Well, the luau and slumber REDuation party were awesome. Unfortunately, we didn't wear hats, because we all had flowers in our hair. I think I left my battery charger at the lady's house, though, so I need to get that before I can download any pictures. I did get a couple of me in my red hat!

But the best part of the evening was not your typical REDuation, at all. (My ladies aren't really well-versed in RHS traditions, so they just did what would make their Queen happy.) And did they ever!

In honor of my entrance into the Senior Sisterhood, they are sending me up in a hot-air balloon! Those who read my January Bucket List blog might remember that was one of the items on my list. 

They actually intended to send me on the Saturday evening of our party, but the high winds caused us to reschedule. But that gave me a chance to ask some friends if they'd like to go up with me. Initially, it would have been just two of my Red Hat Ladies going with me in the basket (while the others cheered us from below). One of them who said yes my mother (big surprise--because she always told me if she ever won the raffle at our high-school alma mater for a ride for two, that I'd have to find someone else to go with me). With more time to plan, and a standing capacity of 6 in the basket, I've added my sister, my supervisor at work, and a fellow community action worker in Paint Lick. This is a long-time dream for most of us (except maybe my mom and sister), so I'm happy to be able to share the fulfillment of a dream with others.

Liftoff is now scheduled for Kentucky Derby Day (May 3), but it all depends on the weather. Keeping my fingers crossed, because how awesome would that be to be up there looking down at all the Derby back-yard barbecues, spring flowering trees, and all the limos leaving town after the big race? (We don't lift off until after 6 p.m., and it's a sunset flight, so I guess we'll be up there and get to see the sun begin to set. But I don't think we'll be up after dark. It's a one-hour flight.)

I'll be sure and share photos and the story in my blog, but Hatquarters also wants to hear more about it for one of their upcoming publications, so you'll read even more about it there.

Stay tuned! And I'll try to get my luau and Red Hat pictures up soon, plus I've been asked to share those with Hatquarters for upcoming Friday Broadcast, too. (I won't use the same for both.)  

TTFN!

Rita, a Red Hatted Queen Foxy Loxy 

Well, when I founded my chapter in January 2005 as a Pink Hatted Queen, I began my countdown to REDuation in April 2008. Because of the way my chapter's meetings fall (with the next one being more than three weeks after I turn 50), we've opted to have my REDuation Ceremony tonight (a few days early) at our annual slumber party.

I'm glad I didn't wait around three years to start a chapter, like some people I've talked to. I would have missed out on so much fun and meeting and getting to know so many wonderful ladies both in person and virtually.

But I'm also glad to be shedding my washed-out colors for the BOLD red and purple! I can't tell you how excited I am! (But I'm sure you can tell!) I have no idea what the ladies have planned for me, but I assure you I will post photos here as soon as I can! And I found the cutest little red padded bra (with gold threading) at Goodwill the other day for $1. I already know the hat it's going on-one that a local preacher's wife gave me when she was getting ready to move away. Wait till she sees it now! (I already warned her that the hat would not remain a tasteful red felt hat for long.)

Thank you to all who've sent well wishes! I know several of my Pink Hatted queenie friends will be following in my footsteps this year, too! Don't worry-it will get here faster than you think!

And a special note to Kay Star: You knocked my socks off, lady! What a sweet thing to do! I was like a kid at Christmas coming home from the Post Office yesterday and ripping into my package. I'm wearing my star necklaces at work today-just to get people to ask me what's up.

So, at 12 midnight EDT tonight (March 28), be thinking about me! I'll go into the slumber party for a luau this Friday evening as a Pink Hatter and come out Saturday as a full-fledged Red Hatter. This is going to be a very special night! I wonder what my new profile picture will look like! Bet y'all won't recognize me in a Red Hat!

Rita, Queen Foxy Loxy