And the winner is...........

I am rather bummed.. You see last night was Oscar night.No.. it wasn't because a favorite Actor or Movie didn't win..

(Apparently.... I should have gone to see the Hurt Locker)

No.. it's non of that..

The bummer is...

I was so blasted tired that I had to go to bed early...You may be thinking so.. what's the big deal?

Let me just say this..

It's the first time in decades that I haven't toughed it out .. and stayed up to finish watching all the action.

In years past.. when my Mother in law was still with us...

Not only did we tough it out...

We WENT all out...

I think I may have mentioned here how in the past the three of us

(She, my sister in law and I ) would rotate Oscar Night parties in our homes...

The person hosting the night would clear all remnants of family members and provide a plethora of treats..

You know... just a few...special eats.. and special drinks just for the evening..

Everything at the ready first for the Barbra Walters Special..

then the Main event itself.

(Ironically last night's was her last...)

House quiet..

Lights dimmed...

Banquet of goodies ...at the ready...

Individual lists with the nights picks...

Comfy stretchy pants.

(Oh man.. THIS are a must )The red carpet parade of stars would start.. and we would immediately go into Critic's mode..

" She is absolutely gorgeous.."

"Oh my Gosh.. he got so old."

"Is she wearing a Potato Sack?"

were common blurbs

Some get ups were so atrocious that ... all we could do was laugh.

I am ashamed to say....

I seem to be the toughest on the women...

Passing down my judgements on how glamorous or ridiculous these female stars looked..

All while sitting on the couch gorging myself in my "Comfy Stretchy pants"

Hypocrite..

Yes we have has some memorable nights..

Opening acts would often set the tone for the night...Some were great!

and

Some left us banging our heads against the walls.

Acceptance speeches often did the same thing..

We'd either be cringing for the poor schmuck and their inability to articulate what they wanted to say.. or weeping in honest happiness for those who could not hold back the genuine feelings of gratitude.

One by one we would check off who had voted for who.

The winner would be treated to a free movie by the losers.

(not too shabby.. just another excuse to go to the movies)

This wonderful tradition went on for years and years..

Anyone who knew us....

Knew....that Oscar Night was a special night.. and we were not to be bothered.

This was important stuff we were attending to .. you know.

I will always remember fondly the year my Sister in law hosted and unbeknownst to me.The two of them dressed in old formal gowns.. Fake Jewelry and gaudy makeup..and greeted me at the door.. wine glasses in hand with a

"Hellllooo Dalhing.. Won't you come in? "

We all burst out laughing at how ludicrous they looked...

Ironically I think that was one of the longest and most boring Oscar nights we had ever had thus....Making their skit the highlight of the evening..

I recall a few times the show running so so late... and almost crying for the thing to end already... Because...not only did we have a long drive ahead.... but an early morning to face as well.

Back then we each made every effort possible to see ALL of nominated movies.

Going together whenever possible.

As time went on.. things changed.. as they tend to do...

My In laws bought a place in Florida.. and more often then not... would still be there on Oscar Night... this however, did not stop us.

My Sister in law and I would still get together ... each taking our turn.

Even..hosting it in my in law's home though they weren't there.

Phone calls flying back and forth.... with comments about what was seen or heard.

As well as.... gloating over who was in the lead with their picks..

What great memories...

Last night it was Me.. Mr R ... Maria and Mike..

We'd had a big dinner but Mr R insisted we at least have a little treety weety for the

"specialness " of the night.. so he whipped up some Hot cocktail sauce for the shrimp he bought..and we settled in..

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin did a decent job and the red carpet had us bedazzled... but before long.

Mike had to leave....( early morning )
Maria Fell asleep on the couch.. and I too began to drift off.

Only Mr R had the fortitude to see it through..

So much has changed..

There is a whole in my heart where Mom once was..Her absence is felt everyday ...

Not just on Oscar Night.

Mick who already lived pretty far from me.. Now lives even farther.. in England.

Without them.... The "NEED" to see every single movie nominated just isn't' there...

Things are different..

But...I am grateful that I still have people around me that love me.. (who share this day help to make it special.. because it was special to me)

and all the other everyday days... that will make up the memories I'll cherish tomorrow..

The good news is.. not everything has changed..

I still wear my comfy stretchy pants.

* Just a note...

The gal modeling the comfy stretchy pants...is pregnant... and NOT ME... but you get the general idea and look ;)

Email me Mick.. Let me know how you did on your picks...

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