I spent a pleasant lunch hour the other day with my friend Michael. He is a gentleman I met in the dayroom who can and does converse lucidly, even witily in English. One has only to look around this place to appreciate what a find he is!

I was telling him that I have, for 30+ years been a member of the Society for Creative Anachronisms. I am a Herald, responsible for matters of protocol, making announcements, and working out representative symbols with members- these are called devices, and decorate clothing, sheilds and items of clothing worn by members of this international Medieval Recreationist society. I explained my role to michael by saying that. not only did heralds say dumb things sometimes, they said them really LOUD! I remembered announcing a long, tedious introduction to some visiting VIP's . "Lord Such-n-Such of How's- Your =Father, and Lady Whosis...." It was hot, muggy, and no one was really listening. I made it through a long list of names, occaisonally stirring a little ripple of laughter when I mis-pronouced or mangled someone's name. (Hey, I was a rookie) One of the Ladies sailed by me dressed as a nun - "Sister Bernadette, " I announced in my biggest voice- the next lady did not offer a name . but an occupation. "and HER midwife" . A ripple of laughter became a roar- a very red faced herald disappeared toute suite!

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  I have one last article, which I hope will spark a discussion- what is the stupidest thing you have ever done with your clothes on? I had hard time choosing This question occurred to me while I was doing an Occupational Therapy exercise which involved standing up, taking clothespins from a box, adding them, one by one to a yardstick with alternating hands - to increase balance and muscle control. It is plenty stupid- but not a patch on the prise winner. The stupidest thing I ever did with my clothes on was taking a ride with a stranger one stormy night in Chicago. I was drenched, he was creepy. Stupidity. I got into the car and was not even surprised when he sailed past my turn off. "You're not in a hurry, are you?" he asked. Quick to inform him that I was :




• ln a BIG hurry




• NOT interested




• Prepared to jump out of the car and make my complaint heard in Municipal Court .

I was only wet and not dead or worse when he drove away.

See, I told you I was lucky! So, do, tell what's the stupidest thing You've done with your clothes on?