Karen was born and raised in Sapulpa and graduated from Sapulpa High School. Up to eight years ago the farthest she had ever traveled was to visit our neighboring state of Arkansas. She still enjoys weekend trips to Branson but her love of travel has literally "taken flight". First she went on a delightful tour to Memphis to visit Graceland on the 20^th anniversary of Elvis's death - Karen is a huge Elvis fan - and even went back recently for the 25^th anniversary. She stayed at the Heartbreak Hotel and enjoyed a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich at Elvis's Memphis, a favorite restaurant and meal of "the King".

Once she got a taste for traveling she hasn't looked back. She tried a Caribbean cruise and discovered that she loved cruises. "The best vacation you could take". This was followed by another Caribbean cruise, a tour of Europe (seven countries in two weeks starting with the London Bridge and finishing with the Eiffel Tower). In July last year she went on a two-week American Patriot Tour visiting all the famous places in Washington, D.C. and New York City. She took in a Broadway show but can't remember the name of it, only that Tom Selleck was in it... She had her picture taken with the World Trade Center towers in the background and remember this was just two months before September 11^th.

But that disaster has not been discouraged her from further travels including flying. In September she will take off for San Francisco - her first time to visit California and in October she plans another Caribbean cruise, this time to the western Caribbean. Clearly Karen is willing to dream big dreams and then make them happen. A lot of courage exists behind the quiet demeanor of one of our beloved nurses!

(For Ladies Only)

Residents, families and friends are invited to attend

The Red Hat Society Tea

September 18, 2002

2:00 p.m.

The Common Room

Ladies of a certain age are invited for afternoon tea to celebrate our beauty, independence, individuality and sense of humor. Red hats and purple dresses are not required, but are suggested and applauded. (For those ladies who have not yet attained the age of reason (i.e. under 50), appropriate dress is a pink hat and lavender dress.)

Come help us establish the Red Hat Society Chapter of St. Simeon's North.  (Our Adult Day services program already has theirs up and going!)  We look forward to planning regular social gatherings at the home, as well as scheduling adventures abroad.

Be sure to check the calendar for hat-making sessions to be held in all areas of the home prior to this event.  Life Enrichment will provide materials so that you can be sure to have a beautiful, original red hat!