Saturday, March 16, 2024

Lady Mendl's tea room: Discovering a hidden gem in Manhattan

Barb of Barb's Tea Service with Lady Mendl's tea room manager, Christine with TeaTime 


Lady Mendl's may be aptly described as a "hidden gem" in New York City, a tea room that blends in so well with the neighborhood, we walked passed it on the day of our reservation. The only sign that lets guests know of its location is a small brass plaque engraved with a tea cup design that hangs to the left of a stately wooden door. Perhaps its understated signage is only fitting for a building that began as a private tea salon in 1919 and during Prohibition also served as Speakeasy.



Understated signage, a nod to its past, Lady Mendl blends in with its neighbors



We were made aware of Lady Mendl's by great tea friend, Barb T, who knows, these days, we're pretty regular visitors to the Big Apple.  Barb had recommended Lady Mendl's based on her own experience there a few years back. She put it on our radar and, finally, this month we were able to follow through. We were not disappointed.


Modern/Vintage room filled with TeaTime publications



When we passed through the door of the 1830's brownstone, our party of five -  me, husband, Chris, along with son, Matt, his girlfriend, Jenna and our daughter, Rachel - arrived at the parlor floor of the onetime private residence. This level encompasses the traditional high ceilings, elegant crown moldings and arched doorways, but, now accented with modern decor, especially evident in the waiting room's bold striped furniture and colorful paintings. It was in this special place we not only met up with manager, Christine, but found an array of TeaTime books and magazines (including the March/April issue with our "Escape to the Chateau" article!)





Once our coats were off, we moved across the hall to our table in the corner, a lovely spot bordered by large windows, a fireplace and a wild fern.  (The latter seemed intent on visiting our table from time to time, but mostly with good humor). 

The table was set with an assortment of colorful china with varying patterns and hallmarks. We enjoyed lifting the plates (empty, of course!), to identify their origins and calling out our favorites.


Rachel and Jenna looking over tea selections.



The afternoon tea fare is a fixed menu of scones, savories and sweets, but with a few welcomed surprises.  Guests have the option of choosing a particular tea or select a tea pairing which brings a new tea blend with each course. Most of our party took advantage of the pairings and with delightful results. As one who loves Earl Grey, and, for the record, that's what Lady Mendl's pairing selections began with, I found the nudge to explore other well-curated teas that help bring out the most in the tasty tea fare a rewarding experience.


Savories in three-tiered tray
Table filled with an assortment of china





















The only other choice on the menu is the first course where one can opt for soup or salad.  Rachel was the only one in our party who had the potato leek soup, served up beautifully in a small, slender glass. Rachel reported it was amazing, once she got used to drinking her soup rather than having the usual assistance of a spoon.


Curd, jam and cream housed in a BTS' favorite, salt cellars.



The scones are served warm and, with our admiration, the accompanying curd, jam and cream were housed in cut-glass salt cellars (a favorite Barb's Tea Service tea table accessory!).

The tea sandwiches were satisfying as well, but the desserts were the show stoppers. Aside from petit fours, chocolate-covered strawberries and macarons, there was also a crepe cake with 20-plus layers, a magical creation that was both light and rich.


Petit fours, macarons and strawberries
Multi-layered crepe cake, both light and rich
















And, yes, there really was a Lady Mendl! Born, Elsie de Wolfe in New York in 1859, she had various occupations in the arts, starting as an actress, then gaining much success as an interior designer. Later in life, she married a British diplomat, giving her a title. She resided in the same Gramercy Park brownstone building of the current tea room where she was known a grand hostess with great style.


A hidden gem, we won't walk by again.




We'd say this tea room captures the spirit of the best of Lady Mendl - an eclectic blend of old and new, where food and service excel.  A true Manhattan treasure, now that we've found it, we plan to be back!


Thursday, March 14, 2024

Escape to the Chateau: Our escape to NYC, the last stop on the "Dare to Do It" tour, (and a bit of "tea time" with Angela!)

The Gulleys meeting up with the Strawbridges at Manhattan's Town Hall


Dick and Angel Strawbridge have "dared to do it" from the beginning of their "Escape to the Chateau" television series, inspiring a league of devoted fans from their native UK to their adopted home in the French countryside, and extending across the pond to Canada and US. We at Barb's Tea Service, members of the latter group, along with some our family, dared to meet up with the Strawbridge's at the last stop of their first North American tour with our own escape to New York City.


Barb and Angel, a shared passion for vintage china and tea parties


As a fan of "Escape to the Chateau" from the beginning of the series, originally on HGTV, now available on Peacock, I would eagerly await each season as Dick and Angel, along with their children and a streamlined team of skilled crafts folk, would lay out a new project to be tackled at their dream home - a 19th century chateau filled with charm, but in desperate need of repairs and modern conveniences. 


The Town Hall stage before the Dare to Do it show (note the faux ferns on either side).


In nine seasons, the Strawbridges provided us first-row seats to their chateau renovation, turning the estate not only into their "forever home" but creating an events venue for weddings and other special occasions. I was especially enamored with Angel's collection of vintage china and her tables set for teatime.  With her background running a vintage tea party service, it's no surprise I felt a deep connection with Angel & co. from the get-go.

I had corresponded with the delightful Chateau team for over a year and when the series ended and Dick and Angel took their story "on the road", finally coming to North America, I was twice blessed:  one, an interview with Angel in January for TeaTime Magazine and two, prime viewing with my family at their New York tour this week.  


Sharing some 'tea time' with Angel 

Chatting with Angel via Zoom in January












The "Dare to Do It" show in New York was especially great for my husband, Chris, and me, as our favorite NY couple, my son, Matt, and his girlfriend, Jenna, were able to join us as well as daughter, and BTS ops manager, Rachel. 


In our prime seats before the show with some of our family.


We thoroughly enjoyed the evening spent with the Strawbridges at the Town Hall in Manhattan. Natural storytellers, aided by a lively slide show, Dick and Angel shared highlights of both their personal and professional lives, sometimes poignant, sometimes cheeky, but always in good humor and with deep appreciation. It felt as familiar and comfortable as many of Angel's vintage treasures - a big group hug shared by those on stage with those in the seats.


Chris (aka "arm candy"), Dick and Barb


Afterwards, we met up with Dick and Angel, feeling as if we were reuniting with old friends. Dick asked Chris if he was the "tagalong" to which my husband replied, "I'm the 'arm candy'".  From then on, that's how Dick, sporting a large grin that couldn't be masked by his grand mustache, referred to Chris.


A warm hug after the show. 


Angel, truly a born hostess, greeted us warmly with literal hugs and we talked about our last chat that made up a good deal of the TeaTime article.  

And, the positive vibes that Dick and Angel send out permeate throughout crowd as though it's more of a family gathering than a hodgepodge of unacquainted guests. We met and became fast friends with Nadine G, chatting at length about our mutual fascination with the Chateau series. She was also the recipient of Angel's generosity and endearingly quirky style. When she found out that Nadine was a resident of the Big Apple, Angel insisted she take one of the show's stage accessories - a large, gold, faux fern, with significant heft. (Truly a cherished conversation piece, it that now resides in Nadine's home. However, it's the tale of getting it into the taxi that is the best example of what happens when Chateau-meets-New York and we're thrilled to have witnessed the whole experience.)


Nadine gifted a faux fern from Angel
Taking the faux fern home in the taxi:  NY meets Chateau




For more information on Dick and Angel and their Chateau journey, see TeaTime Magazine's March/April issue . You can find it in retail stores (Barnes and Noble, Publix, and more!) and also on-line at TeaTime Magazine subscriptions.




Now that we're back from our escape to New York, what's next? I'd say we've added a direct escape to the Chateau in the future.  Thanks to Dick and Angel for taking us with you on your "Dare to Do It' journey, welcoming us into your forever home and a most wonderful evening in Manhattan.


Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: BTS takes a swan dive: 'Capote's Women' and 'Answered Prayers'

BTS took a swan dive with Truman Capote books:  "Capote's Women" and "Answered Prayers".

 

The recent miniseries on FX, "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans" has many of us eagerly anticipating Wednesday evenings at 10:00 pm for the latest installment. With only two more episodes to go, as of this week, the true-life drama of the gifted and celebrated author and his cadre of elegant socialites, the series inspired us to read more about Truman Capote's roller coaster ride of fame, friendship and betrayal - specifically, "Answered Prayers" and "Capote's Women".  The former is Truman Capote's unfinished book, filled with gossip and scandal and the latter is a recently published tome which the current "Feud" miniseries is based.  Both books are filled with as many captivating and cringey stories as the television adaptation, but this wasn't our first encounter with the "Swans", the name Capote gave to his exclusive club of beautiful and wealthy women. That came with the 2021 book by Anderson Cooper.


Anderson Cooper's mother, Gloria, was once a Capote "swan" as noted in his 2021 book.


A quick step back to a past BTS Tea and Tomes featuring the book "Vanderbilt, the Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty", by Anderson Cooper, which details the family's astounding rise to wealth via Cornelius Vanderbilt, his great-great-great grandfather, and the equally spellbinding spiral of loss by generations who were more gifted at spending than fortifying the clan's fortune. One of the last Vanderbilt's to live that unchecked lavish lifestyle was Cooper's mother, Gloria, once one of Truman Capote's "Swans". Anderson Cooper devotes several pages of his book to Cote Basque, the favored lunch spot of New York elite and, eventually the title given to the spare-no-feelings, tattle-tale chapter from "Answered Prayers". Gloria's instincts cautioned against sharing intimate details with the author of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and that served her well. Although Capote's depiction of Gloria Vanderbilt is certainly not flattering, she was not as brutally exposed as many of her fellow "swans".

 Which bring us to "Capote's Women" and "Answered Prayers".

"Capote's Women", by Laurence Leamer, published the same year as Anderson Cooper's "Vanderbilt" , certainly focuses on Truman's swans, but also weaves the story of Capote's life throughout the 316 pages, starting with his southern roots in Monroeville, Alabama, relatively undistinguished save for his next-door-neighbor and friend, Harper Lee, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird" (another BTS Tuesday Tea and Tomes).  The book also charts Capote's impressive writing career, which peaked with his wildly successful "In Cold Blood", a true story masterfully told in the style of fiction. 

Unfortunately, the time at the top, professionally and socially, was not to last. Leamer takes the reader through the slow and sad decline of Truman Capote, propelled by a self-sabotage mix of drugs, alcohol and abandonment of people he considered "friends".


We visited the Monroe Museum in 2022
The Alabama museum includes a Capote section

                                 

We visited Monroeville in January of 2022 and stopped in the Monroe County Museum, which served as a model for the courtroom in the movie, "To Kill a Mockingbird". It also includes rooms devoted to the hometown's two authors, Harper Lee and Truman Capote. A fascinating building full of history in an otherwise small, sleepy, southern town.


"Capote's Women" is a page-turning, entertaining read.  A highlight of the book, as well as Truman's celebrity, is the "Black and White Ball" he hosted at the Plaza Hotel (and, yes, we had afternoon tea in this sumptuous place last year, see,  Afternoon Tea at the Plaza). Using a trick from Gilded Age hostesses (or versions of New York's Studio 54's strategy), keep the guest list so exclusive, everyone will want "in" no matter what the party really delivers. (With chicken hash as an entree and balloons for decorations, in substance, it didn't match - or even come close to, for that matter - most of the grand parties of this high-end social strata, but the attraction was being "included". Only the well-heeled party from Italy left early and were overheard grumbling - we flew in for this?).


NYC's Plaza Hotel, home of Capote's Black and White Ball, 1966, and our afternoon tea, 2023

Many over-the-top details of the "jet set" lifestyles from European palaces to oceanside estates in Palm Springs, Florida, elicit both feelings of awe and awful. Endless parties of look-alike one-percenters whose world is so tightly bound, they divorce and remarry each other spouses, as though there's danger outside the circle. Titles (real, removed or faux) are cherished, even if the one bestowed is as dull and dim as unpolished silver. 

It makes sense that Truman Capote would add some color to this society. He was a favorite invitee - his dramatic storytelling enchanted the upscale crowd, like their own personal one-man reality television show, before it was even a concept.

Palm Beach tea, "swimming pools, movie stars"


Flagler Museum in Palm Beach Florida.
                


We visited Palm Beach, Florida, in January of this year and visited the Flagler Museum (a Gilded Age mansion). We entered the world of docked yachts as big as school busses and a city center so clean and manicured, it looks like Disneyland  - "swimming pools, movie stars." IYKYN ( more in a future blog).

Some sad, but at times funny, stories include Jackie Kennedy Onassis' younger sister, Lee Radziwill's attempt at a mid-life acting career and Joanne Carson's in-house wake for Truman. The second wife of Johnny Carson, Joanne trumpeted that her memorial for Truman would be a star-studded attended event, but the only celebrities who came were an aging and senile, Jim Backus, propped up on a couch, and an unrecognizable Esther Williams.  The press that camped out on Carson's lawn were sorely disappointed. 

We enjoyed "Capote's Women" and found it a bit easier to follow the jumping timelines in the book than the series. But, nonetheless, we eagerly await the final episodes of "Capote vs. the Swans". The rollercoaster ride of Capote and the swans provides readers and viewers a "fantastic voyeur-age" into the thrills and spills of an almost alien lifestyle, but once it's over, it's good -actually almost a relief - to unbuckle and return to the pleasures of the happy ordinary. 

And, for "Answered Prayers" interesting, but meandering (though, we're fond of "meandering"), especially the first chapter, "Unspoiled Monsters".  The third and final Chapter, "La Cote Basque" is gossipy with unlikeable characters bound by an oddly codified society that's both shallow and confining, with consequences to those who puncture the glittering bubble.  Sentenced by the tribe, Truman Capote was quickly outcast for exposing confidences, finding there was a cost to biting the satin-gloved hand that fed him.



Sunday, February 25, 2024

Salt in tea? Our interview with Michelle Francl, chemist and author of 'Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea'

When brewing a pot of tea, favored additions are milk, sugar and lemon slices. What about salt?



How do you take your tea? Do you add milk or sugar or lemon or. . . salt?  Michelle Francl, chemist, writer and tea enthusiast, recommends the latter and it has caused quite a controversy!

Michelle Francl, a Professor of Chemistry at Bryn Mawr and author of the new book, "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea" took some time to chat with BTS this week and address, among other things, the topic of adding salt to tea. A subject so controversial it caused a bit of a "brew-haha" between the US and the UK.


Michelle Francl's new book, filled with fascinating tea facts, sparked a bit of a "brew-haha".


After news reached England that an American professor advised adding a bit of salt to one's cup of tea to reduce bitterness, it generated an outcry from a number of incredulous UK citizens. The U.S. Embassy in London felt they had to this address this poste haste and issued a statement to defuse the situation. Here's an excerpt:    

". . .We want to ensure the good people of the UK that the unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain's national drink is not official United States policy. And never will be. 

The U.S. Embassy will continue to make tea in the proper way - by microwaving it".

Ah, we were doing so well! :)

But, seriously, folks - there's some seriously fascinating information about the chemistry of tea. Understanding how it all works can produce what we're all in search of:  the perfect pot of tea.

After receiving several news articles regarding the hue and cry that stemmed from the publication of "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea" from my posse of tea sources, I reached out to Michelle Francl to learn more. She graciously took time to answer a few questions we sent her way. 

A chat with Michelle Francl: 

BTS:  Your recommendation to add salt to brewed tea to reduce bitterness has caused quite a "stir" with the British and even garnered a response from the U.S. Embassy. Did you expect this kind of reaction (emotional, not chemical - I know you have the latter down pat!)?

Michelle Francl: I certainly did not expect the kind of reaction that I got from the British public about salt and tea. I thought it was interesting when I uncovered it, and given that it’s a hack that coffee drinkers have known for a long time, I didn’t really think that people would get quite so emotional about it. It was a bit overwhelming, but also a lot of fun to see chemistry in the news in this way.

BTS: Do you have any plans to do a tour in the U.S (or elsewhere) this year?  

Michelle Francl:  I am doing a bit of traveling to talk about the book, but as of yet, there is no official tour.

BTS:  What is your favorite tea?

Michelle Francl:  My favorite tea is Assam from the Halmari estate, but I also love green snail tea and rose congou in the afternoon. 


(We'll quickly add here that green snail tea gets its name from the shape of its rolled up leaves, not its contents.)


A pinch of salt can reduce the bitterness of tea. Vintage salt cellars on my tea table may now hold salt!



And, while drinking my favorite tea, Earl Grey, I took in a recent presentation that Michelle Francl gave to the Royal Society of Chemistry online. Here I learned not only that Michelle Francl does not care for Earl Grey (but noted it does contain properties that enhance relaxation), but more, importantly, how understanding the chemistry of tea can lead to brewing a better pot of Camilla Sinesis. 

So, I purposely steeped my black tea blend longer than usual to make it just a bit bitter.  After a sip to assure the brew was indeed past its prime and bitter, I added a pinch of NaCl. Amazingly, it did taste smoother and less harsh. 

As one who collects vintage salt cellars for scone condiments (curd, cream, jam), I believe I now have yet another purpose for these mini crystal dishes. Salt! I might just add this to my tea table as a precautionary aid, should my brew be unintentionally bitter.

Final notes:   "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea" is available on Amazon.  I will feature it in an upcoming Tuesday Tea and Tomes. 

In addition to all the above, Michelle Francl, Ph.D, is a quantum chemist who has published in areas ranging from development of methods for computational chemistry to the structures of topologically intriguing molecules. She is also an Adjunct Scholar of the Vatican Observatory.  

We are truly grateful to Michelle Francl for taking the time to visit with us at BTS. We look forward to any of Dr. Francl's future presentations we may have the opportunity to attend in person and eagerly await for our copy of "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea" to be delivered.


Friday, February 23, 2024

Tonia's Victorian Rose tearoom is closing: Years of memories, we'll wait for 'Chapter Two'

Tonia's Victorian Rose tearoom will close March 2


Tonia's Victorian Rose has been more than tearoom -  it's been a second home to local tea enthusiasts and, for us at Barb's Tea Service, it's been close to our heart for over two decades. So, hearing of its closing in less than two weeks is sad news, indeed.

Laura and Barb this week at tea, a bittersweet celebration


Last week, we talked with owner Tonia Carsten who informed us that Tonia's Victorian Rose would be shutting its doors on March 2, but it's not her preference.  The "building", a three-story vintage home, built in 1910, is up for sale by its owners, which leaves Tonia and her staff looking for new opportunities.


(L): First tea talk at Victorian Rose, newspaper photo. (R): Office outing, posing on VR's porch


Barb's Tea Service goes way back with this Rochester, Michigan tearoom starting when it was known only as the "Victorian Rose" and owned by Loretta Curry. Twenty years ago, when we were just starting our "tea talks", Loretta hired us enthusiastically. We gave our first tea etiquette talk (outside of home parties) on Mother's Day and even garnered some local news coverage for the event. We are forever grateful to Loretta for opening that door for us. 


In 2017, the Sistah's came to visit the "new" tearoom 



We also launched our first "ladies outings" with a group of friends at the office - a fun group of nine gals who bonded over tea and a desire to "hang" outside of work.


Teacup dessert for birthdays where Laura Q and I celebrated quite a few!


When, Tonia purchased the tea business from Loretta in 2017, keeping many of the menu favorites like the scrumptious chicken pot pie, we continued to patronize this charming tearoom.  We came with our favorite cousins (aka, "the Sistahs") shortly after Tonia took over and returned to celebrate many birthdays with most awesome friend, Laura Q. 


Victorian Rose

Teatime over the years at Tonia's
                             











Even during quarantine times, Tonia's continued to serve the tea community, offering afternoon tea carry-out.  We happily took advantage of this, often ordering for two and sharing a virtual tea time with favorite daughter, Rachel.


During quarantine, Tonia offered carry- out teas.
Virtual tea with Rachel and Tonia's tea fare



This week, Laura and I came once again for tea, lunch and celebration - although this time, it was, most assuredly. bittersweet.  


We'll miss Tonia's Victorian Rose, but will watch for "Chapter 2"


Tonia tells us that after March 2, there are plans for tearoom "pop ups" throughout the tri-county area, so we advise to stay tuned. With Tonia's Victorian Rose's great following, any event is sure to be an early sell out.




Monday, February 19, 2024

President's Day: A visit to FDR's 'Little White House' in Warm Springs (with Eleanor's favorite tea)


The Little White House in Warm Springs - Franklin Roosevelt's retreat in Georgia


In honor of today's holiday, "Presidents' Day", we at Barb's Tea Service thought it the perfect time to share highlights from our recent visit to "The Little White House", Franklin Roosevelt's retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Last month, on our return-home road-trip (central Florida back to Michigan), our friends (and fellow January snowbirds, Pam and Quint) suggested we stop at the Little White House, considering we're fellow history buffs and, added bonus, its location was not too far off our route.

So, on a cool, but sunny, Monday afternoon, my husband, Chris and I, drove into Warm Springs, a small town roughly an hour and a half west of Macon, Georgia with Roosevelt's Little White House just a few minutes passed the historic burg.


FDR's specially equipped car on display in the museum.


Nestled in the woods, the Little White House is one of four separate buildings on the site. Guests first enter a museum/visitors center, where docents guide one through the campus. A short film, in the museum's theater, is recommended to start the tour. A time capsule of its own, the fifteen minute movie is narrated by Walter Cronkite and tells the story of FDR's connection to Warm Springs;  from seeking a cure for polio, which struck him in 1921, in the region's natural spa water to constructing a second home where he conducted many of his presidential duties. (Although the heated springs - a constant 88 degrees - didn't provide a cure, it did bring some improvement and provided a bit of relief.).



FDR's stamp collection
 Little White House patio furniture and china









There are many treasures to view in the museum, including the car FDR drove, which had specially designed hand controls to replace foot pedals, his prized stamp collection and the patio furniture and china used on the Little White House deck. There's also a full section devoted to Eleanor Roosevelt, a trailblazing First Lady that we not only admire, but have a dedicated tea talk devoted to her.  (See our blog - Tuesday Tea and Tomes:  The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt, where we talk about ER and our ER tea talks!) 


Eleanor display in the museum
Roosevelts in Hyde Park, 2015



While we learned that Eleanor didn't stay in Warm Springs often, it was Val-Kil Industries that supplied most of the furniture for the Little White House. Val-Kil was a small factory that Eleanor, along with two partners, established for farmers near her home in New York to make furniture and other crafts to supplement their income. We also discovered - in the gift shop! - that Eleanor's favorite tea was "Orange Pekoe" - and, yes, we most certainly bought a package to bring home,in addition to an Eleanor Roosevelt tea mug. 😉🫖


Inside the Little White House, FDR's chair and table near the fireplace.



But, the real treasure lies up the hill to the Little White House, which is flanked by two other buildings:  a guest house and staff quarters. 

What struck me when first entering the Little White House was how unpretentious the living space is. Not to say it doesn't have charm, but it's found in the well-structured wood beams and floors, the stone fireplace and the natural beauty of finely crafted furniture as opposed to, say, multiple crystal chandeliers and gilt-covered everything. 


Back deck overlooking woods
Secret service spot










One of our guides explained that the architect for the Little White House did have a more luxurious design in mind, but FDR insisted on a residence that reflected more of its environs. 

It was at the Little White House where Roosevelt put together many of the Depression-area programs that were part of the New Deal. Inspired by the community of Warm Springs, he continued to push for improvements for those not born of privilege.  In fact, when first arriving in Warm Springs, he was shocked to learn that residents in this area paid four times the amount for electricity that he paid in his home in New York. 


FDR's bedroom, no plush furnishings
Bathroom between bedrooms.










While there is much to celebrate that occurred at Warm Springs, it was also where tragedy struck.  On April 12, 1945, FDR died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the Little White House, not long after returning from Yalta.  Sadly, after all his dedication and commitment to peace, he did not live to see the official end of WW II. 


The "unfinished portrait" on display.
Photos capture FDR.









.



Just before his death, Roosevelt was having his presidential portrait painted. The "unfinished portrait" is on display in the Legacy room, part of the museum. Next to the portrait that most of us would recognize immediately from history books and other FDR references, there are photos of what he truly looked like at the time. At only 62, he looks much older and more frail. As our guide noted, the artist's portrayal of the thirty second president was truly a gift to FDR and his family.

Visiting the Little White House was an amazing and incredibly interesting experience. After our afternoon immersion in Warm Springs, we concluded that even if this historic venue had taken us off our direct route home for a few hours, it was worth every minute. A piece of history, so grand in ways we don't typically define as such, it makes one appreciate even more what today's holiday is honoring.


Little White House with Eleanor tea and mug, purchased at the gift shop


As I drink my Orange Pekoe, I raise my Eleanor Roosevelt tea mug to many of our President's (and First Lady's) who take on the task of running the country. 


Hyde Park with Rachel, 2015. More presidential sites to visit in the future!


I also am once again inspired to get back to more visits of Presidential homes and libraries. To date, I've only visited seven sites, for six presidents:  Mount Vernon, the Hermitage, the Gerald Ford Museum, the McKinnley Museum and tomb, Taft's home and for Franklin Roosevelt both the FDR home and library in Hyde Park and, most recently, the Little White House. 

I'm thinking we'll "off-road" a bit more in the future.