I told everyone that come “rain or shine,” the party was on… Well, it came rain. I heard on the morning news that it just might rain, but it would be a quick down pour, and then you could about your outdoor activities just as if it never happened. Not the case for our party. Well, we were able to go about our activities, but it seemed like an eternity later. And, I suspect a handful of very intelligent invitees, chose to avoid our party at all costs as they heard the tornado siren blaring in it seemed every county throughout MN. And, I don’t blame them.
The party ponies, the friendly donkey, and a small goat that is known for jumping through a hula hoop, seemed unaffected by the small tornado that continued to whip through the party. And, the kids who rode them seemed even less affected. Little Annie Oakley, I mean Courtney Klein took advantage of those children afraid of the storm, to get more than one ride…and as I saw, the opportunity to gallop through the swift river that was once our dirt driveway.
Our own little Kacy Sue Kittelsen, decided that the rain was the most exciting experience of her 19 month old life and chose to stomp around in the middle of the rain storm while all the old fogies stared at her from the safety of the garage. I stripped her of her sopping clothes and stuffed her two, stringy pony tails into the hood over her oversized red rain coat…as if that would keep her dry and warm.
The party ponies, the friendly donkey, and a small goat that is known for jumping through a hula hoop, seemed unaffected by the small tornado that continued to whip through the party. And, the kids who rode them seemed even less affected. Little Annie Oakley, I mean Courtney Klein took advantage of those children afraid of the storm, to get more than one ride…and as I saw, the opportunity to gallop through the swift river that was once our dirt driveway.
Our own little Kacy Sue Kittelsen, decided that the rain was the most exciting experience of her 19 month old life and chose to stomp around in the middle of the rain storm while all the old fogies stared at her from the safety of the garage. I stripped her of her sopping clothes and stuffed her two, stringy pony tails into the hood over her oversized red rain coat…as if that would keep her dry and warm.
The garage….full of the class of 92 High School Grads, and a bunch of old, old people (ok, our parents), seemed to get along just fine because they were sedated by the drink. Apparently there was just as big of a crew, much smarter group of individuals, in the basement of the barn listening to live acoustic playing guitar and playing lawn, turned barn games. It seemed they were oblivious to the cramped, moist quarters of those of us huddled in the garage below.
Upstairs in the barn, some lucky kids plopped themselves down on padded rental chairs, and watched Disney’s “Cars” and chomped on some freshly popcorn. Their lucky parents, enjoyed the fresh keg of beer, and were completely dry and safe from the torrential rain. The smartest, smartest group of all, however, where those old wise friends of my parents (and joann bergers parents from Cincinnati…smart as a whip, those folks), who just sat up in the porch of the house smoked cigarettes, poured themselves a stiff cocktail and watched the mayhem unfold. They reminded me of the two old guys who sat up on the balcony of the Muppet Show who told bad jokes about Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
I, on the other hand, had high hopes for the rain to pass and took it with a grain of salt…for about a half hour. But, as it continued and continued, and I saw the party pony people pulling a reluctant donkey down the flowing driveway to a trailer, I wanted to weep. Actually, I was weeping, but thankfully there was so much rain in my face, no one could tell. I found moments of peace when I got the chance to visit with Kris and John Parod (they guy with the goofy straw hat), They assured me there were having fun anyway. I tried to believe them. If a couple with triples is having fun trapped in a garage with people they don’t know, it’s not THAT bad. Andrew and Stephanie Volna, assured me that the two of them and their 4 month old would not leave….nor would many others…because they just drove too damn far to give up this early. So, according to them it just wasn’t THAT bad. John Linsmayer, my dearest friend Jane’s late 70ish dad, continued to make all the 40ish woman blush with his talk of “all the beautiful dollies (to their face of course).” If my friends are flattered by John Linsmayer, it’s just not THAT bad. And, another old friend Michelle showed up with her family after a long hiatus and was forced to reconnect with our old high school friends since we were locked in a pen together….kind of like the fainting goats. I guess, it just wasn't THAT bad.
Upstairs in the barn, some lucky kids plopped themselves down on padded rental chairs, and watched Disney’s “Cars” and chomped on some freshly popcorn. Their lucky parents, enjoyed the fresh keg of beer, and were completely dry and safe from the torrential rain. The smartest, smartest group of all, however, where those old wise friends of my parents (and joann bergers parents from Cincinnati…smart as a whip, those folks), who just sat up in the porch of the house smoked cigarettes, poured themselves a stiff cocktail and watched the mayhem unfold. They reminded me of the two old guys who sat up on the balcony of the Muppet Show who told bad jokes about Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
I, on the other hand, had high hopes for the rain to pass and took it with a grain of salt…for about a half hour. But, as it continued and continued, and I saw the party pony people pulling a reluctant donkey down the flowing driveway to a trailer, I wanted to weep. Actually, I was weeping, but thankfully there was so much rain in my face, no one could tell. I found moments of peace when I got the chance to visit with Kris and John Parod (they guy with the goofy straw hat), They assured me there were having fun anyway. I tried to believe them. If a couple with triples is having fun trapped in a garage with people they don’t know, it’s not THAT bad. Andrew and Stephanie Volna, assured me that the two of them and their 4 month old would not leave….nor would many others…because they just drove too damn far to give up this early. So, according to them it just wasn’t THAT bad. John Linsmayer, my dearest friend Jane’s late 70ish dad, continued to make all the 40ish woman blush with his talk of “all the beautiful dollies (to their face of course).” If my friends are flattered by John Linsmayer, it’s just not THAT bad. And, another old friend Michelle showed up with her family after a long hiatus and was forced to reconnect with our old high school friends since we were locked in a pen together….kind of like the fainting goats. I guess, it just wasn't THAT bad.
