Saturday Happenings

Have you ever wished you could be two places at once?  That was me yesterday. 

We've lived in our house 42 years, and our neighbor has been in theirs just as long. We've experienced a lot of life together during those years.  Yesterday, the youngest daughter got married. COVID-19  made the wedding plans very challenging.  The date was changed once, and the couple decided to proceed with their second date, but the church ceremony and reception would be limited to the bridal party, God parents, and family members.  

It's an Italian/Polish family, so the Polish custom of a "music greeting" at the home of the bride before the church ceremony was arranged.  A band ensemble performed tunes for the bride, her family, and attendants as they prepared to leave for the church.  

Yesterday was a big day for me at The Whitney with the Teas and Trees event at 11:00 a.m. and Afternoon Tea at 2:00 p.m.  I left for work at 9:00 a.m., so I missed the pre-wedding festivities, but my hubby took pictures for me to see when I got home.

Since everybody loves a wedding I thought I'd share some of the pictures with you.  Below is the three piece band ensemble playing on the front porch of my neighbor's home.

The bride leaving her house with her sister behind her.

Below is my sweet neighbor and mother-of-the-bride.  Her husband [the bride's father] passed away two years ago, and his car remains a treasured family possession.  It only comes out of the garage for short drives to keep the engine running smoothly, but it was the vehicle that transported his daughter to the church.  A very touching way to honor his memory on the wedding day.

The Teas and Trees event was enjoyed by 37 attendees.  They were seated in Mrs. Whitney's bedroom and sitting room, daughter Catherine's bedroom, and Mr. Whitney's bedroom [all second floor dining rooms now].

Whitney co-owner, Patrick Liebler, and his wife, Ann, were there to chat with the guests and Pat shared how his vision for the blending and development of White Pine Needle Tea at The Whitney began.  Three blends of White Pine Needle Teas were introduced to the guests. An informal vote [show of hands] was taken to see which blend they liked the best.  Forest blend seemed to be the most popular [pine needles with dried persimmons and elderberries], but management will decide which one[s] will be offered at Afternoon Tea. Mary Jones, tea blender for The Whitney, was also present.

Mrs. Whitney bedroom, the largest dining room on the second floor, seated 17 guests all 'socially distanced'. 

One of those guests was Amy, a follower of my blog.  It was so nice seeing you again, Amy!

Each guest received a bag containing White Pine Needle tea, 25% off vouchers for Afternoon Tea and a White Pine seedling from Stempky Tree Farm for planting and participating in the David Whitney reforestation commitment.  It was a fun event!