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!

All Is Vanity!

Miss Elodie was in fine form this weekend as she attended a ball during the spring pilgrimage in Jefferson, Texas. Ever careful of her appearance, she made a grand entrance in her favorite gown with her hair arranged in an elaborate knot.
Her impeccable toilette was not, however, as successfully achieved by her friend Miss J. Alas for the hapless Miss J., not only had she neglected to check the fasteners on the back of her gown thereby necessitating the use of those newfangled "safety" pins to give purchase to the hooks, but, horror of horrors, in the middle of the Virginia reel, she lost the hairpiece on the back of her head. This is perhaps the second worse thing that could have befallen her.

Yet Miss Elodie must congratulate Miss J. for keeping her composure such that she was able to dash over to her seat, deposit her crowning glory, and return to the line without her partner even being aware of what had just transpired. Indeed, such is Miss J.'s enthusiasm for the Virginia Reel that she completed the set and even smiled despite her braidless state during her tenure as the distaff side of the lead couple when it came their turn.

That, my dear reader, is the epitome of a lady.

Miss Elodie Sings Praises of Singer!

After years, nay, a lifetime of sewing by hand, Miss Elodie has finally succumbed to the lure of the latest technology. Yes, she has invested in a sewing machine and has learned how to use it.
After three lessons, Miss Elodie produced a lovely toile fabric covered handbag that is the envy of her friends and associates.

Her next project is a variation of a new pattern Miss Elodie's friend Miss Laurie adopted from a new publication. The fabric is a gorgeous brown, rose, and green striped cotton Miss Elodie believes will be fashionable yet comfortable this summer. The version Miss Laurie created had self-runching and green ribbon trim. Miss Elodie, while fond of green, hopes to match the fabric with rose grosgrain. Clothes are of a particular interest to Miss Elodie as she is preparing for a busy season of attending events where the gentlemen appreciate the effect her hoops and other underpinnings have on her physique and wardrobe. While voluminous skirts can be cumbersome, Miss Elodie can't help but smile as she sees how comparatively small they make her waist. Ah, if only it were true...

To return to the subject of this diary entry, Miss Elodie hopes her skills with her Singer machine will improve and that she will have acceptable examples of her handiwork to post.

The Map Hatter, or, Bonnetmaking On the Road to Save Texas History

Oh my! There has been whispering around that Miss Elodie has gone into Trade. Lately she has taken to the road ready to lend her talents to gentlemen to whom she has not been introduced. Yes, money does exchange hands, but it is, of course, for such a Worthy Cause! What could so occupy her time and talents? Why she has been assisting with fundraising for the Save Texas History program!

This last excursion took her to the Civil War Reenactment held at the Confederate Reunion Grounds in Mexia where she wore the bonnet she created during the journey, handed out pamphlets, and generally stumped for Save Texas History. Never fear, Miss Elodie won't forget she is a Lady; she wore her most respectable dress and was careful to remain with her escort. Sometimes even the most retiring of Ladies need to get up and speak! And speak she did! She and The Judge sold several copies of the Phelps and Watson's Historical and Military Map of the Border and Southern States. Before, Miss Elodie sat hidden behind the display performing intricate searches through agency files and allowed The Judge to do all the talking. Now that she has had a taste for canvassing the crowd, perhaps Miss Elodie will consider a political career...