Kratzke: Outgrabe II

On 10/6, Rebecca and I threw our second annual Outgrabe tea party performance!
Brianna and Filip flew into Austin that afternoon, rented a car, and drove straight to pick up the Mallards to bring them to the party. It was so special to have all four of them in attendance. My parents also brought Cụ, who had a wonderful time, and to my surprise, seemed proud of me! I owe that particular memory to Rebecca - it was her idea to bring Cụ.

Rebecca and I planned this year's party around what we thought the Mallards would enjoy, so the biggest change was the inclusion of composition notes, which meant that the tea party became a lecture recital of sorts. In lieu of a video component, Rebecca's friend Sam Johnson narrated the story in a great big armchair by the fireplace. His script was largely based on summaries written by George, and behind him ran a slideshow of the Tenniel illustrations. I also composed a new song for the party, "A Boat Beneath A Sunny Sky," which included a part for Chris on glockenspiel.

I couldn't believe how much more engaged the audience was this year; their enthusiasm definitely makes me want to keep composing, and I've picked out a Victorian wool top hat to buy for myself whenever I complete the set. Never you mind the cost.

Tea Time Bites & Beverages

Crocodile Punch: Raspberry Lemonade, Rainbow Sherbet, Frozen Strawberries

The Hatter's Flask: Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka

Sandy Ciders: Austin Eastciders

Wooly Wines: Various Wines

Treacle & Ink: House Blend of Black & Earl Grey Teas, Decaf

Alice's Tears: 1877 Sparkling Mineral Water

The Duchess' Thumbprints: Filled with Strawberry Jam & Pink Peppercorns

Mary Ann's Victorians: EAT ME Sugar Cookies filled with Strawberry Buttercream

Dinah's Delight: Chicken Salad & Crackers

Dormie's Dream: Marmalade Brie Bake, Boursin, & Crackers

Humpty Dumpties: Mini Quiches