Mitchdesj, it is gorgeous. I remember going there for Mother's Day brunch on two occasions as a teenager. The bride recently gave up her own business where she cooked meals for families. Don't know why she quit, but I know she is into fine food. I got chastised by some friends at the wedding when I told them I needed some fashion consultation. They say I need to get out more! Woodie2, my brother and his wife live in Port Murray, NJ and as a hobby they cook gourmet meals together. On one visit here, they cooked a whole chicke inside a loaf of bread! Out of six of us, I only have one sister that doesn't cook or bake. I even too gourmet cooking in high school and my girlfriend and I have a dream of opening in Italian bakery someday. Dragonfly, I have some confessions -- first, as of this month, I no longer teach fitness classes. I am so busy with getting this addition built that I just did not have time to adequately prepare for each class. I also have terrible plantar faschitis and I just wanted a break until after the holidays. Second, I do have a fully functioning kitchen. I am just too tired to plan meals. Thankfully, my family is very understanding. Drywall goes up this week, so we are close to completion. I will check out the cooking forum for some quick and easy meals.

I also always wore Hanes Barely Black years ago & is what I ended up wearing on Fri for the photos. It looked perfect. Thanks. Michie

Okay well that is not MY dress, just a similar color and lace. I do appreciate all the suggestions. I'll be shopping early next week and will probably come home with 5 pairs of stockings to try. I'd like to stick with the shoes I have because I know they fit and are reasonably comfortable, and prefer to keep my (chubby) lower half simple while I wow 'em with my snazzy jewelry and two coats of mascara LOL. I do have a pale pink cashmere cropped sweater that's under consideration, and I also have a few wraps -- black velvet, pale pink, purple. Might look for a new one while I'm shopping, though. The dress is sleeveless and my upper arms aren't really display-worthy. Thanks, all! I'll try to remember to report back on what I wore.

I agree with the 'do what makes you feel good'. That being said-I guess I'm from the 'old school' where when you dressed up-either slacks or a skirt/dress...you always wore stockings/pantyhose, etc. Well..y'all should see these gals here in FL..when out clubbing..not one woman is wearing hose of any kind! Now-if I was under 30 & had no old veins showing-I'd go hoseless as well, but at my age-when I dress up? I want to cover the years of spider veins, etc (that I've accrued over the years) in order to look nicer in dresses, etc. Hard to teach an old dog.......