Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea, November is a Blessing

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea. Today is 'Cup O Cheer' day in the tearoom. Do you need a boost? A pick me up? Or perhaps you just need to...stand up and cheer. Let's get the tea flowing with a little bit of inspiration.

I am happy to report that the parade of catalogues has begun! I love them. Do you remember the day in your childhood when the Sears and Robuck Dream Book arrived?

I don't know about you but I bookmarked, listed, and sometimes even tore out a special page and taped it to the fridge, just to look at it. A new one has caught my eye with a simple thing...a Heart-Shaped Teacup and Saucer! Beverages take on the shape of a heart within the cup's sculpted interiors....ohhhhhh! Check out their collection of cards and puzzles. I don't know if this game sounds right but, 'Memory Madness' makes me think..and smile. For these and many other lovely things, you can visit www.bitsandpieces.com .  Have you ever seen Acorn? that publication has exceptional gifts for extraordinary people. www.acornonline.com

What are your favorite catalogues? I really would like to know.

It always makes me feel good to take a trip to Oliver T's specialty shop, to enjoy the entire of aisle of teas. There's always something new and intriguing to try.

If things are a little dim in the light department...change up the lightbulbs, or add colored bulbs. When you are in the seasonal darkness, it just feels better. Another niceity you can't ignore is the sound of bells on the doorknobs.

I just have to add this tiny little thing...curtesy of a Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc supplement. If elimination is a problem...the only side effect of an overabundance of that is that, the bowels will move [did I really say THAT?]. Yup, DH got a little uncomfortable due to pain medication, and it really solved that well.

Dear Elza and Carolyn, You both have me thinking springtime and how much flowers mean to the eye. I love a bouquet of fresh flowers, indoors, when they are not in season.  Before the snow flies I am going to mark off my little vegetable plot I have been putting off. There's still time to put a little hope and dream to use.

Dear Carole, I think you should set up shop and share your bears! I wonder...if adding a little sprig of Holly..or a coordinating fleece blankie would encourage a holiday spirit.

The best thing about Raggety Ann...was the heart you couldn't see...until you looked for it.

Dear Joan, I trust your new furnace is humming along and making you cozy. Eggnog is one of those things, I have to have some, just this time of year.

Lickety-split, it's the perfect time to buy candycanes and lollipops. Have you always wanted to arrange a girlfriends shopping day? How about adding matching sweatshirts or whimsical matching accessories? Bath and body has the cutest little nylon shopping bags that snap up soooo small, before you fill them up.

I love the smell of peppermint. A few candies melted in a pot [or in a teacup] will open the sleepiest eyes in the morning, or beat afternoon slump.

Do you have a signature cookie? I am in the market for something nice for the cookie trays.

I wish you a joyful day! Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary

Good morning dearest of angels, dashing through this morning. Have a good day Hugs Carole

Good Morning,

It's not exactly a 'good' morning for dd Erica and myself as DH Howard fell again around midnight last night and is hospitalized. This time his leg wouldn't move while he was using his walker going from the bathroom to his bed; he called out to me but I wasn't able to hold him up as he's too big and down he went. Needless to say I barely slept last night worrying what's to come if he can no longer walk, etc. Also, our regular hospital was completely full - no beds available, so he was taken to a different hospital. We wondered if this may be due to patients with the flu....Not a healthy place to be these days (hospitals) with swine flu on the rise.

Yesterday was pleasant and sunny and Erica planted 75 daffodils and did other yardwork; picked the remaining tomatoes in the greenhouse. We didn't expect the day to end as it did. Please keep Howard in your prayers, thanks.

Anne

My Dear Anne, I am so sorry that Howard has taken another fall! I hate to say it, but he really needs to make friends with a wheelchair for independence sake as well as your peace. Will your house accomodate a power chair option? You could make a little liscense plate for it that says, 'Howard's Harley' for a little levity. I truly hope that he is able to return home quickly. God bless you, Howard and Erica as you sort this hard thing out. You are in my thoughts...your friend, Mary

I have such exciting news....the stores have magically put up all their holiday finery! You can cruise the ailes to Christmas Caroles and pick up a delightful array of items at reasonable prices. I was so surprised by my sales slip I was afraid my cashier missed something! This is truly a delight. Judging by the shopping carts all around me...everyone is thinking the same thing! I decided to start the holidays out with a little appetizer and pack a pretty Chinese take out box for DH, DS and DTina with happy little gifts. No time like the present.....Shhhhh...its a surprise!

I hope your day is as lovely as y'all are!

Mary

Hello Ladies, so sorry to hear the news that  Anne's DH has taken a fall.  That is so worrisome.  I did that earlier last yr. and have some forever scars to remind me.  Ine in the chest frm hitting the sharp corner of the dresser and one on my foreheadfrom hitting the chair beside it. Anne, I know how you cannot sleep from worry about a loved one, too.

DGD Ashlee sounds just like you Mary.  She has already put her nativity on the mantle and will putting up her tree this weekend!  She wants Jackson to have a very Merry First Christmas.  What fun she is having seeing everything through that little one's eyes.  That is the way we all should live-with the eyes and heart of a child.  Then we don't get wrapped up in any drudgery the Seasons might bring. It was Jesus ,himself, who told us to become as a little child.  Good advice from a wise teacher.

DH and went to get our flu shot-the swine flu- as we already have had the regular flu one.We were met aT THE DESK BY A YOUNG LADY WHO TOLD US THEY HAD NO SHOTS AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE OVER 64.  Sorry, the caps were an accident, but that is about how that made me feel.  DH told her that we both have diabetes and heart stents and she repeated her sing-songy little advice.  WE got back in the pickup and DH says "Do you feel a little put-off by that?"  Yes, I told him.  We both agreed it was not handled very well.  She did not say check back or call us or anything.  Just seemed a bit harsh, but we went shopping anyway so the morning was not lost.  We may not get enough vaccine here for us oldsters.

We went by DD's and planted several bushes she bought at the plant sale.  I told DH, you know we probably should not be doing this at "older than 64!" But we did it anyway LOL.

Good afternoon dearest of angels,  It was a nice day today, but  has already started to cool down since it got dark. 

Anne,  sorry to hear about dear Howard.  Hope he is home soon.   Make sure you get some rest and take care of yourself until he gets home.  Hugs to all of you.

Carolyn,  I have not been to my sisters in the past week but I am sure she has already started on her Christmas decorations inside the house.  Actually she is running late this year.  Sorry you could not get your flu shots.  Maybe they will have them soon for you.

Mary,  I get Bits n Pieces catalog also.  I love the Heart shaped tea cup.    I don't get many catalogs any more.  I really like Lakeside, www.lakeside.com it has really nice stuff at a reasonable price.  A bunch of us have ordered from it at work and the stuff that was ordered was not cheaply made.  One lady ordered towels and they were really large, soft and thick.  I have ordered some games and books for the kids and they were worth the money I paid for them.    I need to go online and order me some free catalogs and start getting me more.  I usually order magazines and free samples in my DD name so she likes getting mail.  LOL

Kathy,  what are you doing since Earl is away? 

Well supper tonight was simple,  Cheesey pasta with chicken,  rolls,  Have a great night everyone.

 Hugs

Carole

Good morning dearest of angels,   Hope everyone has had a restful night.  we woke up to 35° this morning.  So a little nippy.  I think they said it was to get up to 74 to day.   It will be another beautiful day.

Well everyone have a great day.  I got to run and crank my car to warm it up.

Hugs

Carole

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea. The sun is making dappled shadows through the barely dressed trees. I couldn't resist stirring some maple sugar into my black tea, and sugar cookie dough is chilling...to be continued...next week.

Don't you hate that? Just when you are all comfy and caught up on your favorite program, having gotten through more commercials than actual showtime, blink twice, and its over. Sometimes the show ends right in the middle of a conversation. lol.

That's what I like about tea. Not only are there no commercial interruptions..but, it's available all the time. You get the whole cup.

In the background, I am running a Shirley Temple marathon. Gosh I love those movies. You just can't go wrong, On The Good Ship Lollipop or with The Little Colonel.

Dear Carolyn, I am so sorry that you and DH were treated so poorly. Isn't it interesting how the criteria is changed along with the supply? I have a hard time believing any of it. I sincerely hope that you and DH get your innoculations soon, and that Miss Poor Manners, learns to treat people as she wants to be treated herself.

Dear Carole, Thank you for the favorite catalogue site. I hope your lovely weather continues. Have a lovely day at work today.

Your very grateful hostess and friend, mary

 Hiya!

Yup! It's me!! One of the long lost Tea Angels!! And feeling very lost indeed these days. Anyway, I have a prayer request that I could really use your powerful 'Prayer Warrior' prayers for. My life is changing in a big way these past months and with all the remodeling we've been doing, all the 'other' stuff has been contributing to that process taking much longer than it probably should. Well, it is what it is. And about now I'm just way overwhelmed and stressed and finding it very difficult to know just what to pray for or even how to go about it. Seems I'm just distracted and can't focus. So I'm bringing it to you and the Sisters and hoping you all can find a bit of time to help me out here. Thanks!!

 I've been gone forever it seems! Just way too much going on. Anyway, I am popping in here today to ask you all to please keep my folks in your prayers!! One of my worst fears is coming to reality. I've long known that a transition would take place where the child becomes the parent. That's exactly what's been transpiring here these past months. I'll be honest and tell you all that I am not liking it one little bit. But it is what it is. Suffice it to say, my mother is going downhill fast and seems to now believe she's old and too old to do anything other than sit and knit. Frankly, I believe there is much more to the problem, but then I'm told not. Anyway, she's bringing my dad down with her and I've finally had to resign myself to the fact that this is the new reality for my folks. So I have to learn now to just accept it and do the best I can to deal with it. I'm really struggling with that. Anyway, please pray for them and I could use a few prayers as well. My brothers are not much help and with everything else going on around here, I'm finding myself feeling way overwhelmed! So prayers would be most appreciated!!!!

 Thanks to  ALL!!  Please know you are all never far from my thoughts or prayers either!!

Hi Tea Angels,

Seems like several of us are unfortunately running into more problems than we would like, including Carolyn, Kay and yours truly. I'm very sorry you ran into such a 'inconsiderate twit' Carolyn when you went for your flu shots, which you didn't get. That had to spoil your day. And Kay, very sorry for what is happening in your life right now and there aren't any quick answers or remedies especially when dealing with aging parents or as in my case, a husband who doesn't have the use of his feet right now and is in a nursing home for rehab. The hospital discharged him today even tho he can't walk because he is no longer on medication and Medicare flips them out. Since he wasn't in the hospital for 3 whole days w/meds, he doesn't meet the criteria for them to pay for physical therapy in a nursing facility. Erica and I can't care for him at home in the condition he's in as he can't stand by himself. So, we had to place him in a private nursing facility and hope the P.T. will strengthen him so he can come home where we can care for him. What a worry and fiasco all of this has become. I don't know what I would have done without DD Erica's help and support and am so grateful she is here.

My prayers for you dear Kay, thinking of you. I'm quite tired tonight after all that went on today, goodnight all.

Anne

Dear Anne, My heart goes out to you, Dear Howard and DD Erica. It is a frightening thing and so hard to fix. I pray for a miracle and special intervention for you. Have you seen that excercise device that you put at ankle level, that rotates and increases blood flow and strength? I have seen it advertised in AARP and as much as I don't understnad it, it gets good reviews. It requires no effort by the patient, which is very interesting. Meanwhile, I truly hope for a good outcome and lots of help. Your courage and calm resolve, deep concern and great love, inspire me very much.

Dear Kay, What a lovely thing it is to be remodelling. I am sure that delights you and Chuck and increases your homes comfort and value. What is your dear Mother knitting that has her inspired to work so hard on it? I know for myself, when I am ailing, my best efforts are creative. That way I can feel useful and have some satisfaction. The use of eyes and hands are such a blessing in infirmity. I hope that Chuck is doing well with his hearing aides and that fact makes communicating sweeter for you. I am honored to add my prayers for you to be strong, wise and patient, through a difficult time.

 Dear Friends, it is just a beautiful morning , with sunshine a mild temps. Gusty winds come up and fade away. It takes a bit of extra effort to bend and bow like the trees. I have been going over recipes for holiday dishes and making one at a time, just to see if I still have luck with them. As the holidays have their own special twists and anxieties to me, I have found that celebrating when I can and forgiving myself when I can't is best. That way, I don't miss out entirely and depression doesn't take too much of a hold.

Perhaps by saying that, I hope it inspires others in difficult places in life. Expecting too much just never leads to success for my own tender heart and then I don't overthrow the times of strength and inspiration of dear ones in my own household.

May God bless us all and bless our little tearoom. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary

Carolyn, I'm shocked at the treatment you and DH received instead of the vaccine you were looking for. I hope you have better luck next time!

Kay, hope things get better for you.

Anne, I'm so sorry that they released Howard before any PT had taken place and that he isn't even able to walk on his own. I hope his new place will work hard with him! Perhaps a motorized chair as Mary suggested?

Mary, it is a beautiful and mild day, though a bit windy here too. My computer says 64 out there! Time to get out in it. I appreciate the links for your catalogs, but was still unable to find the heart-shaped tea items that you spoke of :( 

Wishing all of you and your loves ones blessings and a peaceful weekend!

xoxo 

A picture of our NEW RIDE! Steve's handlebars aren't cool yet, cuz he doesn't have the nifty streamers! Can't wait until it's warm enough to ride it! But buying it at the end of the year was a huge savings!

Dear Susie, I LOVE your new bicycle! You have to sing the song 'Daisy, Daisy......too.

I inquired about the heartshaped cup and was told...they are sold out and that is why it is only featured in the catalogue. I will keep watching for another source as they are so lovely.

Dear Anne, I happened to think of this....a long time ago I used to find therapy students through the local college and hire them privately. Often they need practice and are very enthusiastic and willing to go above and beyond to help their patients. Please know you are in my prayers.

Dear Carolyn, I would love to have your neice to inspire me. There is nothing like a new little family to remind me how much joy I could be experiencing.

I had an unusual tea this afternoon, compliments of a dear friend. It was Wild Cherry White Tea. I think it was from Republic of tea as it was a round teabag, but I will call and ask to be sure. I was surprised that it was very mild and a bit sweet.

Dear Kathy....where have you gone off to? I miss your cherry 'voice'.

Dear Elza, On your recommendation, DH and I are going to see Amelia. I hope you are having a lovely sunny day.

We are truly blessed. Your friend, Mary

I am having a lovely sunny day today. I have two loads of laundry dancing on the clothesline in a warm breeze -- perfect for drying clothes! Just got off work and need to go check on my Gamecocks in a bit --

Anne, what an ordeal with your DH in trying to get the care he needs. Please know that you are all in our prayers.

Kay, it is so hard to see your parents get to that point. And when you can see very clearly what they need, but it's not what they want, then you just have to depend on God for grace and the right words to "speak the truth in love" effectively. Praying for you --

Good evening, Marcella is on the way to get better she is walking more with her walker and she is eating more of the normal foods We get scared when her face and mouth gets numb at night  but after her Interferon injection at night... she is ok in the morning.Her decision making is a little off since the last attack and gets frustrated, I have to watch her more that she does not fall.

 I have a little time before the antibiotic knocks me of my feet...I had blood tests done and also the urine test because I felt I had an infection. It turned out that I have an E Coli infection. I am so allergic to antibiotics and they could not help me, but remembered in 1995. I was on Ceftin and that is what  the doctor gave me.What would they have done with me???

Carolyn I had the same experience like you..we went for the H1N1 shot and Marcella qualified for it but not me... I was over 64 even though I am her caregiver. I am feeling the same like you and your DH.. very sad. They said it was government regulations, My girlfriend who takes care of her Son who has Angelman syndrome was too healthy to get one.

If we get that swine flu who will take care of our loved ones and who makes those decisions? I am watching out that I won't go when it is busy in the stores or Malls they should get more suply (shots) after November 16

Dear Anne, I know how scary it must of been for you and not be able to help when Howard fell. Marcella has a bedside comode and she has to go in wheelchair if she is prone to fall. But this is easy said, since Marcella has been in it for a long time. I bought a transport light wheelchair for her (realy for me, her other chairs are so heavy) and I can put the big wheels on it too. It is called a Drive- Pollywog Wheelchair. It folds up to a square and can fit easier in trunk or backseat.Warm blessings for Howard, Anne and Erica.... may he heal fast!

Kay it must be so overwhelming for you but once you could work out what is best for your parents it will be easier for you too. Prayers and warm blessings for you Kay and your Parents.

Need to go to bed and like to say blessings to Mary, Susie, Elza, Kathy, Carolyn, Anne, Kay, LisaFaye, Carole, Mimit10, Hedgie... have a good night sleep and a very nice Sunday!!!