Friday, Feb. 18

Today is Granddaughter's birthday. Happy Birthday, Granddaughter!

I was up around 8 a.m., but skipped my exercises to get ready to go the Go Red Luncheon at the college about a mile down the road from our house.

Mother came over around 10:30, and we left for the event shortly before 11 a.m. It was quite warm and a little muggy when we arrived at the college, but by the time we left at 1:30, the temperature had dropped and it was raining.

In the reception area of the auditorium, we were met by an escort dressed in a tuxedo with red bow tie and cumberbund, who ushered us to our assigned table. Later, we learned that the young man is the husband of one of the hairdressers at the beauty shop that we visit.

We were led to a table that was dressed with a white tablecloth and black napkins. The chair backs were covered in white and red pillowcases drawn up and tied in knots. Black gift bags, featuring black and red tissue paper and black and red balloons, served as centerpieces.

The auditorium itself was nicely decorated with red and black Japanese lanterns and a large Go Red logo suspended from the ceiling, below which was a table featuring red and black elements.

Each chair held a copy of a local slick magazine that features stories about people and events in our county, and a gift bag of goodies. In the past, we were given nice totes filled with goodies. Today, a few goodies were contained in small plastic logo bags. Times are tough, and even the sponsors of this event undoubtedly needed to economize.

A popular local guitarist entertained before lunch. The program stated that the guitarist was to be accompanied by a popular local singer, but he later explained that she was at the dentist's office having her wisdom teeth removed.

Several tables along one wall featured silent auction items. I bid on several things, but didn't win. Attendees could also register for a door prize...an expensive ruby ring donated by a jewelry store that recently went out of business. The business had operated in our town for many years, but a falling economy made it impossible for them to remain open. I bought three chances on the ring, but didn't win that, either.

Before lunch, too, we were shown a video of two heart disease survivors, who told us their stories and then praised the rehabilitation facility at our local hospital. I could relate to the stories, since I found the rehab facility invaluable, too, following a procedure to insert two stents in my arteries a couple of years ago.

The event also featured a speaker...a lady whom most of us have seen on public television during fundraising drives. Her talk centered on the benefits of a positive attitude. The lady is 85 years old, and recently had hip replacement. She walked with the assistance of a walker, and halfway through her talk asked to sit while she finished her speech.

She told the story of being a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer years ago. She always looked forward to visiting a certain lady, who was constantly upbeat and enthusiastic about the meals delivered to her. On one day, the meal delivered was chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cherry pie.

"Oh," she exclaimed, "I love the chicken. It's always tender and cooked just right. And those women at the Methodist Church know that mashed potatoes and green beans are easy for older folks to eat. And how did those ladies know that cherry pie is my favorite!"

The lady enjoyed this woman so much that she stayed to visit for a while before continuing her deliveries.

But the lady hated delivering food to one older woman, who did nothing but complain about the meals. "Chicken again! Those ladies at the Methodist Church can't cook chicken fit to eat...it's always so tough. And I suppose I'm getting those tasteless potatoes and green beans. And cherry pie...I hate cherry pie."

The lady didn't hang around this woman, and upon leaving, the woman would always complain, "why don't you ever stay to visit? You're in such a hurry to leave. Nobody ever wants to visit."

When the speaker finished her talk, we were served our meals of roast pork with cherry sauce, wild rice, green beans, and rolls.

Mother took a bite of her meat and glanced at me, so I took a bite...it was tough as shoe leather. I shook my head at her to indicate we shouldn't comment on it for fear of seeming "negative." Mother simply couldn't manage her portion, but I dutifully plowed through mine, as did the rest of the ladies at our table. We didn't dare do otherwise!

The rice and green beans were fine, but the roll was tough, too. The best part of the meal was the yogurt and raspberry parfait dessert.

We were surprised by the place settings...the plates looked like fine China, and the gleaming silverware certainly looked real. But it was all plastic. Even the parfaits were served in clear plastic glasses. Unusual, but effective.

The event ended at 1:30, and we were back home shortly afterward. We entertained ourselves for the rest of the afternoon watching the second half of the Westminster Dog Show. We already knew which dog won...a Scottish Deer Hound...but we still wanted to see the other contenders.

For supper, we had leftovers...beef and gravy with mashed potatoes or rice, and canned whole kernel corn. Mother was plenty ready to eat, since she didn't (or couldn't) eat much at lunch.

She went home afterward, and Hubbie and I settled in front of TV, as usual.