Sunday, October 28, 2012

WILLOW MANOR BALL 2012


Welcome to the cyber event of the year, 
the fifth annual Willow Manor Ball!

The manor is awash with soft candlelight and bundles of deep red peonies.  The creaky hardwood floors have been polished to a mellow gloss, just begging for some tangos, twists, and trysts!


We should consider every day lost, 
on which we have not danced, at least once.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Please check into the comment section of this post and let us know you've arrived, and who might be accompanying you.  If you would like us to visit your blog, to admire your lovely attire, and date, be sure to sign the Mr. Linky widget provided at the end of this post. 


Come in and join the festivities, which miraculously will last an entire 24 hours.  Remember, everyone who leaves a comment today, will be considered a guest, and eligible for one of two door prizes. 
My co-host for the evening, the inimitable R.A.D. (Ronaldo Antonio Dent) Stainforth, is responsible for the wonderful music tonight, as well as persuading the legendary Sir George Solti, to lead the band, as well as serve as master of ceremonies.  I asked him to open with my favorite song, All The Things You Are.  Speaking of, I'm a tad nervous, since Ronaldo looks incredibly like Marcello Mastroianni. When he arrives, I instructed Stevens (yes, he does look a lot like Anthony Hopkins, who is notably absent tonight) to insert a yellow rose into Mr. Stainforth's lapel, to avoid any embarrassing confusion on my part. After a drink or two, I sometimes err on the side of ditziness.


See what I mean ...



Speaking of, the caterers have stocked the manor bar with crates of vintage champagne, and are prepared to mix up just about any drink you can imagine, including the specialty of the evening, absinthe.  Take care ... the lovely potent green goes down so very easily.  


Almost nobody dances sober, 
unless they happen to be insane.  

H.P. Lovecraft

  
Okay, one of them has arrived. Even without a mask, I'm not sure if he is Stainforth or Mastroianni. No yellow rose, so I am assuming he is Marcello ... oh those intense eyes ... I'm flying, and I haven't even touched the absinthe. Ronaldo is not naturally prone to smile, so I wonder if Stevens forgot the rose? 





Ronaldo will be happy to know that both Veronica Lake and Christina Hendricks will be here tonight. Veronica arrived a few minutes ago, accompanied by her good friends, Paulette Goddard and Dorothy Lamour.  I'm not quite sure what he sees in her ... she looks a little stunted to me ... 



What am I wearing tonight?  Tatyana's gorgeous ruby-red satin ball gown, period circa 1836, worn by Liv Tyler in the Martha Fiennes film, Onegin. It fits me beautifully, after it was let out a tad in the bust line.  I did the Scarlett O'Hara thing, and tugged it just below my shoulders, for extra ... charm. As always, I like to dance in my creamy Irish knit woolly socks.  Perhaps I can coax Mr. Stainforth to remove them for me later ... with his teeth. 








Late autumn weather has arrived in Central Ohio. It's cold, dark, and spitting rain. Stevens has stoked the fireplace with logs from the lovely white pine we lost last year. The collection of umbrellas in the entryway is growing.  Gene Kelly drove Ronaldo to Ohio in his Withnail Jag, only to have it stall at the end of the drive. He's now in the kitchen, drying his lizard skin shoes in the oven, having a smoke, beautifully contemplating the rain. Gene is still outside, singing, and dancing in it.  When will he come inside and twirl me? 



Stevens has just informed me that Christina is here, posing outside for the paparazzi.  This is my chance to see who shows up first at her side, then I'll slip him the rose.  Oh good, she's wearing black ... so hate when my competition shows up in the same color dress. It does look as if she's wearing another one of those garish red wigs. She does the faux extremely well ...


There's also a bit of confusion about the two Judes here this evening ... Law ... and Dippold.  This might be rather amusing, since they're both wearing masks, and both the same height and weight.  Helen, darling, you might want to double check, before you pull him behind the potted palm. 



Please feel free to help yourselves to the fabulous buffet.  My excellent Central Ohio caterers suggested American fare this year, so the tables are filled with loads of gourmet hamburgers and fries, and of course bottles and bottles of my favorite ketchup.  Don't be shy. Go ahead, glug yourself a lovely puddle of ketchup ... for dipping. Finger licking is okay, too. 




Have you seen the guy with the chicken mask? Maybe it's the absinthe speaking, but he seems to keep pinching my bottom. When I turn around, he looks at his gloved hand, and points at it, with the other. Something tells me it's Tom and Dinosaur Hand, or perhaps one of the many ghosts who have gathered here tonight. I do hope he doesn't end up floating down the Scioto again this year ... without a raft.



Truman ... yes ... Capote decided he could survive a few hours in the backwoods of Ohio. The Willow Manor Ball doesn't quite match his infamous Black and White ball, but nearly.  He seems quite amazed at the gathering of notables here tonight, and has happily placed himself at the door, to personally thank everyone for coming. His wittiness does, at times, border on the rude. I hope the manor guests think it's cute.



Thank you all so very much for coming. The last song is this lovely piece by Scott Joplin ... puts me in a soft sofa mood.  Make sure to pop in Monday around noon-ish EST for some brunch and a rehash of all the fun ball scuttlebutt.  The winners of the door prizes will also be announced.  Now, if you'll please excuse me, I need some assistance with my woolly socks.  Toodles! 

Oh, wait. There's still a few straggling guests. Sir Solti, will you play something that will detach Christina from Ronaldo, and send her on her merry way? Perfect.


Thank you so much for making 
the Willow Manor Ball 2012 so much fun.

Please enter your name and URL in the Linky below,
if you would like us to visit your blog 
to see what you're wearing to the ball, 
or who your date might be.




442 comments:

  1. Welcome dear friends to the 5th Annual Willow Manor Ball...please make yourselves at home...and enjoy the evening...

    ReplyDelete
  2. O.M.G!!! You have outdone yourself, Willow! I am laughing and crying and grinning already...cant wait to see where THIS masked affair goes :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. We're lost.
    Are you east or west of the gas station?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you Dr. L! Come in...let me get you a drink, dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Phil! East of the gas station...turn left...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello, good evening dear Tess! I hope am not late?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Pris says she's could get used to this, especially the absinthe.

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow! the Manor is looking lovely

    ReplyDelete
  9. No, not late at all dear Omer...please come in and enjoy yourself! Welcome!

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are right on time, Omer Khan! Well met...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Carolina! :) Thanks for your welcome! Sorry I was removing my heavy war helm and paying respects to our dear hostess

      Delete
  11. There's something so -- well -- sexy about a masked ball, isn't there? Tess, you look fantastic. Red is definitely your colour. Truman was the soul of chivalry at the door, by the way. He even kissed my hand. He might have got carried away, but my darling date whisked me off before he had the chance. Anyway, I'm off to sample the champagne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope the champagne was to your liking dear Sandra?

      Delete
    2. May I please have this dance? (bows)

      Delete
  12. Pris? I don't recognizer her with the mask, Jude...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I was just shedding a tear for the late, great Andy Williams...sigh, the Emperor of Easy

    ReplyDelete
  14. Can't link yet because just landing. If anyone wants to hear about my journey, they can call in at http://expatbeesblog.blogspot.com before I actually start to dress.

    I see you're under way. Hope you get the woolly socks sorted out. I was reminded there of Bridget Jones knickers - what the eyes cannot see and all that!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Welcome Sandra! I'm so relived that Truman is being a nice boy...please help yourself to the marvelous champagne...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hurry over Bee! Can't wait to see you dahling! Yes, I have woolly socks under my dress...for now...

    ReplyDelete
  17. What's with that woman's wig??

    The Manor (as seen on my brand new ipod) looks absolutely divine dahling. Of course I knew it would. Will be with you in two shakes. Mwah...........

    ReplyDelete
  18. We had a pleasant sail up the Scioto! Such a lovely night for plundering booty...er, I mean...dancing!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm glad the moon was bright on your side of the Scioto, Dr. L...a lovely night for all kinds of plunder!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Bee...brand new ipod? You mo-dern woman! Where's Placido...I want him to sing to me!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you, Omer! What can I get you to drink, kind sir?

    ReplyDelete
  22. (BOWS) And your lovely, lovely dress and mysterious mask! How lovely! :)
    Im afraid my big heavy helmet shall be a bit of aprob so Ill take it off for now...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Yes, it's most difficult to bow in a heavy helmet, dear Omer...

    ReplyDelete
  24. Indeed dear Tess
    Now please, excuse me for a sec, as I see to Maynard (my destrier) ...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh Tess, I am so excited to be here... the fabulous fete of the season!!! As always the manor is charming and the hostess most beautiful. Wheeee!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wine would be good--Burgundy?

    ReplyDelete
  27. My maiden voyage for this event....fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My first time, too ReBelle :) So happy to meet you

      Delete
  28. Omer, yes of course. Stevens! Mr. Khan would like some burgundy, please!

    ReplyDelete
  29. ReBelle! Welcome to Willow Manor! Your green vintage dress is absolutely stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Omer, you came on horseback? Stevens will find you a place in the stables...next to Mr. Ed, perhaps...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Tess! Thanks, I went along wiuth Stevens so sorry--you see Maynard can be a bit sassy so had to quiet him down until he was stabled and all

      Delete
  31. I mean for your horse, of course.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :) Lovely stables you have my dear, I wouldnt mind lodging in em myself!

      Delete
  32. Good Evening All ....
    There will be no mistaking which Jude is mine tonight! You see, we are color coordinated.
    Dear Tess ... you have outdone yourself ~~ the Manor, music, food, drink, YOUR GOWN! Dahling, how perfect ~~ absinthe matches the green tinges adorning my mask! I plan on dancing the entire night with MY Jude ....

    ReplyDelete
  33. Dear Helen, I'm so glad there's no confusion over the Judes. The other one, is very easy to spot...he's marvelously steam punk this evening. You look stunning, I might add. I see it will be difficult to persuade your Jude to leave your side!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Dear local girl Eleanor (of Aquitaine) will be accompanying me tonight. She is very shy, and asks that people are patient with her. She speaks only Old English and Old French, which may make her sound as if she's been at the absinthe. We're looking forward to seeing everyone in a while.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She'll be fine once she relaxes a bit....... ;)

      Delete
  35. Mr. Ed is in your stables? Most excellent...I must have a word with him. Meanwhile, never mind the, er, cutlery...it goes with the costume...yes, that's it.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Good God, I had no idea Veronica was that short! Well, maybe the chicken will take a liking to her....speaking of which, I sense a chicken dance later in the evening if he takes too much of the absinthe....but seriously, vintage champagne...that is my next objective for the evening!! And oh how I LOVE peonies...another triumph Madame Tess! Thank you profusely for welcoming us all into your lovely home!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Glad to see Eleanor made it! I've been practicing my "Old French" lately...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Having been out in the Paynim lands my Olde Frenche and Olde Englishe are rather rusty -- but I suppose I shall recollect them by and by...

      Delete
  38. Cro, you're up in the wee hours to visit Willow Manor! It's such an honor to meet your lovely date. We'll be most kind and gentle with her. I've saved a spot on my dance card for you, later.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Ha! Yes, Veronica is most...height impaired. It makes her curves more pronounced, on the other hand...which I just happen to have...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Watch out, DPR. Doesn't your date carry a sword?

      Delete
  40. Mr. Ed always comes with Marnie...I'm not sure exactly why...a horse is a horse...of course of course...

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh, dear, I fear the absinthe is already taking its toll...a toll gladly paid. Lovely soiree!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Oh excuse me Dr. L...your...um...cutlery...

    ReplyDelete
  43. Where is Marnie, and did she manage to don more than her hair?

    ReplyDelete
  44. So very nice to see you Cheri! You look marvelous this evening...do come in and make yourselves at home...

    ReplyDelete
  45. The last I heard, Marnie was wearing a glorious velvet cloak...where is she??

    ReplyDelete
  46. I think the phrase you are searching for, dear Tess, is: "is that your main gauche, or are you just glad to see me?"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes...but the evening is still so early...even though the absinthe is making friends with the rum...

      Delete
    2. Indeed...a splendid start to the Ball! One must pace one's self...

      Delete
    3. The ins and outs of being a hostess...and so on, and so forth...

      Delete
    4. Absolutely...I get rather ditzified with the drinks...and why haven't I been using the "reply" feature? I was so distracted with all the fascinating guests. You do look quite dashing in your pirate attire...

      Delete
    5. I could swear I saw a naked man hiding behind the potted palm. Who could that be? I've hardly had any absinthe, so I'm pretty sure I didn't imagine him.

      Delete
    6. Naked man? Absinthe can do these things.

      Delete
  47. I'm closing my eyes for just a few hours...carry on...Stevens is around...just ring for him if you need anything dear friends...

    ReplyDelete
  48. It's so wonderful to be here. Your dress looks fabulous Tess. In fact, everyone looks fabulous - have you seen Helen's dress - a show stopper if ever there was one. Don't tell me Placido has disappeared already? Oh I hear him somewhere out back doing his vocalies! Seems like he's going to serenade the hostess. Off to mingle now and grab (sorry - find) a much needed drink. I see the kegs arrived!

    ReplyDelete
  49. We're having a lovely time, and we hope you enjoy the live video footage we were able to provide over at Junk Thief Central. We know things were a bit tense before the ball with Truman, but we're glad you hopped into his flying red Caddy in Paris to get back to Ohio just in time. Catty or not, he was a great addition to the party. We're so glad PeeWee managed to rescue the Duchess of Alba from the desert and bring her and Yoko Ono and Rip Taylor were truly the power couple of the evening. We promise to post details. tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Video footage! I'm sure the paparazzi had already distributed it! I must go watch. I thought I spotted PeeWee in the basement, looking for his bicycle...

      Delete
  50. Oh, my. I'm feeling just a little tipsy. Tess, you wouldn't mind, would you, if I were to just lie down for a little while? Perhaps in the library? I saw what looked like a very comfortable sofa in there. Oh, thank you so much. I won't be long, but I really must lie down for a bit.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Sorry we're a bit late...JD had to test drive his new car and we got a bit lost.

    The house looks beautiful!! Now, where is Stevens? I could really use a nice sip of something...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome terlee...I'm finding a sip of something myself...Stevens!

      Delete
  52. Thanks so much for allowing Katie-Bar-The-Door and me a return visit to the Willow Manor Ball. If you want to read about our adventures, you can click here.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So nice to see you, Myth! I'll be around to your adventurous place soon...

      Delete
  53. Hello everyone. I just arrived with elephants in tow. I understand Tess is catching a few winks, so we'll just hit the dance floor and give her our thanks later. What a fabulous spread! Amazing music, and wow what a stellar crowd. Maybe I'll just get one little drink first...;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elephants! Oh dear...I hope they're not Republicans...they are cute, though...

      Delete
  54. aah... what a lovely, heavenly night--and the music! how enchanting, intoxicating! i think i should take a little stroll out in the gardens, and clear my head ....

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hmm... Sandra's naked man seems to be out in the garden now--just saw him hiding in the quick-set hedge. However, Stevens assures me that it probably isn't the Burgundy chased down with absinthe that is making the chap visible; apparently, that's one of the Manor's old spectres...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Uh-oh...the naked man just might be one of our resident manor ghosts...pay him no mind...he likes to strip down for attention...

      Delete
  56. The Chinook is circling over the cottage darling and i've prepared trays and trays of glorious Bramble and Liquorice Jam Tarts - one for every guest to be handed out by my own personal valet... The Viking and I will be with you shortly... just need to finish these glasses of champagne and we'll climb aboard!... lucky the time difference between here and there will mean we'll arrive just in time... can't wait to see you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looking forward to your arrival ... I'm in the kitchen trying to find some cheese ...

      Delete
    2. Dom, I was hoping you'd come bearing food! Yum!

      Delete
  57. Thank you so much for a wonderful night! We both had a great time. The manor looked so beautiful and you looked stunning in your ruby red ball gown!

    ReplyDelete
  58. To the lost couple let me say, don't ask Janet and Brad for directions

    ReplyDelete
  59. It's a damn shame having to work for a living, especially when Jimmy Stewart is one's date. Alas, I must set down my glass of absinthe and hie myself awa' to work... sigh...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you tell Jimmy his friend Harvey is down by the river?

      Delete
    2. Marcheline ... missed you ...

      Delete
    3. Are you sure that was Harvey? It looked to me like that naked guy everyone's talking about...

      Delete
  60. :) Well, some friends have come and gone and I hope shall see more arrive- I am really reveling in this exotic scene after years away, on distant shores ...

    ReplyDelete
  61. Yello! We came by while you were sleeping, so have decided to ride Mr. Ed to the river for the submarine races. Brb.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tom! Take a bottle no a case of Johnnie Walker with you ...

      Delete
    2. indeed. That will make the forest critters an amiable bunch!

      Delete
  62. Tess! How kind of you to let me come ... Christina Hendricks is already giggling in that annoying way she has ... I brought her along because she has several cases of Johnnie Walker ... where can I hang my trenchcoat ... it's damp ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. R.A.D., I'm so glad you were here attending to the guests while I was catching a few winks on the fainting couch...pour me a Johnnie Walker please...neat...your trenchcoat? Give it to Stevens...

      Delete
  63. I signed in twice ... it's all the excitement I guess ... I bumped into John Lee Hooker outside ... high as a fucking kite ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh gosh...fully clothed, I hope...

      Delete
    2. He's not called Mr. Lucky for nothing you know ... you look like an angel Tess ... an angel straight from heaven ... excuse me I must loosen Christina's stays ... she's going to stretch my sweater ...

      Delete
    3. Thank you R.A.D. ...let's pull Christina out of your sweater and introduce her to Placido...he has Johnny Walker written all over his face...

      Delete
  64. My date and I have arrived...We will be breezing in and out throughout the event...Fantastic affair as always!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rebecca! So lovely to see you, dahling...you look gorgeous! Can't wait to meet your date...

      Delete
    2. And you look divine!Brunettes in red. Is there anything more gorgeous? Ah...my date is proving to be one of the best yet! He seems to be making more than a few knees quiver ;-)...

      Delete
  65. Heavens! We're back - down at the Scioto I left Dinosaur Hand with my date and caught a fish! Of course I fell in, could have used Christina Hendricks as a floatation device, damn the luck!
    Would Stevens mind very much cleaning this 90 pound sailfish?...strange how it wormed its way into your neck of the woods. Oh, and Jimmy's friend Harvey mentioned he might stop in later for some toast. Does he do that often?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stevens loves cleaning fish...let's get you out of those wet clothes and into something warm...hope you don't mind my robe being pink...Harvey does hang around the manor a lot...with or without Jimmy...

      Delete
  66. A small ditty that comes to mind, as the waltz goes on and the whirling round--

    ''At this ever-hallow'd feast, the dancers a-whirl
    To the beat of drum, the bag-pipes's skirl,
    I too tread a measure or two
    To celebrate Tess's scarlet-rob'd, shining joy''

    :)

    Hmm-- I must be quite 'elevated' I say!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Omer, you add a special sparkle to the evening...thank you, kind sir...

      Delete
    2. Dear lady, your servant!
      One lazt valtz before I go please?
      Tis a longish distance I have to ride and Maynard not always at his best at this time ...

      Delete
  67. So thrilled to be invited to your ball this year, Tess. Barbara (Bee) Lake informed me that she had shipped ahead a few oak barrels of Trinidad Rum and my date, Captain Jack Sparrow, and a few pirates he brought along are making sure it arrived safely. Might be the last we see of them. But if you see a pirate send them to me.

    Also looking forward to meeting our other Magpie Tales friends that might be coming. Now off to dance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful to have you, Jacqui! I must sample some of this infamous rum I've heard so much about...Stevens!

      Delete
  68. Thank you for a lovely party. Fantastic as usual.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Shari...so nice to see you, dear friend...

      Delete
  69. This 'Heinz Tomato Ketchup' is really good. Where can I buy some?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Take the bottle, Tom...I have crates of it in the cellar...

      Delete
    2. Here, I have just brought up several more bottles! Take one dear Tom!!

      Delete
    3. I couldn't manage another drop, but thanks! Oh, go on then...

      Delete
  70. Pssssssssssst! Hey ... Tess? Yes it's me, disheveled, without a date, no dress, nothing. I'm sneaking over in the midst of preparations for the landfall of Frankenstorm. Sadly I'm needed in Washington DC and will only have time to pop in and out. I'll stay in the kitchen, if that's OK. The caterers are giving me shots of Absynthe, probably not such a great idea in terms of me being productive when I get back to the District, but it will no doubt make the work more interesting. Have fun! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry Arlo couldn't come along this year, and I hope you stay warm and dry and out of Sandy's clutches. I wouldn't want to dance with her!

      Delete
    2. Dom just brought in trays and trays of these lovely tarts...please stay and sample them with me Reya...you're welcome to camp out at WM until Sandy moves on!

      Delete
    3. Delightfully dishevelled as ever Reya ... Tess just caught my eye ... it popped out and rolled under the piano ...

      Delete
    4. I retrieved your eye R.A.D. ...someone kicked it behind the statue of Lenin...soaking off the cobwebs in this glass of Rachmaninoff...

      Delete
    5. So good to see you, Reya! Disheveled you may be, but your lipstick is perfect ;-) My thoughts are winging to the east coast and all who may feel the power of Frankenstorm...

      Delete
    6. Take care, Reya! Glad to know someone is taking care of business in DC!!! I will dedicate a dance to you, my dear!!

      Delete
  71. sorry i cant attend but it all sounds divine as it sit here in my jammies and play voyeur. cheers and thanks for a lovely event Miss Willow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I simply cannot resist a woman in jammies ...

      Delete
  72. Suki...you're already here! Welcome, dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's Manor magic for you...even those who can't come somehow are already here!

      Delete
  73. This pink robe goes really nicely with my tentacles. Do you think the bartender knows how to make a hairy licorice stick?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can fix that for you Tom ... on the rocks or straight?

      Delete
    2. Oh Tom......so sorry about the goat..........!

      Delete
  74. Running late.......do so hope to make it in time........

    *hugs*
    Mimi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mimi ... the absinthe ... OMG ... it makes you look like Jane Russell ...

      Delete
    2. Oh dear......then I'd better switch to punch in a hurry........!

      Delete
    3. Ha! Not on our account...you know pirates like the ladies to have ample...buoyancy...

      Delete
  75. I always count on you to start my social season..fabulous!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Enjoy the ball Lyn ... some delightful guests this year ... including you of course ... that's me being charming ... with ketchup on my chin ...

      Delete
    2. Let me help you with that ketchup R.A.D. ... press...there...that's better...

      Delete
  76. My first time to attend ~ Such fun to listen to the music and chatter ~

    Grace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grace ... welcome ... be seated ... unless you'd care to dance the tango ...

      Delete
  77. I was afraid I'd be too early, but there seems to be a nice crowd here already!

    Some may find it strange, but I believe I'll have one of those hamburgers and a big pile of fries for breakfast.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hamburgers! The cornerstone of any nutritious breakfast! Plenty of ketchup in the cellar ... and Johnnie Walker ... thanks to Christina Hendricks ...

      Delete
    2. Delightfully innovative! For me, these 'burgers, fries and ketchup shall just nicely complement all the assorted liquors Ive imbibed all night long :)

      Delete
  78. Veronica Lake nibbled my ear ... she had to stand on a chair ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had no idea Veronica was only 4'11"...I suppose it's because she's always standing next to Alan Ladd...

      Delete
  79. Before I forget ... Tess you left a woolly sock in my pocket ...

    ReplyDelete
  80. Darling Tess,

    I got caught up with the normal Sunday jet setting. Finally we managed to up and go. Everyone is here and having such a grand time. Lovely! Helen, you are having a lovely time. I am sorry Stafford is not here...

    I see my past dates Leonard and Joseph have decided to sulk and not attend as I am here with THE MAN of my life. Ah well... I can't help it.

    I am IN LOVE.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nino...lovely to see you dear friend! Love is in the air tonight...

      Delete
  81. Dear all, I must regretfully bid you all adieu and farewell! I have many miles to ride and must leave you now, to these delights...
    Dearest and most noble lady, Tess, adieu! And thanks for your gracious hospitality! : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adieu, good sir! May your horse be gentle but swift, so that you seemingly return to your home in the blink of an eye :-)

      Delete
    2. Adieu most kind Sir! For speeding me well on my way ...

      Delete
    3. Thank you for charming us with your presence, dear Omer...

      Delete
  82. What time's brunch...any of those fries left? I'm starving!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Never fear...I am told that Willow Manor is stocked with a never-ending supply of fries and ketchup :-)

      Delete
    2. The deep fryers will be fired up all day! The manor wine cellar is full of ketchup...

      Delete
    3. Oh yummmy! Taters and puddles of ketchup! A Willow Manor hallmark!!

      Delete
    4. Marnie! So good to see you, dear friend. Mr. Ed arrived ahead of you this year. You look stunning in your velvet, dahling!

      Delete
  83. Love is always in the air at the Manor Ball! Alack, I took a broadside to my broad side and had to make repairs in the night. Let me fetch my grog and catch up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A wee bit o' fire in th' hole, then, mate.....? ;)

      Delete
    2. My ship is a bit down in the stern and listing to starboard...nothing for it but to chase the Green Fairy! Bartender, absinthe!

      Delete
    3. Oh no! A nip of the Green Fairy is in order...hope your ship is mended and sailing strong...

      Delete
  84. ah...watcha put in that drink, Raddy? That can't be Steve Martin teaching Mr. Ed banjo and bird calls in the bushes, can it? I've lost my fuzzy slippers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I just saw the goat with a fuzzy slipper.........

      Delete
    2. Stevens is wearing your fuzzy slippers on his ears...the music is a tad loud...

      Delete
    3. Hello tom darling! Oh!!! My Mr. Ed is here?....He is usually in the posh stable down by the river...I must see him!!Ohhhhh, Whiiiiiilllllbuuuuuur!

      Delete
    4. Calm down everyone ... I grabbed Solti's baton and snapped it in half ... the goddamn Berlin Philharmonic need a drink ...

      Delete
  85. I adorn the walls and shadows with a shirt missing the iron and a black suit missing a tie. My hands travel to my face to fiddle with my forgetfulness and trace the lines of unshaven stubble. Perhaps I shouldve combed my hair too... Anyway, my eyes are finally accustomed to the light and my mind is bent over the stories in front of them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome to Willow Manor Michael...come in and spin us a tale...absinthe or Johnny Walker?

      Delete
  86. This is such a lovely event and I am so happy to be here! I'm so impressed by your musical taste...such class!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Catherine...please thank my co-host R.A.D. Stainforth for the excellent music...

      Delete
    2. Music keeps everyone happy ... and Veronica Lake is a huge fan of Arnold Schoenberg ... and dodecaphony ... she's stunted but hugely intelligent ...

      Delete
  87. Storms on the horizon...glad to be warm and safe here! Perhaps a round of sea shanties will be in order. I shall consult my chanteuse...

    ReplyDelete
  88. We'll begin with a classic: Spanish Ladies...for those who admire a white, sandy bottom...
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_2g_kNTBek

    ReplyDelete
  89. Such fun.
    Thank you for letting us play.

    ReplyDelete
  90. Oh, dear... what with preparations for Frankenstorm, I'm afraid I'm terribly late! Please forgive me!

    ReplyDelete
  91. With thoughts to those prepping for the big blow, enjoy a rousing chorus of "Shiver My Timbers!"
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVEqGH6MAL8&feature=related

    I'm posting these to my blog as I go, btw.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for these rousing tunes...pass me another barrel...please...

      Delete
  92. Oh, I was verklempt that the storm was going to keep me from your lovely event! However, I am finally here and am so happy!!! You may, however, have to shelter me and my date, the distinguished Sir Soni B., if my house floods while I'm away. Don't worry, though. I have an ample supply of his dog food stowed in my car! He does, however, snore (men!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Does the snore exist, if no one is there to hear it? Giggle! So nice to see you, Lola...

      Delete
  93. One more before the break, the cautionary tale Maggie May!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScKQyMk7OqU&feature=relmfu

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rum and seamen ... a heady cocktail ...

      Delete
  94. I am on my way... Very excited!..

    JJRod'z

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JJ! I'll instruct Stevens to watch for your arrival...don't be alarmed by the six foot rabbit...he came with Jimmy Stewart...

      Delete
  95. Where shall I tell my driver to stable the horses? (Your stables are already terribly full.)

    ReplyDelete
  96. I'm afraid since I arrived at dawn, my date will be forced to remain in his coffin... the sun burns so terribly, you know.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Paula, nice to see you, dear friend! Just have your horses follow Mr. Ed...he knows the routine...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I fancy that Mr. Ed knows every barn and livery between here and Alabammer ;-)

      Delete
  98. I do so hope there are a few refreshments left. I feel dreadfully parched after the long journey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is much from which to choose...except for rum. It has a mysterious habit of disappearing...

      Delete
  99. And on that note, Fifteen Men (and a bottle of rum)!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzcv5TJkJBA

    ReplyDelete

Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)