THE VALENTINE'S DANCE

 It's a lovely DARK 52 degrees this morning in what turned out to be SUNNY California for a change.  Though my camera lightened this image up quite a bit, it's 4:00 on the West Coast and spooky as can be.  Luckily I haven't heard any more of that screaming, but the meows were epic.  Someone wanted IN.

I started Valentine's Day off with a rousing rendition of CHICKEN DANCE, thanks to Dan who played it over the phone while Patty and I just laughed.  How in the world is that battery still working when that card is somewhere between 8 and 10 years old??  It was the perfect way to start the day!

There was no messing around however ... I had to be at the Lodge by 8:30.  Wasn't I surprised to find probably 15 people setting up decorations, along with an empty box of donuts.  Well rats!!  Headed for the kitchen, knowing that's where I would end up.  

We sliced tomatoes, chopped onions, places cheese on a plate and got out all the required cups, plates and napkins.  Boxes of chips were set up and I dumped four huge cans of chili into a pot.  This event is sponsored by Bingo, so the King and I argued over whether it would be enough for 100 folks.  Not a chance, so when his back was turned, I added a little over a quart of water to extend it.  No worries, it was so thick you could still stand an 18" spoon up in it!

But wait ... there's hardly anyone here?  This doesn't look good at all and Bingo has started already!  

Another 30 minutes and the place was packed.  They call numbers until someone wins.  That person gets a new card and everyone else continues to play the one they have.  Easier to win that way.  Soon there are four and five winners.  You should see them!  Oh my gosh ... they jump up and yell at the top of their lungs, SO excited to WIN!  There are actually 18 tables full of kids and adults.

I have to admit, these are not the most expensive prizes in the world, but I guess the kids love them.  Everyone in the place wins something, including some of the parents.  

All the while, I'm hiding in the kitchen tending to the chili.  This is just the craziest thing, but people LOVE this Hormel Chili.  It was too much work to do a double boiler, so I just kept a very close eye on it stirring constantly to be sure it didn't burn.  

At last it was lunch time ... barbecued burgers and hot dogs straight from the charcoal grill outside, buns of course, cheese, tomatoes, onions, mustard, ketchup and relish.  Too bad the person who planned the meal disappeared, because apparently there was lettuce in the walk-in and she didn't tell me.  OH WELL!  We didn't have room on the table for that anyway!  Most all the kids came back for seconds.  

That was followed up by 144 cupcakes with swirly top frosting, home baked by one of our members.  They disappeared in less than 30 minutes.  It's funny how when the food part is all over, the help disappears.  Seems they only stay for the fun part.  

I cleaned up everything and stacked the dishes before going outside to run down the Bingo Kitchen Lady for directions on what to keep and what to toss.  They did the dishes while I wiped the counters.  In no time, I too was sneaking out the back door while the dance was just beginning.  

The flashing colored lights began the same time as the DJ (yup we hired a DJ) began the music.  These kids and adults too ... they love this part more than anything else.  They were all up on the floor dancing as I went out the back door.  Five hours was enough for me!!  We will do it all over again next year.

When I got home, I contemplated the truck headlamp repair, but landed on the couch instead.  Mr. Cooper needed some cuddles!

There was no need for dinner since I ate one hamburger patty covered in a little chili at lunch.  Probably not my best decision of the day.  I felt it for the next four hours and skipped dinner.

This however, made me feel better.  We haven't had much in the way of sunsets lately, and this was a beauty.

The later it got, the darker the colors.  WOW ... it looks like someone painted it.

And so ended another day at the lodge.  I'm glad we can provide some fun for these kids, many of whom rarely get out of their houses.  All in all I think we have six events a year for them.  It's good to be able to provide some entertainment and fun .... and see them laugh!!

I have absolutely NOTHING on the schedule today, though I might try my hand at that headlight!!