Oh the Events 2012.....

Yes I'm guilty again, but it's time to catch-up again, and I really got behind this time. Call it the Queen's laziness, but I think I need to make sure we get our "15 minutes of fame" here on the net. I'm hoping all you Reds will make additions to the entries, I would love for your comments. Express yourself. One of the problems with the events I'm about to list is that I don't have any pictures, so let's bring those cameras out. We have a great group, even though some are a rare sighting, we are still 25 approximately and almost 8 years strong. Sisters for sure now. In 2012..... August Event - Brunch at the Mill Street Brewery August 19th. Great food and wonderful company. http://ottawa.millstreetbrewpub.ca/ September Event - Mad Hatter Tea Party Cornwall Mess Hall- September 13th, noon There were only a few of us but we had a blast. This party was full of games, prizes, fun, everyone did so well. Such a great gathering of Red Hatters from all over, loved it. October Event - Tea at Moorside, Mackenzie King Estates. October 14th, rainy but so nice in the cottage once used by the former Prime Minister, very elegant and great food. November Event - Red Hat Night at the Races November 8th, Rideau Carleton Raceway, hundreds turn out annually for this great event. December Event - Christmas on the Farm December 16th at Strathmere Old Fashion Country Christmas This was our Xmas exchange party held in a beautiful cabin, but the wind was blowing too hard and cold to do the hay ride. The food was unbelievable, roast beef & pancakes for breakfast, how wonderful!

July 28th, 2012 - Pig Roast

Red Hat Pig Roast - Ashton Ontario

Hosted be the Carleton Valley Vixens

held at Queen Eileen Casselman`s

...and as you can see the guest of honour was beautiful and tasty.  I have never experienced one before and WOW!!  It went from ``awwww, the poor piggie`` to `damn that pig was good`.  There were several chapters and again a very hot day, characteristic of this summer  for sure.  There was singing and a magician who used three of our members for his tricks.  First Bev managed to make the magician make a mistake, secondly Karen got all knotted up, lol and myself in a trading envelops trick, I won a 649, but it went nowhere. Oh well.

It was a great afternoon.

July 15th - Tube Steaks at Danie`s

Just for a nice get together over the summer, our fair Vice Queen Danie held a `tube steak` special.  I can`t believe I didn`t get any pics, nor did anyone, that`s because we were having a good time.  Huge turnout, hot weather, and wonderful friends.  We thank you Danie.

June event - Upper Canada Playhouse

June 23rd - Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg

The play was "Hot Bed Hotel" and very funny, as room mix-ups and crazy character appeared, with a surprise ending.
The setting of the Playhouse is well set up and we recommend anyone to go see a play there.
We laughed and afterwards on the way home stopped for food at a family restaurant (can't remember the name)that was pretty good too.

March - May Events 2012

Ok, like usual it's time to do my homework again and get caught up, so here goes....
Oh Boy, I'm cursing.  I just spent 45 minutes updating this blog and poof in a second it was all gone.  Must have hit the wrong key.  Oh I was saying bad stuff.  Now I'm laughing because I gotta do it all again.  Do you think I can remember what I wrote the first time.  Well this update should be a good one, hmmmm! 
You too can add to our blog in the "comments", I would love to hear your thoughts and memories of the events.
I'm also looking for pictures, I haven't figured out how to get mine off my "smart" phone. Damn thing is smarter than me!  I know you've got 'em, don't make me come after you. lol
Well I got to go back in time now....

March 25th, 2012
Breakfast at KS on the Keys restaurant and Home and Garden Show @ the new CE Centre.

Breakfast was good, excellent.  Nice family restaurant but a little loud.  We love to eat though, so nothing like a good chow-down. My eggs Benedict were delious.  I was a great turnout for the food followed by the Home and Garden Show.  It was umungus, huge, gigantic, etc.  Can't believe the size of that place.  In fact a little overwhelming, alot of really cool ideas, makes me wish I had alot more $$$$.




April 26th, 2012
Rideau River Reds 7th Birthday party
@ the Japanese Village

Yes, 7 years and still going strong.   You ladies are the bestest of the best.  I love seeing you monthly for the last seven years and can call you all my good friends now.  Amazing what can happen when four daring ladies who didn't even know each other, get together.  I love it.  Ok enough mush, back to the blog, which of course involves more food.

Yes flames were flying and we were frying, no just kidding. But I do think I was missing an eyebrow after.  It was delicious and almost the whole group came out. Interesting how they cook all the food together and then gives you the portions as ordered.  I could see a few sceptics on the shrimp, funny faces told it all.  It was a couple of really fun hours spent with each other.  I really want to see these pics!!!

May 12th, 2012
Red Hat Retail Sale and Tea in Carleton Place. 

What a great idea this was, first was the garage sale.  You wouldn't believe the bags of stuff we got from other groups.  I got my new favourite hat there.  Followed by tea and sandwiches, and door prizes.  Really enjoyed this event.  This lovely little Queen Eileen from the Valley Vixens, is quite the little planner.  I thought she did a great job.  Stay tuned as in July she is holding a pig-roast at her farm and it's in our plans. Woo-hoo!

Sunday February 19th, Tea at the Chateau

It's been awhile, so it was time to go to High Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Hotel, Zoes Lounge. Zoe was Sir Wilfrid Laurier's beloved wife, and this was her favourite room. We just love the atmosphere, history and elegance the Chateau brings with it's wonderful afternoon teas.

2012 is here, January 27,Baton Rouge & Comedy Show

Well was I impressed by Baton Rouge, my first time. The food was incredible, the steak a must. Of course where ever we go we cause a stir. People stare, smile, ask questions and we really are an eye-opener aren't we. I love it!
Then we went on to reserved front row seats to Chickles, a three-women comedian show. All were very amusing, got to laugh off dinner a bit.

September to December 2011 Events

Ok so I'm a little behind, but say no more - let's catch up on a few of our events. I guess I will work backwards so we are in cronilogical order. I did delay in doing this, mostly because I don't have pictures unfortunately. I need a flutter bug to take pics - any volunteers?

Thursday September 22nd,2011
So back in September we ate lunch at the Cordon Blue Bistro at Signatures. Absolutely elegant, and soooooo good. It was a culinary dream come true of french cuisine. The Table d'hote is lunch at the beautiful Sandy Hill setting and runs Wednesday to Friday. I recommend it definitely.
http://www.bistroatsignatures.com/

Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Red Hat Night at the Races
This annual affair we always attend, and yes I do have a picture but it's copyrighted, so I can't post it here. I'll figure it out. Actually they are all starting to look the same. lol. Anyways I don't think this one needs much explanation. Any big winners?

Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Women's Day in Manotick
Unfortunately I wasn't at my best for this one and could only enjoy the lunch we had at the Black Dog Restuarant in Manotick. It was really good food served in a wonderful setting. Manotick is so sweet. It was a good turnout.
Annually women of all ages, flock to shops and restaurants to take part in what has become known throughout the city as the ultimate girl's day out. Great shopping, delicious food, health and wellness, workshops, seminars, refreshments, prizes, in-store specials, and a complimentary shopping bag filled with goodies for early birds. I know we love it.
Judy and Phyllis made the Manotick News shopping. Looking good girls.

Saturday, December 10th, 2011
RRR's Annual Xmas Party
Once again we held our party at Mary's apartment complex party room. It was so wonderful as we relaxed with wonderful company, having sangria, ate pizza & dessert, sang carols, line danced and finally opened our gifts in a crazy gift exchange game. It was all very nice. I think Mary's got pics, so I'll have to get them from her. OK Mary? and on to 2012.........

August 10th, 2011 - Company of Fools Production of Anthony & Cleopatra

OMG, I'm finally up to date!!! Good my dogs are asking for attention through all this typing. I think one of them thinks Iève been penalized and put in the corner to stare at this box Ièm using. So cute...ok back to RRR stuff. There were not many of us, but we did enjoy the play. This troup of actors does this all summer long in many parks, so the one we saw was at Mooney's Bay. I am amazed at how well done this was, with a wonderful twist of humour in it. Weather prevailing, we made it through and enjoyed the 90 play. So no pics for this one, but keep your eye out for them next summer.

July 31st - Tea on the Lawn at Billings Estate

Ok, so we went from the very wet June to a very hot July. Last year we did this but we had to have tea inside, so I'm so glad we got to enjoy the garden this tim, even though it was very hot and humid. Look at those legs Ladies. Are we not beautiful....oh yeah! It's a very quiant (how do you spell that word) place to spend have tea with friends. Oh the things we talk about are so much fun. The Billings Estate has alot to offer, check it out on the web. As you are reading this, please feel free to add what you remember from each event too. I would love to see your great comments.

June 24th, Hats! The Musical

This was a great little play inspired by the stories experiences and mission of the Red Hat Society. Acknowledging women of our age, the feeling of change and the greatness of what we have. Exception for the horrible weather, the evening was very good. It was held in a small theatre at Ashbury College, and put on by Suzart Productions. Unfortunatley pictures were not allowed, so now visual effects this time.

May 15, 2011. Breakfast @ Lord Elgin for Tulip Festival

Ok I'm on a roll now and up to May's event. We were to tip-toe through the tulips, but unfortunately it was raining so most just had breakfast. But those beaming face of yours makes any day shine. As we all finished a great breakfast ( we do love to eat, don't we!) only a few of us ventured on to Majors Hill park to view some of the things going on, very cultural stuff. Here is a picture of us with the Royal Wedding Tulip. The tulips were starting to come out after the rain, as they "blooming" well better. Next thing they are all gone and it's summer.

April 2011 Event - Red Hat Society's and Chapter Birthday

Oh, wow. I did it again, waited to post all the great things our chapter has been doing. First of all, I gotta tell you, I'm a little intimidated with all this computer stuff. New computer, downloads, uploads, searches, places, emails, time - and everytime I go to sit down at the computer my pups decide it's time to go out or play. Oh it's such a hard life!!!NOT.

April 27th, 2011

Villa Lucia

14th RHS Birthday Luncheon and Entertainment

It was fun and funny. A great lunch served to us along with another 200 Red Hatter. Women celebrating our empowerment of having fun. Dancing, singing to all the best tunes sung by Elvis himself - he has now a french accent(only when he spoke), is a slight bit shorter and also sings Sinatra!! But let me tell you, close your eyes and what a great voice. You could see the joy it created for the ladies.

March 26th, 2011 - Fulton's Pancake House & Sugar Bush

www.fultons.ca Unfortunately I wasn`t able to attend this one, much to my disappointment. But I did get some wonderful feedback from Joy... Check out the website for all the fun available there. "Ah Jane, you missed a wonderful outing to Fulton's- perfect weather, good food, great sleigh ride, wonderful company, maple shop with all kinds of maple treats (including hand cream!). And the craft tour in Pakenham was such an added bonus...and Iris and I won the RRRs two door prizes...I missed you, everyone missed you. This was another memorable RRR outing. Thank you. Joy" Well thank you Joy, and I missed everyone too. I wish I had been there. So glad you all enjoyed it. Queen Jane

February Event - Mama Mia Singalong

We had a blast at the Family Cinema's Mama Mia's singalong. It's an interactive presentation where we got to sing, dance, cry, laugh & blow bubbles. We, of course are always in dress, but we weren't alone this night as all kinds of people, young and old wore costumes of the characters, and loved the music of ABBA. I loved it, as I had never seen the movie, but I am now humming the tunes all the time. Very entertaining and fun.

We welcome 2011 w/ Brunch @ Brookstreet Hotel

Our January event took us to the 5-star Brooke Street Hotel, in Kanata. It was simply marvelous, oh the food!!!! Even the beautiful set-up was so elegant. I sometimes can't believe the commotion our hats have. As we were being impressed by our surrounding, the owner Terry Matthews. was completely impressed with our hats and paid us a nice visit. We were treated like royality, weren't we.

I'm getting these postings done as we are on the verge of our next event (tonight)...the Mama Mia Sing-a-long. I can't wait!!! See you there girls...

xo QJJ

Happy Hatting at Christmas

Dancing Danie, our fearless (and very talented) Vice Queen and Teacher of dance.

Old Bat's Pledge to the RHS

Oh, I know the date of this entry is late February and I'm just getting around to posting about our Christmas!!! It was sensational. Great food, wonderful friends, dancing, games, gifts and more. We were blessed with 5 new members who have come to join the fun. Everyone's contributions to the meal were delicious.

Line dancing was a hoot, and very well done by all I must say.

Games were funny, and you got to eat the cookie!!

When I first started the RRRs I was very fortunate to receive emails from other Queen's on how to start a chapter, one particular one had it all. So from that I got the idea about each member having their own title (we all can't be Queen) and the other was The Old Bat's Pledge as shown above. Now mind you, this is the first time I have had everyone do it, as we usually are in public places!!! Usually just the hats are overwhelming for people.

So repeat after me.....

(with one hand on hip and one hand on hat)

I do lightheartedly swear on my hat

That I will do my best to uphold

The spirit of the Red Hat Society

With an Old Bat Hattitude.

God Bless you all,

Queen Jezie-bel Jane

Pics from Tea @ Billings Estate, August 22, 2010

We had full high Tea at the Billings Estate, which is usually held on the patio, but due to bad weather they accomodated us in an old kitchen which was "just marvellous". Billings Estate ihosts a number of events, including weddings. We went once before to a Halloween Hanting with storie tellers and all and really enjoyed that too. Great place to go..... http://ottawa.ca/residents/heritage/museums/billings/index_en.html

Pictures - Mini-putt @ Mervale Gardens, July 18th,2010

Mini-Putt @ Merivale Gardens, July, 2010

Official Red Hat Charter for the RRRs

Thought I would post our Red Hat Society's Official Charter/Registration of the Rideau River Reds, but technology won't let me so I am sending it via email. Keep caught up at www.redhatsociety.com for what's going on with the big picture. You may want to join in on conventions, cruises, shopping, etc You can travel the world and meet Red Hatters, it's huge in the States. If you wish to view more send me an email for access.