A Drink with Jam and Bread

Apparently, the old chestnut about real men not eating quiche is a total fallacy.

Mr. Ginley consumed quiche, albeit reluctantly. (I believe "choked it down" is the phrase he used.) It was during high tea. Yes, he went to a tea place with me, for the second time I might add. And ate little sandwiches and cakes and drank rooibos and chai teas. We talked for two hours and had a lovely time. I guess it was pretty girly, but it didn't feel that way. No, I did not make him raise his pinky. But he did hold my chair for me. When I went to the ladies', the women at the next table complimented him on his chivalry. It was a most enjoyable afternoon.

The tea was part of an extended birthday celebration for me. The joy began on Friday when I was presented with a blanket that Stephanie crocheted. Decorated in cats and mice with pink and black yarn, the blanket is a wonder that still chokes me up. I cannot believe she spent ten months making it for me. If I live to be a gazillion years old, I can't imagine any gift I could come up with that would approach the wonder of hers.

On Saturday, I hit the road, headed for Columbus. It was hot. Stinking hot. My two sisters and I went to the rib/jazz fest that was downtown. Right after we parked the car, it began to pour. Equipped with bumbershoots, we ventured forth. Diane predicted the rain would stop. It did. The sun came out, and we roasted. In the meantime, we walked around, took in the music, and ate ourselves some ribs in the lovely shade of a tree. I confess to being the one who cracked first. I was sweating from the roots of my hair to the soles of my feet. The sisters took pity on me, and we went for ice cream, then back to Diane's place, where we sat in the sun room (moon room at that point?) and yacked it up until Denise called it a night.

Sunday morning (my actual birthday) I rose early and returned home, where I had breakfast with Mr. Ginley. The day passed pleasantly enough, and ended with dinner in the company of my husband, my son and his girlfriend.

Monday was the day of the tea. In the morning, after taking my car in for its required service, I went for a massage. There was a time when my smug self would do the eye roll and swear I'd never partake of such nonsense. Having experienced the joy of someone working out the knots in my stressed-out muscles, I now know what a treat it can be.

The rest of the week, I went to work and did the usual. Friday I had lunch with my brother, Gary. It was good to catch up and spend a little time together. I always learn at least one technology nugget when I talk to him. He's good company.

Which brings me back to...Doe, a deer, a female deer...and the end of my tale (tail?).