Colonial Ball Through the Years

Nearly each day during the week between Christmas and New Year's Facebook's memory of the day was of the three of us attending the Colonial Ball during Patriot's Week in Trenton. I was actually surprised by how long this has been a tradition for our family.

Patriot's Week started about a decade ago now. That hardly seems possible. I think it took until the second year of the ball for me to bring it up to Don. He surprised me by enthusiastically saying he wanted to go. At that point none of us had Colonial attire, but he wore a tux he bought in 2000 when we had several events in a year where black tie was encouraged. 

The ball is designed as a chance for the reenactors gathering to wear their finery and hang out with each other. The public is invited for a nominal fee (this year it was $17.76 in advance, or $20 at the door). In exchange we were fed sandwiches and salads, and were given dance lessons so we had a shot of understanding what we are doing. The same caller also leads barn dances at Howell Living History farm. The steps are often similar. The barn dances, held three times a year, ask for $3 donation and are extremely kid-friendly.

In 2008 I wore a black dress and pearls. Ashley dressed up, too, as did Elizabeth, her American Girl Doll. Look how tiny Ashley is! 

In 2009, a year later two of us dressed in Colonial attire. Carin surprised us by making Ashley her own colonial gown, and a matching one for her American Girl Doll, Elizabeth. Don dusted off his tux. I cannot find the picture from 2010 or 2011, but I did blog about the 2011 ball.

 In 2012 we decided to go modern again.

In 2013 we wizened up and brought Maia for Ashley so they could dance together. This is around the time Cousin Hayden started to join us, too. My parents have been attending the ball since 2009. For each dance you need a partner. Everyone is friendly, and it is very easy to find a dance partner (especially if you are willing to learn the man's part), but both of us prefer dancing with Don. Fortunately he prefers dancing most of the dances. Note, Ashley is wearing the same dress she wore in 2009 (which she received the day after the ball in 2008), but with a skirt under it to lengthen the dress.

Patti and Neil also often join us at these dances. Patti loves dressing up.

In 2014 the ball was held at the Marriott hotel instead of at the Masonic Temple. It didn't feel the same. Again, Maia, my parents, and Hayden joined us. I also visited with Doreen, a classmate from high school, and saw other people interested in Trenton's history. 

In 2015 the ball returned to the Masonic Temple. For the first time my sister Melissa and her daughter, Aimee, joined us. This is the first year we have to place ourselves so Ashley is not blocking our faces. This was also the first year Ashley wore heels to the event.

In 2017 we did not purchase our ball tickets in time. In previous years we showed up at the door and paid $20 each (could have paid $17.76 plus fees had we purchased them in advance) and partied. That year they instituted a cap. 

In 2018 I made sure to purchase our tickets the day they went on sale. Good thing as it did sell out. The ticket price was raised to $25 each. Still a bargain for a night of dancing and light food while wearing period attire. Patti, Neil, my parents, Melissa, Hayden, and Aimee skipped it this year. It was odd just going as the four of us (three of us, plus Ashley's friend, Maia). The biggest challenge was keeping the camera safe and still dancing. Heidi (Maia's mom) has a friend (Jean) who loaned the girls their period attire. Heidi used her seamstress skills to adjust them to their tiny frames. They felt wearing the Colonial dresses would make their evening more fun. As they danced every dance (we sat out one to take pictures), alternating the man and the woman's sides, they looked like they were having fun. I brought my Colonial gown out of retirement for the event. It felt a little big on me. I remember the sleeves and bodice feeling tighter. The waist is a drawstring, and I had to bring that in further, too. The best part was we remembered many of the steps. Maybe this will be the year we go more often than the ball (there are monthly gatherings in Princeton of English Country Dancers).

My drawstring waist kept slipping

In 2019 we bought our tickets ($25 each) the day they went on sale. They sold out the morning of the ball. Maia came with us again, which is always a treat. Maia and Ashley danced every dance. Don and I had to take a couple of breathers. Our caller, Sue Dupre, threw in a new-to-us dance that required three dancers. Poor Maia was left out, but she made some other friends for the dance. We didn't recognize as many people, but that was okay. We had a lot of fun and danced the night away. One note: they 

pushed the tables to the outer edges and opened the library to give us more space to dance. The band only took a brief 10-minute break, barely long enough for us to take pictures.

2020

I don't know how long this link will be available, but in 2020 Sue Dupre gave a lovely talk in Patriot's Week (Day) about Colonial Balls. It was a sad substitute for the ball. Hoping the ball can return in 2021.

2023

After four long years, Patriot's Week decided it was safe enough to bring back the ball. I did see one person wearing a mask, but for the most part it was just like it was in 2019. Locally, there is an uptick in cases, but that wasn't the case when the decision was made. Don and I bought our tickets (now $40 each) as soon as Sue Dupre announced the ball was happening. My parents meant to, but they didn't until a couple of days in advance. Fortunately it had not yet sold out. Dad is having troubles walked, so he opted out of dancing. My foot has been bothering me, so I encouraged Don to invite my mom to dance a few with him while I sat with Dad. Maia is since married and living out West. Ashley and Anna were not interested in going.

Of note, while Colonial Attire was not required, the vast majority of attendees wore period attire, though not necessarily from the Colonial era. I did see one woman wearing the same Colonial dress that I own, making me glad I did not wear it this year. I know there should be no shame in wearing the same outfit, but my inner high schooler would have been mortified! This way, she didn't know.

Mom was happy to dance, and Dad promised to work on PT so he could join her on the dance floor next year. The staff directed him to an exit that did not involve as many stairs, making him a happy camper at the end of the night.

Reflections on 2023 Resolutions

It is that time of year again when I think about the direction I want my life to take in the New Year. Resolutions might be too strong a term. I started the tradition in 2014. Twelve months later I see think about the things that happened that I could not have imagined when I wrote the list, and reflect on how I want to change the course.

Last year I made the usual goal of travelling more. I knew we planned to go to Italy to see Ashley, but I never would have dreamed that my life would take me to New Zealand and Australia -- fulfilling a dream I first had in 1987 when I wanted to be an exchange student in Australia, and the Rotary Club sent me to Belgium instead.

The second resolution did not happen as I had thought it would. I wanted to bring back the WiNK service, instead we joined the church and both became more active with the 10 am service.

The third was about leaving my job, which I did, but it took until the end of August before I finally left. I still don't know my next step professionally, because in the meantime Don lost his job and my energy went into helping him figure out his next step.

Then there was health. A year later I still don't consistently have the energy level I want, but I'm on a new path: treating my thyroid. Dr. Adi assured me I'd start to feel like my old self two weeks into taking the new medicine. It has been fifteen days and I'm waiting. Last night I had a huge surge of energy at 10 pm. Today I napped at 3 pm. It is not there yet.

Exercise. Low energy does not help motivate me to exercise. I did some roller skating, but not enough. Hopefully this year I'll take a class to learn some techniques.

Still pondering my new resolutions.

Happy 80th, Day

Dad's 80th birthday celebration continued with dinner at our house on December 26th, his actual birthday.

As a December baby, Papa John will tell you his birthday is often overlooked. The photo boards of birthday celebrations over the years tells a different story. He was happy to be surrounded by his sister Barbara and her family, and mom, and his three daughters and their families. It was a great time to celebrate.

Bonus visit by NCB -- New "Cousin" Barbara
who came down from Massachusetts

How to Dance in Ohio: the musical

Just when it feels as if there are no new stories to be told, along comes a musical that is both fresh and inspirational. How to Dance in Ohio is about seven autistic characters portrayed by seven autistic actors. The show starts with the house lights still lit, and the seven of them coming on stage to, well, set the stage. To tell us what is going to happen, because "isn't it nice to know what to expect." They tell us about the Cool Down Zones in the Mezzanine and downstairs where people can go if they need a break from the show. They also announce "there is no audience participation, so introverts are safe," a line I suspect most introverts applaud each night.

"There is a saying," one actor states, "if you have met one autistic person, you have met ONE autistic person. You have now met seven autistic people."

The situations they are going through are relatable to anyone who has been an American adolescent...dating, work problems, taking the SATs, getting a drivers license, having your first car accident, navigating mass transit, and more. In two hours and 20 minutes, the pack not only the stories of the seven youths, but the psychologist leading their group, his daughter, and several parents. If I had to criticize anything it is that too much is packed into the play. There are at least a dozen storylines to keep track of. It helps that there are very few costume changes, so people pretty much look the same throughout the show.

The musical is based on a 2015 HBO documentary by the same name. As they say in the introduction, "it has been embellished for dramatic purposes, because you have to spice things up in Ohio." I loved whenever someone said O-H, the required response of I-O was quickly heard.

I was first attracted to the show because Chuck, a high school friend, said he was one of the co-producers. I like to support my friends.

I continue to tell people about the show and encourage them to see it because it is that good. Each year I see between six and ten show on Broadway. This is the one I have recommended the most.

The actors made you want to root for them. There is a little bit of discomfort (such as when a blogger shares a bunch of negative stereotypes about autistic people, and the students refuse to go to the dance), but you know it will all work.

The Cool Down Zone was refreshing. The night we went someone was using it because they needed it, versus the other nights when people like us went to check it out (at least according to the usher stationed to that area). There is a screen so you could still see what was happening on stage, but you were just enough away that it was quieter. I was impressed there was space to set it up considering Broadway theaters are notorious for using every square inch of space.

My other takeaway was watching Jean Christian Barry, understudying in the role of Remy. I suspected it was his Broadway debut and that the theater was packed with his friends and family because every time he had a scene a section of the audience erupted in applause. After the curtain calls, on stage in the dark they cast leapt on them giving them the biggest, most joyful group hug I've ever witnessed. It was a night they will never form. I confirmed later it was indeed his debut. We should all be surrounded with such love.

There are a lot of deals happening, including buy 3, get one free, and day of seats being sold for $50 at the box office. They are trying to be accessible to most. Tickets are on sale through June.

Christmastime in the City (NYC)

There isn't anyplace more magical at the holidays than New York City. Living two hours away from New York, it is a tradition to visit to see The Tree, The Windows, and The Crowds. In 2020 we saw two out of three.

Unable to coordinate with Ashley, Don and I got tickets to see "How to Dance in Ohio" -- a new musical based on the documentary about seven autistic young adults navigating life, starring seven autistic performers. The show had the added draw that one my friends from high school is one of the co-producers, and I like to support my friends at all levels, even if we haven't been in touch much.

The show deserves a separate post.

Due to a doctor's appointment, we did not get as early of a start as hoped. We decided to drive to Secaucus and take the train into New York -- a method my sister Melissa and her husband Chris swear by, but the one time we tried it they were working on the lines and it was pure torture. By arriving after 5, parking was only $14, and the train tickets were $8.50 each, making it cheaper and easier than taking the train from Princeton Junction, even factoring in the tolls for taking the NJ Turnpike and the extra gas.

We made it to New York with barely enough time to shop at the Broadway Up Close kiosk in Times Square and buy a gift for Ashley. As a bonus, we saw the owner, Tim, and his mother, who was visiting from Michigan. As Tim said, "timing is everything." Five minutes earlier he wasn't at the shop. Five minutes later and he would have been closed until 2024.

Unfortunately our tight timeline did not allow us a chance to eat dinner before the 7 pm curtain. We only had 45 minutes left until curtain. I thought through my Christmastime in the City goals: The Tree. The Windows. The Crowds. This time accomplishing one and a half of those goals: The Crowds and a crowded view of The Tree.

We fought the crowds once more to reach the Belasco Theatre on 46th between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, fortunately we were on 49th and Sixth (and a half) Avenue, and 49th was closed to cars. We made it with plenty of time to spare, even factoring in we had to climb to the last row and wanted to eat the granola bars we packed before the show started.

Safely ensconced in our seats, we enjoyed the show. The audience was excited because someone was making his Broadway debut. Every time he came on stage, it seemed a third of the audience cheered extra loudly for him. You couldn't help but smile and get caught up in their enthusiasm.

After the show I looked at Don and said if we leave now, we should be able to catch dinner at The Counter, if we hang out at the stage door for autographs, I can't make any promises. It was already 9:30 pm, and even though New York is considered "the city that never sleeps," we've also noticed places close earlier than they did before the pandemic.

As we dashed into the restaurant we were greeted by Mike, our favorite server. He took one look at us and said he was just about to tell the kitchen to shut down for the night, but we can order first. It was the perfect bookend to our evening in New York. 

Located at the corner of 41st and 7th, in Times Square, The Counter is a burger place a friend turned us onto at least a dozen years ago. They hand you a piece of paper and you mark off exactly what you want your burger to be like -- what kind of meat (or "meat, in Ashley's case), which toppings, what kind of bread, cheese, and sauce. You can add fries, cole slaw, or upgrade to toppings like avocados. They are consistently good. It is one of the few places where I order my burger cooked Medium, and it comes out Medium. Most other places will ask how you want your burger cooked, but their cook makes them all the same way. I've given up trying and save my red meat orders for The Counter. Our order is often a giant salad with a burger in the middle. Reasonably priced. We are in and out within an hour -- important when we are there to see a show.

The weather was seasonally brisk, so we went back up to 50th and 5th to see the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue, and visit The Tree again. Saks often has the most elegant windows, and this year did not disappoint. It is clear Christian Dior was their corporate sponsor, something I don't recall from past years.

Below are a few windows:

We walked across the street to see The Tree. As we waited to get closer, I overheard an engagement taking place, reminding me it was the 32nd anniversary of Don proposing to me at the top of the Empire State Building. Unlike this new bride, though, I did not have a fresh manicure nor was I dressed for a photo shoot. They traveled from England to become engaged. We only crossed the Hudson River. Still, it brought back the feelings from that December day in 1991.

We paused in front of the Belasco Theatre for a picture without the crowds before ending our evening studying the windows at Macy's. Whereas Saks' windows have always been elegant, Macy's have always been high tech. I miss the windows at Lord & Taylors as they were my favorites. HERE is a link to the other displays we did not study. Shame on me for not realizing FAO Schwartz's windows are something we were supposed to study. We passed them a couple of times that night. I always think of the time we bumped into Ashley's friend Maia when we all just happened to be in NYC at the same time.

Hard to see, but we appear in each opening

LEGO

Barbie -- very 2023

From there it was a quick walk to Penn Station. By parking at Secaucus we had our choice of trains. My feet were hurting, so I opted for the one closest to where we were standing vs. the one leaving the soonest. There was only a two-minute difference between times. Worth it to sit sooner.