On Sunday we went to a dance at the VFW hall, about an hour
away, where our friend's band plays once a month. There were about 100 patrons,
almost all over 60 years old and into their 80s. They were all very active senior
citizens. The women excessively rouged their cheeks, wore sparkly sweaters,
fancy tops, short skirts, high heels. The men wore western hats, button down
shirts, big belt buckles, and cowboy boots. It was their one night of the month
to shine, and did they put on a show.
Observing their courting gave us a glimpse into the
pasts of these dear country folks. The men would stroll up to the ladies with
their hands extended, with beaming smiles ask them to waltz, or two step, or
slow dance. Some of the old timers blatantly flirted and tried to get free
feels; some of the ladies enjoyed belly rubbing. The men walked the women to
and from their seats as they must have done in their youth.
Regardless of age, it's human nature to want to feel
attractive, flirt and play the dating/mating game. It felt like being at
"Senior Town" instead of "Teen Town." They switched
partners a lot. One woman in particular thought she was the belle of the ball.
It was fun watching the dynamics. Some folks didn't sit down at all; they line
danced when they weren't partner dancing.
I left the dance hall to go to the bathroom. When I
reentered the room, I was overcome by a familiar fragrance. With the women
outnumbering the men, I thought it was cologne, Evening in Paris or Chanel #5.
I kept sniffing, but could not identify the brand. Then it finally hit me.
I leaned over and whispered in Bill's ear. "You
know when a group of teen boys are in one place, and the room reeks of Axe
Cologne? Well I just figured out what that fragrance is... every old man in
here gussied up for the dance, and they're all wearing Old Spice after
shave."
The old guys outdid the gals.
11 comments:
Men are as bad as the women! Ha.
Oh this is just wonderful! I went to the dance with you! I could smell, hear, and see the action. I don't dance but watching older folks (and yes, I am now one for sure) is fun and envigorting!
So sweet! My Daddy never wore cologne or after shave until he married Mama. He was 75 at the time and she told him she liked for him to smell good. He never wore shorts until he met her and she bought him some. I don't think there was anything he would not have done for her. She truly was the love of his life. They had 10 wonderful years together. I sat in the back seat of their car on the way to the funeral home and found his jacket on the seat next to me. I held it close to my cheek and sniffed his smell all the way. Miss him so much.
Hi Linda...That was cute. Imagine all those Old Spice spraying geezers. Oooo weeee You had fun! Thanks for the chuckles. Susan
Ah, the scent of Old Spice. That certainly evokes memories.
Pat
Critter Alley
'Old Spice' - now that's a blast from the past!!
Aw, that sounds like it was a fun time. My dad used to wear Old Spice.
It's nice to see that they want to live life to the fullest, even at their age. I know a few elderly folks who don't want to make the effort, and balk when you encourage them to get out and do something. Good for this gang! I'd rather go out kicking and dancing, that's for sure. :)
You made me hear this in my head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAj01fYE4yg
I greatly liked your description of the seniors at the dancing hall.
Dancing, at any age, makes one feel alive, attractive, and flirty.
Delightful! Love your descriptions, and the analogy of the boys brought me back to a time my son--he was around 10, I think--had a bunch of friends in his room playing video games. I opened the door and was about knocked over from the stench! lol Little boys can sure stink! They had all removed their shoes, and in the enclosed space...omigosh. I've never hightailed it out of a room so fast, hollering behind me, "Open a window before one of you suffocates!" Good times. :)
Post a Comment