Red Hat Talent Show & Elvis, The Kitchen Witches at TOTS

Barbara and Rita

Toni, Queen of Gaudy Gabigail and Kay

Jasmine (Shirley's granddaughter, Shirley and Joyce

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I drove to Garland, Texas accompanied by Rita, Queen of The Purple Angels RH Chapter, and Barbara, member of Wild West Women of Weatherford RH Chapter. We arrived in time to enjoy lunch at Dos Banderas where five more Wild West Women members joined us for lunch before going on to the Plaza Theater for the show sponsored by The Great Gals of Garland RH Chapter.

Here I am backstage having just attached my
eagle feather to my shawl

I entered the talent show doing my version of the Kiowa Beautiful Shawl Dance so I went directly back stage for instructions and a short rehearsal. I dedicated my dance to the memory of our friend, Gordon Tonips.

Before dancing, I gave some history
of the dance and decorating
my shawl

I have turned so they can see
the great seal of the Cherokee
Nation and my eagle feather

This is the first movement of the dance

There were several singers and dancers as well as a comedy skit among the contestants. This is an interesting talent show in that there are no losers, only winners, all. Of course, I always say there's a reason for everything and to my surprise, I was recruited for the Mrs. Senior Texas Pageant that occurs the end of August, 2012. I have not yet been contacted by the directors of the pageant, but will keep you posted.

Johnny Rockit and his daughter, Ashley

This is one of the ladies dancing on stage
with Johnny Rockit

Once the talent show was over, a well known Elvis Impersonator, Johnny Rockit, along with his daughter Ashley as his back-up, entertained the group with all the old Elvis favorites from the 50's and 60's. Several ladies joined him on stage to dance to the songs.

We all had fun. The only downside was that we had to fight Dallas getting-off-work traffic all the way back to Weatherford. The upside is that this just makes me appreciate Weatherford even more. Just as an aside; Did you know that Weatherford, Texas was chosen as the fifth top small city to retire in? This according to the latest issue of Money Magazine.

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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Doug and I went to Theater On The Square to see "The Kitchen Witches", a play by Caroline Smith, and we were thoroughly entertained.


Dolly and Isobel, the stars of two rival, equally-unsuccessful local cable TV cooking shows, personal enemies for years, are thrown together when the station manager's wife decides that a show with both of them, playing off their mutual animosity, would get better ratings. The animosity is quite real, and the two women, as "The Kitchen Witches", earnestly play many dirty tricks on one another.

A shocking revelation exposes the root of the animosity, and tensions and recriminations boil over among all the parties.

But eventually, with patience and the help of a little comfort food, relationships are healed. And, "The Kitchen Witches" is a big hit. (Synopsis by Doug Kerr)

These last two shots were taken as the actors greeted the exiting attendees.
(Photographs by Douglas A. Kerr)

This is all I have to say for now.

Las Vegas High School 55th Reunion, PCWNC Board Meeting, Springtown WW Fest

Patty Haack, the heart of the reunion committee,

greeting Carla Crittenden Kerr

September 9-11, 2011

Las Vegas High School 55th Reunion

Approximately 50 to 60 classmates met in Las Vegas to celebrate surviving 55 years after graduation from LVHS. It was grand to see everyone again and to reminisce about the "good ole days". This class started when there was only one high school in Las Vegas and, as it turns out, was the largest graduation class (403) in the history of this first high school. I believe there are now about 36 high schools in the area.

The old high school is now an academy and the new Las Vegas High School is set in the desert with a mountain backdrop. A stunning view from any angle.

Carla on left and best friend, Mary Coleman Chauncey,

making the rounds saying hello to everyone.

Friday night, we enjoyed a cocktail, meet and greet, party at Las Vegas Country Club. We were entertained with taped music from the 50's and some of us even danced a jitterbug or two.

I'm the short one in the middle row with the red hat

Saturday morning, we all gathered to have our class photo made in front of the old high school with the senior squares in front of us.

Saturday night was an all-class reunion starting from 1928. There were over 600 in attendance at the dinner/dance at Sam's Town. The Rhythmettes, a famous drill team from LVHS in the 50's and 60's, were featured in a lovely historical slide show. Several of them spoke about their experiences including being on the Ed Sullivan Show in New York.

We were entertained by the current LVHS Band and cheerleaders who led us in cheers and the LVHS official song.

Carla, John Holland and Mary Chauncey

My best friend, Mary Coleman Chauncey, married my first boyfriend, John Holland of the class of '54 and we just had to have a photo together.

My husband, Doug, took all the photos and this is one last one of me. There were at least 500 shots taken that night and we just chose a few to give you the flavor of the event.

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PCWNC Board Meeting Thursday, September 15, 2011

Most of the board members attended this first board meeting of our new President Jackie Dixon in her lovely home. Her theme this year is "sunflowers" and she had a beautiful sunflower centerpiece on her dining room table.

We enjoyed a light breakfast buffet before the meeting convened. Much planning was accomplished and we are on our way another outstanding year.

L toR: Pat, Dana, Gayle, Becky, Joan, Jackie
Alicia, Dottie and Sue
Present but not shown, Carla with camera
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Springtown Wild West Fest Saturday, September 17, 2011

Jennifer, Freda and Penny

A group of us served in a booth, registering new voters for upcoming elections. It was fun and we met some very friendly people. This was my first time to serve as a Deputy Registrar and I couldn't wait to register someone.

This is Loretta in the middle

We each took turns checking out all the vendors and buying lunch from those serving food. As I was wandering around, I ran into my friend, Loretta Hale, who was entertaining with the Klassy Kloggers so I took a couple of shots of their performance.

As I left the cloggers, I spotted this little
cowpoke taking a catnap.

While we were registering voters a nice gentleman came up to talk with us and mentioned a book he wrote, "Ghost Ponies". He just happened to have some copies with him and, of course, I just had to buy one. His name is William J. Chambers and I can tell you, he is an excellent writer. I came home, started reading the book and finished it on Sunday. It is about Texas Rangers and their experiences. He expertly brings out each of their personalities as well as the bad guys they apprehend. I highly recommend this book and the only way I know for you to get one is to contact:

S&B Ranch Publishing

POB 1338
Boyd, Texas 76032

This is all I have to say for now.

PCWNC Book Club, Wild West Women, Marcia Williams Shower

August 23, 2011

The Book Club of the Parker County Women's and Newcomers' Club along with some guests got together to attend the local showing of "The Help" at the City Lights Movie Theater. We read the book some time ago and we were not disappointed in this movie. It superbly followed the book and the actors were perfect in their roles.

l to r: Carla, Barbara, Becky and PJ waiting for others

After the movie, we drove to Boo-Ray's of New Orleans Restaurant for dinner. They specialize in Cajun food and everyone seemed to enjoy their entrees.

The three photos above are of all the gang at Boo-Ray's and it is just difficult to name everyone. But, you can see we are having a great time. Opal Dale, newly moved to Weatherford, Texas from Mississippi (she was affected by Hurricane Katrina) made the event even more interesting by bringing newspaper articles a friend mailed to her about actors in the production. There was a set of twin girls who played the part of the little girl and there was an extensive write-up on them. She also has the recipe for the Chocolate S--- Pie that is so famous in the movie. We were thoroughly entertained by this lagniappe provided by Opal.

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August 24, 2011

Queen of Gaudy, Gabigail in her PJ finery

Fifteen Red Hatters gathered at the IHOP in Weatherford, Texas for a Pajama Breakfast, one of our favorite events. As you will see in the photos, some embrace it whole-heartedly and others just show up. Of course, since it is a week day, some do work and can't wear pajamas to a breakfast. All of us who attended the International Red Hat Convention in New Orleans were eager to talk of our experiences and fun. As it turns out, I'm the only August birthday in the chapter so I was treated to a huge dessert, which I gladly shared with the rest of my sisters.

Rose Davis and Joyce Bruton waiting to order

Pat Robinson and Kay Roberts

Anna Colley and Toni Posey-Don't they look cute in their bed bonnets?

Visitor, Queen Rowdy Red of the Purple Angels Chapter

Barbara Farley

Shirley Lindsay and Pat Craft

Princess LeLe of Eagle Mountain

Princess LeLe and Alma Fisher

Waitress serving birthday surprise to Carla

Carla getting ready to share her 73rd birthday goodie

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September 3, 2011

Wedding Shower for Marcia Williams. She will wed Troy Fern on Saturday, October 8, 2011.

Marcia and her daughter, Taylor Anne

Marcia is my ex granddaughter-in-law and she is the mother of my two great granddaughters, Taylor Anne and Tawni Alexis. Marcia's good friend, Teresa Reyes hostessed the shower in Marcia's cousin's home, Nicole.

Teresa Reyes

L: Marcia's mom, Vanessa looks on while the girls make a batch of Mojitos

My youngest great granddaughter, Tawni

Center is my daughter, Lynne showing off her prize

Another prize winner

And yet another winner!

The games were fun and quite different. Things change so much from when I was their age, but it's good to be exposed new ideas and customs. Then it was time for Marcia to open her gifts.

Marcia displaying a lovely photo frame

Bet Troy will love this!

Marcia appears to be more excited about the kitchen items!

She says this is for popping healthy popcorn!

Does she really think having Paula Deen Cookware will make her a gourmet chef?

This was an outstandingly delicious cake!

Marcia with guest favors

L/R: Lynne, Kelley, Marcia, Carla (Grammy), Tawni and Taylor

The food was delicious and filling and I need to get the recipe for that luscious cake. We all had a great time playing games and visiting. Can't wait for the big day for this lovely family.

This is all I have to say for now.