We visit Lana’s The Little House for an afternoon tea

Well, Gary and I were getting ready to go to Lana’s Little House when it finally dawned on me that this was a two and a half hour experience! With the fifty minute trip, each way there and back (rounded out to two hours for good measure) that was four and a half hours! I’ve been excited about going ever since our employees gave us a gift certificate last Christmas but now, suddenly, I was starting to have my doubts. I have things to do. I’m a busy person!

Now, Gary was coming down the stairs dressed and ready. “How long will this take?” he was wanting to know. He looked somewhat dismayed at my answer. “And what will we be doing again?”

So, I explained that we had reservations for an Afternoon Tea, “I guess we’ll drink tea and eat pastries.” I said. “I hear the place is very cute.”

We were relaxed and chatty all the way to Forestville. I hate to say it but we haven’t spent a lot of time alone just talking this summer. We’ve spent a lot of time working together on one of our many projects or sharing an activity such as reading, computers or listening to our iPods but we haven’t slowed down enough to just listen to each other.

Lana had emailed very good directions to her house so we had no problem finding her driveway. We pulled off the scenic road into her drive and The Little House came into view through a screen of trees. I think we both gasped at the sight of the most charming Storybook Cottage. “Wow, I said she must have freaked the first time she saw this house!”

Lana hurried out to greet us and our wonderful experience began. We relaxed in her garden as if we had all the time in the world and we talked about the history of the cottage and about how Lana had started her business. She told us that people were in too much of a hurry these days and that she felt there was a place in the world for a business like hers that encouraged people to slow down, relax, and enjoy themselves. She must have told about the house many times but she obviously still enjoys sharing the story and the house with visitors. We took a tour of the whole house inside and out. Gary was fascinated by the construction and I was enchanted by the fanciful decor.

Lana started up some classical music on the piano and sent us out to amuse ourselves while she prepared the tea. We wandered in the cottage garden around the house and over to the heart shaped pond followed by Lana’s lovable calico cat.

Soon, Lana was ringing a bell to call us in. A table was set with tea cups and the most wonderful sandwiches, scones and butter tarts! Gary and I lingered over our treats to make them last as long as possible. As we were finishing up I finally noticed the time. We had been there for two and a quarter hours already!

We signed the guest book, purchased some items from the gift shop, made a wish with a quarter at the gate and had our picture taken. Lana waved until we were out of sight.

As we enjoyed the trip home Gary said, “We needed that!”