ECR Graduation

Two days in a row of square dance attendance -- Tuesday night was 'A' class (though we finished all the calls last week, there're a few more sessions of review.) Last night was Plus graduation for the class we have barely seen, since we've not had time to angel Plus as well as learn 'A'. Rich Reel was in fine form -- in the past few years he's gained a lot of experience and polish, and his singing has improved a lot. He had several bits of silliness planned; first he tried rubber-banding a square (with the refrain "keep it tight!") -- a large black elastic band around the collective waists of the square. Unfortunately it snapped after a few minutes when the square exceeded the tensile strength of the band.

Then it was doubled couples -- BBGG foursomes acting as a couple. Then he brought out bandannas and blindfolded one of each same-sex pair. Then those willing to proceed got to try a square with everyone blindfolded (with some helpers outside the square guiding to prevent collisions.) It was fun to watch.

The ceremony was the usual run-the-gauntlet. The 'A' graduates lined up behind the Plus grads. I am told I turned a bright red when my name was called, but I survived.

One disastrous 'A' tip later (I am still having trouble distinguishing Square Chain Thru from Split Square Thru by name, and excessor tends to start a Split Square Chain Thru when a regular one is called!), we left to get a little of the evening to ourselves. It was nice to see the people we have missed by not attending Plus class.

HOV Lane Stickers: first use; and Bumper Sticker Poll

...returning via 101 from Stanford Hospital at 5:30 PM. Mountain View: same speed all lanes (about 15 mph). Thereafter HOV lane cleared up, but so did the others. Total time saved: 10 minutes at most. No dirty looks. Skipped going to the gym since it was too late.
( The Candidates in graphics )

[Poll #744647]

Comments and alternative ideas welcome. And of course I'd do the fish-with-wrench Evolve thingie if I were inclined to bother. Not that I'm going to pay any attention to what you folks think....