The Hokey Poky

You no how you can have so much fun at something that you ride on a high for the next few days? Like last Christmas after the parade I had so much fun I wanted to do it again and again. Or after our Medieval costume party two years ago, I would go back and pour over the pictures trying relive that day. Well, on Saturday I had one of those moments in time that took me so far out of my comfort zone, off into the era of swing.

I thought I would do a post on the banquet, and maybe I will later. But you can see pictures at both Laurel's and Jillian's posts for now.

The following day after the banquet, There was a 40's swing dance. My mom and I carpooled with the Hawkins (Rachel, her mom, and brother). We got there a little early and I was amazed at the ballroom. It is located above Sassafrass on Main St. The room isn't too large, but it's plenty big for it's purpose. It has a really neat catwalk above it all and a room, which I'm not sure it's use. The ballroom is all wood, and must have been built a long time ago. You have to go up a stair case in the back to get there.

That's me in the middle twirling, and yes, *gasp* if you haven't completely shunned me forever I am dancing with a boy.

After an awkward beginning people really started getting into it. The girls out numbered the boys about 2 to 1, but at least most of the guys were willing to dance. Anyway the girls danced with girls often. I had a blast! It was so much fun I can't even comprehend it all. I danced in a contest and I think we unofficially came in second, although after about 15 minutes of dancing I had a "glow" as my mother put it and a few blisters. Rachel and I danced at the end together a lot and that was fun too, because we could actually get a little bit more wild then with the guys. Oh, and most the boys were so unadventurous, that the girls were asking the guys to dance, which I got used to quickly. We danced to of coarse 40's music, and did the hokey poky which was unusually fun.

Over all, it was a night to remember forever. I met some really nice people, learned some new dance steps, and drank lots of punch. Oh, and I got second place in a costume contest which I didn't want to enter.

China from Japan

My mom, while cleaning out her closet, found some old china that my grandpa brought back from WW2, from the various places he went.

This is my grandpa Howard in France he's the one on the left. There is a whole tea set from Japan, including saki cups! Every piece is just so interesting, they are made of glass and have like unglazed dragons on them, even the tiniest little cups. These are my favorite. There are two of each. The vase and candle holder, also from Japan. they are made of a metal of sort and have a gorgeous sketching on them embossed in gold. The cherry blossoms are so cute on this um... dish of some sort? It says it was hand made in Imperial Nippon on the back so I think that means occupied Japan This plate, my grandpa brought back from Germany. It says, Father lion grinned, "you young rogues!" said he. "come along".

I'm not sure why it's not written in German. It's kinda cute, kinda creepy, and just strange for a child's plate. I mean try to eat your food on a plate that has a lion about to eat baby elephants and kittens on it. Well, I think that's what about to take place.