More Day 49

...I was running a little late for church, so now is the continuation.

After the picnic there was a tour of the school.  At the last minute I decided to pass on that.  I just wasn't at all sure my energy level would hold up!  So I came on back to the apartment, put my feet up and took a nap!
I still had plenty of time to get ready for the evening.   But, after I was all ready . with about 20 minutes to go ... I was so hot I couldn't stand it!  So at the last second I changed my mind about what to wear.    Instead of the pretty blue dress, I wore black p=culottes, a bronzy satin "shell", and a think purle print blousy type jacket.  It turned out either one would have been fine, there was a huge variety of fashion there.  But I was comfortable!
My ride picked me up about 6:10 I think.  She was a girl I've known since 2nd grade, although never "close" friends, and her husband.  by the time they got here it was raining pretty hard, and he walked up to the door (I was waiting on the tiny covered "porch") with an umbrella.  Very gentlemanly! :)
The supper was held at the country club .. very elegant place.  I've certainly never been there before, I am not in *that* social circle!  I would have been lost; but my friend stayed right by my side most of the time.  She made a point of finding a table with room for 3 (and turned out someone else had saved us seats at a table).  We walked around a bit, and I was amazed and the people I met who claimed to "remember" me! LOL!!  These are peopple who never once even spoke to me in 3 years of high school  (and a few of them even go back as far as 1stfirst grade!)  But there were also people I did know, and was delighted to see .. a few had never been to any of the other reunions.  There was a girl whose family and our had been friends, often had supper at each other's homes.  There were several of "mama's girls" ... ladies who had gone through 11 years of scouting with mama as troop (or ship) leader.  I often found myself wanting to tell mama I saw this person or that, and having to remember that I couldn't.
When I got to the point that I felt I might get too wobbly or achy if I stood any longer, I went on and sat at the table.  It was quite interesting listening to some of the conversations swirling around me!   From time to time someone would come up and talk a minute; and occasionally my friend would come back bringing someone to say hello.  She was very good at making sure I didn't feel "alone" even though I was.   Her husband brought me a glass of wine.
When it was time to eat, she made sure to go with me, help identify the various items (there was a LOT of food .. as there should have been for that price!).  We got a little of everything.  It was all excellent, though I couldn't eat it all (and she finished hers .. and is totally skinny.  there is no justice! LOL).  On the desert table they had a variety of tiny   (bite size) tarts.  She got several, and later on I did try one.  When we left there were about 3 left on the plate, which she inissted on wrapping up for me to bring home.
After the food part, there were a few announcements, which were hard to hear because the conversations continued.  Then they played music, mostly from 50 years ago!  I enjoyed that.  I suspect the braver souls were dancing; but I was too far away, andd behind standing crowds, to tell.
It was pretty late . for us old folks .. when we left.  I was so exhausted!

I really had a good time.  I know I'm highly unlikely to see or hear from many .. if any at all ... of these classmates.  If I wasn't "close" before, I'm not suddenly going to be now.    That's kind of sad; but it's just the way things are.

At church today many people spoke.  A few more that I hadn't met introduced themselves.  I'm beginning to have a sense of belonging, which is nice.  I feel like I should have something to contribute.  Eventually I will.
For now, I think maybe I'm just still in "healing" mode.    I spend a lot of time in my room, just rocking .. either listening to TV or to a book.  At some point I will be ready to move on.  
Most of the new friends I''ve made at church do not know it's only been 6 months since I lost my husband.  It's not come up, and no reason why it should.  I'm trying to move on and not looking for a pity party.  In my age range, I'm far from the only widow!!  And while they realize I'm vision impaired, they're  letting me retain enough dignity to find my own way .. and always someone available if I need to ask for help.  

DN won't be home today.  It's too damp (not raining hard but sprinkly) and chilly to go anywhere else.  So I guess today I'll just continue listening to my odd book.