The Dormouse was invited to a "formal tea party" at a friend's house a couple of weeks ago. They were to wear their very best dress and come learn what how a well-mannered young lady should act when invited to a formal event such as this auspicious occasion. There were hor d'oeuvres, a four course meal, formal place settings, dancing, crafts, a make-up center and a course of how to use your manners at the table for each girl. It was quite the event. I was talking to the girl's mother afterward and I mentioned what a cute idea this all was for a birthday party, when the mom said, "Oh this isn't her birthday. Her birthday isn't for another three weeks. I guess we'll have to do this all over again when that happens."

Some people are just better than I will ever be.