Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Today was relatively “slow” as we had nothing going on except going to the Elks for their annual holiday boutique. As soon as we got vertical, Oreo and I went outside for a rousing game of fetch. We had her running for 30 minutes non-stop with three of her favorite toys!
After the game, we got ready to go to the Elks. The women’s auxiliary sponsors this event every year, and they fill the ballroom and outdoor patio with purveyors of magnificent “stuff” you cannot do without.
FYI: The Elks Emblem Club is a community-service and social organization associated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Emblem Clubs commonly raise money for local charities, support community programs, and hold social events.
They’re separate from Elks lodges, and membership requirements vary by local club—many welcome women with an Elks connection.
Robin came by the house at 11:15 am to meet Oreo for the first time, and they hit it off! Robin got “fetch duty” for about 15 minutes while we got everything together to go. We met Dianne there around noon.
We arrived just a tad early, four minutes before noon, and their buffet was closing. They loaded our plates with scrambled eggs, waffles, sausages, potatoes, biscuits, and gravy! Mary resisted, but I let them pile my plate high, so guess who did NOT eat dinner today? Robin didn’t join us because she is still watching her diet!
Dianne came in around 12:15, and the four of us sat around finishing breakfast. Since it was afternoon, Mary and I had a glass of wine while Robin drank champagne.
Next door in the ballroom, people bustled around doing their holiday shopping.
Mary found her favorite clothing boutique, where she bought her “bling” outfits. Bling is slang for flashy, eye-catching jewelry, clothes, or accessories—especially things that sparkle, like gold chains or diamond rings. In our case, it is rhinestones. Rhinestones are small, faceted imitation gems made to sparkle like diamonds. They’re commonly made from glass, crystal, or plastic and used on clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
I tried to follow the girls around the entire area while they shopped, alternating between banker, wine glass holder, and package carrier. At the end, I was pooped out! I was in Estrogen overload! I did cave and bought a bag of roasted almonds, which I devoured as we walked around.
I would have probably taken more shopping pictures, but I was busy juggling three wine glasses, three purses, and a collection of goody bags.
Finally, I retreated to the lounge area, plopped down, and ordered a round of wine for us all. I almost decided to drink all four glasses, but the girls came struggling in from all that work!
Dianne came in empty-handed, saying nothing caught her eye. Little did she know I’d hired a witch to stop Dianne from spending money; she cast a powerful spell: “May every purchase turn into a sensible decision!”
I saw Dianne pick up a gorgeous handbag—and immediately put it back. “Thirty dollars?” she gasped. “That’s practically a retirement plan!”
She left with nothing but a free perfume sample. I smiled proudly. When Dianne came to the post-shopping event, she opened her purse and revealed the three “free” tote bags she’d been given to carry everything she didn’t buy.
Mary made up for Dianne! It took a small, two-wheeled handcart to get Mary’s acquisitions to the car, and then we had to drive home with the trunk open and tied down because it wouldn’t shut!
We headed home to let Oreo out and exercise. Oreo wandered what was in all the sacks for her!
Robin departed for home as husband Bob was due home from his Arizona gig any moment.
I played fetch with Oreo for about 45 minutes, but she sat down and didn’t bring the toy back!
We went inside, joined Mary in the TV/Living Room, and watched two versions of “The Canterville Ghost”, both telling the same story in different ways!
In Oscar Wilde’s “The Canterville Ghost,” an American family, the Otises, move into an English manor despite warnings that it is haunted. Sir Simon, the ghost who has frightened the house’s residents for centuries, tries to scare them—but the practical, unflappable family treats his supernatural tricks as ordinary inconveniences.
Only Virginia, the Otises’ kind-hearted daughter, responds to Sir Simon with sympathy. She learns that he is trapped by a terrible old crime and helps him find peace. After Virginia’s compassion allows him to die and be laid to rest, the haunting ends. The story humorously contrasts American practicality with English tradition, while showing the power of kindness and forgiveness.
Oero and I went outside, braving the night air while she did her business.
We crashed at 10:00 pm.
