Mad about the Menger

This past week Miss Elodie had the honor and privilege of attending a Valentine's Day Ball at the historic and beautifully appointed Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

While most visitors spend most of their time at the San Antonio de Valero Mission, also known as the Alamo, located just next door, Miss Elodie must confess that the surroundings of the Menger are more to her liking.

Here in the Victorian Lobby The Party gathered for the Parade into Dinner.

Later, the doors to the Ballroom were opened and Miss Elodie and her Partner were second in line for the Grand March. The evening would have been perfect had not History Repeated itself again when Miss Elodie made one misstep during the infamous Virginia Reel and made more contact with the ballroom floor than she would have preferred. Nonetheless, the Dance takes precedence over any personal Discomfiture therefore she completed the Reel and enjoyed the remainder of her evening.

It was a wonderful Valentine's Day that will be enshrined in her memory. Miss Elodie hopes yours was as special!

Valentine Remembrance

Miss Elodie would like to extend to you her best wishes for Valentines. The day has special meaning for her for several reasons not the least being that she was baptized on that date by her clergy father in his tiny Episcopal parish in Opelousas, Louisiana. Now Miss Elodie does not wish to divulge the exact date of the occasion, but her memories of the occasion are only through photographs.

Another reason she celebrates is because so many of her French-Canadian and Acadian ancestors chose to marry on February 14th. This seemed so romantic to Miss Elodie until her mother pointed out that the Date was one of the last available before the beginning of Lent. So, perhaps the 14th was chosen more out of the wish for the newlyweds to stay warm until spring!

Lastly, she remembers the occasion because of the propensity of her ancestors to be named "Valentine" Her great-great-great-grandfather Valentine Cunningham was the last of these, though he and his descendents continued the practice with "V" names. Although she is a lover of traditions, particularly those familial, Miss Elodie is rather happy she was left out of this convention.

Happy Valentine's Day!

All that shines isn't necessarily silver **but Miss Elodie certainly enjoys seeing it on her table!

Miss Elodie has been on a collecting spree and silver is what is on her mind. Is she hoping to corner the market then hoard the metal until it's value goes up? Why yes, but only if it is in the shape of a lovely tea set or serving piece. (Note: she has no intention of ever selling them!)

Her love affair with l'argenterie began at a tender age when her beloved Godmother began her collection of demitasse spoons. Every Christmas for the first twelve years of Miss Elodie's life she received another ornately engraved spoon.

Other gifts and purchases followed which were added to family pieces including place settings for twelve, bought in the depths of the Depression, which had once belonged to her maternal Grandmother.

Miss Elodie dreams of actually using her treasures beyond displaying them and relishes in the idea of having a full banquet. Ah, were but her dining and drawing rooms a bit larger...

Catch the Ball!

It's no secret that Miss Elodie loves to be invited. To what may you, dear reader ask? Why to almost anything, but particularly to an event that involves dressing in her finest and dancing well into the night.

With the économie in its current state, some have had to cancel due to a paucity of responses.

Quelle tragédie!

Will this be the end of grand evenings and intimate suppers?

What will the kid glove makers, fan repairers, and petit-four decorators do to survive?

My dear readers, we are on the verge of collapse of an entire industry

-- le Bal Grand is in danger of extinction!

Please, take heed!

When the invitation arrives in the mail, search your pocketbook as well as your heart. Give in to the lilt of the music and attend. So many people, including your author, are depending upon you!