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Queen Kay Williams of the Ruby Reds (Owasso, OK) didn't let her fear of heights stop her from celebrating her birthday with the sky as the limit. Kay wrote, "I decided last year that since I was born in 1953 and would be turning 53 this year, it would be a good time to skydive. (Not all my decisions are sane ones!). My dive was scheduled for 5:30. I chose to do a tandem dive as I know myself well enough to know that there is no way I would willingly jump out of the plane by myself. The dive master had to pry my hand from the door jam. I'm sure my fingerprints are forever imbedded in the metal. I hold even greater admiration for the 70-something Red Hatter recently featured in Hatquarters' Friday Broadcast who also chose this avenue to celebrate her birthday. Please note that I donned the traditional purple hat to represent my birthday month."

Queen Marianne King of the Gypsy Roses (West Chicago, IL), recently went to a future Red Hatter's wedding in Colorado and visited Pike's Peak. While ascending the top of the mountain, Marianne ran into another Red Hatter wearing a t-shirt and socks adorned with red hats. "We exchanged pleasantries as all Red Hatters do, checked out the view and went our separate ways," said Marianne, "smiling about our sisterhood and our spirit of adventure." The Hatters noticed a sign warning older citizens to be wary of traveling to the summit as the air is very thin (14,000+ feet!), but said Marianne, "We just laughed it off, took the challenge and went up there anyway! I didn't get her name or where she was from"...but their chance encounter is just one more reason she loves Red Hatting!

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Two queens and 18 Hatters from Tennessee attended an annual white river rafting adventure down the Cumberland River in Kentucky. CeCe Grisez of the Tansi Tarts (Crossville, TN) reports that this is their third outing and the biggest group yet. Of course, they anticipate next year's trip to be even bigger. The youngest aboard was 80-years-young and no doubt, dares younger Hatters to get onboard for this guaranteed rush.

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The Red Hat Chili Peppers (Milford, Ohio) dreamed up some creative projects using duct tape as an art medium. Queen Jenny Thompson, wearing a purple hat indicating this is her birthday month, judged the contest which featured an array of creations from flowers, purses, tote bags and shoes… to a wallet, cell phone holder, note board, basket and bucket! Next assignment: The Wonders of Chili Peppers.

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Queen Charlene Shipman of the Glitzy Chicks (Auburn, WA) hosted a Red Hat doll making party. The Hatters bought dolls at a dollar store, then embellished them with glitzy glitter, miniature boas and fancy red hats. In keeping with the party theme, dessert was a Red Hat doll cake. "Such a shame to cut it up," admitted Char, "but we did!" The ladies had their cake and ate it too!

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Queen Sigrun Reimmann serves as activities director at a long-term health care facility called The Village and started a chapter called the Village Violets (Richardson, Texas). The enthusiastic queen arranges an activity for her ladies every month and also designs a display monthly for a glass case in the lobby, recently devoting it to the Red Hat Society and prominently placing a photo of EQM Sue Ellen next to the Village Violets' charter.

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The Scarlet O'Hatters (Winterville, GA) recently attended the annual Georgia Red Hat Jubilee in Callaway Gardens and enjoyed a special tea luncheon at a Victorian Tea House. Dressed in their finest and most elegant Victorian Red Hat regalia.are (L-R): Montine Corbin, Donna Gonnsen, Queen Pat Rigney, Eris Gaul, Vice-Queen Catharene Woods and Janice Poulnott. Two of the finery outfits were handmade while one is a wedding gown dyed purple (Try to pick them out!)

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Miriam Reynolds of the YA YA Hoopla Girls (Shelbyville TN) will turn 100 on October 16th. She is very active and seldom misses a meeting. Pictured at her 99^th birthday last year are: Scarlette Calahan, Barbara Helms, Miriam Reynolds, Elsie Chippewa, Kelly Mallox, Marianne Jenkins, Blanche Torrejohn, Pat Sullivan, Helen King, Carolyn Baker, Cindy Calahan, Eleanor Hall, Suzie Thurber, Sabrina House, Irene Mockabee, Betty Warren, and Marline Gregory. Queen Cindy Calahan e-mailed, "It would be nice if Miriam could get a birthday card from Hatquarters" but we thought it'd be even better to extend a birthday broadcast here for all to acknowledge.

Belva "Dolly" Morris of The Red Hot Potatoes (Limestone, Maine) became a Red Hatter after her daughters Jean and Kathryn urged on the organization of the Limestone chapter and she was impressed by the camaraderie of the fabulous, over-50, fun-loving Red Hatters. Born in 1904, Dolly recently celebrated her 102^nd birthday. Raised in Caswell, she attended her 84th class reunion this summer.