20th Anniversary of the Death of Princess Diana

Some events are never forgotten, and you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when they occurred.  Such is the case with Princess Diana.  It was a Saturday night in 1997, and I was watching my three oldest grandchildren while my daughter was standing up in her girlfriend's wedding, when the news flash came across the television screen announcing that Princess Diana had been in a terrible car accident.  

Today I brought out my two teacups that honor her.  In 2011 my girlfriend and I visited Diana - A Celebration Exhibit when it came to Grand Rapids on its travels around the country.  I purchased a tin of tea from Althorp at the exhibit, but not the teacup and regretted it long afterwards.  This past February my good friend, Angela, at Tea With Friends blog, surprised me with it on my birthday. Isn't it beautiful?  The teacup doesn't have a name, but I call it "England's Rose."

I don't remember where I purchased the other teacup, but it's displayed in my china cabinet year-round with my other 'royal' teacups.

I've solemnly looked through some of my Princess Diana books today while reflecting on her life. She truly was the Queen of Hearts, and People's Princess.  It doesn't seem like 20 years have lapsed since her tragic passing at just 36 years of age.

In 2015 when my daughter and I visited London, we saw the "Innocent Victims" sculpture of Diana and Dodi in Harrod's along with the Eternal Flame.

We also saw the "Fashion Rules" exhibit at Kensington Palace with exquisite gowns worn by Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Margaret.

Her legacy lives on through her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.  

Day 2 - Lakeside [Ohio] Chautauqua

We were up early for breakfast at 'The Patio' restaurant, and then off to the antique show that opened at 9:30 a.m.  The weather was perfect - not too hot or not to chilly, with sunny skies. We split up to see the antiques at our own pace.

There were three large buildings full of antiques, two smaller ones, and lots of outdoor vendors.  We agreed to meet-up at 12:30 p.m.

I wasn't looking for anything in particular, and nothing called my name.  I wanted a keepsake from the trip, and something to share at our 'show and tell' time later in the evening, so I went to the vendor I bought a Beatrix Potter figurine from last year, and bought 'Mrs. Flopsy Bunny' to add to my small collection.

I also bought a gold teapot pin with a heart-shaped pearl in the center and on top.

One vendor sold antique picture frames with photographs of vintage brides.  I was surprised when I saw Eleanor Clay Ford's picture in one of the frames.  I asked the vendor if she knew who the bride was, and she said no.  I told her I was from southeastern Michigan, and the bride was Edsel Ford's wife.  She looked stunned.  Hmm... is it legal to copy Eleanor's photograph for resale without permission from the Ford family??

After our meet-up we went to Sloopy's Sport's Cafe on the campgrounds for lunch.  I couldn't resist taking a picture of their Gold Peak Tea urn.

Then we drove to nearby Marblehead to shop in quaint family-run stores.  The only thing I purchased was a comfy black cotton dress to take on the upcoming Southern Belle Tea Tour. Since returning home I've ordered a white T-shirt with short ruffled sleeves from White House Black Market.  I hope it arrives in time.

We returned to Chautauqua, and soon it was time to get in line for a good seat at an 8:15 p.m. Elvis concert.  I was never a huge Elvis fan.  He was king of Rock 'n' Roll during my brother's teen years, but Mike Albert - the Elvis impersonator - was fantastic.  My friends had either seen Elvis in a live concert, or been to several shows honoring him, and they all agreed Mike Albert was the best they had ever seen.  He looked, acted, and sounded just like Elvis.

Hoover Auditorium, built in 1928, is where the concert was held.

The auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,600 and nearly every seat was filled.

The concert concluded with The Battle Hymn of the Republic, which brought the audience to their feet.  What an awesome concert!

On Sunday morning we had breakfast at 'The Patio' restaurant again, then we headed back home. It's always fun to go away, and I had a great time at Lakeside, but I love crossing the Michigan state line that says I'm back home again!  

Lakeside [Ohio] Chautauqua

Last Friday morning, four friends and I left on a 'girls' outing to Lakeside Chautauqua on Lake Erie. This was my third consecutive year to go.  Thanks  for inviting me again, Linda! The main attraction is the annual indoor/outdoor antique show [#57 this year] with more than 85 dealers, but it's also a tranquil respite.

Lakeside is a private community, formed in 1873 by members of the Methodist Church and remains a church-affiliated vacation resort.  If I never make it to Martha's Vineyard, this quaint resort will suffice. It is one of only a few continuously operating independent Chautauquas in the 21st century, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Chautauqua means a retreat or resort combining religious observation, summer education, recreation and cultural opportunities.  

We had Afternoon Tea reservations for 1:00 o'clock, so we dropped our things off at the cottage where we were staying, and then made our way to the tearoom.

 ~ Residents and guests travel around the resort on golf carts. ~

Below is Tea by the Sea tearoom.  Though the house has had additions over the years, it was originally built in 1876 and is one of the original houses on the campgrounds.  The first owner was a minister.  Now it's owned by Ruth Ann and her husband.

We posed for a photo before we went inside for tea.  Ruth Ann [tearoom proprietor] is in the second row wearing a black top and white skirt. Suzanne is next to her.  In the front row is Linda and me, and in back is Barb and Louise.

The table was ready and waiting.

My first cup of tea was Paris Blend by Harney & Son.  Later I switched to Coconut Pouchong by Golden Moon.

Ruth Ann started us off with her signature Swedish pan-fried Scones.

~ Then came the three-tiered server.  ~

The sandwiches were Cucumber and Cream Cheese on Wheat, Egg Salad on White, Pimento Cheese with Bacon Bits on Pumpernickel, Chicken Salad in a Phyllo Cup, and a Ham and Cheese Pinwheel garnished with a Green Olive.

Desserts: Neiman Marcus Bar, Chocolate Truffle,  and individual Cheese Cake.

~ Fresh Fruit ~

We finished with a scoop of Toft's Ice Cream

Afterwards we walked the business district on Second Street.  Below is Cindy, owner of Joseph Wise Fine Clocks and much more.

To be continued...

Two More Family Birthdays

I returned yesterday afternoon from a fun, two-day 'girl's trip' to Lakeside, Ohio, but I'll write about that tomorrow.  Today's post is dedicated to my sweet daughter, Lori, who celebrated her 50th birthday today, and to my granddaughter, Brooke, who turned 15 on August 20th. We celebrated both of their birthdays yesterday afternoon.

The party flag was flying outside to let everyone know a party was going on at my son Steve's house.

The house was festively decorated inside.  Thank you, Sharon!

No dieting going on here today!

There were games of croquet... 

[Landon and Jeremy]

~ And catch, for the boys.  The ball went over the fence behind Steve more than once!  ;-)  ~

I was busy taking lots of pictures.   Lori [right] and her girlfriend, Katie [left].  

Steve and Lori's other girlfriend, Janette.

~ My three grown babies - Jeremy, Steve, and Lori ~

The other birthday girl - Brooke - with her mom, Sharon [right], and Sheena [her maternal grandma] on the left.

When the party moved indoors, I took a photo of Lori with her first [and only] grandchild, Evelyn [Evie] Rose.   Evie is also my first great-grandchild.

  Jerry and me with our 'firstborn.'  Seems only a few years ago that she was Evie's size!

Gift time!

~ Cake Time ~

It was a fun, family day.   I'm so thankful for the beautiful family I'm blessed with.