Family Time

Things have been a bit busy at my house since Lori came home from the hospital. Granddaughter Tiffany and great-granddaughter Evie are here to spend time with Lori.  It occurred to me that during their time with us I hadn't taken one picture, so I took a picture of Tiffany feeding Evie this morning.  She is such a sweet baby and so good natured.

It's difficult to find time to blog right now, but I know you understand.  I'll be back soon!

Lucille Ball Program

Long before my daughter was scheduled for surgery a member of the Rochester Symphony Guild contacted me about being the speaker for their April meeting and luncheon.  The subject requested was Lucille Ball.

Their meetings are held in the Royal Park Hotel's conservatory.  While I've had Afternoon Tea in the Gallery many times it was my first time to be in the beautiful conservatory.  I arrived around 11:00 a.m. to set up my display table, and their meeting began at 12:00 noon followed by lunch and my presentation.  

In mid-April we watched the snow flurries from the conservatory!

When the server asked what I'd like to drink, I replied, "hot tea." For a hotel with an Afternoon Tea service that is second to none, I was surprised when she suggested a plain Lipton tea bag, but even Lipton's hit the spot on a cold, spring day. 

A few moments before I was scheduled to speak I put on my Lucille Ball apron depicting the chocolate factory episode and my pink chef's hat.

It was ironic that a chocolate dessert was served in keeping with the theme of the chocolate factory episode.

The Symphony Guild ladies were a pleasure to speak to.  They were so attentive, responsive, and complimentary, and I enjoyed my time with them immensely.  A speaker's job is easy when the subject is a topic everyone loves, and I Love Lucy definitely falls into that category.

When I went into the powder room, I couldn't resist taking a photo of the unique chair pictured below.

It was a delightful afternoon.  Thank you Gail and guild members for inviting me.

On another subject, my daughter, Lori, came home from the hospital this afternoon after  several ups and down.  She will be recuperating at my house.  I think she's finally on the road back to recovery.

Questers Tablescape Part III

My daughter had surgery last Friday and is still in the hospital, so I haven't had a lot of time to download and edit tablescape photos, but I do have 10 to share today.  The cheery floral arrangement [above] is what my hubby and I took to our daughter.

Table #21 - Hometown Banks

This table took 8th place.

Table #22 - Crocker House Gardens

Table #23 - Star Trek - the Future of the Past

Table #24 - Aloha "It's a Luau"!

Table #25 - Vintage Tupperware

Table #26 - Victorian Tea









Table #27 - 1970's Wedding

Table #28 - New Year's Eve
This table took 4th place

Table #29 - Sparkling Future

This table took 3rd place

Table #30 - Vintage Valentine Rose

We are half way through the tablescapes.  To be continued...

Bible Study and Dessert

Tuesday was Bible study at my house, and we continued on in the Book of Revelation.

Like last month, I only served tea and a dessert. Dessert was a fluffy cheesecake from a recipe I've had for more than 50 years.  It came from my girlfriend's mother-in-law. It's light and fluffy because Carnation evaporated milk is whipped until stiff and blended into cooled lemon jello and Philadelphia cream cheese. The fact that it's no-bake makes it easy, but it does require chilling overnight.

I used my Royal Albert Old Country Roses china. My neighbor asked how many sets of dishes I have because I haven't repeated using any sets yet.  One of my girlfriends always says if you count the things in a collection that means it's an obsession, so I've never counted my dishes. But this was our 17th Bible study, so my love for dishes probably borders on obsession whether I count them or not! ;-)

My girlfriend, Lori, brought a box of Macarons that she purchased at Sam's Club and they were very good.  They come in four flavors - chocolate, vanilla, raspberry and pistachio.  They're in the freezer section if you want to check them out.

The tea I served was Mariage Fréres Marco Polo [a black tea]. The only place I'm aware of where it can be purchased in the United States is The Cultured Cup in Dallas, TX.  It's a very good tea.

Office Renovation Completed

I'm interrupting the Questers Tablescapes series to show you the finished office renovation. I didn't have time to download the tablescape photos and edit them today.  I will get back to the series soon so you can see the remaining 40 tablescapes.

The decorating part of my office is completed, but not the sorting and organizing of paperwork, files, books, and memorabilia. The two large computer desks held a lot of 'stuff' accumulating since 2004 [or earlier] when the bedroom was made into an office. Numerous trash bags have gone to the dump, and the purging [though time consuming] is a sense of accomplishment.  My children will will be grateful someday!

In the "before" photo my hubby and I shared the office.  We both had desktop computers hence two large computer desks in one small room!  When my hubby got his laptop he surrendered the entire office to me [actually I probably overran his space!]. When I couldn't stand the clutter and crowded conditions any longer I decided to renovate.  The project began on March 21st.

Kudos to my hubby for removing the two heavy/bulky computer desks [by himself and his dolly on wheels], and putting the new furniture in place.  It was no easy task!  I LOVE my new corner desk and lateral file cabinet from Pottery Barn.  The glass desk tops should be ready next week. Hubby painted the walls a light green from beige.  I'm very pleased with the window valance from Wayfair.  

Compartmentalized wall unit from IKEA below.  It isn't filled yet, but it will be!

The work table was my hubby's great idea.  It'll be useful for numerous projects - sewing, sorting photographs [my next big project], a place for the grands to draw/color [or whatever] when they come over, and so much more.  It also came from IKEA.

From now on when you read my blog, you can picture me at my new desk, in my renovated office where I'll be writing to you!