Valentine's Weekend 2021

Valentine's Day Eve [yesterday/Saturday] was a busy day.  I left home around 8:45 a.m. for The Whitney.  39 guests came to enjoy 'Mansion Tea,' including the owner and his wife.  It was wonderful seeing the mansion bustling with activity again.  We're not open at max capacity yet due to State COVID restrictions, but since we have three floors of individual dining rooms [the mansion's size is 22,000 sq. ft. with 23 large rooms], we're able to accommodate more guests than most restaurants and stay in compliance with social distance rules.  

The entire first floor was reserved for a wedding party, and Mansion Tea was served on the second floor, the location of the bedroom suites when The Whitney was a private residence. Yesterday guests were seated in Mr. Whitney's bedroom, Mrs. Whitney's bedroom and sitting room.

It was my privilege and honor to serve Mansion Tea to owner, Bud [Arthur] Liebler, and his lovely wife, Nancy, yesterday.  Mr. Liebler purchased The Whitney in 2007 and the public owes him a debt of gratitude for preserving the historic and iconic Detroit mansion for all to enjoy.  I'm guessing owning a 127 year old mansion might seem like a money pit at times, to say nothing of the loss from the mandated nine month closure this past year, but he's always pleasant and has a smile whenever you see him.  I really wanted to take their picture to share, but didn't know if asking would be appropriate.  I debated and debated, and finally bolstered my courage and asked. They graciously said yes, and below is their picture.

My friend, Cheryl, [owner of the permanently closed Tea by Three tearoom] dropped off a teacup and several tea books while I was at work.  It was a delightful surprise.  Lots of fun reading for cold wintry nights, and this makes my third 'A Cup of Christmas Tea' teacup, so my collection is growing.  They're very collectible and not easy to find.  Thanks, Cheryl!

There were Valentine gifts this morning.  Seems like the theme or message was 'sweets for sweethearts'! My hubby loves dark chocolate so I gave him a bag of assorted dark chocolates - Sanders Sea Salt Caramels, Godiva Ganache Hearts, Lindor Truffles, and Hershey's Almond Nuggets.  He said it's enough to last him until next Valentine's Day, but I think he'll manage to have it all eaten well before then! I received Chocolate Covered Cherries [a favorite], Revolution Dragon Eye Oolong Tea, and some baking equipment I wanted.  [The cooking shows are always revealing things I think I need!  ;-)]

As wonderful as our gifts to each other are, they pale in comparison to the ultimate Valentine gift from God.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16 NIV

What do you do on a cold, wintry Valentine's Day when it's 18 degrees outside?  Stay inside and make a nice dinner for two at home!  I have both Joanna Gaines cookbooks, and have watched all her Magnolia Table cooking episodes on the Discovery + channel.  One dish that is in her cookbook and also demonstrated on her TV show is Mrs. Gail's Chicken - crispy breaded chicken cutlets.   Today was the perfect day for making them.

Step #1 was setting the table with my Valentine dishes. 

We began with a toast of Sence Rose Nectar that I had been saving for just the right occasion, followed by a mixed green salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette.  My hubby had Hot Cinnamon Spice black tea to go with his meal and I had Citron Green Tea.

Joanna's chicken recipe was easy and superb.  Will definitely be making it again.  In her cookbook she pairs it with Fettuccine Alfredo, but I opted for mashed potatoes and gravy because I didn't want to go out to the grocery store for the necessary ingredients.  Next time!

Dessert was Carrot Birthday Cake that we're still enjoying.

Today's the 2nd Wedding Anniversary of our daughter, Lori, and her husband, Dave.  It hardly seems possible that it's been two years since their wedding in our home.  Happy Anniversary to a very happy couple!

How was your Valentine's weekend?