Welcome To The Traveling Red Hat Diva's Blogsite

We are group of ladies who are out to have fun.It's about more than just looking funny by the way we dress. Being a Red hat Ladies involves wearing of the Red hat, Purple outfit and putting on your favourite smile. We are out to visit places we have never been before, some places we have, but have never been this much fun. It's about making new friends and getting together at each other's houses. It's about togetherness. An arm to lean on, a ear to lend to others, a shoulder to cry on, someone to take you by the hand. We are mothers, daughters, sisters, aunt's and grandmothers. We are friends. Red Hating is so much more than just a club. Have you joined a chapter yet????

Upcoming Events

 Elmhirst Lodge- Keene Dec 15/14





Additional Suggested Outings

Kensington Market in Toronto - http://www.kensington-market.ca/

York-Durham Heritage Railway- www.ydhr.on.ca

The Village Inn Pub in Bowmanville - http://www.thevillage-inn.com/
Famous People Players- http://www.fpp.org/

Pickering Museum & Village - www.cityofpickering.com/museum

South Simcoe Railway- http://www.steamtrain.com/

Afternoon Tea- http://www.teagrannysandfriends.com/

King's Wharf Theatre in Penetang Ontario- http://www.draytonentertainment.com/











Heaven On Seven-Bethany, Ontario-Gormet Take-out Cafe












Northwood Exotic Animal Ranch- Seagrave Ontario
http://www.northwoodranch.com/







Port Hope Theatre





St Lawrence Market





Town Hall Players in Beaverton








Do You have a suggestion? Leave a comment and we will be sure to add it to our blog site.

About the Red Hat Society

The Red Hat Society fondly refers to itself as a "dis-organization" with the aim of social interaction, and to encourage fun, silliness, creativity, and friendship in middle age and beyond. The Society is not a sorority or a voluntary service club. There are no initiations or fundraising projects.

A founder or leader of a local chapter is usually referred to as a "Queen". Members are called "Red Hatters". Members 50 and over wear red hats and purple attire to all functions. A woman under age fifty may also become a member, but she wears a pink hat and lavender attire to the Society's events until reaching her fiftieth birthday.

While visiting a friend in Tucson several years ago, Sue Ellen impulsively bought a bright red fedora at a thrift shop, for no other reason than that it was cheap and, she thought, quite dashing. A year or two later she read the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph, which depicts an older woman in purple clothing with a red hat. Sue Ellen felt an immediate kinship with Ms. Joseph. She decided that her birthday gift to her dear friend, Linda Murphy, would be a vintage red hat and a copy of the poem. She has always enjoyed whimsical decorating ideas, so she thought the hat would look nice hanging on a hook next to the framed poem. Linda got so much enjoyment out of the hat and the poem that Sue Ellen gave the same gift to another friend, then another, then another.

One day it occurred to these friends that they were becoming a sort of "Red Hat Society" and that perhaps they should go out to tea... in full regalia. They decided they would find purple dresses which didn't go with their red hats to complete the poem's image.

The tea was a smashing success.

Soon, each of them thought of another woman or two she wanted to include, and they bought more red hats. Their group swelled to 18, and they began to encourage other interested people to start their own chapters (18 women don't fit well around a tea table). One of their members passed along the idea to a friend of hers in Florida, and their first "sibling" group was born.

Sue Ellen's fondest hope is that these societies will proliferate far and wide. We have now held three successful Red Hat Society conventions entire hotels filled with women of a certain age wearing red hats and purple outfits! Could world domination be far behind?

The Poem
Warning
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Jenny Joseph

Dress Code

Dress Code for Queens (age 50 and over)

Outings and Formal Occasions:
Red Hats decorated with purple accents (Head always in Red)
Purple Dress / Skirt Suit / or Pants Suit,
Red Gloves and Red Shoes
Red or Purple Boas
As much Bling, Bling as you like, preferable inexpensive costume jewelry

Meetings and Casual Outings:
Red Hat, Cap, or Scarf. (Head always in red)
Purple dress, skirt, pants or shorts,
Purple medical scrubs when in uniform


Dress Code for Ladies in Waiting: (age 40-49)

Outings and Formal Occasions:
Pink Hats decorated with lavender accents (Head always in Pink)
Lavender Dress / Skirt Suit / or Pants Suit,
Pink Gloves and Pink Shoes
Pink or Lavender Boas
As much Blink, Blink as you like,
Preferable inexpensive costume jewelry

Meetings and Casual Outings:
Pink Hat, Cap, or Scarf. (Head always in Pink)
Lavender dress, skirt, pants or shorts,
Lavender gloves and pink shoes
Lavender medical Scrubs when in Uniform


Birthday Regalia
Following the guidelines set by the Red Hat Society, members are to reverse their colors for the entire month of their birth.
Birthday Dress Code for Queens
Purple Hats decorated with red accents
Red Dress / Skirt Suit / or Pants Suit,
Purple Gloves, Shoes and Boas
As much Bling, Bling as you like,
preferable inexpensive costume jewelry

Birthday Dress Code for Ladies in Waiting:

Lavender Hats decorated with Pink accents
Pink Dress / Skirt Suit / or Pants Suit,
Lavender Gloves, Shoes and Boas
As much Bling, Bling as you like,
preferable inexpensive costume jewelry

Our Members

Group Member Name //Birthday Month


My name is Pat C and I was born in December.


I am friendly, kind, funny, big and bold






My name is Elva D and I was born in the month of March.

I am a retired Health Care Aide . Recently widowed Mother of 5 Grandmother of 7 and great grandmother of 3










My name is Elaine D and I was born in the month of August

















My name is Hilda G. October is the month of my birthday.
















My name is Linda G. I was born in June.


I am sexy, funny,busy,a devoted mom to 3 as well as a #2 mom to one. I have 2 beautiful grandchildren & love to babysit sometimes.









Hello, my name is Nancy M and I was born in August.




I am beautiful, a good dancer, a good cook, a nice grandma and just plain wonderful.








My name is Kerrie O and I was born in the month of December













I am caring, devoted, considerate, shy, gullible.









My name is Arlene P. I was born in the month of April

I am what I am!











My name is Joan S and I was born in the month of September.

Travel--Fun--Red Hats--Shop.







I am Queen Ingrid T., My birthday is in June-- the best part of the year.

One of my granddaughters thinks I'm a funky oma (Grandma)










My name is Helen V and I was born in May

I am a mother, Grandmother, average, gardener, and a traveller. I could not make up my mind about 5 things to say so here is another 5-fun loving, kind,gentle, honest, generous








My name is Gerry V. and I was born in the month of April

Organized,Determined,Funny, Loyal and Competitive







My name is Joan W. I was born in the month of July.

My name is Carolyn W. and my birthday month is March.


I am outgoing and confident, I love to laugh and I love people.










One of our great losses to our group in March of 2011
My name is Joye C. September is the month of my birthday.

Kingston Regalia

The week-end of September 16-18, 2011 we dined, danced and laughed at the Kingston regalia. 11 of our 14 Diva's were able to attend this event. A sea of red and purple all around us. The entertainment was great, not to mention the food and atmosphere. The hotel was a lot to be desired though, air conditioning was broken, late check-ins, and the layout of the hotel was an architect's nightmare. We did have a great time though. Even got to play Red hat bingo and spent time in the pool doing aqua aerobics.

Birch Point Marina

On September 7 2011, Lady Elaine invited us to her son and daughter in laws for an absolutely fabulous luncheon in their home at the Birch Point Marina. We were the guinea pigs and to tell you the truth, I'll be a guinea pig there anytime of the day or night. There was way to much food but it was awesome. The scenery was spectacular and the weather co-operated for our drive. Thank you Kim and lady Elaine for allowing us to be the pigs today!

Birthday Luncheon

Queen B Ingrid once again opened her home so that we could celebrate Lady Nancy's birthday on September 1/11. Queen B once again made an awesome luncheon for us. It was an enjoyable time to get together. Thanks again Queen Ingrid!

Mini Putt

On August 18, 2011, 6 Diva's attended the Harmony Creek Golf and Country Club for a game of golf, well, mini putt and then a luncheon. I think we were all dehydrated when we left the 18 hole course. What a really fun time. Sorry the rest of you Diva's missed this event.

Dinner and Oklahoma

The hottest day of the year interrupted our dinner reservations on July 2/11. Due to the heat, the restaurant closed and we had to make alternate arrangements. This was done by the hostess at our original intended meeting place. She let us in to have a cold beverage while we waited for the others. We ended up eating at Jester's Court which was in walking distance to the town hall where we seen an awesome live production of Oklahoma. Boy was it a hot one!!!

Fenelon Falls Luncheon and Cruise

I was away on vacation but the Diva's were invited to gather with other Red Hatters on June 29/11. A lunch was had and then a cruise. I am pretty sure shopping finished up the day. Sorry but I have no pictures for this event.

Summer Fun

Once again the Diva's were invited to Queen B's brother's cottage on the Irondale River on May 13-15. This event was due to the Strasburg Pennsylvania being cancelled. 4 of the Diva's spent a couple nights, relaxing, talking, enjoying the serenity that cottage life has to offer. I even attempted to swim but the water was still just a little too cool for that. . Miss firebug had her fire going for the majority of the time we were there. Thank you Queen Ingrid. I for one look forward to this time together every year.

Annual General Meeting

On June 19, 2011, we held our annual general meeting. Almost all the ladies showed up this year. We had a lot to discus this year. Trying to plan events to suit all us busy people is not an easy task. The potluck went well with a nice variety of food items. Thank you lady Kerrie for opening up your home for our annual general meeting.

Tea Time at Helen's

Our annual tea time was held at Lady Helen's on May 25/11. We celebrated the May birthday's as well. The sun was trying to shine, we started in the rec room and ended up outside. Thank you Lady Helen for the hospitality once again. We look forward to this annual event

The Brick Church

For something completely different, we met at the Brick Church in Manilla on May 17, 2011. It was a wonderful old church transformed into a bed and breakfast. Lunch was good, although it could have been a little hotter. We played games and then were given a tour and a history on the church. I think a good time was had by all.

Mandarin For Lunch

The Diva's were invited to dine with the Simply Us group on May 11, 2011 at the Mandarin Restaurant. The food was great and as usual, we ate too much. Prizes and raffles ended the time together. Thank you Simply Us!

Red Hats-The Musical

Most of the Red hat ladies got together and car pooled to the theatre in Sterling Ontario. this event was held on April 27, 2011. The show was fantastic. We had lunch before the show and shopped after the show. What an awesome thing to see, a sea of red and purple everywhere you looked.

Welcome Home Snowbirds

On April 19 2011, A special time to get together for dessert and drinks at Queen B Ingrid's home. I had to go to a funeral so I am unsure of who showed up and what the topic of conversation was. No pictures either.

Queens Council

Queen B Ingrid and myself went to the Queen's Council get together on April 13, 2011. This meeting was held in Columbus, Ontario at The Anderson House Bed and Breakfast. What a lovely time of getting together and sharing. Lunch was delicious. Special guest talked about how to avoid scam artists. As an added bonus, the newspaper photographers were also there. We managed to make the newspaper!! There are celebrities among us!!

Cat and The Fiddle- Lindsay Ontario

March 21, a few of us got together just to get together. We dined at the Cat and the Fiddle. Friendship is so important even in the dullest of days!

Azian Cuisine

5 Diva's tried out The Azian Cuisine in Oshawa on March 8, 2011. There was something for everyone. Chinese, Thai, Japanese, you name it. No one ordered Sushi which was surprising. We even tried hot Saki. Wow, now that cleans out the sinus cavity!! All in all, great food, great atmosphere and great friends. What more could one ask for?

Ode to Joye

Beautiful and classy, a lady is she,
Oh how sad our lives now, where she will no longer be.

Joye, our Red hat friend, spouse and mother
Aunt, cousin, grandma, amongst one another.

Her smile, her wit, will be missed by all
But with those red hatters, did she have a ball.

She shimmered, she shinned, always dressed to the nines,
She looked like perfection each, every, and at all times


She loves her baubles and bling and very pretty things
Oh how she could wear those fancy big rings.

Our bus trip to Erie was a blast
We shopped and shopped, the time went too fast.

So many parcels, so many bags,
We bought so much, we had to remove the tags

She carefully crafted our Diva Ditty,
Her knowledge and spunk, she was very witty.

A lover of shopping was our gal,
What will we do without our wine loving pal.

We will never forget of our lady red hatters
She’ll be missed on so many matters

Her death was a shock, to all who knew
May God rest her soul, she is long overdue.



By Arlene (English) Petten
March 6, 2011

Dog Sled Races in Cannington

Not many but a few of us braved the cold outdoors to attend the dog sled races on . Feb 26, 2011. Of all things, the races were cancelled but the events were still on. Ice sculptures, shopping, contests, games, and educational opportunities were a few of the events to attend. We even attended the sweet grass ceremony. I ended up winning a great gift basket full of ciders and chocolates and had my picture in the paper from Durham region. It does pay to fill out ballots!

Lockers In Cannington

6 Diva's met for a luncheon at the Lockers in Cannington at 1 p.m on Feb 17. We celebrated Lady Carolyn's birthday early. Lunch was deleicious as always. We stopped on the way home at the Brick Church in Manilla where we will be having our March luncheon. Also couldn't pass by White Feathers Farm on the way home to do a bit of shopping. Thanks Lady Linda for making the reservations and getting us all together once again. We missed you Lady's Pat, Joan S and Joye. Also you snowbirds!!

Queen B's Luncheon

Before and after
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Lady Ingrid outdone herself once again n January 20 2011. Cooking for 8 Diva's is a chore for anyone other than our Queen. She is the perfect hostess and she knows how to put on a spread. It was great to see everyone again. Thank you Queen Ingrid.

Mandarin Luncheon

For those of you left behind for the winter, we met at the Mandarin in Oshawa for a luncheon on December 22, 2010 to say Merry Christmas to all. Food was great but of course, an all you can eat buffet is always good.Way too much food!!! Thank you Lady Hilda for those beautiful knit dish clothes. Merry Christmas Everyone<

Arlene's Home

November 25, 2010 was a pleasant luncheon day at my home. Queen Ingrid did the cooking and she even brought desserts. We supplied our own beverages. Thanks ladies for coming over!!

Frankenmuth

2 Diva's and a guest- Sheila, went all the way to Frankenmuth, Michigan for a fun filled three day week-end on November 19-21 2010. We left on Friday morning and stay at the Frankenmuth Hotel for the two nights. We got to Bronners, Downtown Frankenmuth and The Outlet Mall for some shopping. The Bavarian Inn put on a great Luncheon and fashion show on the Saturday. Next time ladies, lets make it 4 days!!

The Sweet Spot

The Sweet Spot, formerly Yummy Pleasures was the place to be on Novemeber 10 2010. Diva's Arlene and Pat were hosting this event. The meal was delicious and the cook and host were delightful.

Halloween Party

On October 28, 2010, The Diva's joined several other chapters at the Highland Creek Legion in Scarborough for a Halloween Party. We enjoyed a great meal and then pranced around in front of the judges for a costume contest. A good time was had by all.

Aunt Laura's

Our annual Christmas get together at Aunt Laura's took place on October 19, 2010. Lady Carolyn was the hostess with the mostest. Food was great, buffet style this time. Shopping oc course is always a bonus when going to Aunt Laura's. Thanks Lady Carolyn for the wonderful outing.

Buttertart Making Day

Our very own Queen B Ingrid T opened her home to teach us how to make pastry. What a time we had with flour everywhere. I actually made buttertarts for the very first time!! How awesome is that???? Other than Lady Nancy putting her hands in my pastry, we all had a great time. (Just kidding Nancy) Must do this again sometime.