Happy Anniversary

Before any Titanic aficionado attacks me on the date, I stand by the fact that the grand lady of the seas hit the burg on the 14th, but sank on the 15th.

As long as I can remember I have always been fascinated with Titanic. I have built numerous models (one with my own bulk heads and a tiny slit along the side – painstakingly sliced with a razor – and it sinks bow first), own dozens of books (which I quickly realized all say the same thing – Titanic sank) and collected vintage postcards off of eBay.

CJ has long thought I must have been on board Titanic when she went down and that I am a passenger reincarnated. While I wouldn’t go quite that far I do find it interesting that most people have a fascination with a certain period in history. My brother for example soaks his brain with every bit of info he can find on D-Day and the end of WWII. Ancient Egypt holds a special place for some while others can’t get enough of 17th century England. Certain people love science fiction, the idea of space travel and the cosmos (not the cocktail) and then there are those who would love to be strapped into a corset and sent back to the old south to act like Scarlet O’Hara (my hand is in the air for that one too). Of course, no one thinks they were a slave, the ‘average’ citizen or a steerage class passenger. Except for Shirley McLaine who, among other things, claims to have been a sphinx and a peg-legged pirate.

My addiction has led to the discovery that there were two Mitchell’s on board that fateful night. Henry Michael Mitchell, a second class passenger on his way to visit his sister, and Lawrence (my father’s middle name - hmmmmmmmm) Mitchell, a trimmer. They both perished that cold April’s night 94 years ago. It seems that my name sakes suffered as I do so close to luxury without the budget. Although today a little piece of luxury entered my life. As a treat for finishing my exams (let’s hope I pass!) I ordered myself the most, well, luxurious leather chair and it has arrived. My ass has never been so well supported.

Indulgence was the name of the game today. Having given up tea for lent, I thought it only fitting to give myself (and my new chair – name T.B.D.) a proper afternoon tea to celebrate. So it was toasted pork loin sandwiches with apple butter, a selection of fruits, chocolate (of course) and tea biscuits with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Don’t worry I roller bladed for an hour this morning.

The tea was so good I thought I would also have a happy hour and cracked open a bottle of champagne – White Star naturally. Still looking for nice, not tacky, champagne saucers if anyone has any suggestions of where I can look. I am just finishing it now before heading off to Little Lord Fauntleroy’s for what promises to be a spectacular Easter dinner. He and KitKat have been slaving away all day and everything looks and smells fantastic. I had to drop off flowers and chairs; I can’t smell the food from here. He’s close, but not that close.