Hey to all my friends in the Lounge UPDATE

[HeiressofBickworth]

Last edited Wed Aug 28, 2013, 02:15 AM - Edit history (2)

I'm going on vacation tomorrow and being the old grandma that I am, I will have no lap-top, no smart phone, no means whatsoever of accessing DU, my favorite website. Sure, you might say that hotels have wifi, but in the cheapie places I'll be staying, it would be doubtful and I don't have the gadgets anyway. I'll be driving from my home just north of Seattle to my best friends home in Sacramento. I've driven every year for the past five years and before that, for over 20 years I took the train to Oakland, bus to San Francisco, ferry to Sausalito and a bus to Novato where she used to live.

Over Labor Day weekend, Sacramento has their Gold Rush Days. My friend and I dress up in period costumes and walk around Old Town -- the organizing group calls us "strollers". We add ambiance. If you are curious about Gold Rush, google Sacramento Gold Rush Days. This will be our 11th year for Gold Rush. I just never get tired of it. Where else would a man tip his hat to a lady? I'm not sure which of my costumes I'll be wearing -- I have just a few. One year I made (from a copy of an original 1830's pattern) an Overland Trail dress which had been outlawed in some towns because it had a pleated back that flared out and scared the horses.

So, the car had an oil change, new windshield wipers, car wash/wax and is all gassed and ready to go. I'll pack up tonight and be on my way in the morning. I'll be gone about 10 days.

So, all you Lounge Lizzzards -- don't do anything interesting until I get back to read about it. I'll miss your stories and comments.

UPDATE: Not sure if this is going to work, but hopefully, attached is a website showing me and my friend in our costumes. We posed for this for the company from which we purchased the dresses. I'm the short one. http://www.recollections.biz/LinJoy.htm

[pinboy3niner]

1. Have fun!

It sounds like a neat experience.

Check your hotel--many lacking wi-fi provide a guest computer or two in the lobby.

Just don't scare the horses this time!

[HeiressofBickworth]

4. And they do have horses

They have a contingent of Buffalo Soldiers and their horses, as well as an artillery group and their horses. Then there are the horse-drawn covered wagons and horse-drawn buggies. On one street they hold a pony express race. And then there's just the yummy cowboys on horses! (whewww -- is it getting warm in here?)

[Suich]

2. Have fun!

Sacramento Gold Rush Days look like a blast!

Take lots of pictures!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. Sounds like fun ... Hope you will do a picture thread when you get back. Drive Safe

and have a blast

[rurallib]

5. you can call us once in a while

have a great time - sounds like a lot of fun.

[NYC_SKP]

6. But what if one of us in the Sacramento area wants to find you at the Gold Rush Days???!!!

What about that?

PS, I've stayed in some sad hotels and motels, never met a one that didn't have internet, usually free, though not always fast.

It's the fancy hotels that charge for internet.

[HeiressofBickworth]

7. On Saturday and Sunday I'll be wandering around

I'll be the short, heavy one with a black long skirt, white blouse colorful shall and a straw bonnet. I'll be with a tall thin blond woman (years ago we were referred to as Mutt & Jeff) in a blue dress. There will be various other people with us. An older man in a grey long suit coat and a vest with a top hat. An older man with a black leather vest and a black hat. A short woman probably in her green and black dress with a black hat and veil. We always have lunch at Fat City. We'll also be around for the burning of the brothel. A fun event.

If you have kids, be sure to bring them -- they have different events for kids -- panning for gold, etc. Kids love it.

Hope to see you there.

[mnhtnbb]

8. Have fun. Drive safely! Love the period dresses.

[AsahinaKimi]

9. Enjoy your trip..

Anata no ryokō o tanoshimu!!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

10. Dah-ling !! You both look fabulous !! So much fun -

Do post more about your trip and don't forget the pictures

[Xyzse]

11. Enjoy!