It took the whole big-hearted community to send a group of fossils off to Ne-ew Yor-rk Citeee! We left last weekend for our great adventure to represent vintage women in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and sprinkle happy smiles and joy around Manhattan.

After arrival, we hustled our bustles to Times Square to tap dance on Broadway and a group photo session. Wide-eyed and amazed to be standing in the place where we watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve, we shared a hushed, "We're not in our beloved North Idaho anymore."

We danced and entertained for thousands of people by the Red Steps in Times Square doing several precision comedy cadences and a tap dance. The girls were astounded by the crowd response and well-wishers. We noted the spot where the ball would drop on New Year's Eve so we could watch from back home and remember we were standing right there! We jumped up and down, hugged, grinned 'til our cheeks hurt and marveled at being there all together. It was exactly where we all wanted to be.

Of course, our dream trip was not immune to national events.

Shortly after we walked away from Times Square to enjoy a late night dinner, a protest broke out due to the Ferguson, Mo., grand jury verdict. The streets were lit up by the flashing lights of fire trucks, ambulances, and law enforcement as the sound of sirens overcame the usual buzz of excited revelers. It was, suddenly, not the place to be.

We went to bed worried for the safety of the protesters and the responders as we heard of shots fired and predictions of more protests on the way.

Tuesday morning we went to our rented space on 57th Street to assemble costumes and props. We met our video crew from the New York Post there. They would be our companions for Tuesday and Thursday. This component gave our stomachs a little extra snap-crackle.

As we applied makeup and costumes preparing to board the motor coach for our television rehearsal, we could hardly function. With jitters, wiggles, giggles, desert mouth, and countless potty breaks, our dendrites were on full alert.

After nine months of preparation and anticipation, the baby was about to be born. On the bus, an unexpected hush prevailed as we approached THE place. Herald Square on 34th. THE Macy's store of movies. THE place where miracles happen. Ours was on its way.

These gals made a mark for older women when the Macy's production team broke out in spontaneous applause. They were truly flabbergasted. How many groups age 30ish to 70ish are performing in the parade? One. How many groups of middle age to senior citizens across the nation were personally invited to represent their All American City in a nationally televised media event for 53.5 million people? One. The girls rocked New York.

This accomplishment is impossible. Fifty inexperienced women of widely diversified backgrounds build a Broadway production. These gals do a rompin' stompin' routine for Herald Square. They kick, jump, change formations, and cartwheel-split while the sun radiates from their faces. It's impossible. They believe God did it in order to shine His light to others.

These performers represent the neighborhood. They clean your teeth, fix your faulty heater and tile your home. They keep books, serve food, pick up grandkids, sit in chemo chairs, give facials, clean house, heal pain, help great-grandma, schedule events, sell houses, get cortisone shots, salute, style hair, show products, educate, counsel, steward the church, sit on the board, rake yards, nurture kids, hug, and ....

They overcame nerve impingement, joint replacement, chemotherapy, loss of loved ones, self-doubt, hurting souls, multiple sclerosis, illnesses, injuries, heart problems, and severe shortage of good chocolate. They rehearsed through 100-degree heat, rain storms, and snow flurries.

They are sisterchix who love and believe in each other. They send a message through their song: "We're Not Gonna Take It." As women age, they suffer massive discrimination in the form of ageism. Society judges wrinkles with: "over the hill," "out of touch," "time to hit the pasture," "incompetent" and "worthless." This manifests itself by being overlooked for promotions and interviews and dismissal of ideas: "How could a fossil's opinion be relevant?" To avoid false judgments, women turn to Botox and skin inflates. Injected, they are treated with value. Uninjected, they are treated as invisible.

These women from next door recognize the blessing of being able to perform, carry a message, and shine some light into the dark places in our great country. They are grateful. The support the Red Hot Mamas have enjoyed during preparations represents our big-hearted community.

For rehearsal and meeting space: Garden Plaza graciously hosted us several times. PEAK Health and Wellness Center for 23 years of sponsorship. Steve Syrcle of tri-state consulting engineers. Mike Avilla of Harbor Ridge Plaza. Carl Dahlman of Skate Plaza. Post Falls Outlet Center. First Presbyterian Church. Pleasant View Church. Dalton Elementary School. Coeur d'Alene Eagles. Coeur d'Alene Resort. Coeur d'Alene Inn. KROC Center top floor parking lot. National Guard Armory. Grove Ayers of the Silverlake Mall, Northwest Tile and Flooring. Sysco. North Idaho Fair. White House Wedding and Event Center. Perfection Powder Coating.

For helping gather stuff: Hospice wigs, walkers, and really big suitcase. Gwen Prat. Goodwill. St. Vincent. Endless advice of talented women at JoAnn's Fabrics. Real Life Ministries' Thrift Store. Sarah Sanford graphics. Harbor Freight for a million plastic zipties. Silver Lake Square Postal Plus for a screaming deal on costume transport boxes. Michaels' crafty crew. The Hair Extension Shop. Exclusively Wigs & Things. Socks, tights, leggings, overcoats, shirts, pants, and lotsa BLING A LING at Penney's, Macy's, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Costco, Dollar Store, Maurice's. Newby Ginnings for renting walkers. Big 5 premo razor scooters. Theresa DeWit of Mama's Jewelry Box. Kim Cole's mom for knitting neon pink shawls without going blind! Dave Welts chopper walker windshield construction.

Thanks for the oo-la-la: The Academy of Cosmetology for spray tans, gel nails, and advice. Flawless Full Service Salon and Make up Studio for makeup expertise and products.

Thanks for the buzz: Coeur d'Alene Press and KREM 2 News.

Thank you for help to keep-a-goin': Many chiropractors and physical therapists. Andrea Hostetler of River City Chiropractic. Dr. Penberthy's expert root canals. Dr. Samuels and the wonder nurses at NW Specialty Hospital Oncology.

Mark Morfit for peaceful constant help and sound. Patrick Kenney for expertise and sound. Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce. Marilee Wallace. Expressions School of Performing Arts. Bosses and colleagues for patience and flexibility. Families for extra help, great hugs, and letting us go. Friends for the pot of soup, watching kids, feeding dogs, and celebrations.

THANK YOU to everyone who partnered with us to find resources to reach the goal. We can't wait for parade day. Please let us know what you thought! HUGS.

There are many organizations offering a boost of new life to participants. Be encouraged to get on out there and seize the day. The Mamas can be followed on Facebook and reached through www.rhmamas.com