I’m notorious for mixing things up since my 2021 stroke. My 30 second memory of names, dates, scores, and directions were severely affected. To me, Tanglewood feels like this huge maize of same name streets running into one and another. Often, I’m lost driving in circles. My memory embarrasses me mostly when I introduce myself to someone I met at the pool the day before. When I make this faux pas, a strange look usually appears as they say, “Yes Kathy, we met at the pool yesterday. And I reply, “I’m sorry, I didn’t’ recognize you with your clothes on!
A few days ago, I was waiting impatiently in my golf cart for people to arrive for “next week’s Diversions meeting,” when a lady named Betty parked next to me. I asked if she was going to the Diversions meeting and she replied, “No, I’m going to the Red Hot Babes meeting,” and she invited me to join her. I could tell she wasn’t blind because she was driving but reminded her that I wasn’t exactly a Red-Hot Babe. She laughed saying, “None of us are, but come to the meeting anyway.” I weighed my options. Cleaning the bathroom or going to a meeting? I couldn’t wait to tell Daryl;
I was a Red-Hot Babe!
I walked into a room full of smiling, welcoming ladies, who without a doubt, at one time were all Red-Hot Babes. Immediately I felt comfortable. These ladies are fun. Their next activity was an authentic German lunch cooked by Ursula, with the help of Sally. My $5 membership fee practically flew out of my pocket! And, just like that, I was a Red-Hot Babe! Another upcoming outing was miniature golf which would be a ”hoot” especially if drinks were involved. I did get the impression that the unwritten Tanglewood drink policy, where cups were always carried and never empty, was entirely acceptable with these fun-loving ladies.
The day of the event, I entered Ursula’s beautiful home savoring multiple aromas of authentic German delicacies. 30 Hotties were there to enjoy a “family style” sit down dinner on tables laden with Ursula’s dainty China sitting and embroidered linen tablecloths, possibly passed down by generations. I admired my surroundings. Ursula’s home was decorated with many personal collections of crystal, antique figurines, and adorned with her masterful needlepoint artwork. The beautiful collections, cooking and planning were evident. The big surprise was the feast we were about to enjoy with numerous bowls, generously filled to the brim with one tasty family recipe after another. My favorite was the red cabbage which reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking. The variety of flavors, place settings, and multiple vases of fresh flowers throughout the room were all created with loving care. I jealously admired Ursula’s many collections which grace her home and for a few hours, I was no longer in Tanglewood. My body and taste buds were transported to Germany, thanks to Ursula’s and Sally’s hard work, and beautifully decorated tables laden with delicious food, and a dessert table worthy of The Ritz-Carlton. This newbie Red-Hot Babe would not be stepping on a scale for a week but will be ready for miniature golf.
Ladies of Tanglewood, if you are looking for some fun times, and some ageless, “Good time Sally’s,” who know how to have fun, you too could be a Red-Hot Babe!
