Carla Kerr Attends Red Hat Society International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana

Wednesday, August 1 - Monday, August 6, 2018

Carla Kerr aka Queen Ladybird of the New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter of the Red Hat Society (RHS) from Alamogordo, New Mexico attended the RHS annual international convention in New Orleans, Louisiana celebrating the RHS 20th Anniversary. There were almost 1300 Red Hatters in attendance and the scene sported many shades of red, purple, pink and lavender with Mardi Gras colors mixed in.

The hotel room was shared with me by Elyse Soffer from Sun City West, Arizona of the Dazzling Jewels Chapter and what a grand time we had enjoying the festivities together.

Wednesday evening the two of us were invited to a private event by Marcy LaSalle from Flushing, Michigan.  Christine Coupe Lozinak aka Madame Christine The Gypsy Woman from Williston, Florida, arranged  for a number of us to attend a seance at Muriel's on Jackson Square, reputed to be haunted. The decor reminded me somewhat of the coffee houses of the seventies with couches, cushions, drapes, etc. Christine Coupe Lozinak brought long red scarves for everyone and taught us how to tie one on our head reminiscent of a gypsy look. Most of us came dressed as gypsies. The ghosts were not out and about this night, but the hors d'oeuvres were delightful and delicious.

L to R: Christine Coupe Lozinak pontificating on something, Christine Orobitg (a Pink Hatter) enjoying the scene and Marlene Matthews of California apparently entertained

Caren McLaren of Perth, Western Australia meeting Marcy LaSalle

Jo Elliot aka Lady Cranberry and her sister, Donna Hempel

Apparently, Madame Christine is anxious for someone to arrive

The ambience was amazing and I do apologize for not taking more pictures of the decor, but the ones I did take were not too good due to the low lighting required for this type of venue.

On Thursday, Elyse and I did some sightseeing and roamed around through the Hat District, a must when one attends convention because the vendors have all the latest Red Hat regalia and bling, lots of bling.

On display in the Hat District for a contest were many beautifully decorated parasols created by various Red Hatters. We did some sightseeing and rested in our room in anticipation of the River Boat Dinner Cruise down the old Mississippi River this evening.

There were nine large buses at the hotel to take us to the river and I believe those buses made two trips each. Once off the bus, the line was long and it did take some time to get everyone aboard, but before long we were underway with delicious food, great music and meeting Red Hatters from all over the world.

A shot of New Orleans and the Mississippi out our hotel room window

 

A gathering of  Red Hat Society Ambassadors

Carla and Elyse

Jo Elliot with her newly decorated cane

These parasols are fabulous. I would have a hard time judging the winners

Another row of beautifully decorated parasols

There she is, the Natchez in all her glory waiting for all of us to board

The lovely Ellen Wentzel of Newark, Delaware

The Natchez had a lively jazz band

Friday morning was the formal opening breakfast for the convention and it was alive with entertainment, good food, fabulously costumed Mardi Gras people dancing and modeling, along with our fabulous Red Hat Glee Club. This was also the first morning for meeting face to face with the Red Hat sisters sharing the table. We were at Table 56 hosted by Marcy LaSalle and what a FUN group we had at our table.

Marcy is from Flushing, Michigan. Patricia Bassa is from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Elyse Soffer is from Sun City West, Arizona. Pamela Dallos is from Magnolia, Texas. Pamela Houston is from Southgate, Michigan. Johnnie Perryman is from Fort Worth, Texas. Kathy Taylor is from Decatur, Alabama. Roxanne Tyler is from Houston, Texas. Trevora Verchio is from Grafton, Ohio and Carla Kerr is from Alamogordo, New Mexico. We made new friends which is one of the aims of the seating arrangements at the convention.

This is the table centerpiece

A photo of the "Stand Proud" group

Third from right is Elyse Soffer and second from right is our CEO Debra Granich

Johnnie Perryman from Fort Worth, Texas. What a cutie she is!

Kathy Taylor from Decatur, Alabama and Patricia Bassa from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada

Some excellent local jazz dancers

The mayor of New Orleans, Esteemed Vice Queen Linda Murphy and CEO Debra Granich

Our esteemed Queen Mother Sue Ellen Cooper at the podium with Linda and Debra

Carla Kerr in her superbly decorated hat for the Hat Parade with hers depicting 16 years of hatting

Our Table Hostess Marcy LaSalle, Carla Kerr and Elyse Soffer

L to R: Hatter of the Year 2017 (HOTY) Sue Nicholson, Sue Ellen and Barb Lesiak, 2012 HOTY

Elyse Soffer and Carla Kerr

L to R: Sue, Sue Ellen, Barb and Linda Theriot 2011 HOTY

Elyse, friend and Carla

Linda aka Queen Too Too and Carla aka Queen Ladybird

Saturday morning we were all together at breakfast and enjoyed more entertainment by New Orleans people modeling elaborate costumes. Christine Coupe Lozinak was called to the stage to be named official Red Hat Marshall of our parade which the city was so gracious to help arrange. Of course, it was pouring rain, but a lot of us marched out in the rain. We had a jazz band, costumed escorts, the Red Hat Glee Club, the Kazoo Band, a group of nominated Hatters of the Year, Hatters of the Year and the Wheel Chair-Scooter Brigade in the parade. Despite the rain, it was a ton of FUN!

Saturday night brought out the creativity of Red Hatters at the Masquerade Ball wearing all types of costumes. The steak dinner was absolutely perfect. Since this was also Louis Armstrong weekend in NOLA, we had an Armstrong impersonator entertaining us as well as a jazz band providing music.
The big reveal of "Hatter of the Year" 2018 was non other than our table hostess, Marcy LaSalle! We were so pleased and excited for her and she was truly overwhelmed when the announcement was made.

Director of Marketing Emily Yost with Parade Marshal Christine Coupe Lozinak and CEO Debra Granich

One of the fabulous New Orleans Mardi Gras costumes

And yet another costumed dancer entertaining us

Isn't this one spectacular!

The RHS Glee Club entertaining us and they are great!

Our table mate from Decatur, Alabama, Kathy Taylor in her fabulous costume

A random shot of the room of attendees

The crowning of the 2018 Hatter of the Year recepient is Marcy LaSalle from Flushing, Michigan. On the left is Darlene Autin who was there to give gifts to each of the HOTYs. Next is Patty Stevens 2016 from Houston, Texas, Sue Nicholson 2017 from Vandalia, Ohio, Marcy 2018, Linda Theriot 2011 from Houma, Louisiana, Barb Lesiak 2012 from Elmwood Park, Illinois and Marilyn Crisci 2014 from Tucson, Arizona. Two HOTYs' are missing: Flo Gaines and Marilyn Mims

I was in the parade so I did not get any shots of it, but I certainly enjoyed being a part of it despite the rain.

Sunday morning brought many of us together at the "Good Morning Good Bye" gathering and coffee cup exchange that is always FUN. I wound up with a gorgeous cup that is bright yellow with 2-dimensional honey bees all over it with a black ribbon sporting white polka dots tied on the handle. There was no card in the bag so I have no idea who to thank for this, but it's the nicest cup I've ever received at one of these events.

My room mate, Elyse Soffer

Table mate from Ft. Worth, Texas, Johnnie Perryman looking lovely as usual

A number of us stayed over until Monday so we could attend the ever popular Pirate Event hosted by Marcy LaSalle and Marlene Matthews, creators of the "Wenches Gone Wild" Chapter. Everyone comes in costume for dinner, entertainment and FUN on Sunday evening. We gathered via Taxi at Muriel's Restaurant. The food was excellent Louisiana cuisine and we really enjoyed the camaraderie as well.

Believe it or not, this is Christine Coupe Lozinak in disguise!

I do not know these pirate wenches names, but aren't they fabulous!

Two more lovely pirate wenches! Arrggh!

Practicing their Arrggh!

This is Ellen Wentzel sporting a black eye. Me thinks she lost a fight with a curb!

L to R: Marsha Elmer, Mary Kay and friend at the check-in table

I took this last shot on the shuttle bus to the airport because it reminded of my mishap in Indianapolis when I was on an airport shuttle from the airport to the RHS convention hotel.

When they say "Hold On" they mean it!

What a fabulous convention it was and I especially enjoyed getting to know my room mate, Elyse Soffer, better.

This is all I have to say for now. Well, I lied, but it's okay because this seems to be the "in" thing these days.  I'm adding a few more pictures that came from Elyse's cell phone.

Elyse and Carla in line to go aboard the Natchez for the dinner cruise

Carla, Sue Ellen and Elyse

Elyse and Carla with the Prince

Carla Kerr was nominated for Hatter of the Year by Pat Rose Atkisson. She is pointing to her name on the poster.

Carla and Elyse

This is all I have to say for now, honest!

Red Hatters at Nuckleweed Place in La Luz, New Mexico

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Members of the New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter of the Red Hat Society in Alamogordo, New Mexico drove to Nuckleweed Place in La Luz, New Mexico for lunch and to play games. Our hostess of the day was Rosanna Heath and she planned everything. After enjoying a delicious lunch, we played LRC (left, right, center), a dice game which she had asked each of us to bring four quarters and a joke. The quarters were for the game. The joke was just for FUN.

The quarters all wound up at Rosanna's place at the table when the game was over. She refused to take them and gave them all back to us. It is a FUN game and we enjoyed playing it. Most of the girls brought their favorite joke and we had some good laughs. Rosanna also gave each  of us a little gift.

As we were all gathering our things to leave a gentleman asked that several of us sit in the larger dinning area for a photo shoot for a restaurant/food column he is writing for  New Mexico Magazine and we are anxiously awaiting to see the results in the next three or four months.

L to R: Hostess Rosanna Heath, Darla Shelley and Gail Swineford

L to R: Jean Courtier, Carmen Veenpere and Trudy Reese

Lu Mattson

Rosanna

L to R: Lu, Jean, Carmen, Trudy, Queen Ladybird aka Carla Kerr, Gail, Rosanna and Darla

Thanks to our waiter for taking the last shot of all of us. Thanks to Rosanne for introducing us to a really FUN easy game that we all enjoyed playing and for being a wonderful hostess.

This is all I have to say for now.

Red Hatters Day Trip to Old Mesilla Village, New Mexico

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Red Hat Society members of the New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter in Alamogordo took a day trip to Old Mesilla Village near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Member Margie Purcella was hostess for this outing and after shopping until we dropped, we went to La Posta De Mesilla Mexican Restaurant       ( originated in 1939 in the northwest corner of the building by Kathy Griggs Camun) for lunch and it was delicious. They have the best sour cream enchiladas I've ever tasted. The La Posta Compound was originally constructed in the 1840's by Sam and Roy Bean. After the Civil War, it became an important stop on the Butterfield Stagecoach Line between Las Cruces and Phoenix, Arizona.

There are so many interesting shops in Old Mesilla and they do have nice merchandise. I always manage to find a skirt or top that I can't live without.

I got lost leaving there and made a complete circle and wound up back at Old Mesilla so I pulled over and told my GPS to take me HOME! She did and all's well that ends well! Perhaps it is just a Red Hat thing, you think?

Darla Shelly outside one of the shops

Alice Evans brought her adorable husband, "Evans", sitting here with Lu Mattson

Alice Evans and Margie Purcella taking a break from shopping

Darla and Carla Kerr

L to R: Trudy Reese, Carmen Veenpere and Gail Swineford also taking a break from shopping

Trudy, Gail and Carmen perusing the menu

L to R: Margie, Darla and Lu ready to order

We had a delightfully delicious lunch and enjoyed visiting with each other. Then it was time to drive the 60 miles back to Alamogordo. What a FUN day for everyone!

This is all I have to say for now.

Alamogordo, New Mexico Sponsors "Hula and Homicide" Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

Friday, July 13, 2018

The city of Alamogordo, New Mexico engaged the acting troupe of the Guild to write, produce and direct a murder mystery dinner theater event at the Willie Estrada Civic Center on First Street.

Employees of the city decorated and set up for the event including providing a caterer and DJ DIGUMSMAK. Decorations included the semblance of a huge tree in the middle of the room, various scenes set up along the walls providing photographic opportunities, an area for the Hoola Hoop contest and one for the Limbo Stick contest. DIGUMSMAK kept appropriate music going for an island luau and many attendees wore costumes adding to the over all ambience. At the entry to the event, a roasted pig is on a large platter surrounded by melons with island designs carved in them with flower petals strewn about.

Food provided by the caterer was quite delicious and filling. On the menu was pulled pork, roasted vegetables, coconut pudding and fruit cup. The city also provided a bar and bartender and there ensued a happy hour from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. However, the bar was open until 10:00 pm.

The premise of the Murder Mystery is that a cruise ship has engine problems and had to put into port for repairs. People were allowed to debark and explore the area. There is a beach carnival of sorts going on underwritten by Eunice "Lovey" and Thurston Howell III. They invited the somewhat  discomfited cruise patrons to come to the carnival to experience some island hospitality.

Both the Hoola Hoop and Limbo Stick contests were well attended and prizes relating to the occasion were awarded to the winners. Prizes were also awarded for the best costumes and of course for those who solved the murder or came close.

There were fifteen actors involved in "Hula and Homicide". One of the most popular booths was the fortune teller, Madame Knowsitall aka Jan Wafful. When the event was over there was still a line waiting for their fortune to be revealed.

Seven writers met at various times to put this Murder Mystery together and had a really FUN time doing it. They are Connie Breding, Roque Rosales, Mary Cobb, JD and Steph Hilliard, Carla Kerr and Andrea Garcia. Kudos for a terrific job of creating this play and to Connie for taking our writing and tweaking it here and there.

Special thanks to JD Hilliard who quite ably stepped into the role of co-director due to Connie Breding having a previous engagement that evening.  JD kept the whole event running smoothly and timely.

The exact number of attendees is not to be had at this station, but it was certainly over 125 and more tables had to be set up as people came in later. It was apparent that people really enjoyed the event and really got into the island atmosphere.

Attendee definitely into the island theme, Trudy Reese

Attendee Darla Shelly. Doesn't she look lovely!

L to R: Thurston Howell III aka Doug Kerr, JD Hilliard aka Willy Wipeout and Kathy Barnes aka Linda Lava

A table of happy attendees. Looks like they've overcome their chagrin at being unexpectedly stranded on this island.

A shot of the room overall

Heather Evans aka Sandy Beach with her two sons

An earlier shot of the "tree".

L to R: Willy Wipeout, Linda Lava, Ellie Mauger aka Wanda Waves holding a hoola hoop and Gabe Mauger aka Todd Tycoon

Carla Kerr aka Eunice "Lovey" Howell and Tina Lawhorn aka Rachel Rainbow

Mandy Neilson aka Kiki Kalua

What luau would be complete without a roasted pig?

Our excellent DJ DIGUMSMAK

Keddy Richardson aka Wowie Maui

Andrea Garcia aka Lula Hula with Wowie Maui

Attendee Gail Swineford

L to R: Kiki Kalua, Mary Cobb aka Leilani Lei and Wanda Waves

Eunice Howell greeting attendees

Attendees getting their fortune told by Jan Wafful aka Madame Knowsitall

Attendees sharing information on how to solve the murder

Wanda Waves

Contestants in the Hoola Hoop Contest

Attendees enjoying the festivities

Willy Wipeout explaining the rules of the Limbo Stick Contest

Wanda Waves showing them how it's done

Wowie Maui giving it a try

This is the lady who eventually won the Limbo Contest

This young lady won second place

This is the murder victim found on the beach, Michael MaGoo, owner of the Big Kahuna Development Company and highly disliked by a number of people.

The line-up at the fortune teller booth keeps growing!

An Alamogordo family takes advantage of a photo op

Eunice Howell answers questions from attendees who are trying to solve the murder of Michael MaGoo

Madame Knowsitall answering questions from attendees

Actors being introduced by Willy Wipeout far left. L to R: Kiki Kalua, Linda Lava, Rachel Rainbow, Wanda Waves, Todd Tycoon, Patrick McDonald aka Detective Dan-O, Sandy Beach, Leilani Lei, Wowie Maui, Eunice Howell and Lulu Hula. Missing are Thurston Howell III, Roque Rosales aka Looney Lou and Madame Knowsitall who is still telling fortunes.

Attendees with their newborn

Gail and Trudy, Costume Prize Winners with Eunice Howell

Another lovely attendee

Thurston Howell III with his wife Eunice "Lovey" Howell

This was such a FUN experience. Thanks to all who came and participated in our Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. We have plans to do another one in October based on "The Phantom of the Opera" so be watching for the announcements.

This is all I have to say for now.