The Valley Line

As you read this column I am exploring the Connemara region of County Galway in Ireland. It is spring and the wildflowers are in bloom and the newborn lambs are snowy white as they jump straight up into the air like their legs are spring-loaded.

I will have much to tell you about when I return, but for now I’m so enjoying this special getaway.

Last Friday eve was the gala preview opening of the 2008 Pasadena Showcase House of Design, which is right here in La Cañada Flintridge. The Showcase is presented by The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA).

Delise Menik, a longtime LCF resident, is benefit chair this year and she has led her volunteer staff of amazing interior and exterior designers to new heights of design.

Delise, along with Gretchen McNally, president of PSHA, greeted guests at the front door of this magnificent Spanish Revival mansion, which was built in 1922.

It was a magical evening as arriving guests, dressed in formal wear, sipped champagne as the sky became dusky and a brilliant moon rose above the mountain tops.

I heard many ohhs and ahhs as guests talked with the designers about the exciting changes they had made in just a few short weeks — truly a breathtaking fete.

After exploring every beautiful nook in the house and gardens, guests then reassembled at Oakmont Country Club for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on the patio overlooking the golf course.

The dining room of the club was like a garden in full bloom, with the tables centered with a main floral arrangement surrounded by satellite nosegays of spring flowers in beautiful colored vases.

A gourmet four-course dinner was served and later on in the evening guests danced to the tunes of the band, “Film at Eleven.”

This magnificent mansion is open to the public through May 18. Don’t miss it! Take a look at the special pull-out section dedicated to Showcase in this week’s paper, where we give you all the pertinent information for a visit to Showcase.