizing! How can she torment me with all this temptation! How dare she subject me to such aggravation! I at last summon courage, demand to know why, And I promptly receive a straightforward reply: "I'm tired of your grumblin', I'm sick of your bitchin'; If you can't stand the wait, stay out of my kitchen!" MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF MY GAL PALS If I were ol' Santa, you know what I'd do I'd dump all the silly gifts given to you And deliver some things just inside your front door Things you have lost, but treasured before. I'd give you back all your maidenly vigor and to go along with it, a neat tiny figure. Then restore the old color that once graced your hair before rinses and bleaches took residence there. I'd bring back the shape with which you were gifted so things now suspended need not be uplifted. I'd draw in your tummy and smooth all the cracks Till you'd be a dream in those tight fitting slacks. I'd remove all your wrinkles and leave only one chin So you wouldn't spend hours rubbing grease on your skin You'd never have flashes or queer dizzy spells and you wouldn't hear noises like ringing of bells. No sore aching feet and no corns on your toes no searching for spectacles right on your nose. Not a shot would you take in your arm, hip or fanny from a doctor who thinks you're a nervous old granny. You'd never have headaches, no pills would you take. no heating pad needed since muscles won't ache. Yes, if I were Santa, you'd never look stupid You'd be one cute chick with the romance of Cupid. I'd give you a lift when the wolves start to whistle, the joys of your heart would be light as a thistle. But alas! I'm not Santa. I'm simply just me the matronest of matrons you ever did see. I wish I could tell all the symptoms I've got But I'm due at my doctor's for an estrogen shot. Even though we've grown older this wish is sincere Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year   December 2011   Technology.......... It seems like we spend more time "being connected" than "staying connected". How much time do we spend checking e-mail, work e-mail, home e-mail, (most of us have several e-mail addresses to check). Blackberry, IPad, IPhone, texting, Facebook, Twitter, My Space, Linkedin, Skype, we are connected for sure by electronics, but are we really connected to each other? We are connected by phone wherever we go, cell phone, home phone, work phone, bluetooth in our cars. We don't go for a walk without a cell phone. There is no place to hide, we are always accessible and connected. But are we really? Social "connection" remains while social" interaction" has disappeared. We spend so much time on "devices" that we don't have time to "visit", meet face to face, carry on real conversations. I don't know about you, but by the time I check my e-mail and Facebook, I don't want to pick up the phone and call the same person. Seems like a waste of more time. You can have conversations on Facebook and other sites. What is up with that? Is it really a "CHAT"? We shop online, everyone has a website you can shop from, some even come right to your Inbox daily with great deals (seems like those sites are multiplying by the day). Why bother to go out shopping for gifts, wrap etc., worry about what size to buy, what colour etc.? It can all be done with very little thought in a couple of minutes on your computer - send them a gift card. Some will ship directly to the recipient, or put notification in their inbox for you. Very useful of course, but haven't we lost some of the personal touches, that make gift giving, and receiving special? Sure can't send a hug can you, sometimes a hug is worth so much more? You can read the newspaper, magazines, all online. You can sell on Kijiji, Ebay, no need to place an ad in a newspaper to reach prospective buyers. No need to go to the library, when you can do all your research online and download a book to read on your E-Reader. Almost everyone does their banking online - no more going to the bank chatting with the tellers while you pay your bills, it is all done in front of your computer. Most paycheques are direct deposit so no need to go to the bank to cash them. You can order your groceries online, if you choose, and have them delivered, and have "Take-Out" delivered to your home before you get there - all online. We share photos, on Facebook, e-mailing, what happened to - come over and see the photos from our trip? We send out Evites, get e-mail RSVP's instead of calling or mailing an invitation, chatting with the recipient when they call to respond. Birthday and greeting cards are sent on the computer, who could possibly like that more than receiving a card in the mail? It takes time to go out, read the cards, purchase them, address them and post them. At least you know the person thought of you for longer than a couple of minutes. Everything has gotten so impersonal, yet we are still "connected". As much as I am on e-mail and the computer all the time, I still miss receiving a letter, note, a package in the mail. I miss seeing photos, the ringing of the phone, holding a hardcover book in my hands. I miss seeing and hearing a friend's laugher at a joke, rather than reading ha ha, lol. I am trying to keep up with the rest, but the old fashioned way has something to be said for it. Don't forget to reach out to each other, the old fashioned way - with a hug, handshake, smile.   Perks of getting old 1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you. 2. In a hostage situation, you are likely to be released first. 3. No one expects you to run --anywhere. 4. People call at 9 PM and ask, 'Did I wake you?' 5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac. 6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way. 7. Things you buy now won't wear out.. 8. You can eat supper at 4 PM.. 9. You can live without sex but not your glasses. 11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge. 12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room. 13. You sing along with elevator music. 14. Your eyes won't get much worse. 15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.. 16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national Weather service. 17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either. 18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size. 19. You can't remember who sent you this list.. And you notice these are all in big print, in case you can't find your glasses.     November 2011   “Thanksgiving” - a time to be grateful for what we have. One day set aside to reflect, eat too much turkey, and share with family and friends. We ponder our gratitude and thankfulness for a few minutes, the abundance of our feast and how fortunate we really are. We certainly know that there are others less fortunate, (our Mothers always told us about children in other countries who would be grateful to eat turnip if they had the chance). The Precious Gems, have been able in some small way to contribute to those less fortunate through the connection of Lady Moonstone and her endless hours of volunteering at Eden Community Food Bank. Every month at our events, we ask our chapterettes to bring a donation for the food bank that Lady Moonstone delivers for us. Our donation averages about 23 lbs of food a month. It doesn't sound like much, but they tell us that each person receives 20 pounds of food per visit, lasting 7 to 10 days, and we know that every item or dollar counts. We were able to donate $42.00 from the proceeds of our Book Exchange to the food bank. It is something small from each of us, but it is contributing. If everyone in their own small way did the same, the food bank would not face the shortages that they do. Thanksgiving is their big food drive of the year and I encourage everyone to give generously. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long until their shelves are depleted. (See our "NEWS" section for more information on Eden Community Food Bank) On a personal note, I think that in the process of being thankful, we only look at the big picture. We are grateful for our health, our families, our abundance, the usual things. In order to be truly thankful and grateful for all we have I think we have to look at the small things. We complain about so much that so many would be grateful for. What right do we have to complain, when there are so may less fortunate. I know, we all know that, yada yada yada, but how often do we stop to think about what we are complaining about and be grateful instead? We complain about traffic, but have a car to drive. We complain about not having enough money to do the things we want, plan a vacation, buy a new car, whatever it may be, yet we have enough money to survive, there are many who do not. We complain about our jobs, but have a job. We complain about bills, but seem to get them paid. We complain (me mostly) about cooking and cleaning, yet have food to cook, and a home to clean. We complain about dieting, our clothes are getting too tight, yet have food to turn away from should we choose. We are tired, exhausted, from so many things, but have things to exhaust us, and a bed to sleep in. We complain about the weather, yet there are those who have no shelter. We don't take the time to appreciate and be grateful for the little things, a child's laughter, time for quiet contemplation, the aroma of fresh brewed coffee, music, nature. It all sounds pretty hokey I know, but when you think about it, it is a great stress reliever, and certainly improves our mood, when we take the time to notice and be grateful for the little things that give us pleasure. We are truly blessed!   TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING! T'was the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep The leftovers beckoned - the Dark meat and white But I fought the temptation with all of my might. Tossing and turning with anticipation So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door And Gazed at the fridge, Full of goodies galore. I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes, Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes. I felt myself swelling so plump and so round, Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground. I crashed through the ceiling, Floating into the sky With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie. But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees... Happy eating to all, pass the cranberries, please.   May your Stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump. May your potatoes ' n gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious. May your pies take the prize. May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.             October 2011 Not long after this month's web updates have been posted by our amazing Vice-Queen Diamond, our Web Diva, I will be off on the adventure of my lifetime.   My husband and I, and some dear friends, will be taking a month long trip.  I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to seeing new things, exploring new places, meeting new people, experiencing things I never thought I would.  This is truly an adventure, that will be marking a few things off my "bucket list".   We were fortunate enough to have met our travelling companions for this trip, on a cruise we took a few years ago.  They were seated at our table for dinner. We instantly connected and became great friends. We have kept in touch, even though they live in Calgary, with phone calls, photos and emails.   At the first mention of this trip, they were on board, encouraging us to book it.   I think that was the nudge we needed.     Vice-Queen Diamond has just returned from an amazing trip with her family, visiting exotic places. Vice-Queen Pearl went to Italy this summer.  Lady Topaz, one of our new members, went to Italy with girlfriends for an amazing trip.  No matter how you spent your summer, I am sure all of you have had a great time, travelling, great BBQ's etc., spending time with friends and family.  After all it doesn't matter what you do, or where you go, it is that you enjoy yourself.   Of course, the trip is not far from my mind, as the day gets closer to our departure.  But things, must be done, and commitments fulfilled.   With that in mind, what to write for the Queen's Corner this month?   It occurred to me that as much as we may not realize it, we live the Red Hat Society mantra in much of our lives.    Being a Red Hatter, encourages us to meet new people, make new friends, experience things that we wouldn't have done before Red Hatting.  Maybe, becoming a Red Hatter, has encouraged us to think differently, step beyond our chapter events, and we have carried some of the philosophy into our daily lives.   It gives us the courage to step up and say "we're not done yet, and can still do the things we want".   Good advice ......... A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full? '.....  she fooled them all.  "How heavy is this glass of water?"  she inquired with a smile.  She received lots of different answers.    "The absolute weight doesn't matter.  It depends on how long I hold it.  If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.   If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.  If I hold it for a day, it will be even more difficult.  In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.  And that's the way it is with stress.  If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."    "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.  When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better.  Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment.  Relax, pick them up later after you've rested.  Life is short.  Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!"    Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!  Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.  Drive carefully ... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker..  If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague  If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it..  It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.  Never buy a car you can't push.  Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.  Nobody cares if you can't dance well.  Just get up and dance.  Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.  The second mouse gets the cheese.  When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.  Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.  You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person. Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once. We could learn a lot from crayons.  Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull.  Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.  A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.  Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.  It was I, your friend!  Save the earth .....  It's the only planet with chocolate! September 2011     Sue Ellen writes: "Every aspect of the Red Hat Society has its roots in one essential : friendship. The other things we value most - fun, freedom, fulfillment - owe much of their achievement to one's friends.  It is our friends who encourage and support us, reassure us when we doubt ourselves, cheer us on as we strive to reach our goals. But do we put as much effort into being a friend as we do to enjoying the friendship of others? Maybe even taking them for granted? It has been said that the "best way to keep a friend is to be a friend."  I don't want to ever lose a friend because I have been too busy to keep in touch, or sharing in their joys and sorrows, missing a chance to help or listen. Staying in touch doesn't involve a great deal of time; it can be as simple as a quick email, or phone call."   Queen Tourmaline writes: "Sue Ellen is so right!  We value our Precious Gems friends, but really only see each other once a month, along with a few emails in between. However, that is enough to keep our friendships alive.  Even once a month at our events, it is nice to step away from our homes, jobs, and responsibilities  that are pulling us in so many different directions, put on our Red Hats and join our chapterettes in a evening of fun, laughter, friendship and support.  It is the best form of therapy! But being a friend, takes more effort.  It takes not only time, but heart.  Some find it just too difficult to share with others, or are hesitant to allow others into their lives, feeling they might be judged, ridiculed.  We have found firsthand, that it is friends who are there for each other, sometimes  even before family members.  It is our friends, who will be objective, listen, offer constructive criticism and support and a shoulder to cry on if necessary.  It is a two way street, when we need them, they are there for us to offer the same. As an only child, I don't know what I would do without my friends.  Some of us are closer than siblings and have a lifelong bond.  I cannot tell you how important they are to me, and I rely on their friendship and support, as they do on mine.  My Grandmother used to tell me the same quote as Sue Ellen writes when I was a child.  "To keep a friend you have to be a friend".  The old saying is very true, the time and effort spent on building that friendship comes back to you twofold. To Celebrate Growing Older -  Written by a 90 year old.       Life isn't fair, but it's still good.       When in doubt, just take the next small step.       Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.       Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends and parents will.  Stay in touch.       You don't have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.       Cry with someone.  It's more healing than crying alone. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.       It's OK to let your children see you cry.      Take a deep breath.  It calms the mind.       Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.       Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.       It's never too late to have a happy childhood.  But the second one is up to you and no one else.      Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.       Don't save it for a special occasion.  Today is special.      Over prepare, then go with the flow.       Be eccentric now.  Don't wait for old age to wear purple.          No one is in charge of your happiness but you.       Frame every so-called disaster with these words  'In five years will this matter?'       Forgive everyone everything.       What other people think of you is none of your business.       Time heals almost everything.  Give time time.       However good or bad a situation is, it will change.       Don't take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.        Believe in miracles.       Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.       Your children get only one childhood.       All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. Get outside every day.  Miracles are waiting everywhere.       If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,      we'd grab ours back.       Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.       The best is yet to come...       No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.       Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."                  August 2011     Vice-Queen Diamon the recent marriage of our chapterette, Lady Peridot.   It was an amazing wedding, both ceremony and d and I, had the pleasure of attendingreception.  Lady Peridot was a beautiful bride, so happy and radiant as she walked down the aisle.   The newlyweds were surrounded by family, friends, and mostly by their love for each other.  When the groom gave his speech there weren't many dry eyes in the room, (except for the men).   I could go on and on about the flowers, the dress, all of it, but the most important part of it was the love they shared and the joy of beginning a new chapter of their lives together.   We had a lovely evening, sitting with two of our former chapterettes, and good friends of the bride.  It was remarkable that Vice-Queen Diamond and myself were included in Lady Peridot's guest list, since we have only known her since the inception of the Precious Gems.  It was an honour to be included, a testament to the friendships we have formed since we began. One of the ladies commented as we were watching the newlyweds dance.  "Did you have any idea what you were going to experience when you opened the chapter of the Red Hat Society?”  Did you know how you have touched so many lives?"  It brought a tear to my eye. The answer, of course, was "No, I had no idea."  I thought it would be a fun thing to do, an evening out, to have a few laughs and do something different each month. I had no idea at the time, that we would be celebrating a wedding, supporting a member through cancer and chemo treatments, loss of a loved one, joy and tragedy.  We have met new friends, and been there for each other, bonded into a real sisterhood.  When you think of it, it is amazing, how some of the Precious Gems have formed lifelong friendships.   It all started with wanting to have a little fun and asking some great ladies to tag along with me. You just never know where things will lead when you put on a Red Hat.   Senior Texting Codes (STC) Thought you needed help with texting your friends ... after all, the kids have all their little codes ... like BFF, WTF, etc.  So here are the codes for seniors: ATD - At the Doctor's BFF - Best Friends Funeral BTW - Bring the Wheelchair BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth CBM - Covered by Medicare CUATSC - See You at the Senior Center DWI - Driving While Incontinent FWBB - Friend with Beta Blockers FWIW - Forgot Where I Was FYI - Found Your Insulin GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low GHA - Got Heartburn Again HGBM - Had Good Bowel Movement IMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On? LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out LOL - Living on Lipitor LWO - Lawrence Welk's On OMMR - On My Massage Recliner OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas ROFL...CGU - Rolling on the Floor Laughing...Can't get Up! TTYL - Talk to You Louder WAITT - Who Am I Talking To? WTFA - Wet the Furniture Again WTP - Where's the Prunes WWNO - Walker Wheels Need Oil Hope these help! GGLKI - Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking in!     July 2011     Fulfillment of our most treasured dreams is everyone's goal - our "bucket list". But if someone asked you right now, what do you think the answer would be, what is at the top of your "bucket list".  If your dream doesn't come to mind right away - why do you think that is? Is it because, our focus, is rarely on ourselves, our wants, our desires?  We could more easily come up with the answer our children or grandchildren would give, than for ourselves. When we love someone, we care very much about that person's happiness and their desires and wants, and we will do whatever we can to help them attain it.  That is a very good attribute, and certainly a Red Hat Society value. But let's give serious thought to any unfilled (but still attainable) dream you have on your "bucket list".  At our stage in life, we can no longer fool ourselves into thinking we have all the time in the world.  If we are ever going to do some of those things, the time should be now before it is too late.  If you have to, scale down the dream a little, but whatever you do, make a start. At this time in our lives, we should take in consideration more of our wants and dreams, not always put ourselves on the back burner.  Our children and grandchildren have their lives ahead of them to fulfill their "bucket list".  We may not be able to ride a Harley across country, scale Mt. Everest, run a marathon, sky dive.  But we can still have new experiences, and memories, travel to the places on our "bucket list", while we still have the energy and strength and health to do so, and the mind to remember it. Life is full of regrets, some we cannot control, but take a hard look at your "bucket list", and see what is attainable and achievable, and mark it off in bold marker.  We aren't that old yet! 1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.    2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.    3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.    4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.    5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?    6. Was learning cursive really necessary?    7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.    8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.    9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.    10. Bad decisions make good stories.    11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.    12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.    13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.    14. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.     15. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.    16. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?    17. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!     18. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.    19. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.          June 2011   I have had 32 Mothers Days, but this is my first Grandmother’s Day.  My Grandson Zak was born April 5th.  What a little treasure he is, he is just amazing, I couldn't be happier, or prouder.  Everyone thinks their grandchildren are the cutest, smartest, more adorable than all the rest, now I am one of them.     I have heard my friends talking about how wonderful it is to be a Grandmother, how they adore their grandchildren, can't spend enough time with them, talk about them and show pictures. They all said "Wait until you are a Grandmother you will see how they steal your heart".   And of course they were right, there is something special about grandchildren.   I can't put my finger on why - we are older and have more time?  not as many responsibilities and worries, as when we were raising our own children?  we can love them, enjoy them and leave them for their parents to deal with the day to day?   I guess all of it and so much more.  We certainly worry about them as much as we did our own children.  It is amazing, how that little bundle changes so many lives when they are born.      I find it fascinating to see how our children change when they become parents.  My daughter and her husband, my niece and nephew and their spouses, when they had their children.  I am sure we did too, even if we didn't notice it ourselves, we were too busy coping.  Looking back, my daughter's grandparents, and her Great-Grandmother adored her.  They spoiled her, while we objected.  Now it is our turn to spoil him and leave, so his parents can deal with the aftermath.  I recall my Mother-in-law, giving my daughter Smarties in the evening, and we would be up all night with her on a sugar high.   As much as we objected, she always had them in her purse, paying no attention to what we said.  I can't wait to do that myself.     I hope I have as good a relationship with my grandson Zak as my daughter had with my Mother. They were best buddies, playing together, reading stories, colouring, all the fun things, when I was busy doing the day to day chores.  At the time I was grateful that she was entertained, and I could get things done.  I realize now the immense pleasure my Mother got out of just being with my daughter.   I am looking forward to many more Mother's & Grandmother's Days, and all the changes and stages of growth that Zak will go through.  I can't wait to experience it all, and be one of the Grandmothers who say - "wait until you are a Grandmother and you will see how they steal your heart."     Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.   ~ Welsh Proverb   Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. ~ Marcy DeMaree   Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever. ~ Author Unknown If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first. ~ Lois   It is such a grand thing to be a mother of a mother - that's why the world calls her grandmother .....     MOTHERS   Real Mothers don't eat quiche;  they don't have time to make it. Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox. Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids. Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets. Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up. Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.' Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade ... It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother....   4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything! 8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot!  A whole lot! 12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything. 14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either. 16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother?  She's hopelessly old fashioned. 18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman?  She's way out of date! 25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it. 35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion. 45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it? 65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom .   The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!       May 2011   "Technology" - anyone who knows me will tell you that I am "Technically Challenged" and proud of it. I just don't have the patience to figure it all out, and give up too easily.  I am the first to say that e-mail, (although it comes in handy and I do use it all the time), has taken away our communication skills, it is all short form and short sentences, quick responses, no long conversations, discussing the real things, feelings, worries etc.  You have to imagine someone's laughter when you see lol ..... or in my case, my favourite, haha ......     Facebook is another issue all together.  Yes, I am on Facebook, but do not spend very much time on it and go for ages without looking at it.  I just didn't get the point of it all, seeing into everyone's lives, and what is with the farming thing?  Don't get that at all.   You can imagine my surprise, when a dear childhood friend's daughter contacted me on Facebook.  Her mother, asked her to search for me.  Here is the background, I would like to share with you.   We grew up in a neighbourhood where everyone played together.  In fact, two of our childhood friends, our houses all in a row, (one being my best friend), are Precious Gems Red Hatters.  We kept in touch, while we lost touch with the one living out of town.  Not that that is an excuse - it wasn't that far!   We grew up together living only two houses from each other, attended school together, were in each other's bridal party.  Although neither of us moved and have lived in the same houses for over 30 years, we lost touch somehow, life and family just got in the way.  Our Mothers, who were best friends, had passed away, losing another connection.  We knew where the other was, just did not keep in touch.   I was thrilled to hear from her.  We talked on the phone and caught up as much as we could in one conversation, set up a date to meet half way between her house and mine for lunch.  After a 4 hour lunch, much laughter and talk of old times, we are right back where we started so many years ago.   You can imagine how touched I was when she pointed out that the only necklace she wears is one I gave her so many years ago, when her Mother was so very ill and she was her caregiver.   Facebook enables and encourages us to search out old friends, classmates, co-workers etc., all with the click of the mouse.  I am so glad that my friend took the time to try and find me, and rekindle our friendship.  So I guess I am a Facebook fan after all.  Technology and "Windows 7" here I come!     A Senior’s Guide to Life: Words to Live By: The most destructive habit           Worry The greatest Joy                         Giving The greatest loss                    Loss of self-respect The most satisfying work             Helping others The ugliest personality trait        Selfishness The most endangered species        Dedicated leaders Our greatest natural resource    Our youth The greatest "shot in the arm"     Encouragement The greatest problem to overcome Fear The most effective sleeping pill      Peace of mind The most crippling failure disease  Excuses The most powerful force in life      Love The most dangerous pariah            A gossiper The world's most incredible computer  The brain The worst thing to be without      Hope The deadliest weapon                   The tongue The two most power-filled words  "I Can" The greatest asset                        Faith The most worthless emotion          Self-pity The most beautiful attire               SMILE! The most prized possession           Integrity The most powerful channel of communication   Prayer The most contagious spirit            Enthusiasm         April 2011 From Hatquarters:  “Red Hat Society Queens have a secret... Our secret is that it's really fun to be the Queen!  We trail around in our finery, waving royally to the adoring crowds with our wonderful chapterettes in tow.  For a few precious moments, we don't have a care in the world as we commit to do as little real work as possible.  This is the role of a Queen in the RHS.  She is the spark. She is the heart.  She starts the chapter, gathers her court, and oversees fun stuff with her ladies.  Then the real magic begins.  A real pleasure in being the Queen is when all your ladies are gathered around you laughing, hugging and generally making merry! Hatquarters just received a very gracious letter from a real Queen; the Queen of England.  We had invited her to join our contingent for tea while we were visiting her beautiful country for the London New Year's Day Parade.  Unfortunately, she had to decline. You can imagine her busy schedule.  Her secretary told us that her schedule is booked one year or more in advance.  We, RHS Queens (faux and fabulous) have an advantage over this very famous Queen.  We exist to promote fun, lightness of spirit and sisterhood.  And although, we are sometimes booked a year in advance too, we are so blessed to be able to devote time to something that makes us happy as women.  The RHS gives us an excuse to play even if it's just for a little while. If you are an RHS Queen, we thank you for everything that you do to make the world more colorful. “   We “RHS Queens” thank the Red Hat Society, if it wasn’t for Sue Ellen, and her first red hat purchase, we wouldn’t be the Queens at all and enjoying the sisterhood and companionship of our chapterettes.    Observations on Growing Older  ~Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them ...but your grandchildren are perfect! ~Going out is good. Coming home is better! ~When people say you look "Great"...they add "for your age!" ~When you needed the discount you paid full price. Now you get discounts on everything .. movies, hotels, flights, but you're too tired to use them. ~You forget names ... but it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!! ~The 5 pounds you wanted to lose is now 15 and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the 15 pounds. ~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything .... especially golf. ~Your husband is counting on you to remember things you don't remember. ~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore. ~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than he does in bed. It's called his "pre-sleep". ~Remember when your mother said "Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident"? Now you bring clean underwear in case you HAVE an accident! ~You used to say, "I hope my kids GET married .. Now, "I hope they STAY married!" ~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.. ~When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem ... were unheard of, and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table. ~You used to use more 4 letter words ..."what?"..."when?"  ??? ~Now that you can affordexpensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere. ~Your husband has a night out with the guys but he's home by 9:00 P.M. ...next week it will be 8:30 P.M. ~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it. Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!! ~What used to be freckles are now liver spots. ~Everybody whispers. Now that your husband has retired ...you'd give anything if he'd find a job! ~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ... 2 of which you will never wear. ~~~~But old is good in some things: old songs old movies And best of all OLD FRIENDS!!