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Winter Weekend 2004
We arrived around 3:30p.m. which was just enough
time to get situated in our hotel, eat some supper, and get ready to go to the
theatrical that evening. Our goal this year was to be on time. I think I can say
we did a pretty good job of keeping that goal. The theatrical was a blast and
quite hilarious. First there were several Tableau Vivants, most of them having
to do with love or Valentine’s day. After the intermission there was a
performance called "This Picture and That" It was all very amusing! We then
retired for the night.
The next day we got up early and headed over for the dance practice. Most of the
dances I already knew, but there were a few I learned. Dance practice was over
after a wonderful spaghetti lunch, a small etiquette lesson from Glenna Jo
Christen and another hour of dancing. We had a few hours to spare before getting
ready for the ball, so we decided to go to a fabric warehouse that we heard had
wonderful fabric for great prices. It’s called S.R. Harris and let me tell you,
it’s very overwhelming when you walk into the building!! There’s fabric all over
stacked almost up to the ceiling! Everything is 50% off as well. There were a
few rows of silk fabric and I found some REALLY stunning silk! Most of the silk
there was $20 per yard, which ended up to be $10 after the reduction. There were
silk sheers, taffeta, I think I saw some brocade and much much more! Oh yes, and
they did have dupioni, but most of you know I can't use any of that for Civil
War era clothing. ;-) There was even more wool fabric. My friend picked up a
lovely navy blue wool with a white windowpane for a day dress. She got it for
$3.50 a yard. (Great price for wool!) I decided not to get anything because I
really don’t need anything right now and I don’t really have the money to spend
at this time. I’m hoping I can go back and spend a day trip there sometime. Oh,
how I wish there was a place like that here where I live!!! Anyway...
We arrived at the Valentine’s Day Ball around 7:45p.m. which was just enough
time for us to hang up our wraps and change our shoes into our dancing slippers.
The ballroom was dimly lit with candles and electric lights above. (Although,
you really didn’t notice the electric lights.) The first dance was the Grand
March. I really had never done a "real" Grand March before, so I didn’t think I
would do it. That is, until a gentleman came up to me and asked if he would have
the pleasure. I told him I didn’t know how to do it, but he said you really
don’t need to know how to do it, just follow the leader. I was surprised to find
it wasn’t hard at all and is very cool looking if you are watching from above.
(My mom recorded it from the balcony and I got to see what it looked like from
above.) Oh, I forgot to mention that we all got dance cards tied to our wrists.
I had an incredible time. We danced all night until 10p.m. and then the evening
meal was served. The gentleman escorted the ladies down to the lower level of
the building into a room full of beautifully set tables that were lit with
candles and you could hear the soft music of a girl playing the harp. The first
course was a delicious soup, after that we received our entree that was also
quite good. And I can’t forget the dessert, plum pudding with caramel sauce. I
don’t know how I managed it, but after eating we went back up to the ballroom
and danced until 2 in the morning! I had such a good time. I was so tired but
quite awake at the same time when we left the ball. The next day we got to sleep
in just a little longer than the other days, but not much longer. We had one
more activity before the weekend was over. We all got dressed in our warmer
clothing to go coasting and ice skating at Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton’s house. Well,
actually we met at their house and then departed for the coasting hill and ice
pond. Not everyone dressed up in period clothing, but there were still a few
that did. I guess most everyone were tired from the night before and just didn’t
feel like it. First we went coasting down a very big hill. Some of the girls
were a bit iffy about going down such a large hill in a crinoline. I had done it
before, so I told them it was a cinch and SUCH fun! Well, all three of us girls
(my sister, friend and I) piled on the toboggan and started down the hill. We
didn’t really know how to steer, so we ended up falling off the toboggan half
way down the hill. It wasn’t a pretty sight. At least from what we heard! I did
a flip (not sure how, but they say I did!) while all the rest of the girls
tumbled off some way or another. I guess I got to show off my new scarlet
colored wool flannel petticoat. ;-) It was hilarious, though. We almost died
laughing! Someone said they got us on tape. Oh my! I hope it wasn’t too close!
After that my friend was a little hesitant about going back for another run, but
I convinced her to try again. So, off we went again down that hill. I decided to
be in the front this time. We were going down fine, until one slight problem
occurred. On the hill there was a smallish mound of packed snow. We were headed
right for it and I knew we would go flying if our toboggan went over it. So, we
all panicked and after slightly hitting the side of the snow mound, we abandoned
the toboggan. The people that were watching us told us that my sister went
flying in the air. She said she didn’t remember, but I’m sure it was quite the
site to see! We decided to get back on and finish the hill. Boy, it sure was a
long way walking back up the hill, though. It was hilarious watching everyone
else go down the hill. Mr. Pinkerton had his fur coat and top hat on while he
took the small sled down the hill. It was so much fun! I enjoyed myself
immensely! We then headed over to the ice pond to ice skate a bit. That was fun
too. My friend and I tried to waltz and gallop on the ice, but it didn’t exactly
work too well. We then played crack the whip. Ohhh... we had such a joyous time!
It was then growing late and it was about time for us to get on our way home. We
went to the Pinkerton’s house to change our clothes. They had warm soup and
other refreshments which we weren’t going to stay for. But, we convinced our
mom’s to let us take a small bowl of soup before departing.
I don’t know how I managed to leave, but here I am at home again. The time just
flew right by. It didn’t quite feel like three whole days. But, it is good to be
back home again, even if I wish our time in Minnesota never ended. ::Sigh::
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