Tis the Season for High Tea



Dressing up is part of the fun of a high tea.

The first time I even heard of "High Tea" was in a novel, the description of which satisfied my curiosity. The first time I ever saw one in action was at the Brown Palace in Denver where I attended the  Colorado Press Asociation Conference for several years. I watched from a third floor balcony as a musician seranaded the  groups gathered around beautifully decorated and set tables. Many of the tables were surrounded by women wearing chic outfits while a few others hosted travelors in more casual wear.
High Tea at the Brown Palace takes place every afternoon between 2 and 4 p.m. It is a chance for mothers and daughters to share this ceremony as they experience the sublities of such an occasion.
Such a tea sort of matches the original beginnings of this ceremony. Legend has it that some rather important lady felt weak after a morning of activity and would have her servant bring her crumpets and tea. Taking her time to relax and renew, she found that this activity renewed her energy. The idea spread far and wide. Whether or not it is tea and crumpets, most of us know that a break in the daily routine does energize a person.
Then, again, taking time for something like a tea, enables one to share time with a friend with relaxing conversation and food.
When invited to attend the High Tea held at the Enterprise Hall on 19 Road, Fruita, I was skeptical.
After attending, I left with renewed interest after meeting individuals I had not seen for awhile, as well as having some interesting conversations and making more connections about art.
If you have the opportunity to take part in this activity, don't pass it up.

A white elephant
gift exchange added
 to the fun.



Sherry Tice worked her wonders
 on the tea, crumpets and
all that go with a High Tea.











 

Merry Christmas to all is
the reason for smiles 'a mile.











Waiting to begin the ritual leaves much time to visit.

Special creme with strawberry
preserves is a treat

The youngsters were able to
take in the flavor tf the occasion as well

"Now, is everything set for this special tea?" was the question
of the afternoon.

Fall Festival photos

Fern was the 2010 Fall festival Parade Grand Marshall.

The Grand Marshall and family rode in style.

Everyone loves the clowns

Here is the grand Marshall 

Let's hope Kanola gets elected.

And it's a Minneapolis Moline

These horses are always geogrous

Fruita's gym spin their way down the street

The doves were released in honor of Paul, a very special person to be
remembered forever.

What's a parade without dancers and cheerleaders

Army veteran intends to walk 7000 miles to earn money for Iraq veterans in need of medical help

  

Walking across America for veterans of Iraq and their famlies, Troy Yocum is hoping to raise money to help these families in need.
Russell Skalla and Ritchie Castro of Fruita, stopped to talk with Yocum. They were impressed by his dedication to these veterans, many of whom have a difficult time to find appropriate help.
Skalla and Castro submitted the photos shown here along with their impressions of the event.
Mayor Ken Henry signed the Louisville Slugger bat Yocum carries with him. The RV serves as the back up and safety issue for Yocum and his wife as they walk the miles.
The Fruita members of the American Legion were happy to welcome this brave veteran.
According to the web site, www.troy@followtroy.com, Yocum is looking for people to meet him and help him get mayors and governors of places he passes through to sign his bat. He hopes to get a National Day for Deployed Soldiers and get highways named after fallen heroes.
He is hoping people will spread his story to get help for Iraq war veterans. Hopefully groups like Boy Scouts, police, fire and others will come out.
Readers can follow more of his travels by following this site.
http://drumhike.com/EVENT_SCHEDULE_.html

Santa comes to Dinosaur Journey, Dec. 12, 2009

Snow was trying to fall on already white streets and parking lots, just right for the arrival of Santa at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita.
Peggy Malone, with her usual high energy and wonderful voice, occupied the young believers with carols, dance and activity. Parents and Dino members enjoyed the rally for the arrival of Santa as well. After a great breakfast, thanks to McDonalds, energy was high. Mrs. Santa was dressed in a red velvet garment, with her apron, gold rimmed glasses. She was just as happy to see her spouse, Santa, arrive as was the rest of the waiting crowd.
The event has become an annual happening. See you there next year!
Happy Christmas and wonderful holidays to all.

Candids from the Fair

Enjoy the following photographs which were taken at random at the Fair.  Subjects range from the mid-way, dancers, prizes, livestock and people. Enjoy.

Of course, you do not go to a Fair for healthy food. From funnel cakes, to every other calorie ridden treat, a fair is a time to get that soul food.

There are shows to watch, demonstrations to take in,  prizes to check out and just plainly enjoy everything. See you there next year.

Mesa County Fair, 2009 Bucket Calves and more

Mesa County Fair proved to be another great event. The fair is truly a family affair, especially as evidenced when one walked into the livestock area, the 4-H displays in everything from sewing, cake decorating, leather work and more. Parents were there, showing support for their offspring, who were learning so many lessons through their hard work and dedication.
The livestock, rabbits, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs and of course, the show steers, all entailed much care and training. Record keeping did much to prepare the contestants for later in life, when records and savey about good work ethic and tenacity will mean the difference in their adult lives.

With many events taking place each day of the Fair, perhaps one of the most poignant events was the showing of the bucket calves by the Clover Buds, the younger guys and gals who are getting ready to become 4-H members. These youngsters learn to feed and care for their 4 to 5 month-old calf, learning to lead it and answer questions given by the judge. Showmanship, communication, responsibility learned through this activity help create 4-Hers and leaders for the future.

Each first year participant was awarded a bucket which held treats and a beautiful championship ribbon.

The audience was thrilled as the  youngsters answered questions such as what breed is your calf. Several responses included, "black, and black and white."

As for the answer to "What did you name your calf?", the funniest response was "Coyote Bait."

Elsewhere in the barns, 4-H members were busy taking care of beautifully groomed pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, rabbits and chickens. Teens, their families and siblings were also present, giving support in all the preparations for showings, truly a family affair.

Elsewhere on the fair grounds, the usual carnival atmosphere reigned. The fairgrounds witnessed shows, a favorite which seemed to be the demolition derby. Daphne Blanchard and her dance crew were featured at the gazebo.  Paul Harshman and the Flat Top Reed played that same evening along with Exit 42.  The gazebo featured free entertainment for the duration of the fair.

Open class displays featured every type of work done in the home, from canning, gardening, flower arrangements, to crafts, quilts and more. Although the art and photograph show was somewhat hard to find due to being located in the jockey building, many enjoyed that show as well.

Final results will be published sometime this week after the fair board and committees have time to tabulate all.

There is to downside to the fair, that being caused by the economic status of the County. Not long ago, a move to let a private businessman take over the entire venue by moving the entire enterprize elsewhere, build new structures and such was in the news. Knowing that this would simply put the fees and charges out of range for most people who love showing their animals, their handiwork and seeing shows at the fair, it didn't fly. This privatizing of county fair grounds had occurred in several other states and caused the death of groups like 4-H and livestock associations who could not afford the prices to use the new facilities. The people in those counties lost out.

With the extreme heat of the past years, the complaints have risen again. Having walked in the mists meant to cool the animals, having experienced a little mud, was not new. All this goes with the show. It was no one's fault that the wind chose to tear into the shade providing tarp. It simply placed highlighted another problem to be solved. Every day one gets out of bed presents another problem to be solved one way or another.

Let's hope Commissioner Aquafresca, in his quiet manner, can muster a solution. There still remains land around the fairgrounds that can be utilized. There are organizations that would come to the front and help improve what is needed. In spite of the fact that commercial eyes covet the County's fair grounds, and that some politicians feel they would benefit in some manner from giving away the grounds, we need to keep Uranium Downs, help 4-H to grow, foster the spirit that has prevailed in years past and find solutions that keep the Fair Grounds for our people.