Party pals

The Empresses had warm weather for their first Wednesday women's doubles session of December. What a pleasure it was to not have to worry about earmuffs, gloves, tissues, and all the other usual accoutrements of winter play. Empress Kathy, tennis fashionista, was able to cavort in a stunning ensemble of sport tank and skirt in blue tones. We realized why a few of us had migrated from chillier regions. And one of us, Empress Lora, realized why she would like to migrate to a warmer region where temperatures would be in the 70s all the time. Of course we all discourage that thought, but no doubt visions of plumeria are still dancing in her head from her and her Consort's recent trip to Hawaii.

Unfortunately, the cool front moving in resulted in windy conditions, so some of our points were rather comical, with the ball carrying or stopping unpredictably, avoiding contact with an Empress racquet.  Nonetheless, with nine players in the rotation, we had lots of interesting games. We did miss Empress Pat and Empress Evelyn, though!

I should have realized that word of my birthday the previous day, and hence of my advancing age, had gotten around when, as my partner, Empress Lora kept offering to pick up the stray balls on our side of the court.  I think it had sunk in how really ancient I was becoming, and she feared for my health and safety--to say nothing of our chance at Victory!--if I were to bend over or stoop.  I had mentioned to Sue that my 57th birthday was upon me, in this context:  she asked if I'd decorated for the holidays yet, so I had to share my personal rule:  in our household, the Christmas Season doesn't officially begin until the Birthday Season is over at midnight on December 6th.

Little did I know that The Empresses of the Emerald Empire Holiday Potluck Luncheon on the 7th would serve to extend the birthday celebration.

How Empress Brenda managed to whack the ball for an hour and a half and then serenely, and sweat free, welcome us into her beautifully appointed home is beyond me.  Plus, she had been traveling abroad for weeks not so long ago! And still, so organized. She and Empress Lora were able to entertain us with tales of their travels.

What a feast we provided for ourselves.  Has any Empress been able to eat anything since then?

Who could resist Empress Kathy's Mexican dip?  You can tell we're trying to.

Empresses Gail, Ruth, Sue, Brenda, and Nancy are ready to dig in.

Empress Ruth's simple yet succulent cucumber canapes were such a hit that the recipe was requested multiple times.  In fact, Empress Judy volunteered to be a point person for distributing copies of the in-demand recipes for all of the dishes the Empresses provided to supplement the Enticing Enchiladas d'Empress baked by the host.

The table was lovely, set with Spode Christmas Tree china and red-and-green patterned napkins (that weren't "all matchy-matchy," as they say in House Beautiful) for a festive yet casual note.  

The sole indication of Empress Brenda's exertions as both athlete and hostess is that here, she seems to be ready to nap on Empress Ruth's shoulder. Afternoon sangria'll do that to ya.  No matter:  we were all revived by tea served in a genuine English teapot commemorating the recent royal wedding.

Empress Gail contributed my birthday cake--complete with trick candles! (Empress Lora probably assumed I was still winded from tennis when they didn't go out.) With all that  fruit, we thought we could indulge somewhat healthfully in dessert--until we learned that it also contains a stick and a half of butter, Southern style.  No wonder it's so good. 

Did Empress Gail make a so-called dump cake since she thought I'd be down in the dumps over another birthday? Far from it, with the fun of this occasion.

What a talented, attractive bunch of Empresses: Lora, Jeanne, Judy, Kathy, Sue, Nancy, Ruth, Brenda, and Gail.
(And, they can party.)

The group portrait and the other pictures are courtesy of Empress Judy, who is nimble enough to take the group picture and be in it, as well!

Thanks to all of the Empresses, and happy holidays!