Mary's Tea Room

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea, November is a Blessing

marymitten — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:50:04 GMT

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea. Welcome to the most delightful month in the calendar. Lets gather together and share a cup of tea, by candlelight or the warm glow of crackling logs in the fireplace. Later on, we can play Supermarket Sweep and feast our eyes, ears and hearts poised on Thanksgiving.

We have so much to celebrate and for once, we get that extra hour, to frost the cake we are always wishing for, lol.

I am always amazed that timelines and titles have been set in stone so long ago. Why, hasn't someone lobbied to change the name of a month? Are they all so perfect that everyone actually agrees on something? Agreement. Its something to think about.

Today I have the best feeling, and I really want to make a holiday. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary

Poems for Mary's Tea Room

Deery — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:35:40 GMT

Dedication
by Mabel M. Howard

Lord, make this humble home
Thy dwelling place,
That all who enter here
May feel Thy grace.

That none who comes may go
Unrested or unblessed.
Lord, here with us abide,
Our friend and guest.

Let no unkind word or deed
Drive You away.
Be with us, Lord, our friend indeed,
Through every day.

Mary's Tea Room Christmas Card Exchange

CHEFCAROL — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:17:57 GMT

Hello everyone, If you would be interested in doing a Christmas Card Exchange send me a email at denim529@yahoo.com. Send me your name and mailing address. I will compile the list of addresses and send to everyone around the end of the month. That will give everyone time to buy cards and get them ready to mail in time for Christmas.

All I am asking is to send a nice card, bought or homemade, and a nice note inside and a tea bag.

Have a great day

Hugs

Carole

Nov. 22nd! Happy Bday, Ms Carole (CHEFCAROL)

KC10 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:03:04 GMT

This was to have been posted way earlier. But we've had major internet issues today and it is even slower than molasses in Jan. Can't even count how many times I've tried to post this. Anyway, eventually it will go ! I HOPE!!

Dear Carole - I do hope you are having on very awesome and blessed day. You've been much on my mind and in my prayers these past couple of weeks. So extra prayers have been sent up for you. Enjoy your special day and save some cake for me!

{{{{{{{{{{Huge BDAY HUGS}}}}}}}}}}

11/19 ~ Happy Birthday, socaldeb!! Woo hoo!!! Celebrate!!!!

KC10 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:32:10 GMT

Today is our Dear Debra's Birthday!! Please join me in wishing her a truly awesome day!!

Happy Birthday, my friend! Hope your day is filled with tons and tons of blessings just for YOU!!

{{{{{Bday HUGS}}}}}

Nov. 11th - Another bday celebration in the Tea Room!! Who?

KC10 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:51:06 GMT

Ms Marcia, of course!! a.k.a. HDMac!!

Hope you have an awesome day, Sweetie!

{{{{{Bday HUGS}}}}}

* Mary's Tea Room Recipe Threads INDEX & CLICKABLE LINKS!! *

KC10 — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:30:17 GMT

Mary's Tea Room ~ APPETIZERS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399606.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ BARS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399609.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ BEEF ENTREES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399611.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ BEVERAGES / TEAS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399614.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ BREADS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399618.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ BREAKFAST FARE

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399620.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ CAKES / FROSTINGS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399623.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ CANDY

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/p/675550/5716609.aspx#5716609

Mary's Tea Room ~ COFFEECAKES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399626.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ COOKIES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399628.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ DESSERTS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/675566.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ MISC.

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399806.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ MISC. SWEET TREATS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399807.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ MUFFINS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399953.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ PASTA & MISC. ENTREES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399955.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ PIES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399957.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ PORK ENTREES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399959.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ POULTRY ENTREES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399962.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ SALADS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399964.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ SCONES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399968.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ SEAFOOD ENTREES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399970.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ SOUPS

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399971.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ TEA SANDWICHES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399972.aspx

Mary's Tea Room ~ VEGETABLES

http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/399974.aspx

amended 10/10/08

Oct. 31 ~ It's a spooky, but oh so very Happy Boooday for our Tea Angel, emr ~ a.k.a. Elza!!

KC10 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:31:39 GMT

I'm so very, very late getting this posted and just couldn't let another moment go by without making time to get this very special greeting posted for Dear Elza!! Though it's a tad late, I do so hope you are having a tremendously fun and Happy Day, Dear Friend!!! Save some cake for me, please!! I'll be knocking on your door soon! (I wish! :o)

What a fun day to celebrate a Birthday!!! Please everyone, let's help Elza celebrate this day of ghosts and goblins with a Birthday celebration she won't soon forget!!

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea, October 1st, Sweeping out the dust and cobwebs,

marymitten — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:20:44 GMT

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea. Welcome to the first day of a brand new month. I really felt the push to move September's furniture out of the way and arrange some seasonal decorations. I miss the early morning light of summer, but in true life fashion, candlelight and firelight provide breathtaking beauties.

My nonsense dreams have been replaced with plays of real life, so I am litterally working all the time. Now thats more non sensical than real, lol.

I am delighted to share this mornings tea, which just happens to be Red Rose, made into a concentrate in the little pot on top of the samovar. I actually prefer a mild Turkish black tea for this purpose as it shows no hint of bitterness or bite even after several hours of perching over hot water. It's as close to instant tea as you can get without sacrificing the beauty of ceremony.

This is a rather odd little observation of nature that I wish to share. Down in the valley, in front of the garden house is a stand of 4 pine trees. Three are quite tall and traditional looking, but the 4th has always wept with downturned branches. I was used to that, and considered that its way of being. This morning, I was very surprised to see that it has totally perked up. Almost every one of those branches are now reaching up like praising hands and it looks like a totally new tree. I haven't watered it or fertilized, it just came about. People are capable of growth and change, just like that.

and so.....day breaks and I must dance to the music. No, that's not quite right, I am anxious to be asked to dance. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary

Jeffrey/Ellen Wedding Pictures...Number 2 of 2 :)

suzycreamcheese_MI — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:20:51 GMT

Steve and I :)

Ryan composed a beautiful toast to them...with some funny parts. More tears for me!

My boys!

All of us...

Steve and me with our two sons and daughters! Ellen wearing her second wedding gown of the evening -- I'm sooo jealous! I think it's a size 2, lol.

Another picture of Ellen in that teeny gown!

Ryan and Sylwia

Our very special neighbors, Wendie and Jared

My friend Monique (don't know what I'd do without her!) and her hubby Patrick!

All the cousins and family that's left. Steve, Me, my brother Bob, his wife Sherry, cousin Dana, cousin Carol, her husband Steve, Jim's wife Pat and my cousin Jim (also the Pastor)

Do the hustle!

The guys (and gal) doing a fun and wild "dance" to BTO's "Takin' Care of Business" ! What a blast!

Finally, the end! At the end of the reception, several of our friends came back to our house and stayed until 4:00 a.m. -- slept until noon the next day, lol.

Jeffrey and Ellen did a great job of planning every detail and it all fell together perfectly. Their photographer had the pics he had taken of them earlier in the day in different locations up on his computer -- wow, is this guy GOOD! Can't wait to see the proofs. I just hope he does a better job at "fixing" my pics so I'm gorgeous and skinny, ROFL!

Thanks for looking!

Jeffrey/Ellen Wedding Pictures -- Number 1 of 2 :)

suzycreamcheese_MI — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:17:53 GMT

Wedding pics! Lots of them! For the benefit of those on dial-up, I'm going to post them in several different threads, so please be patient!

At the rehearsal the night before, one of the ushers was to escort me down the aisle. He's also my Godson, so that was perfect! Later that night, I noticed the Pastor (my cousin) in a huddle with Jeffrey and the groomsmen and Steve. I asked later what that was all about and got no answers. On the way to the wedding, I asked Steve again. He said "Do you really want to know? It's a surprise." I said, "Well, will I find out before the night is over?" He said "Definitely." "Okay, never mind", I said.

Well, Steve and I and the parents of the bride were standing at the back waiting for all guests to be seated so we could be escorted in. I noticed Jeff standing next to me and I exclaimed "Jeff, you're supposed to be up front with your best man, hurry!" He just looked at me and said "Is it okay if I escort my mom down the aisle to her seat for my wedding?" O, man, I lost it! Tears! That was my surprise and I'm glad Steve didn't tell me!

So here we are. Hopefully the photographer got a better one!

Here is the groom and his best man (my oldest, Ryan) having a moment of fun while awaiting the bride. Jeffrey wouldn't tell me what Ryan said, lol.

Then Jeffrey got serious:

Saying their vows -- Ellen and Jeffrey. Her gown was just beautiful.

The parents join the newlyweds in prayer and blessing.

The church was one of the most beautiful I've seen.

The bridal dance!

The groom and mom dance.

The DJ played "our song" for us...We've Only Just Begun by the Carpenters. Why didn't anyone tell me my hanger ribbon was showing? *sigh*

To be continued on another thread...

Celebrating X 3 today, Fri. Oct. 23rd! Happy Birthday cooknchic, Germanlady & Donelle!!

KC10 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:12:34 GMT

Definitely a good reason to celebrate today! Though I know these 3 dear friends are not around much any more, I still hope this Bday wish will come as a pleasant surprise for them should they decide to pop in for a quick visit on this very special day!

Happy Birthday, Dear Amy!

Happy Birthday, Dear Germanlady!!

Happy Birthday, Dear Donelle!!!

SHIPPED AND RECEIVED SWEETEST DAY EXCHANGE

ckathynot_ca — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:46:48 GMT

I thought I would use a new swap for us to record when we both ship and when we receive our chocolates. I am wiping drool from the corner of my mouth to just think of it. LOL!

Here's who is participating

Kathy

Mary

Carole

Elza

Anne

Carolyn

Joan

Angie (my daughter)

Lorre (my friend who also did the cookie exchange with us)

Carrie (my friend who is Martha Stewart the 2nd)

Elva (a co-worker who LOVES chocolates)

Hugs and happy shopping

Kathy

Prayers, please, for our Shirley (sdmoore)

suzycreamcheese_MI — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:26:36 GMT

Shirley's niece Leann passed away a couple of days ago. She had called her mom and told her she was having trouble breathing and by the time they got there she was gone, apparently from a blood clot. Her viewing is tonight and the funeral is Saturday morning.

Shirley has many things going on in her life that she is asking prayers for. Please send prayers for strength, healing, and comfort.

{{{Shirley}}}

Jeffrey/Ellen's wedding shower...with pictures!

suzycreamcheese_MI — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:24:38 GMT

I'll try and get this started. Get comfy, lol!

Our first "oops" happened on Friday when we went to pick up the cake. It was beautifully decorated, BUT she wrote "Lots and lots of ICEING" instead of Frosting :( Of course, me being me, I just took it home with without having her redo it.

However, the more I looked at iceing, the more funny/wrong it looked to me. I thought it was just because I was so disappointed. But no, I had sent an email to Star telling her about iceing and she wrote back "you mean she put icing instead of frosting? Hmmmm......got out the dictionary and went into the backyard where Steve was. Told him "if she misspelled icing, it's going back" Sure enough, ICING. So I called her. She said I could bring cake back and she would fix it.

I wasn't looking forward to transporting that cake again, so I asked her if I could have some red icing stuff that Steve would fix it himself. (HIs mom used to decorate cakes when she was alive) So he went and she sent him home with a pastry bag of buttercream frosting (TO DIE FOR) and a pastry bag of red writing gel. Long story a bit shorter, he did a great job of repairing her boo-boo.

She does absolutely beautiful work, but her writing leaves much to be desired. Next time, I won't have her do the writing.

Here is the original cake

And here is the repaired cake and some close-ups...

To be continued.....be patient!

Happy Birthday, coriri!! Oct. 7th!!

KC10 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:25:24 GMT

Today is definitely cause to celebrate!! It is Corinne's birthday. Won't you please help me celebrate by wishing her a truly wonderful and blessed day!!!

I wish you many blessings and surprises today, Corinne! Enjoy your special day!!!

{{{{{Hugs}}}}}

Happy Birthday 'Cella!! Oct. 8th!

KC10 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:33:13 GMT

I"m starting this a day early as we are going to be disconnecting the computer for a few days while we strip old wall paper off of this computer room! This is the 3rd room we're tackling and I am feeling every bit my age! Hate getting old! anyway, since I"ll ve offline tomorrow, I decided I'd best get this taken care of today! So........

A day early, yes! But then that give you an extra day to celebrate!!

A very, very Happy Birthday to dear Marcella!!! Hope you have a truly wonderful day filled with fun, blessings and healing!!! Know that this Tea Angel prays for you and mom daily and I will continue to do so for as long as it is needed!!!

{{{Hugs to 'Cella}}}

(O: Mary's Tea Room Birthday Sign Up :O)

KC10 — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 03:16:56 GMT

It has become a bit of a tradition in our Tea Room to celebrate the special days in the lives of our Tea Angels & Friends!! So we are taking that tradition and expanding it just a wee bit! How? By inviting ALL who visit Mary's Tea Room to share with us the special days in YOUR lives if you would care to.

If you'd like to participate in our tradition here's what you need to do:
Rather than posting your special date to a public board, we are going to ask you to email your information to -

marystearoom@gmail.com

You will receive a follow-up email in return.

You have our solemn promise that ANY information you share will be kept in the strictest of confidence.

~ your Tea Angel/Friend ~

(o:Kay:o)

Oops! I forgot! Please put "Birthday" in the Subject line of your email. If you do not put this info. in the Subject line, your email will not be opened!!

(O: Mary's Tea Room Anniversary Sign Up :O)

KC10 — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 03:14:43 GMT

SWEETEST DAY CHOCOLATE EXCHANGE

ckathynot_ca — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:24:15 GMT

I will be chairing up and exchange for Sweetest Day. What better way to celebrate it than with a one pound box of chocolates?

Sweetest Day is October 17th, this year.

We will be sending a one pound box of our FAVORITE chocolates to the partner we are assigned. Is it as simple as that. No need to come up with more "filler" for the box as that one pound box of chocolate will be near and dear to our hearts.

Please e-mail me at ckathynot @ yahoo. com. Give me your name and address.

I will take names until September 30th at which time the partner assignment will be given. Please ship your chocolates so they will arrive on or near October 17th.

On this blog, it might be good to post some of your dislikes.

Happy chocolate shopping!

kathy

Good Morning Dear Friends, Sept. 25th, Golden Fields and Falling leaves

marymitten — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:22:00 GMT

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea. We are nearing the end of the month of September and all my attentions have been drawn to savoring the outdoors. We planted several trees and as I planned their locations I checked the view from inside the house as well as the street. How they stand out against a white background, and where to block whooshing winds. You know it's right when it looks like its always been there, and you wouldn't change it. Of course as I was viewing, DH was moving those big root balls and standing there holding them. lol.

I can't wait to tell him how I want to arrange the furniture, its going to be fun.

There are certain teas that span the seasons and stand the test of changing menus. The light fruity blends go to the back of the line and the dark spicey teas take center stage.

Along with brewing tea a nice simmering pot of aromatic spices really sets a celebratory mood. I am not really a fan of scented candles, but the light casts magical shadows in the room.

In between the seasons change, the run of summer and the rests of winter, is a pleasant glow of family and friends. Take tea wherever you go.

Dear Kathy, The nicest thing about not having an itinerary is....surprise. I am raising a cup of tea to what comes out of your nonplan. We are getting a rare taste of retirement with DH home recovering from surgery. Its a whole new world and I have to figure out how it fits with a satisfying lifestyle.

Dear Elza, Along the same thread of time to spend, I am thinking of arranging piano lessons for DH He has always wanted to learn to play. If I tell him, he will decline, so I am making it a prepaid gift.

Dear Shirley, I am so delighted that you are enjoying Facebook. I miss your visits to the tearoom. Are you still drawing or have you developed other interests?

Please come and inspire the spirit of celebration in the tearoom. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea, August 25th, from Morning Glories to a Halo Moon

marymitten — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:04:06 GMT

Good Morning Dear Friends in Tea. The harvest is coming in and the fields are turning gold in the slanted glow of changing light. My friend described that first inkling of Autumn as seeing evrything through a prism, reflected, refracted, catching fire and showing off new dimensions. Autumn is more than summer, with everything planted yeilding ripened fruits. The trees have outdone themselves with leaves, that are poised to fall. One of the prettiest things I ever saw was a steady rain of leaves. It truly was an experience I hope to have again. To stand out in a shower and not get wet!

My summer tablescape has worn out its welcome as has the wreath on my door. Time to change, or be left behind with pink and aqua, when deep red and turquoise get glorified.

Its all about apple time, with schoolbells replacing the tinkle of windchimes. I read that the very best apple pie filling contains a mix of Granny Smilth and Jonathan apples. The most planted apple tree is now Honeycrisp.

I love to set out pumpkins but often have to deal with gushy soft spots. Well, the solution is simple as washing your pumpins with a solution of bleach and water and letting them sit out of the sun in a cool place. Move over woodchuck...I need the basement of the garden house!

So while I am rearranging my colors and artwork on the walls, I am thinking, of how to be present in life's everchanging scenery. Its so easy to back out of events, put off a visit, avoid doing....but, that doesn't fuel the intricate lace of a beautiful full life.

Sending blessings of a full rich harvest and hope to chase elusive butterflies and socks to go with your sandles. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary

Help!!!!

HillyCOuntry Girl — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:17:35 GMT

I need some help I am having christmas at my house this year as well as a new years eve party. It has been a long time since I have had to do a dinner that big so any advice or recipes I would be grateful it will be my grandbaby's first christmas so it will be extra special.
Thanks Ronda

Reaching out....

Flicker13 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:18:09 GMT

Hello, I thought I would peek in here to say hello. Its been a long time since I have peeked into this TOH board. A lot has changed here! The layout is all new (wow) And I saw even some familiar names, too. Well...I am here for a reason. I can't seem to function and I wanted to reach out to this group in case someone has words to help me thru this. I have never been so immersed in a my own wallowing and sadness as I have been these past 60+ weeks. I lost my brother May 31, 2008, who I connected with more than anyone else I have ever had in my life. I lost my best friend, my travel companion, my food 'discusser', my helper in the shoppe (and co founder) my whole world seemed to involve Chris, and tho I kind of knew it already, this past year plus has opened my eyes to how much Chris has always been a part of my day to day life, and how much I love him. Chris would call to see how I was, Chris would offer his help, Chris was my connection to the outside world (as I have been pretty secluded since 1998 - my own silly doing) Chris eventually went from my younger brother to my older, always looking out for me, type of brother *smile* I love that. I can't seem to think about anything without being reminded of Chris and how much I miss him. How it hurts so bad that he lost his life when he did. Even making/eating a meal hurts (we often talked on the phone while eating). I feel so alone even though I have a great set of parents who are trying to help me through this, too (as they grieve as well). I still can't seem to get out of bed at a normal hour ( or go to bed at a normal hour), or get out of the house and I have all I can do to get myself motivated to just brush my teeth. Will this pain ever be replaced with something else?? I felt the physical pain of losing Chris last year and that seemed to ease (felt like my left side was gone for months then felt like my heart hurt for months, at one point I felt as though I was having a heart attack and spent the day in the hospital.) I have tried counseling, and that was good. But then when the guy who killed my brother finally went to jail and the sentencing was over it felt like I was back at square one with missing Chris and having every thought involve him in some way. I closed my shoppe after his death (I can't believe I just typed death) and I am starting to miss work. But I just cry and cry when I try to get back to work. I am so in debt it is ridiculous now. I have no husband, no children - Chris gave me that 'fulfillment' I now believe, being my younger brother and best friend he filled a lot of gaps in my life. I was happy for him when he found his fiancee and loved talking with him about the children he wanted to have (Chris had so many dreams) and I looked forward to that part of our lives so much. Now that everything is over I have just lost any desire to eat, laugh, function, love and well...function. I know deep down Chris would be upset at my behaviour, for I should be grateful I am disease free, safe & alive. But I miss Chris so much life seems empty and sad to me. I get overwhelmed so easy, and I could cry about Chris all day long. I have found I rather just sleep my life away. I know that sounds horrid but I just want to be in another world, I think. (I have only had Chris in my dreams once and I really try to dream about him alive and well) I want to know where Chris is and what he is up to. I miss him like crazy. Maybe this venting will help. What do I do? Thank you for reading, I realize I am being a 35 year old baby.

Prayers needed for Marcella

Deery — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:25:37 GMT

Dear Tea Angels, Susan/Omatje daughter Marcella is in the hospital. Her whole body has been going numb.

Deery