Those 70ish Girls

I think I’m supposed to write about this today. The reason I think so is because lately, I have asked myself and others the question, “What made you think of that?” I go through tons of pictures looking for the ones I need for the blog. I always know which one I need, but finding it is another thing. This speaks more to my lack of organizational skills than anything else. I usually run across another photo or two that starts a chain of thought.

I saw this photo of an exercise class at the YMCA in Richardson, TX. I recalled taking the class years ago. The YMCA I belonged to wasn’t too far from the office where I worked, so some of my co-workers decided to join me for an aerobics class. The two in this photograph could each fill a very entertaining book, but for the purpose of this example, I am going to tell you a little about Jeri. (She’s the one in the red T-shirt. I’m in purple, and Kathleen, also a co-worker, is the red-haired lady to the far right.)

I should give a little history here.

When Kip was transferred to Texas, I was able to transfer to my company’s Dallas office, which helped a little as I contemplated the move. I doubted very seriously that I would like Texas. I loved Denver. A day or two after I started working in Dallas, two of my co-workers, Jeri and Barb, invited me to go to lunch with them. This started a routine that continued for many years.

Barb and Jeri always went to the mall, which was right across the street from the office. I assumed we would walk over there, but I was wrong. We got into Jeri’s very nice car and drove. We usually parked in the Dillard’s parking lot, because if we parked elsewhere, we didn’t remember we did, and we went to the Dillard’s parking lot first anyway. Then we had to backtrack. Finding the car at Dillard’s even proved to be a problem. Every time we walked out the door, Jeri would say, “Does anybody remember coming?”

The routine was to drive to the mall, and shop for 30 minutes before meeting somewhere in the food court, where we spent another 30 minutes eating. We didn’t count the drive over and back as part of our lunch hour. Jeri didn’t count her commute from home as part of her office hours either. Unlike the rest of us, her work-time started when she left her house. Nobody cared that she usually arrived at least 45 minutes late.

As Jeri approached her 50th birthday, certain things started to concern her. I remember walking by a lady sitting in the food court. We all observed that she had a very noticeable outline drawn around her lips. The fill-in color was not even close to the color of her carefully traced outline. When we sat down, Jeri had this horrified look on her face. She very dramatically said, “I will never wear lip-liner again!” I told Jeri it probably looked worse because of the fluorescent lighting in the mall, but she dismissed that explanation pretty quickly. A couple of days later, I walked into her cubicle and she had her compact mirror out. She said, “I am so disappointed in my lips. They haven’t aged well.” I made no comment.

On her 50th birthday, Jeri came to work wearing a sparkling, pink dress and some sort of headband with a pink feather attached. She looked like a cabaret singer from the 20’s. There was always a theme for her birthday parties, and they were always lots of fun. Each summer she and her husband Bill hosted Olympic games in their back yard. I hate to brag, but through the years, I took home several trophies and blue ribbons.

Each year our office participated in a chili cook- off. There were two parts to the competition. One was the chili and the other was the entertainment. Jeri had some influence over the chili recipe we used, but she and our manager B.J. always choreographed the entertainment.

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The year that stands out most in my mind was the year of the Marilyns. We all wore blond Marilyn Monroe wigs. An hour or so before we were to take the stage, we heard a high shrill voice calling, “Marilyns! Marilyns!.. we must rehearse!” When Jeri got excited, she always sounded like Julia Childs. We sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President,” just like Marilyn Monroe sang it to President Kennedy. Jeri became a little irritated when we were laughing so hard we couldn’t finish, but my memory tells me we won that year. We always took home a trophy for either the chili or the entertainment, or both. 

The Queen follows a chain of thought…or maybe it follows her.

“Oh yes, this reminds me of the time Charles got angry with his sister Ann for taking his biscuit. It happened years ago, yet he has never forgiven her Judge or is it Magistrate? I spend a lot of time in Murdo these days. It’s Judge in the States. Have you ever been to the States my lord? Anyway, to this day, Charles hides his biscuit behind his teacup. It really messed with Ann’s mind when he pressed charges. Then he… What Judge? Oh yes, I’m here to pardon Ann. I can do that can’t I Your Magistrate Judge? “

My brain is deader than a door nail today. Hmm, I thought door nail was one word, but spellcheck tells me no. I used to think spellcheck was two words, but spellcheck told me it’s one. Sometimes I get tired of spellcheck being so much smarter than I am. The only voice that makes me feel dumber than spellcheck is that of the GPS lady. If I decide to deviate 2 feet from the route Ms. GPS has me on, she gets very excited and says things like, “Make a U-turn in 400 feet!!!” At that point bells and whistles go off, and the screen starts going in circles and flashes, “Rerouting! Rerouting!” I know she’s thinking, “I gave you a route AND an alternate route, can’t you just pick one and stick to it??” I don’t like my every move put into question. In the first place, it’s rather unsettling to have inanimate objects telling me what to do all the time. Kip and I find ourselves whispering if we’re contemplating an unexpected stop. Is it really worth it if it gives the poor woman a coronary? Do I really have to go that badly? (Shh)

Truth be told, I’m worried that I can’t live without GPS or spellcheck. It all sounds like an example of a sick and twisted relationship doesn’t it? (According to spellcheck, I have misspelled 4 words so far.)

I think that I am pretty even-tempered. I don’t get ruffled too easily. I have tried to be really good-natured about all the age related teasing. (Spellcheck tried to change natured to matured.) I have listened to all of the advice of well-meaning people who seem to think it’s time for me to change my ways. This all became more of an issue when I reached the age of 65 last week.

I was standing behind a woman in line at the supermarket checkout yesterday. She was leafing through a health magazine. I guess she thought I needed some helpful suggestions because she said, “Do you know that regular exercise is the best thing you can do to promote longevity?” I said, “I’m over 65. Pushing 70 is exercise enough for me.” Then I added, “These Jelly donuts are for my 102 year old sister.”

I just spelled exercise incorrectly 3 times. I’m glad I finally paid attention. Spellcheck changed it to supersize, then to oversize. Sometimes it tells me, (not in so many words), “Hey, I got nothing for you.”

As far as GPS goes, I can be standing in Walmart and look at my phone to see what time it is, and there will be a message that says. “You are in the Walmart store in Gun Barrel City, Texas. Would you like to add a photo?” Why would I want a photo of myself standing in Walmart? What I would really like to know is why am I there? Please don’t tell me where I am unless you can tell me why.

The way I look at it, middle age is always 10 years older than whatever age I am. You are old if you add, “God willing” to every statement. One of these days I’m going to get brave and drive somewhere without the GPS lady. If I have a map, I know I’ll be able to figure it out, God willing.

For heaven’s sake, our ancestors lived without all the electronics hystrionics. (I spelled hystrionics wrong, but I like it better my way.) I carry so many devices and chargers everywhere I go, I look like I’m ready to climb a telephone pole. Do we even have telephone poles anymore?

I used to try to say growing up in Murdo did not prepare me for automation. Then someone provided me with a list of all the people who graduated from Murdo High School and went on to do things I can’t even pronounce. The list was 3 pages..front and back.

Oh, hello teachers who taught me in High School..Oh, hi John (Thune). Did I ever tell you about the time I won the coveted Miss Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow Award?

You were awarded what?

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 I do have something exciting to tell you about. A few days ago I received a package from Billy’s wife Liz. I will tell you more about the contents another time, but one of the items was the William Francis Plumbing and heating pink porcelain, toilet stool ashtray someone gave Billy several years ago. I only know of three of them still in existence. One belongs to my cousin Greg Miller and one of my Murdo Girl readers has one. There used to be bathtubs too, but I don’t know of any that have surfaced.

Liz said in her note to me that she knew how sentimental I was about such things, and Billy agreed that I should have this tangible reminder of days gone by. She said she knew I would welcome this treasure back into my life and that I would appreciate it and give it a great place of honor. I’m trying out a few places. Don’t you think the commode bowl displays my crown perfectly? I think Dad would like the idea, but I will try out a few other places before I decide.

Anyway

The degree of my success will be a moot point as soon as I get my water tower collection ready to show. Who doesn’t like viewing water towers? I’m sure “The Collection” will finally and forever put my name wherever they put the names of successful people.

The Tin Man..Valerie Halla..Location, somewhere in Northern California or Oregan. She doesn’t remember for sure

Leave the Light on..Pat Davis..Eustace, TX

The Coffee is on..Eddie Jackson.

Presho Pride..Sherri Miller..Presho, SD

Here is just a sampling of those submitted by Murdo Girl readers. If you highlight the photo you will see what I have named each of my beauties and who submitted the photo. I will include the locations as soon as I have them all alphabetized..With the help of spellcheck of course.

It got a little crazy here today..figuratively and literally. When you’re losing it, the Brick House is the best place to go right?

I thought we’d do a little reminiscing about all the places MG took us last year. Let’s see..was it 1978 or 2016? I guess it doesn’t matter. It was a whole lot of fun for this Murdo Girl.

Lav’s next. Yeah..she has to sing on the blog. She doesn’t know it yet, but I know she’ll do it. I’m not sure, but I think she can carry a tune.

I promise, this will be the last time for me this year..whatever year it is.

I gotta get some older pics in here

Main Street

I gotta have a pic of the Brick House. I heard they had a great party there New Years Eve. “Put on your good dress Queenies..Put that crown hat on your head.”

Valerie and me with Suzanne Brost

Old Highway 16

Wayne Sanderson, and Jeff Sanderson

Wayne, Loretta, Ella, Helen, Jeff, Elna

The unknowing accomplice

Old Murdo High School

Just pretend Eddie and I are seniors

Mom and Gus with Bill, Liz,. Erin and Damon

Homecoming

Elna and Billy

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We arrived home from Galveston just as darkness was creeping over the land. We packed up what we needed for the night, grabbed the dogs, (put a towel over the cat’s head so she wouldn’t freak out on the way to the house), locked up our rolling house, and settled back into the house that stays in one place. Then we took a deep breath just as you are now. Everything else can wait until tomorrow to be transferred.

We’re almost home girls

I said “Watch me Now” Lav!!

I was determined to wrap-up the rap everybody is holding my feet to the fire to perform, so I figured out a way. We are going to suffer through this rap if it’s the last thing I do as the self-appointed Murdo Girl. (That may be overstating the worst case scenario for me, so forget the “last thing I do as MG” part.) The only problem was, I didn’t bring any of my crowns in. I had packed every single one of them for the trip. You would think I would have had one laying around here somewhere, but I didn’t. I was happy to see my new T shirt in the mail. It has a crown on it so I forged ahead.

They call me Mellow Yellow..That’s my song

As you view this exceptional display of talent, try to remember this whole thing got started because I can’t sing. Val was trying to help me participate in the karaoke NYE/birthday party at the Jamaica RV park in Galveston. I did perform the rap along with 3 friends, but there was a recording snafu, and at a karaoke party, there are no rap do-overs. So here you go. I have performed.

THANK YOU

“Watch me Now”

Written by Valerie Halla and rapped by sometime rapper and full-time   Murdo Girl

This is Val/Lav..If you ever need a rap song, she writes them. She likes to hang out with the stars.

New Years Day

This was our last day in Galveston. Tomorrow we head for home. All the RVers spent the day relaxing and watching football. Dallas lost, but I teared up when Tony Romo came in the game and threw a long pass for a touchdown. You could see by the look on his face that he really needed that moment of success. It felt good to do what he loves to do if only for a brief few minutes. It’s those moments that feel right, and feel good that keep us engaged in our own lives. It can be a personal achievement or seeing someone else experience one of those joy filled moments. I’ve discovered, as many others have, that it doesn’t matter how old or young we are, life should be lived. The gift of each day should be respected and treasured. It’s not always easy to keep that thought.

The older I get, the more I hear, “We’re not getting any younger.” The point we’re supposed to get is it’s now or never time. Get out the old bucket list and start marking things off. The truth is, you can get as much joy from spending an evening sharing a potluck meal and visiting with friends, as you can from dining at an expensive restaurant.

It’s all relative to where we are in life. I have lived through some really tough times as I’m sure most of you have. I know I will have to live through more difficult and sad times, just as we all will, but I’ll also have those moments like Tony did today. As I read the wonderful comments on the blog and the birthday wishes from all of you, I felt so much joy. It was a great way to start the New Year.

Tonight, I will think about other good times, like this evening spent with new and old friends. We all talked about our kids and grandchildren, told funny stories and reminisced about where we grew up and the things we’ve enjoyed. In an atmosphere like that, one topic of conversation leads to another, and it’s usually the good times we’re reminded of. Because we were all camping and within walking distance of each other, it made getting together easy, plus nobody was thinking they should be doing the laundry or mowing the lawn.

After all the fun stuff from over the past several days, I don’t want to wax philosophical too much or bring anybody down, so I will leave you with this poem.

Independence Day 

I went outside to get some air. My day had done me in.

No matter how much or hard I tried, I just couldn’t win.

I had a cold, my car broke down, and I was truly busted.

I was too sick to go to work. My thoughts could not be trusted.

The air conditioner didn’t cool and it was hot as Hades.

My husband left me high and dry and went off chasing ladies.

As I sat there on the stoop, something shiny caught my eye.

There was a festive kid’s parade about to pass me by.

I saw a small red wagon.. pulled by a horse no less

And in a chair there sat a Queen. She wore a long red dress.

She waved with one hand, and held on tightly with the other.

The little chair slid back and forth, first one way then another.

I guess the other kids were close enough to help the regal Queen.

They marched along and each child’s smile was as bright as I have seen.

A tiny marching majorette proudly led the way

As we were all reminded it was Independence Day.

I watched the little Queen travel up the gravel road.

She turned her head to look at me and understanding flowed.

It was then I realized the shine that caught my eye

Was from a homemade tinfoil crown atop a head held high.

I never have forgotten though it happened long ago.

She looked at me as if to say, ” You’re stronger than you know.”

I hope all of you reading this post are enjoying this first day of a brand new year. 2016 was a year I will continue to relive as long as this, now 65-year-old brain will let me… and the best thing is, I won’t have to embellish one bit. It was magical because of all of you.

You might be wondering about the title of this post. When we got back to the RV last night, we turned on the TV to check out what was happening in New York. We watched the ball drop at 11:00 p.m. at the NYE/birthday party, but didn’t catch much of Mariah Carey’s performance. It sounds like she experienced a lip syncing snafu. Her comment as she walked off the stage was, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” I don’t think she meant it.

My experience, and later remarks, were heartfelt to say the least. The Moody Queens..let’s see, how can I say this? Well, let’s just say “Watch me Now” was right up there with the performance of the night. After a little bit of a rocky start, we finished on a “high note.” Everybody was watching except the cameraman.

I only stomped my feet and pouted for a little while. You have no idea how badly I wanted to show all of you the fun and funny rap song Cousin Val wrote for me. My team of volunteered singers were such good sports, and Ron Spahlinger, the real talent of the night, did his best to support our efforts. Thank you to Ron, his wife Barbara, Linda Goode and Bev Hartenbach. Bev and Linda each sang beautifully later in the evening.

All is not lost my friends. I sang again later too. I performed my old standby, “I’ve got Heartaches by the Number.” (An old Ray Price tune.) Two people recorded it for me and as soon as I get it downloaded, I will ready it for your enjoyment. You WILL enjoy it, or at least say you did okay?

Meanwhile, here are a few pictures of our glorious, fabulous, and fun New Years Eve and my 65th birthday celebration.

It’s all good and best of all, I’m now eligible for medicare. I hope you are having a great day with family and friends. We are going to enjoy a long walk on the beach followed by dinner with our camping family.

READY OR NOT, HERE I COME

WAIT!! I’M NOT READY

WATCH ME NOW…

NOW WE’RE HAVING FUN…WE CAN GET DOWN WITH THE GROOVE IF SOMEBODY HELPS US GET BACK UP!!

THANKS GIRLS, FRIENDS AT HOME, AND BACK HOME, FOR THE BEST TIME EVER AND FOR HELPING ME “MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT.”

THANKS KIP FOR GIVING ME THE GOODLIFE

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Heartaches by the number, sung by Murdo Girl. There was a lot of background noise. Apparently some weren’t impressed. They talked amongst each other and took the opportunity to visit the restroom.

JUST KIDDING

Of course I will be accepting an audience. The more the merrier. I did have two minor setbacks in my party preparations. I didn’t get the T shirt I ordered. The one Teresa put me onto that said, “All Queens are born in December.” It’s not a huge deal because I can wear it anytime during the year right?

I can’t really call the second thing a disappointment either. Ron, who is a good friend and musician, is facilitating the New Year’s Eve/birthday party. He told me that It’s highly probable that I won’t be the only one singing. I said, “Oh yes, I know. I have backup singers.” He said the clubhouse is normally packed and people we don’t even know might choose to sing. He’s going to have a sign-up sheet. I’ll probably just hover over the sign-up sheet for a while in case it gets out of hand. I’m sure Ron will appreciate that.

Now, except for our practice session tonight, all I have to do is figure out what to wear. Luckily, amost everything goes with aluminum. I’m starting to get excited about it now. I even have a few butterflies.

Ahh..THAT’S BETTER

I SAVED ONE BING FOR A TIME JUST LIKE THIS.

WAKE UP CAT! “WATCH ME NOW!” “WATCH ME NOW!”

 WAKE UP QUEEN E. IT GOES LIKE THIS! “WATCH ME NOW!” WATCH ME NOW!”

GET IT..GOT IT..GOOD!

I asked one of my faithful readers if he had a request he would like me to sing at my New Years Eve birthday celebration. He suggested “The Sound of Silence.” I just have this to say..”Hello darkness my old friend. I’ll never speak to you again!” I WILL JUST SING EVERYTHING!

There are so many songs in Ron’s karaoke book. Plus, I have the rap to perform. It’s going to be a long night! I hope they let me take a break once in a while.

I went to the salon to get a crown ready do👸

Someone suggested I should suck on a lemon and drink tea and honey. I’ve been singing, “la la la LA la la la,” a lot. Kip said I need to learn more of that song or less of it. 

Playing on Jamaica Beach after the beauty shop. I didn’t take a pic of my hairdo because the wind blew all the product out.

I have over 13,000 steps on my vivofit watch today which is about 5,000 more than I have been getting in.

Is it okay for a female to sing songs that are sung by guy groups? One of my favorite groups is The Four Seasons. I was thinking about singing “Rag Doll.” I also like “Barbara Ann,” by the Beach Boys.

My taste in music is varied. I also like “Big Bad John,” by Jimmy Dean, and “Singing in the Kitchen,” by Bobby Bare. Oh, I really have to sing “Cheeseburgers in Paradise,” by Jimmy Buffet. With Val’s “Watch me Rap,” there should be something for everybody.

Got to post this. We’re headed to Moody Gardens to the festival of lights. We have to hurry because I’m going to bed 1/2 hour earlier every night so I can stay up til midnight on New Years Eve.

I’m packing to head south toward Galveston way. It’s crunch time. B-day is looming before me…and before you, but first things first..Do I have all my crowns?

check, check, check, check. The last one is just a hat. I’m bringing the no make-up crown, but I won’t be wearing it because I changed that rule. The mask with a crown is even scarier than me without makeup.

I do have another crown. Kip got me a crown charm for the Pandora bracelet his sweet sister Karlyce gave me last year. Something tells me a water tower charm will be hard to find.

I haven’t lived in South Dakota for many years, but whenever I’m on a 4 lane highway going through a large city, I still wonder where all the people are going. Unless they’re old like me, shouldn’t they be at work? It’s 10 am on a weekday. 

Go to work people!

 When I hear a horn honk, I still wave. In Murdo if someone honks their horn, it usually means, “Hi, good to see ya.”

We live in what most people would consider to be a small lake community. We went to Denny’s for breakfast the other morning. It was Wednesday around 10 am and it was packed. I looked at everyone in the place and I didn’t know a single person.

In Murdo, unless it was tourist season, I knew everyone everywhere I went.

If you had told me back when I lived in Murdo that someday, I would have to walk my dog on a leash, I would have been surprised. If you also said, if he relieves himself in a manner which doesn’t involve lifting his leg, you will have to pick it up with your hand inside a poop bag, I would have spread a rumor that you were crazy. Berferd would have been mortified.

Awe… Here we go..It’s December 28th and we made it to Galveston Island where it’s 75 degrees. There is a slight breeze blowing over the ocean. Our friends Ron and Barbara just pulled in and Linda and Leroy will be here tomorrow around 10 am. We are at the Jamaica Beach RV Park right across from Jamaica Beach. 

I have to go ahead and post this now. Kip and I have to get out on the highway again with all the other blue hairs. We forgot to get poop bags at Walmart.

Every situation has it’s trade offs. That’s why they say you have to grow where you’re planted.

It’s getting dark. I hope we make it back to the RV park soon. Nothing good happens to blue hairs after dark.

We have rap practice Friday at 10 am. It’s nice that everything happens at 10 am. It’s easier for me to remember.

This is a reminiscing rerun. They’re different from the other kind.

All those years ago when the south of 16 kids and I fashioned that first crown out of tinfoil, we had no idea what it would lead to. A crown by definition should be made out of precious metals and adorned with jewels. I doubt many would consider tinfoil a precious metal..not even the heavy-duty kind. We didn’t think about gluing jewels onto the adornment.

Crowns symbolize victory, immortality, or the highest part of something. That’s pretty heavy stuff for a 7 yr old, even if she does have a red Kitty Reynold’s gown. It’s hard to believe there was a 10 yr crown drought between the queen of the neighborhood queen, and the Murdo homecoming parade queen…And..let’s see 64 minus 17 is…47. Yikes! I waited 47 years to wear another tinfoil crown minus jewels.

 My mother was Miss Highway 16 almost 78 years ago. She wasn’t Queen of the whole highway, just the Murdo part. She wasn’t a self-proclaimed Queen like I am. She was chosen to reign. She got to go to the Corn Palace in Mitchell even though she didn’t have a crown. She wore a felt hat. She was 18 and beautiful. I think she would be proud of me for trying to keep the dream alive.

I am humbled by the fact that I chose to speak for crown wearers everywhere. Oh I know there is a certain amount of crown envy out there, but you won’t hear me complaining. It was kind of fun signing that autograph when I was in Murdo last summer.

So what does this mean? Give me a minute. I’m getting there.

I can’t think of a thing.

Cousin Val, (sometimes she’s Val and sometimes she’s Lav), represented Queen Elizabeth in the All School Reunion parade last summer. If you saw her, you must have been hard pressed to connect Val with Queen E. I thought she would wear a grey wig…or a powdered one like George Washington, but she just put blonde highlights in her hair.

She was supposed to look sort of matronly like Queen Elizabeth. Here is a side by side comparison.

Not exactly twinsies, but you can’t blame Lav for not wanting to look 90. All she aspired to anyway was to ride in a red convertible.

It’s not really about us. It’s about the future. Who’s going to fill our shoes, or our crowns?

Are there other 7 yr olds out there who are sitting on a folding chair in a horse-drawn red wagon? If some little girl is trying to emulate Murdo Girl, she needs to know it doesn’t happen overnight. Look at me? I only just now figured out it took me 47 years.

Are there other Lavs out there? I guess you could say Lav zumbad her way to crowning glory. She’s gone through some hard times too. Her $62.00 crown broke. It takes guts to continue to wear a broken crown.

That isn’t what I meant by the highest part of something Lav.

 I think Lav’s ladder is leaning against the wrong wall anyway. When she gets to the top, she will realize she’s on a ladder to nowhere. (I just love metaphors don’t you?) If Lav thinks the real Queen E is going anywhere soon, it’s just wistful thinking.

Someone please tell Queen E the Coyote colors are no longer orange and black! She thinks she’s in the band.

Far be it from me to be a wet blanket on a little girl’s fantasy. I just offer these few words of advice.

1.Never ever be embarrassed to wear your crown in public.

2.Only remove your crown if the tinfoil needs replaced or in Lav’s case, you need to hot glue a broken piece.

3.Lav doesn’t do this, but it could be the reason her crown broke. I always take my crown off at night.

3. Do not go out in public without makeup on unless you have a crown like this!

4. Listen closely to this one. YOUR PETS DO NOT HAVE TO WEAR A CROWN! Just because you are royalty doesn’t mean your fur babies want to be.

On the other hand, some animals love to wear a tiara.

Yes, even you might be a Queen or a King someday…Dream on honey 🙂

That’s it for now. I am procrastinating. I have to pack for Galveston and prepare for my birthday rap debut. If I don’t get it right and record it, I’ll never hear the end of it!