Our first introduction to this phenomenon came, fittingly enough, on Halloween. That's right, there's no politically correct "Harvest Festivals" out here in the Wild West; we celebrate Halloween, by gosh! We headed to the Elementary school to help out with the fundraiser (thanks to Karen in Montclair for buying!) When we walked in the door, we thought we'd accidentally detoured through the Justice League of America's Secret Hide-Out. Supergirl, Wonderwoman and "Bat-shack" (Mr Shackelford dressed as Batman) greeted us in the front office. We aren't talking about cheap T-shirts with a big S on the front, but full-fledged costumes, complete with capes, boots and masks.
It's not just the staff--the parents are in to it too. The mom of one boy in Bridget's class had made alien costumes for her entire family: silver jump suits and long dresses, green faces and purple wigs. Amazing. Fortunately, I was wearing my Ogre Mom costume--Shrek ears and a tiara--so I didn't feel TOTALLY underdressed. Here's a pic of the principal; the witch is Bridget's teacher, dressing against type.
So, why am I talking about Halloween on the day before Thanksgiving? Because that was just the tip of the iceberg. Yesterday was "dress like a cowboy" day. But the real kicker was last Friday, the fourth grade PowWow.The fourth graders have been studying Oregon Indians for several months now. That's right, "Indians" not "Native Americans." Maybe the local tribes prefer this name? As you can see in the last blog entry, they went on a field trip to the High Desert Museum to learn more about Indians and on Friday the study culminated with the big Pow Wow, complete with singing, dancing, drumming, eating and game playing. Mrs J, Max's teacher, had told us the kids would be making their own costumes for the Pow Wow, so we went to work. Max had a vest cut out of a paperbag that he was not interested in decorating, and moccasins (also known as "my pajama shoes.") I briefly contemplated pulling out some brown felt to make a real vest, but didn't want to be overzealous. We didn't bother with a head-dress; I didn't have any feathers and he probably wouldn't wear it anyway. When we got to the school, we learned the error of our ways; check out these costumes: (David will upload a video clip as soon as the computer is free)
I'm going to start working on Bridget's Indian costume right after Christmas. Since she's only in first grade, that should give me plenty of time to get it done.
In other "news":
We finally found the little pegs that hold up the china cupboard shelves, and I started emptying the 10 dish packs in the dining room.
David has joined the local Knights of Columbus--they don't discriminate against non-Catholics.
Still no bites on the job-front, but I have an application in at the Community College, and David is responding to a Forest Service job announcement.
Finally, we discovered our blog has a local fan--thanks for reading, Todd! David met Todd at a Chamber of Commerce event; he found us by Googling Sisters, Oregon. I always knew strangers could be reading this, but figured they'd lose interest quickly. It's both cool and kind of creepy to know that I don't know who might be reading.
Time to make chocolate cake; the kids don't like pie. Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
2 comments:
Enjoyed reading about your costume days. I wish they were more laid back around here. Dan finished the outside Christmas lights, now for the inside. Glen came for dinner (alone) on Thanksgiving and we had a nice day. Good luck on the job search and keep up the blog, I know I enjoy all the Huni Adventures! Love to all.
I feel like you must have fallen through a time portal and landed in some different year. Half the time when you describe Sisters, it seems very liberal, and other times, just the opposite.
Keep reporting, though.
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