Happy Hatters Get Into Christmas Spirit–November 30, 2012

Big Thanks to Judy L for coordinating our evening at the Eagle Theater in Hammonton for the Christmas Spectacular.

Prior to the show, a group of us met at the Annata Wine Bar, which is conveniently located within walking distance of the quaint little theater.
The Annata was a pleasant surprise – beautiful décor, comfy chairs, an interesting menu of Tapa’s and wine.  Most of our group shared plates of tapas and bottles of wine – We were prepared to have a $$$$ check, but another pleasant surprise was that the bill was quite reasonable for what we ate and drank.   We all vowed to return to this cosmopolitan gem in the future. 
http://www.annatawinebar.com
Below is part of our group in front of the restaurant.  (the rest of the group walked over to the theater early to get seats up front since there were no reserved seats)

Afterwards, we walked through the alley to the theater.  The show was adorable.  It was the night before Christmas and a group of family and friends gathered together to celebrate and to enjoy their kids’ growing anticipation of Santa’s arrival.   To entertain the children, the adults tell classic Christmas stories and sing the favorite songs of the Season.  A delight!
For future shows, check out the schedule at:
http://www.theeagletheatre.com

Happy Hatters tour the Cape May Winery–September 21, 2012

Oh, what a beautiful day to tour the Cape May Winery and Vineyard.  

Big Thanks to Catherine, Jill and Eileen for coordinating our day.  

Here we are as we arrived for our 11:00 am tour.  

While we waited for everyone’s arrival, we spent a little time in the shop, where we found very interesting “wine related” gifts. 

“How many bottles can I fit in my car?”   Hmmm.

Here we are before we began the tour --- aren’t we beautiful!

The Winery staff was very interested in who we were and what we did.   Of course we responded with our usual – “We do nothing except have fun!”   

Our “Hostesses” – Cath and Jill

Pat, our tour guide, gave us a fantastic tour of the vineyard, with tastings along the way.  He was fabulous!  I think we all came away with so much more knowledge about wine, than we went in with.   He informed us that the patio was available to BYOF (bring your own food) which many of us did for lunch.   He said he often brings his wife and dog (yup – pets are welcome), picks up a pizza and buys a bottle of wine to enjoy on the patio.  The setting is awesome, as you can see below.

In the event of less than perfect weather, Pat explained that we could enjoy our “picnic” in the beautiful “barrel room”.

Every aspect of winemaking is performed in the winery – from the vineyard to bottling the wine.

The owner can be found on a daily basis anywhere on the grounds ---- doing any job that needs to be done.   He is “retired”, but remains a hands on guy!  (sorry ladies, he’s been married for over 50 years)

After we completed our tour of the vineyards, we entered the barrel room for more tastings, including one directly from the barrel.

After our tour and tasting, some of us enjoyed our picnic lunch on the patio.

And, made some purchases…..

It was a beautiful day and I think many of us vowed to return in the near future.   The wine was good, the facility was immaculate, and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly.  We couldn’t have asked for more.

More information, and photo’s can be found on the website.

www.capemaywinery.com

Story of an Old Man–author unknown

 

Story of a Cranky Old Man.....

What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!

LET’S PLAY GOLF!–August, 2012

What will we think of next?   After so many years of “fun” activities, this group still manages to find something new to do!    Thank you to Joan for making the arrangements for the golf lesson and dinner with wine at the Mays Landing Country Club.