Cowgirl's Last Dance

It's the end of an era. I'm retiring my hat and boots and Daisy Dukes.

Tonight, "me and my gang" met for the last time as me and my gang at Saddleridge in Station Square. For the past three years, we've enjoyed line dancing and couples dancing together.

My dance friends are from all walks of life and all stages of life, but we never dwelled on where we came from or what we did during our week. We were united in music and dance for a few hours every Friday night. And it has been a wonderful feeling. It was like being Norm from Cheers. On walking in to the place, everyone greeted you and we all jumped up to dance at our familiar songs.

The group has dwindled and become less consistent over the past few months. Saddleridge did a big remodel last spring. Some of the gang hasn't been pleased with the new shape of the dance floor and the more compact space. I happen to like the shade of blue they painted the walls. Nevertheless, it hasn't quite been the same since for the old entourage. But I still hold my dance friends near and dear, whether they still come down to Saddleridge or not.

Now, with major life changes expected for me early in the new year, I must relinquish this love of mine. I celebrated my last hurrah tonight, saying my "so-longs," and dancing as if it were the last dance I ever do...for it very well might be.

Dancing has been part of my fitness routine, and now I'll have to find something new. That's the easier part. Dancing has also been part of my friendship routine, and I will miss my friends so. I know we'll stay in touch, but it will be different.

New friends are in my future, but I want to keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold.