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Time In Oklahoma-A Weekend of Festivities

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This weekend was chock full of fun! There was no long drives down Oklahoma road that led us to disappointing locations. Instead we had fun locally.

It all started on Saturday. I held a “thank you” brunch for the Key Spouses in our wing. The Air Force has a program where selected spouses have the opportunity to communicate the vision of the commander to other spouses. This is a peer-to-peer program that provides support to all families within the unit. These men and women work tirelessly for our families and a brunch is a small way to say “thanks”.

Even though I don’t “do” hostessing, I did it for these women. We had a good turnout and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. There was plenty of food and my co-hosts were exceptional. They alleviated my stress and provided some yummy food too.

Eating food and having fun!

After that wonderful morning, we headed over to the Oklahoma State Fair. Who doesn’t love a fair? We have gone every year we’ve been stationed here. It was different this year since there are no kids at home. There was no need to go to the petting zoo or the rides. And with that, we had the freedom to go where we wanted to.

And we took advantage of that freedom. Oklahoma is a big agricultural state so the 4-H and the FFA had big displays. I love seeing what kids can do! And once we finished that section, we wandered off to the food entries. I love seeing what people in the local community can create. And a bonus is that we know a woman who enters many submissions to the fair, and she wins!

Pam is not only a wonderful baker, she is the consummate hostess. She invited us, as well as other commanders on base to her house for a BBQ party. She bakes up a storm and her husband, Mike, always has touching words for us. They are incredible supporters of our wing as well as the base as a whole.

They opened their home to us on Sunday evening. We were not disappointed. Pam had her baking prowess on display. I love all of the desserts as well as the way she displays it all. You can’t go home hungry.

And they make sure you don’t. Mike told us that the rule was that you had to have “two hamburgers, two hot dogs and dessert.” I didn’t quite succeed in that endeavor but I tried.

Since I failed, I had to take home a few doggy bags. I wasn’t upset at all. The desserts were delicious! It gives me the opportunity to continue the joy each brownie brought me. In addition, Pam sends us home with extra treats that weren’t out for all.

And that’s how you keep a party going.

Kansas City Here I Come!

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On Thursday, hubby and I headed out to every vacation lovers dream destination-Kansas City, KS. I know, I know, you are super jealous. But we had a specific reason to go out there. A good friend of ours was getting promoted. If you know anything about the military, then you know that getting promoted is a big deal. And this promotion was a HUGE affair; he was pinning on Colonel. He would be a “full bird”. That’s what we call it when someone achieves that rank.

We’ve known Pumba and his wife, Hobbes, for 18 years. And if you’ve been following me, then you know that he’s been mentioned in one of my articles. He is a character but in a good way. Every time we see him, he makes us laugh; there is never a dull moment when he is around.

He asked my husband to do the ceremony so of course he said, “yes!” It is an honor we can’t say no to. While it is a solemn occasion, with Pumba, nothing is serious.

The weekend didn’t disappoint. The Alvarado’s are the consummate hosts. But where there are Pumba’s, there is alcohol. Along with that is a ton of great conversation, friendship, and food.

Friday, the day of the ceremony, came early. We headed over to Fort Leavenworth. That was a treat too. I hadn’t been to (or through) Kansas in many years. And I’d never been to Leavenworth. The fall foliage was amazing. It seriously reminded me of New England where I grew up. The colors on the trees were bright and vibrant. The town was quaint. It is great to see old downtown areas revitalized.

The ceremony took place on a building on campus. Pumba’s classmates were there in droves. So were friends and family from out-of-town. My spouse (I think) did a wonderful job.

Once the proper portion was over, the party could re-begin. Hobbes had made so much Mexican food. It was delicious. The music was blaring and the conversation flowed. Even the bonfire was going well.

And we didn’t get to bed until 2AM. That’s what I call a successful party!