The day started brilliantly with a steaming cup of coffee because we’d be sad zombies without it. We then dove into our computers, battling the inbox like it was a rogue robot trying to take over the world. Deleting old emails felt like a digital spring cleaning, but instead of dust bunnies, we found ancient messages from that distant cousin who only talks to us when she needs a favor.
After a while, Mary declared she needed a break from our thrilling email escapades and headed to “The Loft.” I half-expected her to start a new career as a professional YouTube commenter. But nope! Instead, she lost herself in the magical world of watercolor painting tutorials and lightboxes. Who knew that watching someone else paint could be so riveting? She might just come back using “abstract expressionism” as her new catchphrase, proving once and for all that watching art is the new doing art!
At 11:00 p.m., we got ready to go to her painting class. While she was there, I cleaned up the car and did some chores around the house. Her class got out early, but I did not have my phone on me because I was afraid it would fall out of my pocket while doing the chores. Mary had to wait almost an hour for me to get there.
We were dressed and ready to go to the Elks for another Veterans Day celebration. You know you’re ready when you wonder if the medals on your uniform could double as pie plates for the dessert table! Why honor veterans without a little added weight from the food? As we pulled up, I half expected a marching band to greet us. I heard the sounds, but it was just the sound of Bob trying to find a parking spot—talk about an epic battle!
Hey Captain, whazz up?
We had an excellent table courtesy of Bill Capps. It was so good that I half expected it to start serving us dinner and telling jokes! Who knew tables could be so generous? Next time, I’m asking Bill if he can reserve us a chair that doubles as a personal massage therapist!
Bill reserved us a table.
We devoured our food as soon as we arrived because, honestly, our stomachs were so loud they could have won a karaoke contest! I think I even heard one of them singing!
The head Elk came to visit our table.
Meeting and greeting.
Tonight, we had several members of the Sheriff’s department. I bought the guys a round of “pine floats” and a bunch of lottery tickets.
We feel pretty safe right here! The guys gave Mary an OC Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard Challenge Coin and a patch.
The event started with the ladies presenting a tribute to the veterans in the audience. It was well done and well received.
The ladies did a beautiful tribute to our armed forces.
Vick and Jim joined us this evening, and she always brightens the day.
Vicky and Jim brightened up the evening.
She did not know this, but Mary and I sent her a book. After she reads it, she can tell me how to use mine!
Now, we will find out how these things are supposed to work!
We had a great time all evening with banter at 103%!
Just us.
It’s disgusting that Bob can still fit into his uniform after fifty years while I can’t fit into my pants, which I ordered last week!
US Army, YEAH!!!
Jeeze! We are going to call him “High Pockets.” He was in the drum and bagpipe corps, making it easy to see where they were. Basketball anyone?
Our girls are short.
He played the drums and did it well!!
On a lark, I bought $100 worth of raffle tickets (the proceeds went to a good cause), and our table won four of the six prizes offered. Nope, it was NOT fixed. Mary was first and got a “challenge coin”!
A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by its members. Traditionally, they were given to prove membership when asked and to enhance morale. Service members and law enforcement personnel also collect them. Historically, unit commanders presented challenge coins in recognition of exceptional achievement by a unit member. They could also be exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.
Donna won a prize.
You can see the Army and Navy get along—mostly because they’re united in one common goal: ensuring the Air Force doesn’t steal the booze. Bob won the prize but donated it to Bill. Or, as Bill tells the story, “hic.”
Bill won a prize which he held close to his heart!
Just what us old guys need, a box of tookies! Perfect for fueling our late-night debates on who’s the best superhero—spoiler alert: it’s definitely the one with the best snacks. Now all Jim needs is his reading glasses and a nap, and he will be ready to solve the world’s problems… assuming he can stay awake long enough!
Jim won a prize that might not even make it home!
Part of Bill’s family joined us this evening. We had met Sarah before, but not her husband, who gets a hero’s badge for driving from downtown LA to Santa Ana in the traffic rush! Sarah was most delightful and took all the teasing very well!
Bill, with granddaughter Sarah and her husband
Donna and Mary had a great time.
Mary also won a prize.
Vicky and Jim enjoyed the show!
We headed home around 9:00 pm and promptly hit the sack. We had a full day!
