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Queen Fizzy Bubbles:
Teri Champine
Vice Queen Lady Shops-Alot:
Connie Shull
Vice Queen Sunny LuLu:
Lucille Sunde
Lady of Creative Hats:
Fay Raftery
Mistress of Medicine, Baroness of Bedpans:
Carol Wherrity
Chef Cooks-Alot:
Pat Lutes
High Priestess of Picture Taking:
Peggy Townsend
Duchess Desert Rose:
Donna Vetromile
Lady Glassy:
Carolyn Beebe
Lady of Travel:
Carole Duran
Lady Bucket:
Jan Beckett
Lady Bird Quail:
Linda Corona
Mistress of Diamonds:
Jan Heintz
Lady Francheska:
Fran Welch
Lady Gladiola:
Gladys Burk
Singing Rooney:
Annie Gerling
Lady Rosa:
Martha Jann
Lady Nan-Chalance:
Nancy Kastor
Ready Betty:
Betty KingLinks
Desert Babes Herstory
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January 2009... The Desert Babes celebrated their 4th year as Red Hatters. Queen Fizzy Bubbles, along with her two Vice Queen’s; Vice Queen Dame Lady Shops A lot and Vice Queen Dame Sunny LuLu, hosted the Gathering. This was our second year of Knighting Desert Babes into the Sisterhood of Knights. The following Courtiers were Knighted – Lady Bucket (Bouquet), Lady of Creative Hats and Duchess Desert Rose, Lady of Trash. After which the three Lady’s were initiated into The Desert Babe’s “Order of the Royal Garter”. Vice Queen Dame Sunny LuLu, Keeper of Koin’s and Royal Jewels, proclaimed the names of those to receive jewels for services rendered to the Chapter. After which, we celebrated by eating dessert….all kinds of dessert. January 17th – Twelve Desert Babes appeared at the Riverside Casino to participate in the Red Hat Rally, put on by the Royal HiKnees of Mohave County. The theme for the Rally was shopping; make a shopping bag, sing a jingle about Red Hat Shopping to win the “Spirit Jug” and other games to be played individually. Queen Fizzy Bubbles’ shopping bag took second place, AND….the Desert Babes WON the “Spirit Jug”! Quite a few of the Desert Babes also won prizes on the individual games. There were veggie wraps, taco’s, salads, etc and glorious desserts to eat. For the short time period of ll:30 AM to 3:00 PM, a lot of eating, games played, making new friends and plain old fun was packed into those three and half hours! You just have to go to our website to check out our photos! www.orgsites.com/az/desert-babes and click on “Desert Babes Photos”.
February 19th.... How do we follow-up a month like we had in January….winning the Spirit Jug at the Rally, celebrating our Fourth Anniversary and proclaiming Lady Knights and initiating them into the Desert Babes Order Of The Royal Garter??? Such a busy month was January! Why we get gussied up and have our pictures taken by Duke Larry and have a “Naked Ladies” party…that’s what. All the ladies were gorgeous, with lots of bling-bling and beautiful hats! Our “Naked Ladies” party brought in $80+ for our Kitty….she was soooo hungry and the ladies made out with gently used/new items for their wardrobes. February also was our planning month for the Queens of Mohave County’s Quarterly Luncheon March 26th. VQ Dame Lady Shops A lot, VQ Dame Sunny LuLu and Dame Lady Bucket (Bouquet) were our Hostess’s for the event, representing our Chapter. There are over 80 Queens in Mohave County which means there are over 80 Chapters of Red Hatters. That’s a lot of red and purple, especially when the membership of each chapter is based on 20+ members!
March 19th....March’s Gathering was a relaxing event…I brought the Court up-to-date on the various events we could attend this year in the county. Three of the ladies are planning on attending the Tri State “T” in October, another 3 are planning on attending a 5 day cruise at the end of September and several of us are going to a Bunco Party in Bullhead this May. And of course, Adopt the Highway is coming up in April. We had dessert and played a few games brought to us by Dame High Priestess of Picture Taking, Mistress of Fun and Frivolity. My ladies brought their Styrofoam cups creations to the Gathering. They were to take a vote on which one to win a prize, but they decided that all were so different and clever they couldn’t decide….LOL . So, the prize will be used another time. At the beginning of March, most of the plans for the luncheon were in place. I sent the invitations out to the Queens via email. VQ Dame Sunny LuLu was in charge of receiving the RSVP’s and money. VQ Dame Lady Shops A lot and Dame Lady Bucket (Bouquet) planned the buffet, did the shopping, etc. I had wanted ALL of my court to be a participant in some way, as we are the Host Chapter (only Queens, VQ’s and possibly a few chapter members could attend) so I asked those that were not invited to donate condiments; AND as I knew they would, my Court came through. I have 19 beautiful ladies that really have the Red Hatter spirit! I am so proud of them, not only for this but in every way! The day of the luncheon there were (as it always seems to happen) a few mis-haps, but we made do. (After all this was a learning experience for us as well.) We had 20 Queens and VQ’s attend from Bullhead, Chloride, Kingman and Havasu. The buffet was beautiful, food was tasty and the desserts were scrumptious, and we, the Desert Babes received so many compliments….I dare say our guests went home well fed and happy! We had food left over, but I would rather have that than run out of something and be embarrassed. After all, as I said, The Desert Babes Chapter was the host of this event. Our first time, but, boy did we shine!
April 2009 VQ Lady Shops Alot was not available as co-hostess with lady Nan-Chalance for our April Gathering, so Chef Cooks Alot graciously stepped in as co-hostess and served us decadent desserts....a delicious chocolate cake with chocolate chips...ummmmmmmmm!!! and a white pineapple cake, equally delicious! We played "card" bingo...5 games and won really nice glass photo frames. Very nicely done ladies!
May 2009The Desert Babes participated in our 3rd Annual IWO. This year's games mimicked the Olympics. The events were--Swimming, floor Exercises, Equestrian, and Track and Field---Eight different games. Each catagory had gold, silver and bronze medals. Our 2009 IWO was VQ Dame Lady Shops Alot. Can't wait until next year to see who will be the 2010 IWO!
June 2009 Our June Gathering was hosted by Lady Franschka and VQ Lady Shops Alot. A tasty luncheon was served.
July and August were dark.
September 2009...Several of the Desert Babes made the trip into Kingman to see the Fair. At our Gathering we played RH Bingo. Three of our ladies did a cruise.
October 2009Two of our ladies attended the Tri State T's weekend event. And several of our ladies made the trip into Laughlin to shop at the Tri State T's vendor store. Lots of goodies! Dame High Priestess of Picture Taking and Lady Glassy hosted a Halloween party for our Gathering. The party took place at Dame High Priestess' home. Everyone wore costumes and the goodies were very frightful! Everyone came in costumes and we played a game of dress the old man. Several ladies helped pick up trash for our Adopt a Hwy day. Our mile of highway is now sparkingly clean...for now anyway. We had a "Mardi Grau mask" decorating afternoon for the ladies that will be attending the Rally in January. Feathers and glitter everywhere!
November 2009Our November Gathering was held at the historic Brunswick Hotel in Kingman, AZ, and was hosted by Dame lady of Travel and Chef Cooks Alot.
To bring the Christmas Spirit to our community, Sue and Bill Kaufman decided to invite groups, clubs, individuals to decorate the Joshua trees and bushes that are on our Boulevard. We chose a medium size Joshua and decorated it with various sizes of red "doll size" straw hats (some with purple feathers), one red sandal (that's all we could find), CD's and Mardi Grau beads for glitter, and two Red Hat Ladies sitting on an arm of the Joshua, having tea and cookies. Three of the Dukes came out to help us....what fun! The Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Community gathered, sang Christmas Carols and warmed themselves on hot chocolate, furnished by the Kaufman's....yummy!! What a nice way to start the holiday season!
December 2009Our Christmas Gathering was held at Yesterday's restaurant in Chloride, AZ, and was hosted by Lady Bucket (Bouquet) and VQ Dame Lady Shops Alot.
January 2008 thru June 2008 We are still here! I will try to update you on our doing’s since January! The first thing …. We celebrated the beginning of our 4th year as Red Hatters. It seems like yesterday since January 2005. So much has happened…we have grown as a Chapter…not so much in members, that is pretty steady, but as a group of like-minded,fun-loving, women! We have re-learned how to be silly in a lady-like fashion and to let ourselves go with the moment. We love to dress up and show-off our “bling-bling” and meet with other Red Hat Chapters. Our celebration for the New Year began with a rededication to the Desert Babes and because most of the Desert Babes have been members for 3 years, I initiated those members into the “Order of The Royal Garter”. Just like in “merry ol’ England”, you have to become a knight first. (If you do research there were Lady Knights way back when.) So, those members were “knighted” and now the title of “Dame” is added to their titles. Than each were bestowed the Royal Garter. I look forward to next year to doing the same…it was so much fun to pretend!I had planned to update our web page and the Monitor in Febuary, but I was called away to Michigan when my Queen Mother passed. As most of you know, I didn’t return until mid-April. Whilst I was away, Vice Queens, Dame Lady Shops A lot and Dame Sunny LuLu held reign and did a splendid job.Our Gathering for the month of May was our second “Red Hat Olympics”, hosted by myself and my two Vice Queens. We dropped one game and added two….plunger and bowling. Our Gold Medalist for 2008 was Lady Franscheska, Silver Medalist Dame Lady Nan-Chalance, Bronze Medalist Lady Rosa and our Good Sport was awarded to Dame High Priestess of Picture Taking. Besides awarding the medals, each received a hat and a rose. Lemonade, cookies and ice cream were served for refreshments. Our June Gathering was a relaxing event hosted by Lady Rosa and Lady Franscheka. We enjoyed a few sit-down games and our hostesse’s served a beautiful luncheon. The months of July and August were dark and we are looking forward to September’s Gathering which will be hosted by Ready Betty.Some of the Desert Babe’s are looking forward to September 2009, as we were invited to a mini-convention cruise.
September 18, 2008 Our first Gathering after the summer, it was sure hot around here! Everybody got re-acquainted and up on all the news. The Desert Babes received their invitation to next year's Red Hat Rally, hosted by the Royal HiKnees of Mohave County. Our Hostess's for this month, Ready Betty and Lady Glassy served us a beautiful luncheon of salad, spagetti, rolls, dessert and wine/juice. It was hilarious! Apparently, our POOR Hostess's found that they did not have enough dishes or silverware to serve us, and being the ingenious Red Hatter's that they are, they made do with what they had. Have you ever tried to eat spagetti with a large serving spoon out of a shrimp glass, or an old child's potty (sanitized and lined wth foilof course) with tongs (the ones with a hole)... or drink out of a small pitcher with a small opening. We even tried to feed each other with the solid tongs....much, much too funny! I think I wore more than I ate. Kudo's to our Hostess's for a Very entertaining luncheon!!
October 2008....Meadview's October Fest found several of the Desert Babe's in their red and purple "hosting" for the Pancake Breakfast. Other member's sampled their wares...yum, yum....good breakfast! After breakfast the ladies "shopped" the crafter's and purchased some real nice items.
October's Gathering was hosted by Lady of Travel and our newest member Lady Bird Quail. The theme was Halloween of course. A few of the ladies came dressed Halloweenie...nothing on the scarey side, unless you count the Queen. We ate dessert first; spider cupcakes, ghost cookies and hotdogs wrapped as mummies with potatoe salad. We played a word game that had to do with Halloween. Invested our newest member and bestowed her title and bestowed jewels to the ladies that have served the Desert Babes Court. Our Hostess's did a great job!
October 24th, eight Desert Babes were found on the first mile of Stockton Hill Road picking up all the "jewels" left on the roadside by passerby's. Duchess Desert Rose, Lady of Trash; Dame Lady Gladiola; VQ Dame Sunny LuLu; Lady Bucket (Bouquet); Lady Franscheka, Lady Who Slots Alot; Dame Lady Rosa; Lady of Travel and Queen Fizzy Bubbles; AND Duke Everett. The Courtiers picked up several bags of "jewels" that were half empty/full???? (Passerby's are getting stingy with their stuff. It is a "good thing" and makes our job easier.) Good job, M'Ladies!!
October has been a busy month for the Desert Babe's wearing of the Red and Purple...we just love to show it off!!!!
January 8th found several of The Desert Babes driving to Fort Mohave to join in on the "First Red Hat Rally," hosted by The Royal HiKnees (a Chapter made up of several Queens from Mohave County) at the El Rio Country Club. The Rally was based on the poem "Warning", which really caused the beginning of The Red Hat Society. The Rally consisted of several stations that we had to work our way through...."spitzing contest," "Fortune Cookie Drawing," "Spirit Jug," "Juggs Contest," and many more fun things. There were prizes galore! Several of our ladies were lucky...Lady Nan-Chalance won a beautiful hat and than a bag of goodies, VQ Lady Shops Alot won a bag of goodies and our High Priestess of Picture Taking also won a bag of goodies. Actually, all of us went home with some sort of goodie. There was "face painting." If you check our photos you'll see that we have some "painted ladies" in the Desert Babes. All of us received a collector's pin..."the First Red Hat Rally pin." Finger food was served...along with desserts.
Even though we almost got blown away that day and really had to hang on to our hats...we all agreed that it was a beautiful day to go out and play with our sisters from Mohave County.
February 2007...February's Gathering was a field trip to a musuem in Kingman to take "A Step Back In Time". At the musuem the ladies were shown Vintage clothing from the Civil War and Victorian periods. After the musuem they stopped off for lunch before heading back to Meadview.
March 2007...We celebrated St. Patrick's Day, hosted by Lady of Travel and High Priestess of Picture Taking. Sure, it was a grand party!!! We had green punch, green desserts, and some green(?) in the sandwiches. Played a few games with prizes, each read an Irish Saying and sang a few Irish songs that our Countessa of Song & Mistress of Literacy, Sunny LuLu brought to the Gathering.
March 30th marked our first “Adopt A Highway” pickup. Ten Desert Babes were seen picking up litter along the first mile of Stockton Hill Road. They were treated to a low fly-over of at least a dozen monoplanes (that we found out later were built from kits). We waved and were acknowledged by the old fashioned wing dip. Oh yes, we also received a few honks from passer-bys. We collected quite a few bags of litter...boy, they were heavy!
April 2007...April was a busy month for some of the Desert Babes. High Priestess of Picture Taking and QMum Teri visited visited Bullhead City to partake in a PotLuck '50's Hop, put on by QMum Carrie of The Desert Roses Chapter. We each won a few prizes, enjoyed the food and the desserts were fabulous! But the best was meeting new friends and greeting other's that we have met before.
Our Gathering on the 19th was hosted by Lady Nan-Chalance and VQ Lady Shops Alot. We had tea and dessert, played a game or two and celebrated birthdays, including the Red Hat Society. QMum Teri bestowed jewels to those Desert Babes that have served the Chapter in the last 3 months. On Friday the 27th,Sunny LuLu, Lady Franschka, VQ Countess of Cats, VQ Lady Shops Alot and QMum Teri, showed up at the home of Lady Gladiola's to decorate the float for the 3rd Annual Quad Run. On Saturday (the 28th) we all gathered on the float to get ready to throw candy to the crowd and pose for pictures. We had so much fun that we went around a second time.
May 2007...Hostesses Sunny LuLu and Lady Gladiola hosted a Bunco Party. We had prizes for each table and cookies and ice cream for dessert. A grand time was had by all. Actually, this was good practice for Queen Fizzy Bubbles, VQ Countess of Cats, and Queen Mum's guest, Lady Irene of Michigan. Because the three of them attended a Bunco Party in Bullhead that was hosted by Queen Charlene and her Chapter Red Hot Mama's of Bullhead. There were at least 100 RH ladies in attendance and it was fun meeting them. All three of us came home with prizes.
June 2007...As June will be the last Gathering for the Desert Babes until September. Queen Fizzy Bubbles thought this would be a good time to have a picnic/beach party Gathering. The ladies were told to dress casual but wear their red hat and be prepared to play games for the title of "Desert Babes Red Hat Iron Woman 2007". They would play with a partner and compete in a "Spitz Contest", "Wet T Shirt Contest", "Feather Blow", "Cowboy Horseshoes", and "Pantyhose Golf". Prizes were awarded for the best and lowest scores in each game. Medals, flowers, and prizes were awarded to the best overall scores. Our "Desert Babes Red Hat Iron Woman" for 2007 and Gold Medal Winner...Singing Rooney; Silver Medalist...Lady Franscheka; Bronze Medalist...Lady Carol; and Good Sport Medalist...Lady Bucket (Bouquet). The ladies had so much fun that they want to do this again next June.
September 2007...Our June Gathering finished on a high note, everyone leaving and expecting a great summer, as we labeled July and August as “dark”, because so many leave for cooler areas. Well, it certainly was a “dark” summer! Our Vice Queen Countess of Cats, Keeper of Koins and Mistress of the Royal Jewels (Edwanna Partin), was in a horrendous auto accident early on in July and passed July 17th. She was on her way home from her daughter’s graduation in Phoenix, when for some unexplainable reason went off the road and rolled several times. Edwanna was just getting back into Red Hats after almost a year….she had been taking care of her husband Jerry, who passed in January. Edwanna was buried, along with her husband’s ashes, in Oklahoma. There was no Memorial for Edwanna in Meadview, but her sister’s from The Desert Babes presented her daughter Debbie with a music box, depicting two kittens peaking out from under a red hat. Then, as if that didn’t darken the summer….in late summer, our Sunny LuLu, who was away on vacation for the summer….her house burned down. Then, as sisters should, some of the Desert Babes helped Sunny LuLu clean up what precious treasures she had left. At our September Gathering we read the poem “A Red Hat Sister Passes By” in remembrance of our late Vice Queen. We discussed upcoming events, Tri State T5 and the Rally in January.
October 2007....October found the Desert Babes verrrrrrrrrrry busy! The first weekend we were involved in the Coyote Melon Fest. Four of the Desert Babes entertained the crowd with their Itchy Feet Tap Group and then on Sunday, dressed in our glitztyest, served rattlesnake at the buffet. Proceeds go to “Feed The Children” Foundation. October 12th through the 14th found us in Laughlin, Nevada at the PurpleProse Tri State T5. When we arrived on Friday morning to register at the Aquarius, we were greeted with a glass of champagne. Yummy!!! That evening at the “Meet and Greet” we were entertained by Roy Oberson (sound and look alike). He was good! Saturday, 7:30 AM, we walked across the street for breakfast at Mickey D’s….we all had red clown noses, and must have had passer-by’s in cars wondering what the heck was going on. We shopped the mall and other Red Hatter’s sashayed down the Riverwalk to the Golden Nugget for goodies. We also shopped the Red Hat vendor’s in the hotel. Saturday evening, everyone dressed to the 9’s for the birthday party. That night we were entertained by Dolly Partin and Kenny Roger’s. These entertainers were really great! Sunday morning found us packing and going down stairs to breakfast. All the food was great, no buffets, all sit down. The raffle prizes were fantastic…(we didn’t win anything…darn) and the table handouts were the best ever! After breakfast, those that had to leave did while the rest of us took a riverboat cruise. “Up the lazy river” to the Davis Dam. Very interesting! Would like to do it again, when I can hear. You get a hundred or so women on a boat and you can’t hear anything. LOLOur High Priestess of Picture Taking hosted our October Gathering, it was Halloween themed. She really outdid herself! Witch sandwiches, mummies, brain dip, eyeballs, and punch, all of which was good. We discussed the Adopt a Highway for best date for all, and up coming Gatherings. GMum bestowed titles and jewels (had to do alot of catch up)to Desert Rose, Lady of Trash and Mistress of Medicine, Baroness of Bedpans. Bestowed the title of 2nd Vice Queen to Sunny LuLu. The ladies that attended the "T" showed off their shopping treasures and talked about their impressions of the "T".October 24th, the Desert Babes did their Community Service and cleaned up their one mile stretch of highway.
November 2007….Hostesses Lady Nan-Chalance and Lady of Creative Hats, hosted a Luncheon at the Crow’s Nest for our November Gathering. We had a surprise guest for some of our ladies, as Alice Blakeslee joined us for lunch. Alice and her husband were in town for a few weeks, and as Alice is a Red Hatter too, she joined us for lunch. We played a few sit down games, talked, ate a great lunch with dessert of course.Myrtle of the Purple Flowers passed this November after a long illness. She was such a sweet lady, on her birthday she gave each of us a gift. Lady Myrtle and her daughter Lady Iris of the Desert live in Dolan Springs and have participated in many of our Gatherings in the past. It is hoped that Lady Iris will be able to continue joining us in fun…we miss them both so much.
December 2007….The 5th found several of our ladies doing their favorite thing….Shopping! We drove to Henderson and visited the “Queen’s Closet”. Queen LuGala, owner of the shop, served us a light lunch and dessert.Due to all the Christmas doings this month, we decided to have our Gathering on the 13th. Chef Cooks A lot and Lady Gladiola served as hostesses. They did such a stupendous job for our Christmas Gathering! The desserts were decadent and the games were such fun…especially trying to wrap and tie a gift box with a partner each using only one hand. It’s a wonder there were no accidents! We each received a clear glass ornament with our picture inside, sang a few carols and exchanged gifts and had a group picture taken with reindeer antlers on our head. Great party ladies!!!
January 2006...January 8th of 2006 was a mile stone for the Desert Babes...it was our first anniversary! We celebrated on the 19th and gathered at the MCA building. Our celebration began with an Anniversay Ceremony. A table was set up with flowers and candles. I lighted a candle and recited "If I light your candle from mine, it doesn't deminish my light, it only makes mine twice as bright. We pledge to sparkle with friendship and frivolity, and to encourage laughter wherever we go, making times together memorable." Then, I lit the candles of the Vice Queens, who in turn, lit the tea lights of each member. When all the candles were lit we "Reducated" ourselves by saying our Red Hat vows.
As this gathering was a box luncheon, the ladies voted on the prettiest decorated box and a prize (red Hat) was awarded to Vice Queen Lady Shops A-Lot with second place going to Vice Queen Countess of Cats. (I'm not sure that someone didn't collaborate...LOL) As each box was numbered when we arrived, the ladies drew a number to see which box lunch they would get to eat. (All of the lunches looked delicious and we're still here, lol). While we were eating, we celebrated National Popcorn Day (19th), and Lady of Travel's birthday. As it is also the beginning of the Chinese New Year,we opened firecrackers made from candy rolls with a Red Hat Chinese Proverb as the wick. Each Lady read her proverb, but began with "under the sheets". Then I read the Chinese Zodiac Signs for each year. After that reading we did the numerolgy game with our birthdates. That took a little while because of explanations. Then the birthdate numbers were read...amazing how the Chinese Zodiac and the numbers for our birthdates were close and seemed to match our personalities. Some were very funny and appropriate to the person. After eating, we made "hat pins" and than lit our individual red hat birthday cakes (sugar cookie with mini cupcake on top and frosted in red to look like red hats) sang "Happy Birthday" to us and toasted The Desert Babes.
Announcements were made in regard to Arizona Red Hat Happenings and The Musical Menopause. Talked about each Lady of the Court taking a turn at hosting a gathering (we have to work on that). Our February Gathering will take place at the Meadview Cafe for a PJ Breakfast. Sounds like nothing but fun! If the rest of the new year works out like the first two months...The Desert Babes will be flying high
February 16, 2006...What fun! Everyone turned out in their PJ's, bathrobes, nightgowns, some in hair curlers and slippers at the Meadview Cafe, 10:30 in the morning. Did we look colorful or what! Our hostesses for the event, Lady Rosa and Lady Nan Chalance did a terrific job. We played games, had prizes and celebrated January birthday's by singing "Happy Birthday" and giving gifts to each birthday gal. Queen Mum brought a guest from Michigan, Irene who belongs to a chapter back there. After so much merry making and a big breakfast, we all went home content. What fun!!!
March 16, 2006The Gathering on this day celebrated St. Paddy's Day. Hostess(s) Singing Rooney with the help of Chief Cooks Alot and Ready Betty put on a scrumptious tea with cake and shamrock cookies. We played a horoscope game, celebrated birthdays and enjoyed a good gab-fest.
March 19th, 2006 Queen Mum Teri was invited to a Girl Scout Tea by the PurpleProse of Kingman to help the girls acquire a badge. Lady Shops Alot was also invited and helped the PurpleProse ladies attend the girls. Each RH Lady attended one or two girls scouts and helped them learn to courtsey, manners at a tea and join in RH fun. This is the note on the PurpleProse website regarding the tea.
"Another first: today:The Girl Scout / Red Hat Tea! Grace Lutheran Church, Kingman, Arizona, was the place to be for Girl Scouts from the following Troops:4329,481,1655,408,1996,384,1090 and 219. Terry, Lady Tucky of the Brownies, invited the girls to an afternoon Tea and they are now well on their way to earning another badge ~ thanks to the attending Red Hatters, the troop leaders, the moms and the committee (and the Dukes!) that put this great event together. Queen Mum Joan called for an entourage of Mohave County Queens and all the guests curtseyed to the Queens: Queen Lydia of the Mad Hatters of Mohave, Queen Terry of Desert Babes of Meadview, Queen Mary Jo of Ravishing Rubies Round the River and Acting Queen Nadine of Jewels of the Cerbats in Chloride."
April 20, 2006....Our April Gathering found the Desert Babes all "gussied" up to have our pictures taken. My, my, what finery! We also celebrated Easter with Easter bags and hard boiled eggs and sugar cookies to go with our tea. Four ladies of The Court received their Titles and six ladies received The Royal Crest and ten ladies received a number of jewels to be applied to their crests. After renewal of our Red Hat Vows, the Court sat down and enjoyed a impromptu performance of "The Devil and The Red Hat Queen". With scripts in hand our cast performed outrageously! So much fun! We are looking forward to May's gathering hostessed by Lady Gladiola. She has told us to dress casual. Hmmmmmmm
May 4, 2006...Six ladies gathered at Lady Gladiola's home to decorate the pontoon for the parade on May 6th. Red and purple crepe paper streamers, artificial flowers, banners, wooden plaques and an American Flag made the pontoon very festive. More would be added on parade day, as the balloons would be blown up late Friday. Ladies that took time out to help; Lady Gladiola, Lady Rosa, Desert Rose, Lady of Travel, VQ Shops Alot and Queen Mum Teri
May 6th Parade Day...Thanks to the generosity of Sue and Bill Kaufman of Meadview Realty, the Desert Babes float and jeep had 45 red, purple, white balloons along with a huge red shoe and hat. The float looked fantastic! Of course, we had to go around twice. The children (and adults)scrambled to gather the candy that was thrown from the float and jeep. Afterwards, the Desert Babes gave the red and purple balloons to the children as they perused the craft wares. Luncheon was a must for most of the Desert Babes...seems a good time was had by all again.
Celebrity, Celebrity....Our Chapter's Lady Cooks A Lot (Pat Lutes) is PUBLISHED! The Red Hat Society was calling for recipes from the Red Hatters and Pat entered her "Pizza For One" recipe and it was accepted. The Red Hat Society's first cookbook is on sale now. Congrat's to you Pat! The Desert Babes are proud of you.
October 13, 14, & 15th PurpleProse's Tri State "T"...Four of the Desert Babes attended the event; QM Teri, VQ Connie, Lady of Travel, Carol, and High Priestess of Picture Taking, Peggy. We arrived around 11 am on Friday, registered for the "T", got our room and went SHOPPING. We didn't want to miss out on the good stuff. The shopping was better than last year....there were new vendors and the merchandise offered was great. Prices ranged from $3 up, depending on what you were thinking of purchasing. We dressed up for the "Meet 'n Greet" on Friday night. When you walked into the ballroom there was a sea of red....beautiful! Everyone was in her glitzyist and all were beautiful. Saturday found us (what else) shopping and doing our recreation thing (slots). Saturday evening's theme was the '50's. Poodle skirts, saddle shoes, penny loafers, blue jeans and white shirts were everywhere, along with cheerleaders and car hops. Entertainment for the evening was Liza (a 51 year old and she doesn't look it). Sunday "Dolly" breakfast was fun. Our mascot Susie got to sing her song "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" in front of 900+ Red Hatters. Also, during all of the events there were drawing's for prizes and raffles from the Treasure Chest. We met alot of Red Hatters from CA, NV, AZ, WA, NM, and someone from Alaska. The many Red Hatters in attendance exchanged Calling Cards and trinkets. I received a lovely pair of bead earrings from Queen Linda, "Anything Goes Supphose to Chapeaux" chapter in Sacramento, CA and a belly button "Lint Brush" from Queen Connie from the "Last of the "RedHat" Momma's" chapter in Riverside, CA. Alot to think about for next year's event. The consensus....WE GIRLS DO WANT TO HAVE FUN AND WE CERTAINLY DID and are planning on attending next year's event. (October 12, 13, & 14th. Theme: Birthday (PurpleProse Chapter will be 5 years old.)
October 30....Four Chapterettes met at the Meadview Cafe for a Halloween Luncheon. QM dressed as the Queen of Hearts...(giggles were heard from the patrons)the other ladies were poopers. However, a few games (sit down) were played and prizes were handed out to all. A nice luncheon and a good chat filled the air. November's Gathering will be a movie date. Dirt cake with protein (gummy worms) was served. It was a pleasant way to have lunch and spend with friends.
November 16, 2006....A movie matinee was planned...."Shall We Dance", with Richard Kerr and J. Lopez was the choice of the group. Popcorn was served and Chapterettes brought their own drinks. Discussion was held prior to the movie for December's Gathering....a Christmas Party with everyone bringing two dozen cookies to share along with the recipe, plus a $5.00 minimum gift exchange.
December 21, 2006...Our Christmas Gathering was fantastic! Hostess's, Baroness' of The Bash, Lady of Travel and High Priestess of Picture Taking did a fantastic job! To exchange gifts we played the game "Right & Left" to "T'was the Night Before Christmas". As each gift was passed to the "right" and then to the "left", it was fun trying to figure out what was in the package...some were very heavy and others very light. Sunny LuLu our "Contessa of Song and Mistress of Literacy" gave each of us "sayings" to read and later provided Christmas songs to sing; which we were accompanied on the piano by Lady Gladiola. Tea was served and of course we had to taste all the delicious cookies brought in by our ladies. Christmas, New Year, and a SAFE holiday wishes were expressed by all.
January, 2005...After months of discussing "that we should start a Red Hat Chapter in Meadview." Founding Queen Mother, Teri said, "Let's just do it, otherwise it'll never happen!" The Red Hat Chapter of "Desert Babes" had their Inaugural Gathering February 20th to celebrate Valentine's Day in the MCA Auditorium.
The funny thing is that approximately fifteen years ago, a friend of mine and myself had gone away for a weekend to Rockford, Michigan. This use to be the town where they made Hush Puppies and now is a tourist town with many quaint shops. Looking through some cards that were on display we came across a card with two ladies dressed in purple, wearing red hats. The title was "When I Grow Old" and the inside of the card had the poem "Warning". We really laughed and joked that that would be us one day. My friend was the tall one and I was the short one. Now, look at us today...we both belong to the Red Hat Society. My friend in Michigan and myself here in Arizona. Strange things do happen.
February 20th, 2005...the big day is finally here...boy, am I nervous. The High Tea was a great success, featuring finger sandwiches and rich desserts, along with the playing of several games and honoring the birthday of the month. We had seventeen ladies show up for our first Gathering!
March 20th, 2005...Sunny LuLu,Honey LuLu, and Lady Rosa (Martha Jann) hosted our March gathering. The theme was St. Paddy's Day of course. We had tea, cookies and sang Irish songs! The ladies wanted to learn how to play Bunko...so we tried. LOL!! So much laughter and questions that we only TRIED to play a few games. The ladies did a splendid job of hosting!
April...being the Red Hat Society Birthday, we had a luncheon at the Meadview Cafe. We had a sunflower shaped cake made out of Twinkies (the official Red Hat Society cake), horns to toot, sang Happy Birthday and played a few sit down games. Everyone in attendance received birthday gifts.
May...Was a busy month for the Desert Babes. On May 14th we joined the Chamber of Commerce' 1st Annual Street Fair and Quad Poker Run. One of the ladies, Gladys Burk (Lady Gladiola) had a pontoon boat that we decorated with purple and red streamers and balloons. She also had (of all things) a red jeep! The ladies from Dolan Springs brought up a golf cart and we decorated it with streamers and balloons also. There were a few Dukes that donated their time in helping decorate and drive. We threw candy to the spectators and blew bubbles. The drive was not more than a quarter of a mile. So when we returned to the parking lot, there was a chant of "one more time, one more time, one more time." So, needless to say, around the block more or less we went. We had our pictures taken so many times...and someone said that we were the best float in the parade. (we were the only float...LOL) Everyone then took in the craft booths and had lunch. What a hoot!
May 20th,...found the Desert Babes in Kingman, AZ, visiting The PurpleProse of Kingman for an afternoon tea at Cappala's. We met Queen Joan and many of the other ladies of the PurpleProse and learned to Hollywood Kiss Kiss. On the way home, up around Patterson Curve we came across a herd of ponies. They just wandered around in the road and on the side. There were quite a few mares with their babies...how sweet are God's creatures! A few curious ones nuzzled my van, front and back. Needless to say a few more pictures were taken.
June 19th...This was the BIG day. Coronation and bestowing of Titles. The Coronation was hosted by Lady Shops A-Lot (Connie Shull) and her helpers. I must say...they went all out! I received my crown, septor and had to approach Lady Shops A-Lot under an arch of flowers held by my Court. After I received my crown and septor, I in turn, bestowed Titles to my Vice Queen Lady Shops A-Lot and the Court that was present. We then recited our vows and ate cake!
June 26 thru the 29th...is the Red Hat Convention in Las Vegas. The PurpleProse of Kingman is hosting the "Frolic on Fremont St." A few of the Desert Babes are planning on spending a day in Vegas and doing the "Frolic".
July, August & September...found Queen Fizzy Bubbles on a far Eastern trip (to Michigan). Whilst the Queen was gone, the Desert Babes went on a field trip to Kingman's Craft show and did a luncheon at the Meadview Cafe.
October...was the big event the "TRI-State "T"" hosted by the PurpleProse of Kingman. The event was held in Laughlin at the Flamingo Hotel, October 7, 8, and 9th. Four ladies of the Desert Babes attended the affair...Queen Fizzy Bubbles, Vice Queen Countess of Cats, Vice Queen Lady Shops A-Lot and the High Priestess of Picture Taking. We had a ball! The PJ party was quite sensational...viewing all the different pj's that were worn. But the best was seeing how the ladies dressed as their favorite Hollywood star at breakfast the last day. Lots of $ was spent...not so much on the machines (at least by us) but on items purchase in M'Ladies Attic. Such gorgeous hats, etc.!!!! Our poor High Priestess of Picture Taking had sore feet, as she did the River Walk instead of the PJ Pizza party. What a trooper!!!
October 16th...Gathering entailed the Coronation of Vice Queen Countess of Cats (Edwanna Partin) and the bestowing of Titles to the Court. A general discussion was held on changing the day of our gatherings. Queen Fizzy Bubbles made a royal decision to hold our meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month, same time and same place.
We had a "Scarlet Sparkle! After our Gathering, everyone helped clean the area...said their "good-by'S and left the hall. Sunny LuLu was the last to leave. Meanwhile, Vice Queen Countess of Cats phoned the Queen asking if she had seen a plastic bag in the hall (she had left her hat, etc.) The Queen said she thought she saw the bag in question on the counter in the kitchen and if Countess of Cats hurried she might find that Sunny LuLu was still there and wouldn't take the bag home by mistake. Needless to say, our Countess of Cats hopped into her car and drove over to the hall(now this is where our Scarlet Sparkle comes in.) There standing by her car was Sunny LuLu. Unfortunately she had packed her car and locked the hall door, only to find that she had also locked her car keys in the hall and there was no one around to open the door. Didn't have her key card with her and only enough change to try to make a phone call. The phone call didn't work. Our Countess of Cats drove Sunny LuLu home to pick up her keys and drove her back to the hall so she could drive her car home. Just goes to show that "some thing's always happen for a reason."
November 17th...This was our first Thursday gathering. It was very pleasant...we had tea and dessert and a lively discussion on our future...things that were happening in the Red Hat world...things that we could do, etc. Suggestions were made that we bring a Christmas gift to exchange next month...all agreed not to exceed $5.00. We will initiate new members and award jewels every three months.
December 15th...Our Christmas gathering was a great success! Our Hostess's outdid themselves! We had punch, cookies, cake, tea and much more. All of it was yummie! Sunny LuLu led us in singing carols and we were accompanied by Lady Gladiola on the piano. We played games and celebrated our December birthdays...Myrtle of the Purple Flowers was so sweet...she gave us all a birthday present from her...and it was HER birthday! We drew numbers to go and pick out a gift...very hard to choose. Queen Mum gave each of the ladies a whimmzee. Countess of Cats and Lady Shops Alot gave each lady a 2006-07 pocket calendar and red hat pencil. We had such fun! Wonder what the ladies will cook up for 2006?
