JUST FLOATIN' WITH THE MUSES

The only bad thing about there being so much to do in this area, and having friends who are involved in so many different activities, is that it is sometimes very difficult to even find a time when we can all get together. I thought we were never going to come up with a mutually agreeable date for our Mexican potluck! Cheryl has been out of town and missed the last two Meetings of the Muses, so we thought we'd get together for a float at the Blue Hole and catch up with her. Unfortunately, she can't do it this afternoon due to an appointment in San Marcos. Deb suggested we do it at noon, but I have a mystery shopper gig over in Austin at that time. And of course, I'm leaving for Houston tomorrow. This is so very frustrating! But, better than the alternative, I suppose. Imagine having nowhere you are dying to go, no projects or stack of books that are calling out to you, and nothing in particular that interests you. I guess that's my idea of Hell.

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!

Well, I think we're finally getting the hang of this "Independence Day In Wimberley" thing. First time we went to the parade, we got there plenty early, but didn't think to bring any chairs, had to stand around in the blazing hot sun for hours, and still couldn't see all that well. This time we drove separate cars into town for an early breakfast, left the truck parked with its back to the street in front of the cafe, and went back home. We came back just in time for the parade and set up our comfy chairs in the bed of the truck. Brilliant!

Once I was situated on my perch, I happened to glance down and see two little girls on miniature lawn chairs, hidden between our truck and the one next to us. In their laps they each held a plastic bag containing a slew of hand-braided red, white & blue friendship bracelets. They must have spent untold hours making them, I suspected to earn money, yet were sitting there quietly where no one could see them. "Excuse me ladies," I said, leaning down. "Are those bracelets for sale?" Their heads bobbed up and down. "Well I sure could use one!" With a little encouragement from us and their grandfather, they began working the crowd, and before long, their bags were stuffed with dollar bills (and even a $10 or two).

There were quite a few classic cars in the parade, but more than one ran into the same problem as this mustang, and ended up having to be pushed most of the way. Perhaps that's why they always bring plenty of extra passengers. I'm thinking the gunslingers on their horses had the right idea.

My favorite entry of all was probably the "Frump Float" float. There is an amazing woman here in Wimberley, named Mary King. The way I hear it, about 20 years ago, when she and a dozen of her friends were all in their 60's, she decided to invite them all to lunch. The only hitch was that, if they wanted any food, they first had to put on a swimsuit and float with her on the creek behind her house. The tradition is still going strong, only the guest list has more than quintupled, and most are now in their 80's. One day not long ago, her adult son overheard her speaking to someone about the annual Frump Float, as they called it. He misunderstood, and thought she was referring to the upcoming parade. "Mother!" he exclaimed, "Surely you ladies are not going to be in the parade wearing your bathing suits!" She turned to him with twinkling eyes. "Why thank you son. What a brilliant idea!"

SHE'S GOT THE LOOK

If you've ever considered spending Independence Day in the Texas Hill Country, having the proper attire is extremely important. Finding a practical, yet stylish way to keep the sun off your face should be your number one priority. My friend Deb, who is driving the VW bug convertible, has the right idea. So do her Aussie friends who were on walk-about, and just happened to arrive in Wimberley in time to participate in the July 4th parade. That's our friend Bob Kirkham driving the cherry red caddy, and I think that family behind him, with the matching doo-rags, are looking mighty stylish too. And what about those girls modeling vintage costumes made by a local designer. Are those parasols cool, or what? I'm getting there. I have a couple of great hats, but those white capris and crocks are really detracting from their coolness. I'm ready to go for the whole ball of wax. In fact, I'm feeling the need for one of those very sassy petticoats that are hanging in front of Wall Street Western, and maybe even some rhinestones. Whad'ya think? After all, you know what they say around here - It's never too late to be a cowgirl!