Gary???????

Yes, this is Gary, Many of you are not aware of this special and hidden side of Gary.

Several years ago our daughter Laura was dancing as Clara in the Nutcracker. As most parents do, we got involved in the production. One year we ran Styrofoam peanuts through our snow blower to shred them. They were used as the snow during the Snowflake scene.

This year in particular they were in need of someone to play the role of Mother Ginger. My understanding is the part is supposed to be played by a man dressing as a woman. Frequently it is a woman pretending to be dressed as a man that is pretending to dress as a woman. Confused?

The director took one look at Gary and knew he found his man (Woman?). Gary, being the great sport that he is, agreed. Now the problem was the costume. His mom went to work and made the breasts. They were quite large! I honestly don't remember, but I am sure someone helped him with his makeup.

During dress rehearsal, Gary wore his big Army type boots. The director thought they would fit the character best. Underneath this huge hoop dress are about 6 - 7 little children. Mother Ginger comes out onto the stage slowly looking for her children. You could frequently hear the children screaming "OW" as Gary stepped on one of their little toes. I hope he didn't do any permanent damage to their poor little feet. I was careful to make sure that the day before the performance, Gary didn't eat anything that might cause "intestinal distress".

After this year of the Nutcracker Gary decided it was fun, but they haven't asked him back. So for now, Gary has to keep this special talent of his hidden.

I was cleaning out some bins in the basement and came across this picture. I knew I had to share it with everyone.