A BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER...

 It's my birthday and I'm on top of the world (well, at least on top of my hometown of Santa Fe) with the joy of being alive..........

 As Baby Binks and I head out at 6:30 a.m. to mass..........

 In looking through old photos a few years ago, I realized that by sheer chance I seemed to wear this particular dress every year for my birthday, and ever since that realization I now PURPOSELY don this outfit every June 26th.  This is how I accessorized it for church, but...........

 For later plans, I really need to dress it up a bit.  What do you think?....long black gloves? because..........

 Today we are celebrating by enjoying High Tea at the St. James Tearoom in Albuquerque......

 After collecting Gwen in Albuq., we arrive at the lovely courtyard of the Tearoom.....

 Here is the cast of characters:  Alice, the Dowager Empress--arbitrator of all taste and fashion........

 That sassy spark plug, little Sisi who adds life and class to any party.....

 The beguiling ingenue, Bianca--the epitome of innocence and charm..................

 The City Slicker, Terrie who brings sophistication to the group..........

The Mad Hatter, Gwen, who is full of fun and surprises..........

 And finally, the birthday girl herself--well known for having the shinest guns and biggest hats in the West................

So our eclectic band gathers up........

 Gwen pets a porcelain dog, and we enter the Tearoom........

 Inside, we check out some of the other adorable alcoves for smaller parties.....

 Each appointed with period furniture and accessories......

 Once ensconced in our own little nook, Sisi reads some of the remembrances written by previous patrons.........

But wait!  Something is missing............

Why of course!........It's the TEA!--This is the first of four varieties we will enjoy.......

Miss Manners would approve--all the little pinkies are appropriately extended by the girls on the right side of the table.........

Or whatever finger one can manage on the ice tea.............

A toast from the Rive Gauche side of the table..................

Where we are soon joined by Terrie who has taken a long lunch from her job to join us....CHEERIO!...

Gwen says that she feels like we have taken a trip to merry olde England!

The Arbitrator of Good Taste is not amused--"We need FOOD!" she pronounces............

 And like magic--it is produced!!  These tea trays are filled with three types of food:  breads and scones; the savories--like tea sandwiches etc.; and the sweets and desserts.  At first glance it doesn't seem like that much food, but it was plenty for our little group.......

 "That's more like it!"

 And the peanut gallery goes wild.............

 If you look at those paper curls on the table, they are Happy Birthday greetings for three of us who are celebrating birthdays today or soon--Gwen's birthday is July 18th...............

 Mine is today, and Terrie's is July 6th.  We were each feted with charming gifts of special teas.......

 I don't suspect that you have ever seen ANYONE trying any harder than this to get a suitable Birthday portrait........

 Gwen achieves her pitch perfect portrait quite naturally.  Now that we're finished with out meal, it's time to explore the tearoom......

 Like the beautiful Ladies Room where we attempt yet another "Aunt Bell With the Hat" shot.......

 Even the bathrooms have beautiful tapestries............

 Gwen relaxes in our own charming little nook..........

 Trying to relax on a "fainting couch"......

 And Baby Binks lingers just a little bit longer...........

 But, eventually, it's time to say our goodbyes...........

 Mother's eyes are open in this one.......

 And with a quick hug from Bianca under a Honeysuckle arbor..............

 And a quick grin from Gwendolyn.....

It's farewell to the St. James Tearoom.....AND A POSH TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!