OLD FRIENDS AND NEW MEMORIES

Tonight’s blog will be short and sweet after a long, but fabulous day. Today was our “hey, we’re all turning 50 this year” get-together with the class of ’86.  Twelve classmates turned up, some with spouses and children and we had a great time catching up, eating, drinking and playing games.   We migrated from Barbie and Leonard’s camper to the gazebo that offered lots of space and shade for our shenanigans.   A strong wind and sprinkler set up close by to mist us from time to time made the temperatures of 40C tolerable and we hung out there until the wee hours.  Mom and Don’s proximity to the park proved very convenient for dragging the hose and sprinkler over and having a trailer available for extra beds. 

A couple of trips to the store ensured we were well stocked with food and beverages and ice for the day.  Leslie and I had fun taking Kelly’s Mustang for a spin under the auspices of needing more…stuff for caesars???  Yeah, let’s go with that.  We considered going to Dauphin for the necessary supplies, but thought that might be pushing it. 

The game of Viking chess was moved from its original location and players were summoned.  This was a new game to me which involved many sticks of different sizes and throwing said sticks back and forth across the “board”.  Now, I question the wisdom of a game that involves the throwing of significant blocks of wood back and forth by a crew fueled by ceasars and beer, but we played several games without incident and had a great time. 

If awards were to be given out, it might have gone something like this:

Barb & Leonard are the recipients of the hospitality award for being “home base” with their camper, providing food, and the game of Viking chess. 

Kim is the recipient of the Sweet Tooth Award for thinking to have a cake decorated for us and then remembering to bring it!

Leslie is the recipient of the Viking chess Most Valuable Player award.  She knocked down more of those damn little stakes than anyone and if the rest of her team hadn’t let her down, we would have won. 

Mark is the recipient of the Master Ceasear-Maker Award.  I now believe him that we needed two party packs of clamato juice.  He is single-handedly responsible for making sure we were equipped to obey the rule of having a drink in our hand when we threw or Viking chess stick. 

Gail wins the Miss Congeniality Award for letting people hug her, even though she would rather they kept their hands to themselves. 

Doug wins the Willpower Award for drinking water all day in the midst of a staggering variety of beverages and remembering to keep it in his hand when throwing the Viking chess stick. 

Joanne wins the Perseverance Award for showing up at all, having to head out later in the day with a long drive to get here.

Harvey is the recipient of the Good Humour Award.  I think he successfully visited with everyone and every time I looked his way, he had that great smile that I remember from high school that always made you feel comfortable!

Stephen wins the Fling Award for the best Viking chess stick throwing technique.  No idea how those sticks went so far without taking out an ankle or two.  Stephen, I think I need coaching….

Kelly is the recipient of the Preservation Award for putting us all to shame by staying in shape – if we knew enough to be ashamed, of which there was no evidence whatsoever. 

All spouses and children present receive the Patience Award for putting up with silly conversation, “do you remembers” and frequent photo taking.

Just such a fun day with a bunch of people that haven’t really changed at heart and are still a marvellous, caring, fun group.  Thanks to all who were able to make it and contributed to a good time.  Love to all!  Xox