Newcomer's Got Hattitude

The Waterloo Region Newcomers Club closing party for 2008 was held at my home on Wednesday, June 4th. I was hoping, up until the last minute, that we would be able to visit around the pool and eat outside as planned but it was one of those too darned cold "bad weather days". With the late spring and having been away several weekends in May it was a challenge to get the yard and pool cleaned up. I found myself planting outside pots in the dark the night before. Since this is the first large gathering held in my home since moving here, it took awhile to get the logistics worked out for 46 people.

In the end we did manage to stay outside for the ceremonial part of the event. Ladies had been asked to wear funny hats for a hat parade and competition. This seemed like a tall order for me but I managed to put together a family hat, with photo buttons of my kids and a nylon face thing Aaron had made me years ago when he was in public school. I thought the whole thing was kind of silly, but you will see from the photos on Flickr that many ladies rose to the occasion. Those of us with "hattitude" marched around the pool singing "In Your Newcomer's Bonnet, With all the frills upon it"..... in tune to the Easter Parade song. It was a hoot.

Our offbeat artist, Jockie Loomer-Kruger won for the funniest hat in her rendition of being chief consultant to the Easter Bunny.

Carole Russell must have stolen from her children to come up with a prize for the most original hat.

Betty Caron who works at Paderno, wore a hat featuring products from her store and won the prize for the most creative hat.


Cecilia and Nanci were given hanging baskets as thankyou presents.


The pot luck meal was delicious. People were seated all over the house, even 18 people upstairs in the glass studio.

A great time was had by all - lots of laughter - and one lady even stayed for a sauna under the stars. It will be interesting to see what the club can come up with for next years happy closing!!!

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