So we are about to update! celebration brightened up a rainy Sunday afternoon for the Oregon/SW Washington Region members. The Heritage Room on Marylhurst University campus was beautifully decorated with teapots and holiday greens, thanks to Frank McClanahan and Mary Margaret Benson. New supporting guests from Lebanon Oregon wore superb Regency costumes. The Portland Rose Garland Dancers lifted our spirits with their graceful and intricate weaving of garlands for English Country dances. The black and white photo does not do justice to the beautiful rose and green colours of the dancers. After a sumptuous lunch with wine and tea and a birthday toast to Jane, Paula Stepankowsky, President of the Fanny Burney Society entertained us with a lively overview of the author’s life and Jane’s legacy from her. One Janeite said afterwards “ I could have listened to Paula for hours!” Paula also generously allowed us to see some of her First Editions of Burney’s works. We look forward to seeing more editions at the AGM in 2010 in Portland where we plan to have Paula’s collection on display. Many thanks to Frank for organizing such a pleasant afternoon…how Jane would have loved it!

On the 20th. May nearly 40 people gathered at the beautiful home of the Metzlers and enjoyed the delights of the wooden balconies around the main area, the totem pole carving in the kitchen and spectacular views from the deck. The Guest Speaker, Sheryl Craig presented us all with fascinating details of the food in Jane Austen's time, and dispelled a few myths about Regency food and dinner parties that the movies keep perpetuating! The food catered by Maggie's Buns of Forest Grove accompanying the presentation matched it in tastiness, and the sparkling wine and Pinot Gris provided by Cornell Wine Company added to the pleasure. Frank and Deb kept pace with the tea, and judging from the lively conversations heard around the lovely house, everyone enjoyed the trip into the country immensely.