This is it! The time of year for a plethora of parties.
Ah. I love alliteration: A plethora of parties.
I have not been to a party in at least three years, save for the Bath Art Show party in July. And I did not think I missed them. The wondering what to wear. The wondering what to bring. The actual getting dressed, which should, at my age, include some makeup.
Makeup is something else I haven’t done in two or three years. And, that is something I’ve done since I was, oh, in fifth grade. Of course then, I had to borrow “makeup” from my friends at school. I remember one day, I caked my face with powder from a compact (remember those?), and then slathered on some Tangee lipstick – the kind that supposedly changed to a color on your lips that maybe complemented your skin tone.
The teacher walked in, took one look at me, and said, in a rather snide manner, “Well! Look at you!”
Of course, my “face” came off before I rode the bus home.
This year is different from the past few. I am going to so many parties, it’s difficult to keep track of them. There are two this week – The Recorder newspaper staff party in Monterey, and another “private” party at the Dairy Barn. Then, there’s next week, when I will go to Covington for a party I’ve always wanted to attend. So, that makes three parties. Not a “plethora” for some, but surely for me.
Also next week, there are two events that will surely present a party atmosphere: The Hot Springs Christmas parade, followed shortly by the Bath County Arts Association’s presentation of “Frosty!” with the Barter Theatre players. It’s at the high school, and it’s truly a free-for-all. Things get underway at 3 p.m., with hot chocolate and cookies. Then, the musical production at 4 p.m.
I’m definitely going to see “Frosty!” but I’m still iffy about the parade. Finding a place to park is always difficult. People crowd and throng the streets, and many of them, like me, would prefer to watch it from inside their warm cars. One must get downtown early for that. Even then, it’s iffy.
There’s also some sort of bazaar of Christmas gifts and things downtown, before and during the parade. I think Hot Springs will be a Holiday Madhouse that afternoon.
Growing up, I looked very much forward every Dec. 23 to the Carol Sing at The Homestead. All the choirs from every church – and me, the only one from my church who qualified as a “choir” – would gather in front of the massive Christmas tree at 9 p.m. and sing our hearts out. The place would be filled with hotel guests in chairs, standing along the walls, and hanging over the balconies. It was a very festive affair. I’d plan for half the year about what I would wear to the big event, even though my dress would be covered most of the time by a borrowed choir robe.
I wonder why this event doesn’t happen anymore? Perhaps it should! Of course, our beloved and dramatic choir director, Mr. Bob Harris, is long gone from this world. I don’t know that he could be replaced.
If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go root through my closets and find just the right attire for not one, not two, but three parties. I gotta love ‘em!
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.