I forced myself to stay in bed til 6am- I'm usually up at home by 5, sometimes earlier. Went down to breakfast in the lobby at 7 and chatted with some other early risers
Went back upstairs to organize my stuff, and do some writing and went back down for more tea about 8:30.
Little brother and several others were there, then and we talked awhile. Plans were made for the Anderaus to go see the SR museum and to drive around and check out the town.
We got to the museum at 9:05 and they weren't open (information said 9-5), but when we went back in an hour, we discovered that the person who was slated to open up, didn't and the girl manning the desk had just been called in to cover for her. During our wait we walked around the campus, showing B's wife Marion where things had been (and not been) when we attended in the 60's. I wandered into the Fine Arts Bldg, which has a new name/dedication. I walked up to MY little theatre and was surprised to find it open. We went in and commented on the changes --door in different place, removal of some seats to create a light/sound booth, etc. Felt good to be there again. After that I looked thru the door of the "shop" where I made costumes in the early 60's. Then the room did not have any electrical outlets, so I made costumes with a treadle machine. Much improved today, I saw three sewing machines (electric) and even a refrigerator. Wow! things got modern.
Meanwhile, back at the museum, nothing from the earlier place was in evidence (I'm hoping it is stored somewhere, cuz it was cool old stuff) but the place had a very interesting layout. Several video kiosks showed clips of what was being shown in artifacts. The Rock art was interesting (and really tall) and no the original rock art was not in the museum, but a very realistic representation was there.
Saw a clip abut the battle of Ojinaga (Pancho Villa) and another of the use of the Big Bend Area in movies.
When we left, walking through the gift shop, I almost bought Lillian a toy until my brother pointed out that they said "San Diego Zoo" on them. She didn't need that.
We drove, and looked and drove. We saw the new hospital (old one looks so sad and deserted), saw the new library building, which has not been opened yet. Saw places where friends and relatives had lived, asked each other questions about "Wonder what happened to .....?
After our drive around we had lunch at the Bread and Breakfast. Salad, soup, and sandwich. Then we walked up and down Holland Avenue going into almost every store. And yes, I did buy a couple of things. Found a "resale" shop with children's clothes and toys, where I got a fleece sleeper with feet, for Lily at a great price. BTW- for fans of Alpine, this shop is housed in the old JC Penny store.
Walked down the street, and Quetzal is the shop where I found an embroidered Mexican style blouse.
I don't think B or M bought anything but a book.
Back to the room to chill and nap (had to turn the A/C off--too cold) and get ready for the evening "DO".
Walked to the site of the evening gathering which was 2 1/2 blocks from the hotel. It is the Granada Event Center. The Granada theatre is etched in my mind as where kids went every Saturday afternoon, to see the latest western movie and several cartoons. Later I remember it as the place where I saw "West Side Story" at least 5 times in one week. Do I need to mention that I love that music? The Granada is no longer a theatre but some forward thinking person has turned it into a celebration venue. It is a large open space with black ceiling and the largest ceiling fan (one) I ever saw. The place was decorated with balloons and lit -up stars. The meal was excellent-- prime rib with veggies and various desserts to choose from. The meal was followed with an assortment of door prizes (which we had all brought) and entertainment. The troupe of 7 belly dancers entertained for over 30 minutes (which I thought was a little long--but they were quite good, and they travel to various Texas cities to entertain) After the entertainment, class pictures were taken and then a deejay was on hand to provide music for dancing. Earlier I said that only 3 of my class was here, turns out 7 of us showed up. And it was really good to see everyone. It seems that since next year is the 50th anniv for the class of 61, we are expected to organize and host a similar event. We did talk about it some and first need to choose a date, then determine a "style"--casual (Legion Hall venue), dressy (Granada venue), a combination or something else--I hope if this happens, we can get permission to have an event in the building where we attended High School---It is now a Jr. High.
Anyway, those are decisions for another day. The event was a success and seemingly enjoyed by all. I wonder how the committee did all this for $45 per person.
I heard later, that a large group stayed until the wee hours reminiscing
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