Sunday, October 20, 2013

WILLOW MANOR BALL 2013


Welcome to the 6th Annual Willow Manor Ball! 


Join the heralding of autumn, as well as the celebration of my birthday! Willow Manor is at her most intriguing, laden with soft candlelight, dark corners, just a touch of cobwebs, and a few dead moths. The carpets have been rolled back in the front hall, and the hardwood floors polished to tango perfection. Even the manor ghosts are at their haunting best. Welcome, and enjoy. Remember, anything is possible in cyberspace.

Please check into the comment section of this post, let us know of your arrival, and who might be accompanying you. If you would like us to visit your blog, to admire your stunning attire, and fawn over your remarkable date, sign the Mr. Linky widget provided at the end of this post. 

Everyone who leaves a comment today will be eligible for one of two door prizes. If you leave a comment, you are here!



My co-host for the evening, Ronaldo Antonio Dent (R.A.D.) Stainforth, yes the very same masterful reader of my poetry, has already arrived looking dapper, with a Jag-full of beautiful women, a case of Johnnie Walker under his arm, and his pet badger, Seamus, looking moody on a leash. 

I was most pleased to see his Withnailesque Jaguar Mark 2, with a brand new paint job (Stainforth blue), parked on the lawn. It was quite amusing to see the women emerge, all wearing blue! They are obviously keen on impressing him, by wearing his favorite color, but none too happy about having to share the limelight. Ronaldo mentioned something about Tracey Emin's rack. Does that mean she's going to be hanging some artwork? I'm not sure.


As I welcomed him with our customary squeeze, I noticed a cheeky pink bra tucked in his breast pocket. 



Speaking of all things pink, I am celebrating my new-found appreciation for pink with this exquisite vintage pale blush-pink Dior gown from 1953. In simple classic-pink style, I have no accessories; just the gown, nothing on top, or underneath, but a fresh aubergine pedi. It's a gorgeous warm October night, perfect for shoe-free dancing. I never like to be taller than my dancing partners, and besides, twirling is best, skin to floor.

By the way, Mr. Stainforth was the first to sign my dance card. He tangos expertly, having learned from his Argentinian mother. I'm looking forward to that close embrace, the drag, the hips ... not sure if I can look shyly over my shoulder, when he looks into my eyes with those blue volts. I hope he doesn't flip me upside down. It might startle the guests.

Listen to Miloš Karadaglić make his guitar sing. This is hot hot hot. Okay, I'm ready to tango 'til I drop...



Dancing is a vertical expression of a horizontal desire.
― Robert Frost 



The main refreshment this evening is Guinness; an outrageous vat was flown in late last night from our sister city, Dublin. If you see me watching the bubbles drag up and down my glass, please take me for another whirl around the dance floor, to clear my head. Almost nobody dances sober, unless they happen to be insane.


Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers are playing some mellow, way cool music in the main hall. 


My dear friend, the handsome, dignified, charming, and a little bit sinister, Vincent Price, has just arrived with his pet raven on his shoulder. Campy? Never. Pausing in the entryway, he said, to my sheer delight, "I hear the sound of rat claws within the stone wall."  I nearly swooned.  He says Willow Manor reminds him of the House of Usher. I was counting on a spin around the dance floor with the sexy Mr. Price, but he seems more fascinated with this skeleton, than with me. It looks familiar. Maybe it's Bette Davis? 


The wonderful English folk musician, Eliza Carthy is here! Someone said they saw her climbing out of the trunk of Stainforth's Jag. I thought she looked a bit disheveled, when I greeted her at the door. After all, it is a long trip from the U.K. to the Midwest, especially in the trunk. She brought her fiddle! Yea, verily yea! So, I'm appropriately requesting "Willow Tree" ...



Chef Dominic Franks, and crew, have gone to great lengths to tantalize our palates. He chose a Medieval theme, with lots of delicious traditional Celtic food. Nigella can't seem to stay away from the kitchen; she's wearing my ruffled apron, and swapping TV cook show gossip with Vincent. I'm sampling the amazing spiced venison with wild mushroom and truffle sauce, followed by all kinds of decadent pink sweets. Remember, my friends, there is no such thing as calories in cyberspace...


Art Pepper ... the other Art ... is playing outside on the patio, for those who might need a little fresh air, a smoke (Ronaldo and Vincent are out there), or just want to enjoy this gorgeous moonlit evening by the Scioto. I asked him to play Autumn Leaves, in celebration of my favorite season. He said he wasn't sure if he knew it, so I handed him the sheet music, I happened to have tucked in the manor piano bench. I think he can manage. 


While we're talking cigarettes, Seamus was seen ...not Stainforth's badger ... Seamus Heaney was seen outside, calmly having a smoke, in a tree. I do wish he would climb down, and dance with me. I'll say I want to talk poetry, but really I just want to hear him recite a few lines of Oracle ... in my ear. Maybe he'll tell me what it's like on the other side. I'm sure he's already met the assorted Willow Manor ghosts. 


Meanwhile, Stone Roses is warming up with This Is The One. Is that Ronaldo dancing Eighties-style like a crazed weasel? Or did Wadsworth forget to spray for wasps? It may be the Johnnie Walker.  R.A.D. really gets into anything from that decade. Ask him something, anything, about the 1980s. He knows. He cares. He was there. 





Things have settled down a bit; there's a poker game going on in the smoke-filled library. Seamus ... not the poet, the badger ... quite in his element, is winning, as well as drinking everyone under the table. It must be his poker-face. He doesn't say much, just hisses now and then. All the neighborhood cats are lined up at the window watching. He has a way with the felines.


Thank you all so very much for making the Willow Manor Ball so much fun. 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, the moon is out, and a blue Jag is waiting. 


And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
they danced by the light of the moon. 

― Edward Lear, The Owl and the Pussycat 




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.

258 comments:

  1. Welcome to the Willow Manor Ball, dear friends...

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  2. At last...I have arrived, Daaaahling..

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  3. I am slogging my way to you, dear Tess, after having run aground on the wrong Ohio waterway. I have been waylaid by knights of the realm and women with...antlers and/or pink bodices...as I struggle to make my way to you. I shall be there soon, if a bit muddied and roguish. Also, I cannot find my eye patch! Damned parrot...

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  4. Just landed in Winnipeg. Will be there within hours after we get glammed up. See you soon.

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  5. Welcome, dear Marnie! And thank you!

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  6. Welcome, dear Dr. Linthead...I am just adjusting my antler tiara...

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  7. Glam up and hurry back, dear Linda!

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  8. Oh, Sir Michael of Carolina...isn't travel just ghastly! Do be careful..we will have a glass ready for you.
    I will looking for my darling Mr. Ed...he always ambles in and snuggles down in the stable....may be a good place for you to hang your wet clothes!! I will be hitting the hay as soon as I get my trunk in the barn here!
    Well it is a carriage house, and looks as if Miss Tess has redecorated...it is positively glamourous!

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  9. Aye, ye make a fine "point" with yon rack, m'lady...er, tiara, that is.

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  10. I have commandeered a tiny sloop, Ms. Marnie! I am making my way up the Scioto by moonlight, hoping to dock...as often as possible...by yon Manor!

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  11. Oh Marnie...I'm so glad Mr. Ed is here again this year...he will be in good company with Seamus...Ronaldo's badger...

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  12. Zour balls get betterer and betterer year by year. So sorry I had to decline your kind invitation, I'm not as steady on my pins as once I was . . . or maybe its just the gin . . hic . .
    I do miss Your ghosts and tangoing under the moon.

    Happy birthday my dear and many more of them.

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  13. Oh I do love your antler tiara... i am fawning all over it. Tess, let me introduce you to Margaret Atwood. Margaret this is our hostess, Tess Kincaid. She writes wonderful poetry.

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  14. ... running a tad late! A bit of fog hugging the Cascades this evening!

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  15. Thank you for the invite. I am pleased to attend, though I may not be your usual guest. I will try my best to be at least half way appropriate. It is all I can promise, given the delightful nature of the spirits served. Happy birthday. Let us celebrate.

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  16. The ballerinas look lovely dancing in the moonlight. The crazy knights keep popping up through the hedge. We need to send the pirates after them. ARRRGH!!

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  17. Happy birthday, Tess! Everything looks divine. Have you met my escort tonight, Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle? He's a bit jet-lagged, but I'd like to show him around the place. Do you mind?

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  18. Actually, we'll be looking around a bit. Back in a dash!

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  19. Jour après jour, l'année fais son tour,
    et voila le retour, du plus beau jour,
    le jour de ton anniversaire.
    Happy Birthday, Tess!

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  20. I have packed my gown of shrinking violet and I shall come and stand behind the columns of Willow Manor to watch the glamorous events unfold. Such fun!

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  21. Hullo. I'm afraid we may be a little late. Dinosaur Hand flipped his lit menthol out the truck window and it alit upon some poor fellow's sail down on the Scioto. We've begun throwing cups of water onto the blaze, so all's good.

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  22. My ride has landed and we are soon to be winging our way east. Be there around noon to settle in.

    Bringing some surprise guests.

    Happy Birthday, Tess.

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  23. Oh, it's good to know everyone was making themselves at home, while I was resting my eyes for a bit...

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  24. Shers, I just instructed Wadsworth to collect you at Port Columbus...he'll be there in a jiff...only a 30 minute drive from WM dahling...

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  25. I saw the blaze Tom...I thought it was another Viking funeral...glad all's well...

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  26. Happy Birthday, Tess. You don't look a day older.

    I was about to set off, when I first thought that Willow Manor was my house, it is so similar to my compact version here in Bath - silly me!

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  27. Happy birthday Tess!

    A bit late this year, getting myself ready. Love the divine music….

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  28. Thanks Tom Stephenson...I say...slicing you a thick piece of birthday cake...

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  29. Hi Ninotaziz...wonderful to see you...

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  30. what a wonderful party. I am having such fun. I am unable to enter my URL for some reason. I keep getting rejected. will try again.

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  31. ok. finally got it right. and a happy birthday to you Tess. May the year ahead be filled with romance, poetry and beauty.

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  32. Wonderful to see you dear Suki! I will slowly make my way to visit your blogs today, friends...in the meantime, please help yourselves to a nice cold glass of Guinness...

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  33. The ballerinas are already up and practicing themes in the pavilion behind the manor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuhZif2hjCE&feature=share&list=PLE787A06A9B91B77E
    I am off to the Scioto where the royal yacht is docked next to the pirate ship. I am wondering if they are awake yet....

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  34. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuhZif2hjCE&feature=share&list=PLE787A06A9B91B77E

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  35. Good grief. We transferred the fire into a grove of scrub trees because Lindsey Buckingham showed up and wanted to give a concert. It didn't bother him that Stevie was hoarse. What a hot dog! Ha, we left the tambourine with a river otter and have slunk away - be there soon!

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  36. Bloody hell! Me boat went up in flames at sunrise! Some...thing...flicked a butt into me sail, and that was bloody well that. Had to swim the rest of the way. Happily I was guided by the wailing guitar of Lindsey Buckingham. Stevie helped me exchange my *ahem* leather for some *ahem* lace. Glad to have made my port-o-call this fine mornin'!

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  37. Oh, what fun. Happy Birthday, Tess. I'll be back in a bit to help celebrate.

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  38. Now for a quick nap in yon carriage house...

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  39. I can't wait to see Yolie make an entrance!

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  40. Good morning! Your manor looks delightful, my it's crisp out here. Happiest of birthdays, and here is that bottle of Dom and a bag of pretzels. Is it too early for a dance? Sorry if I get soot on your dress.

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  41. I'll just hit the hay for a bit...ah, hay...oh, hey! Well hello, there gorgeous. Fancy meeting you here! Oh, hi Mr. Ed. No thanks...I think I can manage on my own. I know a bit about...haylofts.

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  42. Good Morning....yawn...having problems trying to link my blog page to yous, Birthday Girl... sending love from me and my Gentlemen...we'll try later...after we're airborne!

    Did the Champagne arrive?

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  43. There's a dead moth in my soup.

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  44. la lune donne de la brillance
    tout est baigné dans la poussière de fée
    au Willow Bal ce soir

    ***

    The moon shines softly
    and all is shimmering in fairy dust
    At the Willow Ball tonight

    ***

    Malam sungguh syahdu
    Tirai berlabuh bermandikan rambulan
    Di bawah pohon beringin…



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  45. Hi everyone...I'm here...sporting a foamy Guinness mustache...Tom! No it's not too early for a dance...shall we?

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  46. Sorry about that, Phil...let me fish it out...I want to save it for my collection...

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  47. Beautiful, Ninotaziz...thank you...

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  48. Keep a weather eye on those red sequined gloves, m'lady...

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  49. Robin, yes it arrived! Wadsworth has it chilling on ice...where's that dashing bass baritone of yours?

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  50. Pardon the straw in me hair, m'lady! Tis I, Dr. Linthead.

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  51. Picking the straw from your beard...thrilled to see you dear friend!

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  52. You look most exquisite! Love the gown...shall we dance?

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  53. Mwah mwah left cheek right cheek Euro style greeting...

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  54. Absolutely...I was hoping you'd ask...

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  55. Mwah! full on the lips...pirate greeting ;-)

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  56. Full on the lush lips, one should add.

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  57. Art Blakey's playing mellow...shall we?

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  58. Hope I remember my dance steps...been awhile since I have sailed by the grace of the Southern Cross.

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  59. Ahhhhh (stretching the muscles...yaaaaawn) stretch....Now time for a quick turn around the paddock with Mr. Ed..he woke me up with a that deep voice....I am sure I heard him say...."Oooohh, Ronaldo..." and then some chuckling....I think he and RAD were sharing some bawdy jokes!
    I will be up at the big house soon...
    slept so well in that beautiful room!

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  60. If I remember correctly you dance quite elegantly...

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  61. Ha! I assumed I deserved a slap ;-)

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  62. We were delayed by SF Fog... just taking off now... to read about my other dashing men, check my blog: http://robin-theviolethour.blogspot.com/

    Glad the Champagne is on ice...we will all be ready for several glasses soon! Checked at Cincinnati Airport...Cars ready and waiting!

    See you in a few, Dahling! ♥♥

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  63. Giggle...always too quick to apologize...

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  64. Whee...you are light on your feet...look! I'm flying!

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  65. I trust you *rested* well in the carriage house, dear Marnie! ;-)

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  66. You are! Careful, lest we reveal the undergarments you are not wearing ;-)

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  67. Dancing with you is transcendent, dear Tess...

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  68. Hi Marnie and Robin! I shall be making my way to your blogs...anon...

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  69. Anon! Linger with me a moment more...

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  70. Thank you, Art...your playing is as magical as I remembered.

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  71. Whee! Notice I left me boots by the door...nothing like skin on polished hard wood.

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  72. Dancing is always better skin to floor...

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  73. And I don't like to be taller...

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  74. If I step on your toes it won't hurt...

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  75. Neither do I! See? We fit together just so here in our bare feet. I may have to fetch some woolly socks, though...still a bit chilled from swimming upstream this morning.

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  76. You could never hurt my toes while dancing like this...

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  77. I have the pair of pale pink woollies Marnie gave me last year...on hand in case of a chill...

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  78. Perfect for your gown! I brought some red ones, just in case.

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  79. Good...I do so hate smashing toes...

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  80. Tis a bit early for me to be smashed...

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  81. My Guinness mustache gave me away...

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  82. I don't count Guinness...tis bread in a glass, a fine beverage for breaking one's nightly fast.

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  83. I wholeheartedly agree...I breakfasted on such lovely foamy brew...

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  84. You would make a fine pirate, m'lady...

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  85. Thank you for the dance, dear Tess...the memory of it will linger long after my sail has dipped below the horizon.

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  86. *deep curtsy* my pleasure, kind sir...

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  87. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Tess.
    Seamus sitting in your tree, how wonderful is that - you must have tempted him with the Guinness!
    Miss Cellany.

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  88. Spot of bother in Akron ... Tracey Emin was arrested but when I explained her deeply personal aesthetic to the officer he released her with a caution ... don't strap your bed to the roof of a Jaguar Mark 2 ... is there any cake ...

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  89. R.A.D. you can drive faster without that unmade bed on top of the car...yes cake...feeding you a bite in my fingers...

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  90. Thank you Miss Cellany...please stay and have some pink birthday cake!

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  91. Visiting this week will be a looooong job! LOL

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  92. The Guinness! Yes! Please! Don't touch my pink waistcoat until you have licked all the cake off your fingers ... keep the frothy moustache ... Eliza Carthy brought a spare G string she's always breaking them ... there is a real sense of occasion and when I have a drink I will propose a toast ...

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  93. Licking the cake frosting from my fingers...I've been waiting to see how that silky pink waistcoat feels...yes...please! a toast...

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  94. Are there any women here?

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  95. Ladies and gentlemen ... a moment's silence please ... a toast ... to Tess ... a big happy birthday ... O say can you see by the dawn's early light ... all together now ... where's Seamus (my badger) ... let us drink to Tess Kincaid and her amazing balls ... this is the ultimate ...

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  96. What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming! (sang with gusto) Thank you Ronaldo *kiss*

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  97. To Tess's Balls! Huzzah! I seem to have found the rum stores...*hick*

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  98. Cheers! I must freshen my foam mustache...

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  99. Happy birthday dear Tess! Oh what a night! MATTHEW has run off with that skank Kate .. I have no way home .. Jude is committed to beefing up for his role in "Black Sea" .. Stafford is busy writing who knows what .. Vincent, oh Vincent where art thou?

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  100. Helen...check the kitchen for Vincent...he's back there playing TV cook show...with Dom and Nigella...

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  101. If anyone wants a proper drink Christina Hendricks has a case of Johnnie Walker Black Label ... I'm letting Seamus the badger roam the grounds whilst I have a cigarette with Vincent Price ... stepping outside for a few minutes ... the deep dark Guinness I need a few more ...

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  102. R.A.D. ...Seamus (your badger...not the poet) keeps peeking under my skirt...

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  103. @RAD.... hear me roar, honey. I'm going to dance you under the table.

    @Tess... Happy Birthday you! And congrats on this lovely shindig. *long swig of Guinness from a champagne glass* BRILLIANT!

    Hope you don't mind my bringing three dates, darling. Uncle Monty will probably spend half the night reciting lines from "Hamlet" in the corner with a flask of sherry. Withnail, Marwood and I might end up in a threesome in the back of the Rolls at some point (if they even notice I'm there).

    No worries, so long as Benedict Cumberbatch makes the party, I'll be all right. That boy needs his hair mussed, and I'm just the one to do it.

    So sorry Jimmy Stewart couldn't make it this year - of course you heard about his sprained ankle? If I find out he was lying and he shows up here with some other tart, it won't be his ankle he has to worry about!

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  104. Thank you Marcheline...lovely to see you...pour Jimmy...he's always falling off rooftops and out windows...

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  105. Vincent Price tells me he has a thing for one of the ladies here ... always cautious when I strike him on the jaw he merely sighs and falls to the ground ...

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  106. Oh Vincent...does his fake British accent drive you insane, R.A.D.? Is it campy? Somehow it works...

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  107. Marcheline we might tango ...

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  108. Don't step on my badger ...

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  109. Excuse me...back soon...I believe Richard Burton is giving me the look...

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  110. We all know Vincent's accent is pure St. Louis! Certain he will be rooting for the Cardinals to take the World Series!

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  111. Tess keep your sticky fingers off my pink waistcoat I'm getting some Guinness to lure Seamus Heaney out of that tree ... there's some woman clinging to me ... all she says is Ronaldo! Ronaldo! ... I've managed to shake her off but she's sobbing ... clearly drunk and needs cake and fine wines ...

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  112. You can tell by the way I use my walk I'm a woman's man no time to talk ... the award for best actress goes to John Travolta's wife ...

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  113. is everyone ready for round two... there's more alcohol delivered direct from the champagne region of France and we have a truck load of cheese and biscuits too...

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  114. Yes...bring it on, Dom...thank you...everything is absolutely delicious (!)

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  115. More, please? Food, glorious food...hot sausage and mustard! While we're in the mood...cold jelly and custard!

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  116. Lot of corn up in Champaign County...I imagine one could get some liquor if one pushed far enough up the Mad River. Surely there are some enterprising souls who distill by the light of yonder moon.

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  117. and very happy birthday! \:D /

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  118. what a fantastic celebration! I love the Dior gown.... you are such a gem! (Not just saying that because I want a doorprize!)

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  119. RAD - oh yes we will! Vertically, or... *wink*

    - Marcheline (typing from work)

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  120. We are about to land! (Finally!) Greer, Jay and Dimitri have been warming their voices up...Franz has been playing some Hungarian Dances for us while we zoom across the country..Herman and Ralph, well, just enjoying some whiskey! They can really hold their liquor! Oooh...I see our Autos, 57' Bugattti and '56 Bentley on the tarmac.....will post again when we are on the road! Tess, dear, don't forget the Lilac Candles in the Candelabra! Franz needs these for maximum inspiration! See you really soon! Love, Robin, Franz, Greer, Herman, Jay, Herman and Ralph!

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  121. Oh,Tess! The kitchen and the house smeel divine...and Belleau made a specila stop at the carriage house to remind me of the food...and now I am here for some of those cheese and biscuits...ooh heavens..and champagnes...ahhh ...divine....
    feeling so spoiled...Tess..what a marvelous birthday for you, Daaahling!

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  122. At last, we've bumped and mumbled over the hills to Willow Manor! I see the usual suspects are here, but wait ... there's a host of newbies here this year! Terrific fun! Did I see Lady gaga dressed to the nines and banging on a piano?

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  123. Love the Manor this time of the year…Ahhh, there it is, the cake and gift just arrived. Hope you like it, Tess...

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  124. I had some cake ... who took my cake ...

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  125. Thanks for the invite..I am sure I will have a great time..Happy Birthday!

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  126. True! Welcome have some cake ...

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  127. Susan...I think that woman in the outrageous outfit was Tracey Emin...which reminds me...I left my bed unmade just to impress her...

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  128. Thank you Ninot...and Truedessa!

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  129. Sorry R.A.D. I keep nibbling your cake...but my fingers are clean now...

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  130. Gasp! After so many delays..we are here! (Yes, the West Coast Contingent takes a bit longer..)
    A lot of guests are *oohing and aaahing* over our automobiles...

    My Guys are heading for the bar....but first, I must find our Histess, the Lovely Tess, give her a birthday hug and kiss..and then find Ronaldo (of the pink vest) for a hug and kiss! Ronaldo, your vest is a perfect accompaniment for Tess' Dress! So sweet to meet again in person! MUWAH! MUWAH! ♥♥


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  131. Gasp! After so many delays..we are here! (Yes, the West Coast Contingent takes a bit longer..)
    A lot of guests are *oohing and aaahing* over our automobiles...

    My Guys are heading for the bar....but first, I must find our Histess, the Lovely Tess, give her a birthday hug and kiss..and then find Ronaldo (of the pink vest) for a hug and kiss! Ronaldo, your vest is a perfect accompaniment for Tess' Dress! So sweet to meet again in person! MUWAH! MUWAH! ♥♥


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  132. I love breathless women ...

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  133. Now to find Suki, the other esteemed Poetess...Suks...love your dress and those shoes!!! (Clinking glasses)..

    A quick trip to our rooms to drop off our luggage....

    Now back to the incredible spectacle of gowns, tuxedos, sports jackets, jeans and t's,... so many people...this is the best Willow Ball ever...and we have only been here for 20 minutes! Time to mingle.... ♥

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  134. RAD..you *scoundrel*....my gown is a bit tight...and after all the flying and driving and the first glass of Champagne...and seeing you in your beautiful vest...and giving our Birthday Girl a kiss...whew...now to relax and have fun! ♥

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  135. It is mingling time ... outside for a cigarette ... Seamus and Seamus are bonding look at them romping around two badgers in the moonlight ...

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  136. Oh....must dash out to see the Badgers...your cigarette smoke is drifting through the Autumn Air...umm... delicious! The moonlight reflects on the pink vest...what a marvelous evening..and it has only just begun....more revels in store! ♥

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  137. A fine cool autumn evening ... excuse me ... I have to grab Tess it's her birthday ...

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  138. Absolutely..it's her night! ♥♥

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  139. O! I'm here...ready for a R.A.D. grab...

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  140. I promise not to get that pink waistcoat sticky...

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  141. Wow, I knew this post was coming but I had no idea it would be this week! What a major response already too. Also, I'm wishing you a very fabulous birthday as well, and what better way to celebrate then a fancy ball! It's perfect, as was your description of it all, so good in fact anything I came up with paled in delivery!

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  142. Thank you Karen...glad you enjoyed...come in and have some Guinness...or some cake!

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  143. Love the 1953 Dior gown. Then again, I was born in 1953... it was an exquisite year for so many things.

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  144. 1953 was a very good year ...

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  145. What an enchanting evening! Lovely to see you all, here at the ball. Mr. Vincent Price!I am starstruck! THis night is perfection. Happy Birthday, Tess.

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  146. Thanks Rene...come in and enjoy!

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  147. Settling in (so to speak).. met several friends...and so honoured to met Mr. Price...he bowed low and kissed my hand....Mon Dieu! Feeling faint..need another glass of Champagne!♥

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  148. Another Guinness ... really when there are so many voluptuous women around what else is there to do but get drunk with Brian May and his crazy permed hair ... Brian you're a doctor and I have this pain in my left buttock ... O! he wandered off ... astrophysicists ... they're so touchy ...

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  149. Darling R.A.D....when you find Brian, please ask who created those fabulous shirts of his in the *Queen Days* - with all the pleats! I want one!

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  150. I can't find my antler tiara...

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  151. I hope I didn't leave it in a chair...

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  152. Tess I tossed the antler tiara let's tango drag your toes across the floor ...

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  153. Actually, SF Opera borrowed your Antler Tiara for Bryn Terfel's last Act in *Falstaff*!!! A-ha-ha! ♥

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  154. Oh, dear...that would be a bit of a...revelation for someone!

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  155. Avast! Depp has found the rum! Buckler and blade...he'll drink us dry.

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  156. Uh oh....hide the Whiskey!

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  157. Happy birthday Tess! Where is she?

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  158. I'm here Ronaldo...with my tango toes on...

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  159. I think I saw her dashing out to the Garden with Greer Grimsley... ;)

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  160. My friend Margaret has disappeared with a poet somewhere.... hopefully, they are keeping each other in line. Greetings, Dr. Linthead. You have promised me a dance.... if you are still about....

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  161. Tess when we tango you feel just like my mother on her back in Buenos Aires me trying to bring her back to life with a salami ...

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  162. Those blue volts are electric...I can't look away...and you know how much I adore being brought to life with salami...

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  163. Drag turn one two three ...

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  164. Mr. Price is chucking malevolently...

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  165. I like the way your voice sounds with that rose held tight in your teeth...

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  166. Fling me out...pull me back...believe it or not...I'm totally calm...not giggling...

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  167. More tango more Guinness more Tess ...

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  168. Arriving ever so late but still in time to wish you a very Happy Birthday!

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  169. Just try to pull away ...

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  170. Sip...foamy mustache...have Miloš Karadaglić play it again...mm...

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