A Multi-Faceted Day

Normally I'd be working today, but I was told late yesterday afternoon there were only two reservations scheduled for Afternoon Tea at The Whitney today, so one of the servers would cover it and I should take the day off and enjoy it.  Tomorrow there are several reservations scheduled.

My hubby and I decided to go see the matinee showing of Unbroken - Path to Redemption at the local theater.  It's the sequel to Unbroken released in December 2014.

The theater has just undergone a complete renovation, and we picked which 'assigned seats' we wanted.  They are recliner seats, so don't go to the movies when you're tired or you'll fall asleep and miss the movie!  ;-)  We arrived early for the 1:30 p.m. showing and nobody was there yet, so I took my hubby's photo in the new comfy seats.

I blogged about seeing Unbroken on January 2, 2015.  You can read that post here.   Both movies are the real-life story of American WWII prisoner of war hero and 1936 Olympian long distance runner, Louis Zamperini.  The sequel is produced by his son, Luke Zamperini. After the war, Louis was tormented by PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder] flashbacks of the cruelty he endured by the Japanese POW commander, known as 'The Bird.'

Without giving any more spoilers, I'll conclude by saying it's an inspirational movie about faith and forgiveness, and it's a MUST SEE.  The film is 98 minutes long.

[Internet Photo]

After the matinee, Jerry and I went to an early dinner at Ruby's Chinese Restaurant where I enjoyed oolong tea on this fall day in Michigan [63 degrees]. 

~ Sweet and Sour Chicken ~

Before leaving for the theater, the Activities Director at the Assisted Living Facility called to ask what my theme for October would be.  When I told her I was planning on telling the residents good-bye this Sunday because my new job doesn't leave a lot of time for research, she disappointedly exclaimed, "Oh, no!  We had you first!"  She went on to say how much the high-functioning residents looked forward to the monthly teas and programs.

I didn't have the heart to let her or the residents down, so October's theme will be Special [Teddy] Bears throughout Time, and How They Came to Be.  I'll do my best to keep the monthly programs going while working at The Whitney, but if any local readers think this is something you might be interested in doing, please contact me and we can discuss it.

One last thing... When I was having my tea [Ringtons Classsic 1907 blend] while sitting at my computer this morning, I received an e-mail from Carson's.  You may remember my lament a while back that Carson's [a Bon Ton Store] was going out of business and would permanently close their doors in September.

They did close, and their buildings are vacant, but the e-mail said "The new Carson's is here!"  They're now an on-line store.  'Tis the age in which we live!  

  

Talbot's Fall Tea-themed Fashions

When I opened my inbox this morning I saw a lovely teacup/teapot cardigan sweater from Talbots.  It's part of their new fall collection, and best of all it's 25% off right now for their anniversary sale.

I love clothing with teacups and teapots, so I had to order the sweater.  It's regularly $99 but with the sale it's $74.25 [with shipping and tax it came to $87.19].

It's too cute not to share.  www.talbots.com/Fall

After I placed my order I saw another tea-themed, long-sleeve top that I'm pondering.  It has a scoop neck, and the sleeves have faux pearl buttons.  It was $89.50, but the sale price is $67.12.

The top below has less print and is really a bargain.  It was $40 but is now $30. It's listed as a long-sleeve crew neck.  I think I'll be placing another order!

The Whitney and More...

I have 11 days under my belt at The Whitney, and it's beginning to feel like my home away from home!  I'm thoroughly enjoying my job.

Yesterday my girlfriend, Lori, and another friend from church, Cindy, came to Afternoon Tea.

Lori took a picture of me pouring tea for Cindy and sent it to me.

When I went to work today Mr. Whitney's bedroom was all set-up for a 5:00 o'clock wedding.

Fireplace in his bedroom.

His closet where I store my tea things.

The Reception and Drawing Rooms were filled with a Women's Forum group that meets at the Whitney once a month, so Afternoon Tea was served in the Music Room today.  Below is the Afternoon 'Tea Tower' with savories and desserts before it left the kitchen.

Tomorrow is a noon Autumn and Apples Tea at the mansion with a program by Mary Jones, the tea blender for the Whitney.  A wide variety of apple based teas, ciders, and warm cocktails will be served with a 4-course harvest luncheon that will emphasize Michigan apples.  The cost is $70 per person and includes tax and tip. I was invited to meet and mingle with the guests, but I'll be cloistering myself in my office on Saturday to work on my last program for the assisted living facility.

The monthly tea isn't until September 30th, but this is my only weekend to work on it.  The theme is School Days - the 3 R's.  I found my kindergarten and 1st grade class pictures to show the residents.  A lot of water under the bridge since these pictures were taken, and the classroom is so different from today's classroom, but we learned the 3 R's in them just fine.

I'm the first one in the first row on the right.  My teacher's name was Mrs. Daniels.

I found a Dick and Jane book at an antique store like the one I learned to read from. Anybody remember Dick, Jane, Sally, Spot and Puff?   This theme inspired me to write my favorite teacher that I had in 3rd and 4th grade.  She retired to Tennessee and is in her 80's now, but she made a long-lasting impact on my life.  Did you have a favorite teacher?

Now that I'm a working girl again, I'm no longer able to go to estate sales, but I still get the e-mails and look at the pictures of items for sale.  Last night I saw a 55-cup Farberware stainless steel urn at a sale not too far from my house.  My hubby went in my place and was #2 in line.  He got it for a bargain price of $20. [I would have paid up to $50.]  It'll be perfect for large teas at the Whitney.

Have a nice weekend everyone and Happy Fall since it's 'officially' here on the 23rd!

Judy's Historic Farm House

After our leisure tea party, we walked across the driveway to Judy's 1907 historic farm house.

The bedroom with the turret is their son's, and there'll be an inside photo showing his woodworking skills on the ceiling.

~ Wrap-around porch ~

Judy's décor is Mac Kenzie-Childs.  It's so tastefully done, and could easily be featured in a magazine.  Below is the entrance foyer.

Living room fireplace with leaded glass window above mantel.

~ Dining Room ~

~ Sitting Room ~

~ Eating area of the kitchen with teapot lamp.  ~

Love the lattice enclosed windows and garden painted walls.  The ceiling was lattice too.

~ Mac Kenzie-Childs chandelier ~

Even the hardwood floor was painted to look like outdoor garden bricks.

Kitchen stairway to second floor.

Upstairs tour - her son's bedroom.  Notice how he finished the ceiling in the turret.

A beautiful antique tea table was in the guest bedroom.

~ Tom and Judy's bedroom. ~

~  Master Bathroom ~

~ Guest Bathroom ~

After the farmhouse tour we walked back to the tearoom for a group picture.

Then it was time to head home.  Thanks Judy and Cheryl for a wonderful afternoon we'll always remember, and for the vintage crystal keepsake basket.