50 Days to 50 Years: Day 31, Tea and Company for Jana's Birthday
"Female friendships that work are relationships in which women help each other to belong to themselves." — Louise Bernikow
Day 31 started off with high tea at the Four Seasons Tea Room in Sierra Madre. Jana Benson invited me and some of her other friends to celebrate her birthday. A few of the women are a part of our Women's Bible Study small group, and others I knew from the Women's Coffee—so I was right at home, even if high tea is a foreign concept. [gallery ids="2638,2648,2649,2645,2650,2651,2647,2646" type="columns"] I think I have been to three in my entire 50 years: one for another birthday party eons ago, the two other times were for bridal showers. Girly-girl I am not, and tea parties are the quintessential girly-girl thing to do. As a little girl I brewed coffee in a real percolator and played writer. I know, big surprise.... But it was a delightful afternoon, and Jana is always the consummate hostess. The tea selections were Mandarin Spice, Royal Wedding, and Mayfair Afternoon—each table ordered one of each; our table chose the Mayfair Afternoon, which was a delicious blend of strawberry, mint, and lemon. Sooo good. The sandwich selections were Banana Bread with Cream Cheese; Cucumber and Dill; Tomato, Basil, and Butter: Chicken Salad; and Egg Salad. [gallery ids="2609,2637,2641,2621,2642,2622" type="square"] But the biggest foodie highlight were the freshly baked—I mean piping hot out of the oven—scones. With Devonshire clotted cream and fresh raspberry jam, they were simply divine. I could have eaten about four more, but that would have required additional ordering. I'll do that next time. [gallery ids="2624,2623" type="rectangular"] Of course, what is tea without biscuits? I'm not sure how the Brits coined the term biscuits for cookies, but whatevs; the Dulce de Leche mini slices, Lemon Bars, and Shortbread Cookies lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar were way delish. With several spots of tea, I found myself quite full, so it was probably a good idea I didn't have any more scones, as I would have had to be rolled out the door.
And I very well would come back, so perhaps I have more girly-girl in me than I thought. Imagine that...