I have a thing for older men, you see. So naturally, I was looking forward to meeting some eligible octogenarians this evening. All dressed up and someplace to go - the place in question being The Little Sisters' of the Poor Home for the Aged. It was party time! Birthday party, with cake, candles and prezzies, and eighteen residents seated up front as guests of honour - these were the people whose birthdays come up this month. There was also one lady, Marjorie, 95, celebrating her 25th year at the Home!
Put-put, Bindas and I were just in time for the birthday song and cake-cutting. I wasted not much time getting acquainted with the gentlemen, who were, oddly enough, quite shy. Mr. Gorman's knees weren't up to dancing (so he said). Mr Watt and Mr. Gomes did have a lovely chat with me but remained firmly seated. I think they were all playing hard-to-get. Mr. Selvaraj was busy with a nap, though he did wake up later to graciously receive my farewell rose. Still, one courageous chap Raymond did get up and waltz a bit with me. Made my day. I think he must have been quite a dancer in his day, because he actually managed to follow some of my more complex dance moves.
Put-put meanwhile decided to pull up the ladies for some dancing (they seemed a bit more energetic) and even found a Dancing Queen! (You think I’m kidding, don’t you? But her name really is Queenie). Bindas, who's just finished the Dr Clown workshop and is still in training, was a bit shy. But she has connections. She brought Spiderman AND Batman with her. They were a lot shorter than I expected - they could have passed for 6-year-olds. Odd, that.
Well, the fun went on through cake and tea-time, and we got to introduce ourselves to well over a hundred people. And looking after all these lovely ladies and gallant gentlemen was a huge family of SISTERS. It was quite remarkable, I thought, and very sweet that they all liked to dress in identical clothes. And looking after all the sisters was a mummy. None of the sisters looked very French, but they all called their mummy "Ma Mere" .. and mummy spoke with an American accent. Hmm.
In addition to all these, was a gaggle of highly excitable, giggly and occasionally hysterical girls. Apparently these creatures are known as The Pestilence.
Bubbles, music, song, dance, and much laughter. And then, too soon, it was over. Alas, the gentlemen quickly made their escape while I was distracted by yet another pair of sisters - Isabel and Noreen Russell - who WEREN'T dressed in identical clothes. A last dose of bubbles got Isabel a-singing "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" accompanied by my beautiful rendition on the melodica. I promised her I’d practise more songs and come back soon for a sing-along.
It was sad to leave, but we meet to part - and meet again, and there were lots of smiling, laughing faces waving back at me as we drove away. I hope I get to go back soon. I really liked it there.
