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Terry's tales from Willowbrook Manor
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Writing from the Red Rock Country ~ 
Greetings from Kanab, Utah!
My parents used to live just four miles from Willowbrook, but they decided to find a sunnier location for their retirement years so they moved to Kanab, Utah. It makes for a fun little vacation to visit them! The red-rock desert has its own form of majestic beauty though it stands in stark contrast to our world of ever-green. The picture above is from our trip to 'Hidden Lake,' where a spring forms a pool in the cave-like hollow of the rock. You can feel the temperature drop as you walk into it.
My dad loves to roam the countless miles of trails that surround Kanab. 'Griselda' is the name given to the 4-seater 4x4 that my folks load up with picnic lunch and Penny, their Australian shepherd and head out to enchanting places with descriptive names like Peek-a boo, White Pocket and Inchworm. I am learning not to worry about my elderly parents tootling around in the wilds of the Utah desert. They love it! My father, philosopher that he is, finds lessons in the sandstone and speaks of its formation and erosion and the beauty of it all. I appreciate the history lesson he gives to kids and grandkids when visiting the dinosaur tracks where huge dinosaur footprints are preserved in sandstone. There are Indian paintings on the cliff beneath. My oldest son says the best 'church' he ever had was there with his grandpa.
My mom is the 'behind the scenes' wonder who take fabulous care of my dad. She makes the best food ever, always accompanied with Pepsi and fresh-squeezed lime. Many of you know Liz Adair, and what a great writer she is. Her latest 'Spider Latham' murder mysteries are set here in Kanab. My mom taught me to always see the good in people. Always. She has a way of finding the positive even in the toughest circumstances and that comes through in her writing. She also is really good at weaving the personalities of the people she knows into the characters of her books. (I have seen my own idiosyncrasies appear in print a few times). You can find more about the captivating way she writes on the link below.
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Sun Cottage In Kanab ~
Staying with my folks is always a treat! They rent out the spacious and comfortable studio apartment behind their house to vacationers coming to see the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Lake Powell. Kanab is at the crossroads of these three amazing travel destinations and Mom and Dad get to host overnight guests from all around the world.
 
My mom bakes the best home-made bread! (where do you think I learned how to do it?) It is one of the perks of staying at Sun Cottage. Guests who stay here comment on the 5-star hospitality, great accommodations, and the yummy bread. If your travels take you to Southern Utah, look up my folks!
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An Intimate Dinner and Concert Experience at Willowbrook ~
I am so excited for November's Dinner Concert featuring classical guitarist Richard Rorex! He has been playing professionally for decades, and what I think is SO cool is that he opened for the Impressions and the Kingston Trio! I listened to them on vinyl growing up. This dinner concert event on November 16th is limited to 24 guests so make your reservations now. For a sneak listen to the beautiful music Rich Rorex creates click here.
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Thank you for coming to Harvest Tea!
I so enjoyed all of you who came for Harvest Tea! I especially loved the multi-generation family and friend groups who sat at tables in my home to enjoy tea time together. I relished grandmothers with adorable granddaughters, granddaughters with grandfathers, teachers and teacher's aids from my kids' schools coming with parents and friends, birthday girls, date-time for couples, moms and daughters and just simple 'girl-time'. One of this summer's 'glampers' came back in a lovely tea dress with her best friend. Frieda and Laura, who have attended every Tea Willowbrook has had since opening, brought a friend, and even my college roommate came with her lovely daughter! I look back at the pictures of all of you and it warms my heart. Thank you for coming to tea!
Zita said I could use the picture of her and friends at Harvest Tea. Such lovely people spending a lovely time together. Thank you ladies for letting me share the ambiance of the day with my readers.
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Holiday Events at Willowbrook~
I know we haven't even had Halloween yet, and here I am talking about the Holidays! It is a busy time of year and has a habit of sneaking up on us, so make your reservations early. You wont want to miss the holiday magic at Willowbrook!
Holiday Tea runs the first two Fridays and Saturdays in December.
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Mom and Me and Gingerbread Tea~
I wanted to create a tea event where parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles could bring kids to Willowbrook and enjoy creating something together. Mom and Me and Gingerbread Tea is a new Holiday tradition tailor-made for your family and debuts December 3rd and10th. At an elegant table you will roll out cookie dough and cut your own gingerbread cookies. While they bake, a gingerbread man comes to life as you frost and decorate him. The best part is eating gingerbread together with a pot of Christmas Tea! The festive ambiance of the Manor and lighted gardens create a magical experience that all will enjoy.
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