Friendship Tea

Storing Teacups

2012-01-27T09:25:00.001-05:00

Denise, a tea friend living in England, recently showed a photo of storing teacups and saucers. The first time I saw this method was on my first trip to England in 1995.The funny thing is I can tell you exactly where I was when I saw this method, but couldn't remember exactly how it was done. Since then, I've been laying teacups on their side sort of snuggled together, but just didn't get it

Proud Mom of a Stockpiling Mom

2012-01-24T22:28:00.000-05:00

I am so proud of Daughter #1, Melissa, (left in the photo) and her business partner Shelley (on the right). We visited Melissa and family on Saturday when the above article appeared on the front page of the NKY Life section of the Kentucky Enquirer newspaper. On Monday, the Stockpiling Moms were on the Cincinnati Fox Network morning show being interviewed about a series of couponing classes

Indiana Glass Sandwich Pattern Bowl

2012-01-23T06:48:00.002-05:00

This is the second part of my Christmas gift from Mary. It is a Clear Sandwich Pattern bowl by Indiana Glass. It is the largest piece in my collection. Mary was so excited that she called me when she found this in an antique shop in Florida.She described it as a "fruit bowl". I was so excited when she gave it to me! It is 9.5 inches across the top and 4.5 across the bottom.It looks like some

Vintage Royal Crown Derby Cream and Sugar

2012-01-20T20:44:00.000-05:00

Mary brought my belated Christmas gift yesterday,a beautiful vintage Royal Crown Derby English Milk Jug (cream pitcher) and sugar bowl. Most followers of this blog know that I love spring floral designs. When Mary was shopping in the antique shops and thrift stores in Florida, she knew this set was for me! Thanks, Mary!! I will show the other part of the gift in the next post. Hint: it is

Cake Bites At Afternoon Tea?

2012-01-19T08:37:00.002-05:00

Our daughter, Melissa, gave me this fun recipe book for Christmas. 101 Gourmet Cake Bites is written by her blogging friend, Wendy Paul at www.wendypaulcreations.com Cake bites, cake balls and cake pops are very popular right now. In my opinion, there are several recipes for cake bites or balls in this book which could be served at afternoon tea. Key Lime Pie, Maple Buttercream, Mint Brownie,

A Fun Family Weekend

2012-01-16T13:26:00.000-05:00

Friday evening: We attended the Harlem Globetrotters game in Lexington.What fun family entertainment! And, a little of our own comedy in the photo below! Gotta love this boy! Koto's in Richmond for an early Hibachi supper. Sunday after church Brunch at Boone Tavern Hotel. An afternoon of shopping for KJ and AJ who seem to be out-growing their clothes! A late night of video games and watching

Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-14T19:29:00.003-05:00

<><> Congratulaions to Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage! You are the winner of the book, "The Twelve Teas of Friendship" by Emilie Barnes. I sent an email to your personal email requesting your mailing address. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Giveaway — The Twelve Teas of Friendship (book)

2012-01-09T13:53:00.000-05:00

Through the years, I have received several tea books as gifts. Therefore, I have several duplicate books in my collection, I often give the duplicates to my daughter or tea friends, but I have decided to give away several on my Blog. My first tea book giveaway book of 2012 is The Twelve Teas of Friendship, a delightful book is by Emilie Barnes with beautiful artwork by Susan Rios. The

Happy Birthday to a Special Grandson

2012-01-07T13:51:00.000-05:00

These photos were taken during our Christmas celebration with the #1 daughter's family in N. KY.We enjoyed dinners out, the Cincinnati Ballet New Nutcracker, visiting the Creation Museum and more! PJ loved his laptop and games from Grandma, Grandpa, and AJ. Happy 7th Birthday PJ.We are thankful you joined our family.

Tea Themed Christmas Gifts

2012-01-05T17:42:00.000-05:00

I'm a little late posting "tea gifts" I received for Christmas. I received a camera from hubby, GJ. The computer download doesn't want to cooperate. I am enjoying the music box teapot (Cracker Barrel) from a friend, the nice selection of green tea to try from Daughter #2, and the Perfect Afternoon Tea Book from GJ. All the Christmas decorations have been put away, and the teapots,

An Afternoon Tea Break

2012-01-04T16:29:00.000-05:00

This package of Digestives have been in my pantry since before Christmas. If you aren't familiar with Digestives, they are a British biscuit, known as a cookie in the U.S.A. They are dry and just a little sweet. Now that all the ooey, gooey and chocolate sweets are gone from the house after the holidays, I broke out the Digestives today to go with my afternoon cup of tea. I feel like I might

Unexpected Blogging Break

2012-01-04T11:37:00.000-05:00

Taking a blogging break for a few days due to computer difficulties. It appears to be time to shop for a new one! It's interesting how these things seem to happen just after Christmas.....

New Calendar for a New Year

2012-01-02T09:29:00.001-05:00

Each year I hang The Collectible Teapot and Tea Calendar above my desk. This calendar has beautiful photography featured each month along with interesting tea facts. This is the 2012 version. I was a day late and just hung it this morning. Now, it's time to take down my tea themed Christmas tree. By the way, if you read my post on that tree, you know we placed in a window in the front of the

Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-30T23:16:00.000-05:00

Congratulations sslindseymorgan is the winner of Savvy Saving Book by Melissa and Shelley the www.stockpilingmoms.com gals. I am Melissa's mom and I am amazed at the money she has saved by using coupons and stockpiling. I look forward to hearing from sslindsdymorgan so I can mail your package to you.

Giveaway — Savvy Saving - Couponing Secrets from the Stockpiling Moms

2011-12-27T14:57:00.002-05:00

Our #1 daughter, Melissa, and her business partner and friend, Shelley, who are well-known for their money-saving blog, stockpilingmoms.com, have published their first book, Savvy Saving - Couponing Secrets from the Stockpiling Moms. I am offering a Giveaway of the book. Just leave a comment to enter the drawing. Be sure to leave an email if you don't have a blog where I can contact you.

Christmas with Family

2011-12-18T17:18:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas from our family.We have a variety of family activities planned during the children's school break. As result, I'll be taking a blogging break.. Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!

Holiday Chex Mix

2011-12-15T15:42:00.000-05:00

I needed a very quick and easy recipe for a snack for AJ to take to his piano Christmas party. Each student played a Christmas carol throughout the evening while families mingled and enjoyed munchies. I remembered my friend, Patty, makes this sweet snack during the Christmas holidays. It was perfect for this event. Yummy Holiday Chex Mix3 c. Corn Chex 3 c. Rice Chex3 c. Cheerios2 c. Pretzels (

Teacup Thursday — Rosina Yuletide

2011-12-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

I collected the Queen's Rosina Yuletide, a trio at a time, from eBay a few years ago to use when serving our family Christmas afternoon tea. Here we are in 2009 using our pretty Rosina trios.

Tea Themed Christmas Tree

2011-12-12T21:53:00.001-05:00

This year we set-up our tea-themed Christmas tree in the window in our "tea room" so that our neighbor across the street could enjoy seeing the lights. These are a few of my favorite ornaments, purchased while traveling. My tea tree has grown from a 3-foot tree to a 5-foot tree as the ornament collection grew. Do you have a themed Christmas tree? AJ has a soccer tree in his bedroom. Our

Tea Room Christmas Village

2011-12-11T19:36:00.001-05:00

This is my Christmas Village. Notice anything unusual? It is all tea rooms and tea shops, a collection I have gathered over several years. I added the Joseph Edward Tea Shoppe this year.

Teacup Thursday — A Cup of Christmas Tea

2011-12-08T12:43:00.001-05:00

I purchased "A Cup of Christmas Tea" teapots, teacups and accessories one at a time on eBay a few years ago. My goal at that time was to set a themed table at the 2009 Berea Health Ministry fund raiser tea. It took months to collect various co-ordinating pieces. I used Aunt Ida's green glass plates to complete the place settings. This was one of the most fun tea table themes I have put

Memories of Family Christmas Traditions

2011-12-05T12:36:00.003-05:00

One of our family Christmas traditions is to hang stockings for "Santa" to fill. We go through our stockings first thing on Christmas morning.Our stockings are not filled with wrapped gifts, but small unwrapped items, some are special or useful and some are just for fun. After the stockings, we open our gifts while sitting around the tree sipping on mugs of tea or hot chocolate. OK, I need to

A Tea Brick

2011-11-30T14:51:00.000-05:00

My Tea Brick (above) The Fall 2011 issue of TEA A MAGAZINE features an interesting article by Eve Hill about Tea Bricks. According to Eve, "tea bricks are made with tea leaves that are usually dried, ground to powder form, then compressed." Tea bricks were once used for making tea. Currently, they are more often used as a decoration or a conversation piece. I used mine, shown in the top photo

"Leaves of Green" Magazine Article

2011-11-28T12:58:00.000-05:00

The hubby, GJ, brought home a copy of a special issue of NYSE Magazine with an interesting article about Andrew Mack, founder of Teavana. The company currently has 200 stores. Mr. Mack states he expects to to have 500 U.S. stores by the end of 2015, plus additional stores abroad with the help of franchise partners. Teavana has come a long way from the original store which opened in Atlanta

Gong Fu Tea Set — A Gift from a Friend

2011-11-23T15:03:00.000-05:00

A long-time friend gave me this Gong Fu Tea Set as a gift yesterday. It was purchased in Hong Kong several years ago. He gave it to me because he knew I would appreciate it. Thank you Paul for the lovely gift! Perhaps it time I learn more about the Gong Fu Tea ceremony.

Teacup Thursday — Handpainted Orion China

2011-11-17T20:22:00.008-05:00

This pretty vintage teacup and saucer was given to me by Aunt Ida. It is one of a dozen+ she collected while "antiquing" with lady friends along the scenic back roads of Kentucky. It is a hand painted Orion China made in Occupied Japan, probably from 1945 - 1952.This special gift from Aunt Ida sits in a place of honor on my mantlein memory of a very special lady.

Dainty Dining Book

2011-11-16T15:48:00.000-05:00

Angela McRae, a fellow tea blogger, and a good tea friend, at Tea With Friends has written Dainty Dining "a book of Vintage recipes, memories and memorabilia from America's department store tea rooms." Oh, how I remember shopping at large department stores in Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnatiwith my mother and aunts in the early 1960's.Those were the days when ladies wore hats and gloves for

"Store-Bought" Scones

2011-11-15T14:27:00.001-05:00

A couple of tea friends told me about "pull-apart" scones from the grocery store. I've been looking for for several weeks.While shopping at our local WalMart, I found these Barista Baking Company™ "Break and Bake" Scones. There were two flavors to choose from, Almond and Chocolate Chip. I purchased a package of the almond flavored scones to bake at home. I baked and taste-tested them last night

Library Tea Program

2011-11-14T06:15:00.001-05:00

I presented two-hour tea programs at branches of of the Madison County Public Library. The two room and kitchen set-ups were different. There was an electrical problem at the first one on November 5th at the Berea branch and I could only heat on 6-cup electric tea kettle at a time. The power situation was the same at the Richmond branch on November 12th, but fortunately, we were prepared and

Camellia Sinensis the Tea Plant

2011-11-11T08:56:00.001-05:00

I recently purchased two Camellia Sinensis plants (Tea Plants) from Amazon.com. These plants came from Larry's Orchids. What an impression they made on Saturday at the tea program at our local library!I am presenting another program tomorrow at another library. Our weather here in southeastern Kentucky is too harsh in the winter to plant these outside. Hopefully, they will survive inside this

Scones and Tea

2011-11-08T17:35:00.000-05:00

My copy of Hoffman Media's Teatime Magazine's, Scones and Tea arrived today.As you know, if you are a reader of this blog, I am a long-time subscriber of TeaTime Magazine. I have every issue of the magazine and use them as a tea party planning resource. Scones and Tea is a collection of beautiful photos and recipes of sweet and savory scones and toppings for the scones. I recommend you add

A Kentucky Breakfast

2011-11-07T11:12:00.001-05:00

Mary and I recently returned to Windy Corner Market and Restaurant in rural Fayette County to celebrate our friend Lynn's birthday. Lynn loved Windy Corner as much as we do! We enjoyed a late morning typical Kentucky breakfast ofScrambled Eggs, Country Ham, Fried Potatoes, Cheese Grits, Biscuit, and Windy Corner's version of Red Eye Gravy. Yum, Yum! What a fun place in beautiful horse farm

Tables Set with Royal Patrician Trios

2011-11-04T07:18:00.001-04:00

Thanks for the requests for photos of tea tables set with my collection of Royal Patrician Trios.These are two different afternoon teas.The top photos are in my dining room, and the occasion was honoring a group of sisters. The bottom photos are of a St. Patrick's Day Tea, my first event at Aunt Ida's house after the renovation there. I believe it's time for another afternoon tea using

Teacup Thursday — Royal Patrician Blue Roses Trio

2011-11-03T07:33:00.003-04:00

This Royal Patrician teacup trio is one of the few blue and white sets I have.I believe I need to shop for a variety of blue and white tea cups, don't you? Join Miss Spenser's Blog today for Teacup Thursday to see more pretty teacups. I promise to show a tea tables using my various Royal Patrician Trios soon.Thanks for the requests!

Trick or Treat Fun

2011-11-01T22:22:00.000-04:00

Julian Tea Room — Shopping

2011-11-01T09:39:00.001-04:00

I hope you enjoy these photos from the Julian Tea and Cottage Artsin Julian, CA These photos are from one room of the shop/house filled with tea gift items. I was so glad we drove to Julian while we were in the San Diego area!

Julian Tea Room in Julian, California

2011-10-30T17:28:00.000-04:00

We drove from San Diego into the Cuyamaca mountains to Julian, CA an 1870's gold mining town. We enjoyed afternoon tea at the quaint and casual Julian Tea and Cottage Arts. This amazing shop had a nice menu to choose from, a very large and well-stocked gift shop, and served lunch and afternoon tea at only three tables! What a fun place! Afternoon tea began with fruit.A nice variety of tea

Tea Forte at the Grand

2011-10-28T06:07:00.003-04:00

The Grand Del Mar serves Tea Forte in the cafe, restaurants and for afternoon tea. The cafe has a nice selection of Tea Forte pyramid and loose leaf teas for sale. I did just a "little" bit of shopping while we were there. Added after Denise's Question: Read about Tea Forte Teas at http://www.teaforte.com/

Afternoon Tea at the Grand Del Mar Resort, San Diego

2011-10-26T06:42:00.005-04:00

Afternoon Tea at The Grand Del Mar served in the Library Three course tea service, complete with Bernardaud china and Italian linensSandwich Tray: Cucumber/Boursin/Dill on white – Salmon/cream cheese/dill on rye – Ham/Manchego on rye – Roast Beef/Truffled Pecorino on marbled rye – Egg Salad/Bacon/micro celery on Egg Bread Current Scone - Sugared Scone – Devonshire - Lemon Curd -Seedless

Views Around the Grand Del Mar

2011-10-25T06:55:00.001-04:00

The Lobby View from the lobby , below Views from our room, below, the hotel is on a fabulous golf course There are three heated pools The grounds are beautiful with paved walkways all around, golf, tennis, croquet, horseback riding and more! And, what's this in the pool? Oh, it's just a very entertaining 12 year old boy! Proof AJ did his homework Tea for me The Grand Del Mar is "grand"

Hippo Encounter at the San Diego Zoo

2011-10-24T08:56:00.003-04:00

Last week AJ and I tagged along with GJ on a business trip to San Diego. It was a great trip for all of us. We enjoyed our travels and returned home safely. The San Diego Zoo has a reputation of being one of the top zoos in the U.S.A.Ask AJ what his favorite thing was and he will tell you it was seeing the hippos.These are his photos from his phone. Watching the mother and baby interact

Scones from Windy Corner Market

2011-10-23T09:11:00.000-04:00

Above, a Country Ham and Cheese SconeOh my goodness, what a delicious savory scone! And, below a sweet Blueberry Scone. Can't wait to return To Windy Corner Market and Restaurant for more take-out scones!

Breakfast at Windy Corner Market and Restaurant

2011-10-21T06:35:00.001-04:00

Windy Corner Market and Restaurant is located in rural Fayette County, Kentucky amid beautiful horse farms. A friend, Linda B., told me about Windy Corner this summer, and this was my first opportunity to go. Mary and I drove down the two lane Bryan Station Road through beautiful horse country on the out-skirts of Lexington, the "Horse Capital of the World", to enjoy a late breakfast of country

Teacup Thursday — Royal Patrician Pansies Trio

2011-10-20T11:27:00.001-04:00

This is another in my Royal Patrician trio collection. I have lost my list of the names of the patterns in my collection. I hope I didn't throw it away in the major rennovation of our house in 2009. Everything was moved more than once during that time, and at lot of paperwork was tossed. Ruth or Bernideen, do you know the name of this pattern? It is sort of a pansy chintz. It is pretty with the

Lulu's Tea Room in Powell, Tennessee

2011-10-19T06:21:00.001-04:00

Lulu's Tea Room is located in a pretty two story house in Powell, TN just north of Knoxville. Lulu's is not a typical English-style tea room with afternoon tea, but is a quaint, fun, place for lunch. I found Lulu's on Teamap.com The sign below is one of several greetings at the entrance. Notice the business cards in the teacup on the lower right. Above, KJ is enjoying her lunch, a turkey and

Fun in Pigeon Forge, TN

2011-10-18T07:18:00.000-04:00

Adventures in Pigeon Forge during our three-night stay included bungee jumping, go-cart riding, a day at Dollywood, an evening at the Dixie Stampede and more! We visited our favorite restaurants and purchased the famous Apple Barn apple butter for neighbors and family. We enjoyed our fall break with AJ and KJ.It's all about making memories with the children!

Wild Plum Tea Room — Gatlinburg, TN

2011-10-17T06:58:00.000-04:00

We arrived in Gatlinburg, TN just in time for lunch at the Wild Plum Tea Room.This is not an English tea room, but is a quaint place for lunch located in the Gatlinburg Crafts Community. They are well-known for their Wild Plum mini-muffins served with Wild Plum Jelly, and their Wild Plum Tea served hot or iced. The tea is a mixture of black tea, sugar, and citrus juices We ordered a variety of

Last Views of our Western North Carolina Adventures

2011-10-14T06:43:00.036-04:00

Horseshoes for GJ at the Cataloochee RanchAJ and KJ enjoying the quiet time on the swings. Wild Turkeys, above, crossed our cabin front yard every morning and every evening. Galax, a North Carolina wildflower, grows in the mountains. This arrangement in a tea kettle caught my eye! Wildflower walks are popular at the ranch in the spring. We did a little shopping in Maggie Valley. and in

Tea and Cookies at 3:00

2011-10-13T07:36:00.001-04:00

I was so pleased to see this sign in the lobby of the ranch house welcoming us when we arrived on Saturday afternoon. Tea at 3:00 at the Cataloochee Guest RanchThanks Billie, for scheduling afternon tea for the guests! I take my Roy Kirkham bone china TEA mug and Harney loose leaf tea in sachets for a cup of tea anytime...or anywhere. I enjoyed several cups of tea on the porch of

The Ranch House

2011-10-12T07:46:00.003-04:00

The meals at the Cataloochee Ranch are delicious! Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch is optional from the menu. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday dinners are served family-style. The other evenings are Bar-B-Ques (Cook-outs aw we call them in this part of the country.)Breakfast is served family style every morning. Alice enjoys decorating the dining tables and throughout the ranch house with

Trout Fishing at the Cataloochee Ranch

2011-10-11T07:04:00.000-04:00

The pond at the Cataloochee Ranch is stocked with mountain trout. The family brought their own fishing gear and bait.After fishing last October and catching nothing, they were determined this time! It's a big one! GJ had to get the net out to help AJ. This one is too large for the net! Wow! It measured 6 1/2 pounds and 21 inches! KJ's measured 3 1/2 pounds and 19 inches And the 3rd one

Horseback Riding at the Cataloochee Ranch

2011-10-10T07:28:00.001-04:00

GJ, AJ and KJ enjoyed two mornings of horseback riding at the Cataloochee Ranch. The scenery on the trails is awesome!

Fall Break at the Cataloochee Guest Ranch

2011-10-08T11:33:00.000-04:00

AJ and KJ have a week of Fall Break from school. October is a perfect time to travel to the mountains of western North Carolina.We returned to the Cataloochee Guest Ranch on a mountain near Maggie Valley, NC for our second visit. We stayed in the two bedroom Wintergreen Cabin (same as last year). A close-up of the cabin is in the top photo. It is the cabin just below the horse barn in the

Giveaway Winner!

2011-10-07T20:54:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Sandy Franks! You are the giveaway winner, chosen by Random.org. I will mail your package on Monday.

Teacup Thursday — Royal Patrician Roses and Ivy Trio

2011-10-06T06:44:00.000-04:00

This is the last of my Royal Patrician *pink* teacup trios to feature. This pattern has ivy intertwined with pink roses and is trimmed with gold with a gold-footed teacup. Next week I will share a trio of a different color and design. Visit Miss Spenser's Blog to see more pretty teacups being featured for Teacup Thursday.

Autumn Giveaway

2011-10-02T07:25:00.003-04:00

It's time for a giveaway! Leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for Harney and Sons Cranberry Autumn Tea, and a Woodford Wicks Spiced Apple Blossom Candle in a teapot. The Harney Cranberry Autumn is a 4 ounce tin of looae leaf black tea with Cranberry and Orange flavors.The candle is made in Kentucky by Woodford Wicks.Other tea-lightful surprises will be added to this package when it goes

October

2011-10-01T06:21:00.003-04:00

It's October, one of the most "fun" months of the year!Our children are discussing the Halloween costumes they will be wearing for Trick-or-Treat on the 31st. I enjoy the fall colors and decorations. The photo above is from the Collectible Teapot and Tea 2011 Calendar. If you look closely at the photo, you will see the Star Jars' wicked witch teapot.This teapot belongs to a friend, tea lady

Teacup Thursday — Royal Patrician Summer Rose Trio

2011-09-29T06:39:00.001-04:00

Last week I featured my Royal Patrician Summer Rose Chintz trioThis week I am featuring the Summer Rose pattern. If you love roses, you would love to have afternoon tea on this trio. It's another one of a variety of teacup trios in my collection. I will continue to feature my teacup trios over the next few Thursdays. You can see more in my collection by clicking on Teacup Trios on the left

Time For Tea

2011-09-27T06:03:00.001-04:00

Don't you just love to receive surprises in the mail? I do! This lovely book was sent to me by Latane at Living Life on Main Street BlogThank you, Latane! Latane saw this in a book store while she was traveling, and thought of me. Thank you, Latane. It was so thoughtful of you to send this lovely book to me. The book isTime for Tea, Tea and Conversation with Thrirteen English Women.It's a

Weekend Football Fun

2011-09-25T20:51:00.000-04:00

Kentucky lost big time to Florida on Saturday, but we had a great time! Thanks to Mary and Donnie for the great tailgating food and fun, and to Cindy for playing corn hole with the family This was KJ's first UK football game,and as you can see from the expression on her face (below)she was making fun memories!

Teacup Thursday — Royal Patrician Summer Rose Chintz

2011-09-22T07:06:00.002-04:00

This Royal Patrician Summer Rose Chintz teacup and saucer trio is one of several Royal Patrician trios in my collection.They are all different patterns and colors, and I have used them on several occasions to set a pretty tea table. Yes, I use a variety of patterns at the same tea table. In my opinion, they make a beautiful table setting together. Visit Miss Spenser's Blog today to see more

Tea Leaves for Roses

2011-09-20T19:49:00.000-04:00

Used tea leaves are very good for rose bushes. Tea leaves are acidic, and a good source of nitrogen when sprinkled on the ground around the plants and allowed to compost. Read more: Are Tea Leaves Good for Roses? | Garden Guides http://www.gardenguides.com/77248-tea-leaves-good-roses.html#ixzz1YXRuXm1q New or used tea leaves are good for growing roses. Tea leaves can also be used to help

Wedding China and Memories

2011-09-19T11:35:00.000-04:00

We visited the #1 daughter, Melissa, and SIL this weekend. Their wedding china is Lenox Maywood. The wedding was 13 years ago. As it usually goes with wedding china and young couples, I could probably count the number of times it has been used on one hand. The wedding cake topper of sugar flowers is beautifully displayed with the china. Looking at the cake topper brings back wonderful

Soccer Boys

2011-09-17T22:18:00.001-04:00

AJ and PJ are "bestest buddies" We visited PJ and his mom and dad for an overnight, and attended his soccer game today. What fun! Both our boys play soccer and love the game. And, we love these two boys!

Teacup Thursday — Royal Albert Old Country Roses Blue Damask Trio

2011-09-15T05:51:00.002-04:00

As y'all know, I enjoy collecting pretty teacups. But what you may not know is that I love collecting teacup and saucer trio sets, including the cup, saucer and dessert or tea plate. This trio is a Royal Albert Old Country Roses Bone China Blue Damask pattern. It is marked with a 2002 ©.Although it is not vintage, I thought it was too pretty to pass up. Visit Donna and Spenser at Miss

Cotswold Cream Tea Anyone?

2011-09-13T07:45:00.000-04:00

Oh, how we are yearning to travel to the Cotswolds again!

Family Fun

2011-09-11T20:47:00.000-04:00

The little guy, PJ, stayed the weekend with us while his mom and dad enjoyed a weekend of football, etc. We visited the farm for a little fishing and fun yesterday and today. The boys had a blast. And yes, PJ follows AJ everywhere he goes.

Teacup Thursday — Royal Albert Violets 4470

2011-09-08T05:01:00.000-04:00

I am featuring a Royal Albert Violets 4470 English Bone China teacup for Miss Spenser's Teacup Thursday. I the purple violet pattern with the green edging are a perfect combination on this pretty teacup. Visit Miss Spenser's Blog to see other bloggers participating in Teacup Thursday.

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant Chicken Salad

2011-09-07T06:41:00.001-04:00

My daughter, Melissa, at StockpilingMoms.com recently asked for my chicken salad recipe. I searched through my recipe basket for the newspaper clipping from many years ago and couldn't find it. I have made it so many times that I just make it to taste without measured ingredients. Over the years, I have given my daughters several of my favorite recipes, and they claim their versions never taste

Neighbors and Friends

2011-09-06T08:46:00.000-04:00

Our dear neighbor,Mrs. H, shared a bouquet of her miniature roses with us. Just to give you an idea of the size, the vase is 5/12 inches tall. She has been growing this heirloom plant for over 50 years at two different homes.It was given to her as a wedding gift. How special! Mrs. H has supplied me with books from the library to read while I recuperate from my broken arm and shoulder. Thanks,

Scones from The Colonel's Lady

2011-09-04T13:34:00.000-04:00

My dear hubby, GJ, had lunch at The Colonel's Lady Tea Room in Winchester on Friday. He kindly brought home to me two freshly baked scone. An Almond Brickle Scone (left) and a Cranberry Orange Scone (right). I don't have the recipes of The Colonel's Lady delicious scones in the photo, but thought I would share a recipe for Ocean Spray Cranberry Orange Scones I found online. Cranberry Orange

September is World Alzheimer's Month

2011-09-01T21:27:00.002-04:00

click on the link belowhttp://www.alz.org/wam/wam.asp This post is in memory of my mother, my dear friends Mary and Lynn's mothers, and my dear friend Patty's dad. Raise awareness by wearing purple on Sept. 21, Alzheimer's Action Day; then turn Facebook purple by changing your profile picture to our END ALZ icon and telling your friends to do the same.

Teacup Thursday — Royal Albert American Beauty

2011-09-01T06:39:00.002-04:00

My newest teacup is a Royal Albert English Bone China American Beauty. It has a brushed gold scalloped edge and a georgous pink rose pattern. My research shows this pattern was made from 1941 - 1990.I love the delicate pink colors of this pattern. The saucer, below with three roses is as pretty as the teacup. I am joining Miss Spenser's Blog today for Teacup Thursday. Check out the other

Signs of Tea

2011-08-30T08:50:00.002-04:00

One of the things I do when traveling in England is to take photos of signs advertising tea. This is The Old Tea House in Winchombe. I have been scanning pre-digital camera photos of English tea memories. I will be sharing a few here and there....

Our Wedding Anniversary Celebration

2011-08-28T21:17:00.000-04:00

We celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary today with a road trip to Cumberland Falls State Park. We enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet at the DuPont Lodge and a walk to the falls. You may have noticed I took "the sling" off for the photo above, and I didn't walk down the 90+ steps to the best view of the falls, as in the bottom photo of AJ and KJ. We enjoyed the beautiful day in the place where we

Tea Time Magazine Fall Issue

2011-08-26T08:43:00.000-04:00

Tea Time, published by Hoffman Media, LLC, is my favorite tea magazine.I love the photography of beautiful tea tables and tea foods. I especially appreciate the issues where the food items are simple to prepare. I have kept every issue and often browse through them for inspiration when planning an afternoon tea. I have said before and will repeat, in the first several issues I didn't

Teacup Thursday — A Crown Trent

2011-08-25T06:07:00.003-04:00

This pretty floral Crown Trent was another $6.95 bargain. Gotta love English teacup bargains! Visit Miss Spenser's Blog to see more pretty teacups featured for Teacup Thursday.

Tea in the Morning and Afternoon

2011-08-23T08:40:00.002-04:00

It has been FIVE weeks with my right arm in a sling.But, who's counting? Me, that's who!! My one-armed morning shortcut tea routine is to brew Harney Queen Catherine loose tea in sachets in my Danish thermal pot. This way, I can have several cups of tea throughout the morning and use the remaining for iced tea in the afternoon. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta doto make it easy on you!

Men and TEA

2011-08-21T22:54:00.001-04:00

The Summer 2011 iss ue of TEA a Magazine contains a very intersting article entitled"The Men of Tea" written by Pearl Dexter,highlighting many of the "movers and shakers" in the tea industry. Ben Richardson, pictured below with his father, Bruce Richardson, is an example of a member of the younger generation following in his father's footsteps in the tea industry at Elmwood Inn Fine Teas. We

Teacup Thursday — A Royal Albert Apple Blossom

2011-08-18T07:16:00.000-04:00

This pretty Royal Albert teacup is from the Blossom Time Series and is "Apple Blossom." I like the shape of the cup, the pink handle, and the pink apple blossom pattern. Visit Miss Spenser's Blog to see more pretty teacups featured today.

English Cottage Memories

2011-08-15T23:25:00.005-04:00

Our first visit to England was in 1995. We helped chaperone our #2 daughter's teenage folk dance group for 17 days as the group of 48 traveled by bus through England, Wales, Scotland and back to London.During that trip GJ and I stayed in homes with host families, in a Bed and Breakfast, in a Holiday Flat, and in a London college dorm.It's not the type of trip I would choose to repeat at my

Sunday Afternoon

2011-08-14T22:16:00.000-04:00

KJ (top) and AJ enjoyed successful fishing at the farm this afternoon. Several fish were caught and thrown back in awaiting the next visit of our 6 year old PJ.

A Day to Remember

2011-08-13T21:00:00.000-04:00

These are photos I took of AJ in June 2010 while we were traveling in Austin, TX. it was a memorable day in the life of boy from Kentucky. Today's political announcement brought back memories for our family.This blog does not make political endorsements.

My Mishap in Los Angeles in a Cartoon!

2011-08-12T06:57:00.006-04:00

Thursday was the first day of school for AJ. The assignment in art class was to draw a cartoon about something that happened during summer vacation. I found this drawing of our Los Angeles trip/experience in his backpack. He didn't intend to show it to me, but I love it! I thought it was just too funny! (and very accurate) Update from my orthopedic appointment yesterday:The sling stays on for

Teacup Thursday — A Vintage Gladstone

2011-08-10T22:39:00.000-04:00

This is a yellow and white rose Gladstone Bone China teacup made in Staffordshire, England. This teacup was a bargain at $6.95. Visit Miss Spenser's Blog to see participants in Teacup Thursday.

The Help — Movie and Tea

2011-08-07T17:06:00.004-04:00

The Republic of Tea has a new Caramel Cake Black Tea inspired by the caramel cakes in the book, The Help.The movie will be in theaters on August 10, 2011. My friends and I enjoyed the book, and look forward to seeing the movie together. I am not a fan of flavored teas, but in honor of the movie, I will give this one a try.

Thank You to Family, Friends and Neighbors!

2011-08-05T18:43:00.001-04:00

Thank you to friends, family and neighbors for the beautiful flowers, cards, books, TEA, library books, homegrown vegetables and delicious homemade food. Everyone has been so kind and helpful as I learn to deal with my broken right shoulder,including my three special helpers below who know sometimes it's important for the patient to have quiet time. They have also been great at carrying things

Teacup Thursday — A Royal Patrician Anastasia Trio

2011-08-04T14:43:00.005-04:00

This is one of several different Royal Patrician Teacup Trios I purchased several years ago before they were going out of business. I can't find the name of this pattern at the moment.I have a list "someplace". Honestly, with my broken shoulder, keeping up with my blog posts has been a challenge. Perhaps Bernideen or Ruth can help me with this pattern name. Note added later: I'm still looking

Another Iced Tea Day

2011-08-02T12:50:00.000-04:00

When we were in LA, I ordered iced tea at three different restaurants. The only iced tea available was Passion Fruit Iced Tea from a commercial supplier. We decided to try making our own at home using Harney and Sons Decaf Passion Fruit Iced Tea.It has been an iced tea summer here in Kentucky!

A Tie Tea Mug

2011-08-01T09:58:00.002-04:00

While sitting in the examination room waiting for the orthopedic doctor to diagnose my broken shoulder treatment, I picked up an issue of Martha Stewart Living. I'm not sure which issue. An article on "white things" drew my attention. I snapped photos with my phone of this photo of a TIE TEA MUG. You can read about it at this link. "The cool new Tie Tea Cup by designer George Lee has a

Sightseeing in LA

2011-07-29T09:19:00.000-04:00

AJ loved the interactive music exhibits at the Grammy MuseumIt is just around the corner from our hotel. A mini-bus LA City Tour on Sunday took us to all the highlightsMarina Del Ray, aboveVenice Beach, belowA stop at the Mexican Market and Union StationOn to Hollywood. What a fun place!Grauman's Chinese Theater John Wayne's boot prints at Grauman's Chinese TheaterYou never know who you might

Teacup Thursday — A Vintage Collingwoods Trio

2011-07-28T07:05:00.004-04:00

For Miss Spenser's Blog Teacup Thursday, I am showing this vintage Collingwoods English Bone China Teacup Trio. I purchased this beautiful set several years ago at an antique shop in Chipping Campden, one of our favorite Cotswold towns. Visit Miss Spenser's Blog to see teacups being featured by participating bloggers.

Shoulder Update

2011-07-27T12:32:00.001-04:00

THANK YOU! I appreciate all the kind blog comments, emails, cards, food and flowers brought by neighbors and friends!!! The good news yesterday after x-rays is:My fractured humerus appears to be in place to heal without surgery! I will go back in 2 weeks for more x-rays. In the meantime, I am trying to follow the doctor's instructions and remain immobile. That means FIVE more weeks in the

My Mishap in Los Angeles

2011-07-21T21:34:00.001-04:00

This is the culprit in Los Angeles which caused my broken shoulder! No, not the gorgeous yellow Ferrari. It was the little curb behind it! I took this photo with AJ and the Ferrari on Sunday morning. Monday evening the Ferrari was gone, but the curb was still there.... I missed the step off it, turned my left ankle, fell forward, caught on my knees and hands to prevent myself from smashing my

Teacup Thursday — A Vintage Duchess Teacup

2011-07-21T06:16:00.001-04:00

I love teacups with pink roses on them, so I just couldn't pass up this pretty Duchess Bone China teacup. It is the second of two teacups I purchased in Hilton Head Island, SC while on our family vacation. Visit Miss Spenser's Blog to see more pretty teacups being featured on Teacup Thursday.

It Is an Iced Tea Summer

2011-07-19T08:27:00.002-04:00

The temperatures at Hilton Head Island and here in Kentucky were in the 90's last week with heat indices 105 - 114. (meaning very high humidity with the temps) It is definitely An Iced Tea Summerbetter known as Ice Tea around this area of the country. Even with the high temperatures and high humidity, we enjoyed our annual week at the beach. You just gotta love these Tee Shirts!

Captain's Seafood Bucket

2011-07-18T07:57:00.000-04:00

My guys love the "Low Country Boil" seafood bucket.A bucket can make a boy a little goofy! But then he settled down to the business of eating.... I didn't have to work so hard to eat my dinner, below. The Sea Trawler is one of our favorite Hilton Head restaurants. The view, below, was from our window table.

Morning Beach Routine — Bicycle and Breakfast

2011-07-15T15:45:00.002-04:00

We changed our morning routine on this trip to Hilton Head from years past. There were only the three of us this time, so we rented bicycles and took a 5+ mile ride each morning. And, we stopped at Skillets Cafe in Coligny Plaza for breakfast. The breakfast skillet below is named "The Beach." As you can see in the photo below, AJ approves of "The Beach." After continuing our bicycle ride we

Teacup Thursday — A Vintage Queen Anne Teacup

2011-07-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

This pretty Queen Anne teacup marked "Anemone" is the first of two different teacups I purchased this week at a home furnishings consignment store in Hilton Head Island, SC. GJ, the hubby, and AJ, the 12 year old were good sports to come off the beach early one afternoon to go teacup shopping with me! Visit Miss Spenser's Blog to see more pretty teacups today, Teacups Thursday

And the winner is....

2011-07-13T22:29:00.000-04:00

Bernideen has won my giveaway! Congratulations! I have your address, and will send the Harney Tea, the candle and a few surprise tea goodies to you. Thank you to everyone who left commenets and entered the drawing.