Historical Society hosts Ladies’ Tea

On May 7, the Douglas County Historical Society invites “all ladies of distinction” to partake in Sunday Tea at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, 1477 Main St., in Gardnerville.

The event will be an elegant and whimsical celebration enhanced by period charm. Guests are encouraged to dress in Victorian or Edwardian attire, and all manner of hats are welcomed.

Attendees are asked to bring their own teacup, saucer, and teapot, and doors open at noon to provide time for arranging the tea service. The event is being catered by Bella Vita Bistro, and the “Men of the Museum” will serve tea at 1 p.m. Adding to the festivities is a “Presentation of Prestigious Awards of Recognition,” awarding certificates to guests in categories that include most outlandish hat, fanciest table, and best costume.

Tickets are available at the museum and are $40 general admission or $35 for DCHS members. Call 775-782-2555 or visit historicnv.org for more information about this and other upcoming DCHS events, including Young Chautauqua performances, a Heritage Lecture about the Bonanza television series presented by David Woodruff on May 11, and Art and Wine on the Green May 20-21.

The nonprofit 501(c)3 DCHS aims “to enrich lives by preserving and collecting local history and making it accessible to our communities and visitors.” The organization operates the CVMCC and the Genoa Courthouse Museum, which opens Friday for the season. GCM is located at 2304 Main St. in Genoa.

Snow makes for a scenic drive

Last week was spring break for schools in Douglas County, and my family and I took advantage of the time off to visit relatives and go to a motocross race in Southern California. We have traveled down the 395 corridor many times before, but I can’t say it’s ever been as breathtakingly beautiful as it was this trip.

There’s still a remarkable amount of snow lining the sides of the highway and covering the towering mountains that spanned the length of the route. As the front seat passenger on a portion of our travels south, I had a premium place from which to observe the magnificent scenery as it unfolded during the drive.

At one point near Mammoth Lakes, I glanced up from my book and through the windshield at the road stretched out before us. In the distance and framed by a formation of evergreen trees, a glorious swath of snow-laden mountains stood in brilliant juxtaposition against the blue springtime sky. The scene was so striking it almost didn’t seem real, and that particular moment felt more like being in a painting as opposed to simply observing one.

There’s beauty all around us and I’m grateful for these reminders that no matter where I happen to find myself, it pays to look up every once in a while.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.