Old Fashioned Picnic and Fireworks, July Tea Party. Good Morning and Welcome!

Good Morning Dear Friends and Welcome to the Tearoom! We had the most thrilling thunderstorms yesterday afternoon... Crash! Boom...Baaaa! It liberated the humidity from the air and gave that fresher than fresh feeling to the dust weary lawns and streets.

Today DS and I are going Treasure Hunting throughout the area consignment shops, so much fun.

Dear Susie, I LOVE your bicycle! The picture I have of you and Steve riding is priceless.

Dear Elza, I have never wanted to go to Haiti, until now. What a beautiful blessing and inspiring tale.

Dear Kathy, I will be at daycamp in spirit. The simplest meals are sometimes the most satisfying. I hope you have a good turnout.

Let's all follow an ice cream truck and get in a Good Humor for the day.

Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary

Kathy, I want to come to camp! S'mores on the beach -- perfect.

Don't know just what Mama did to her shoulder -- she didn't fall or anything. The replacement surgery kind of rearranges how muscles are attached, and the bone that broke is the one that the deltoid muscle was moved to attach it to during the surgery. So, the dr. said they know that puts additional stress on that particular bone (I think it's part of the shoulder blade). Plus, she has osteoperosis and that is a factor too. Sounds confusing, I know. I don't have a real clear picture of it myself. But anyway, hoping to hear today what the new surgery date is so I can start making plans about when to go.

 Hello everyone! I just had to tell you this story of my tea making here in Germany. I made some Jahannisbeer Kirsch Tea the other day which is Red Currant (Johannisbeer) and Cherry (Kirsch). I thought it would be a really nice fruity blend and thought adding a bit of milk to it would make it a great creamy tea...Yes, I know you can't add milk to most or maybe all herb teas...but one of the drawbacks of living in Germany as a beginner is not being able to decipher all the ingredients. Of course, the milk curdled and I tossed it. But not before I got a whiff of it. Wow! It smelled like I just brewed a homemade batch of cough syrup. I don't know if I'll ever be able to drink that with the smell of cough syrup wafting up my nose. 

The color of this tea was an intense shade of red so maybe I can use it to naturally color Easter eggs next spring.

Cheers!

Shannon

Wow, that smells like some tea you brewed,Shannon.  I hope you are having a lovely time in Germany.  I thought Germany was so lovely when I was there.  So clean and such pride they have in their properties. You are so fortunate to be seeing different parts of the world.

I am back from being MIA for some days.  I just got home today from spending a week with DGD Ashlee and her 2 babies.  Such fun and work, too lol.  As some of you know Ashlee has a 2 week old new baby sone and a 16 mo. old baby son, as well.  Her DH was out of town on business for the past week.  She cannot lift the 16 mo. old yet due to having a C-section so Grandma to the rescue.  We had a great time what with getting Jackson to accept new baby Jameson.  Things are going better in that department.  Though he is no 'in love' with baby brother yet, he is becoming a bit more accepting each and every day.  So all will be well soon.  He is not at the age to understand reason about the situation just yet, but he was really very good for me all week, and I loved holding the new one whenever possible.   I also just adored watching Jack learning new things daily.  He is such a smart little guy and figures out his toys and other things so easily.  What a joy it is to watch them grow.

Well, silly ole twitterpated G'ma will close for now.  The week was a bit tiring and I am retiring early.  Good to be back in the Tea room.  Will have to go back soon to see what I missed.  God Bless, Carolyn

Good Morning Dear Friends and Welcome to the Tearoom! It is a spectacular morning here at Heartstrings House and after wandering down to the gazebo at the edge of the woods, with the flash of hooves and the rustle of low bushes the sight of several deer coaxed me to think about my own family rousing up at the house. The abundant wildlife has convinced me to carry a putter, but I never need to fend anything off. On more than one occasion I have thrown it while running in the opposite direction and dear husband has found and returned it to the corner of the sunroom for my next walk.

The air is heavy with rising heat and humidity although the deep tree cover necesitates a sweater. I always feel like it's been a big adventure and it sets my mind to do one thing after another with a steady hum of energy not related to caffeine.

It's Saturday and the routine takes a little twist and there is more time to clean a mess or make a meal, see friends and linger over a cup of tea. Happy Living!

Dear Elza, I am so sorry that your mother has to go through surgery again. Prayers for her, your FIL, you, your extended family and your DS in Haiti to be safe and sound. Lighter is the burden we carry when we shoulder it with love. May God stay close in all concerns.

Dear Shannon, That certainly was a big surprise to have your milk curdle in the tea. I had a similar experience with a German tea as I couldn't decipher the contents. The tea was by Ricola and arrived in a round tin with tiny white pearls to add to the hot water. No steeping and it was almost like Alka Seltzer, lol. I hope you find some very wonderful teas that you drink again and again. I would love to visit Germany but only if I could go there one day and return home tomorrow, lol. I will instead armchair travel with you, if you don't mind. Did you find a rental home? How long do you expect to be abroad..is that still a used word?

Dear Carolyn, I am so glad to hear from you and to read the news of the new baby. How wonderful that you are free and able to stay and help. I have a friend who had 3 boys all close together and the oldest one did not accept is younger brother until the youngest was born..then he had an ally. They were very hale and hardy country boys and always in cahoots with one another. In a few years one little sister and then another joined the clan and the girls gave the boys a run for their money. One day as I was pulling up to visit I was horrified when one boy litterally swung on the gutter which pulled away from the house...he made an easy jump to the ground...but I knew why my friend always appeared overly serene...shell shock...lol. Life is an unexpected treat.

I am experimenting with a new gluten free flour mix for pancakes. Remember the old 'Life Cereal' commercials and the famous 'Mikey'? Well, I am going to find someone to try it before I do, aha.....

Let the games begin!

Please do have a lovely cup of tea and smile, because you are loved!

Your very grateful hostess and friend, mary

Blessed Sunday Morning dearest of angels, Well this day has started out very humid. I am almost ready for church, just need to put my face on.   DD and I went to see "Eclipse" yesterday,  it was a good movie.  I love going to the movies, just don't do it that often.  Wanted to do some sewing yesterday but did not get around to it.  After church today I hope to do some sewing between the laundry and cooking.   Bought some very thin sliced raw beef yesterday, that  I am going to season up with some italian seasoning, peppers, onions and garlic  and put on a cibatta roll with some swiss cheese.  and a Green salad with fresh tomatoes.  Supper is on for tonight, come on down and I will make room at my table for everyone.

Well I need to go put on my face and rush up everyone else so we will not be late for church. Have a great day

Hugs and Love

Carole

Good morning dearest of angels.   I tried to post last night two pictures and could not get it to work.  It was a picture of a hippo and rhino that I made.  I will try again this afternoon.   Need to run,  have a great day

Hugs

Carole

Good Morning Dear Friends and Welcome to the Tearoom. Happy Monday! The days have all run together like melted icecream with building heat and humidity firing off random thunderstorms at night. With all the outside work and play we all sleep easy and deep. I have a new Republic of Tea Chocolate Coconut blend to sample but the time just hasn't been right...yet. Perhaps today when the skies open and rain pitter patters on the roof. It's always nice to have something to look forward to.

Dear Carole, I love your sewing projects and I bet if you were next door I would be clammoring for lessons. Speaking of lessons tomorrow is mine so lots of practice on the violin is in order. Please give my very best to your Mama Jean and Daddy. You can't go wrong with the Jim Hine's Princess fantasy books. Dear Tina got me started and now I can't quit reading them.

This princess has to heat up the iron and conduct the symphony of the laundry. It's all fun and games when you think of it that way. I haven't a clue about dinner although there have been some nice Fix it and Forget It menus flying my way from the newest edition.

God bless you, your families and your homes. Please do come and share your thoughts and activities here in the Tearoom. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary

i am back from vacation. I had such a good time.We went down in Onyx Cave and took the tour. Its so nice and cool in there.You where a headset,and everything is explained to you. There was even a still in there. Went to one place called quigleys castle. Its a house that a lady and her husband built themselves. Her husband had promised to build her one,never did so her and her children tour down the one they were living in,and lived in a chicken coop until her house was built. Its made out of rocks,with 28 windows,and sheput plants 4 feet from the walls. The plants grew up to the second story ceiling in the house. Upstairs in what was her bedroom,she has a glass wall with a huge butterfly colection running across the whole wall. All this was built during the depression. OUtside there is plants and floweres everywhere. She had made bottle trees. Its interesting to look at because there is every kind of bottle imaginable on the trees. The mailbox is made from stones, and they have a fish pond also.  While in arkansaw we went and saw the Passion Play,and went on a tour of the holy land. That took up all of saturday. The motel was nice.Land of nod. Its a pink motel. They have gourmet coffee and tea in the lobby that is available allday long. I got kind of spoiled on that. The continental breakfast was good.All kinds of fruit,juice,milk,cold cereal,yogurt and different muffins,bagels and danish and cinnnamon bread. While there we shopped til we dropped. What was funny we even found a restaurant called myrtle Maes. My bro took a picture of me by the sign. Arkansaw is a pretty state up there in the ozarks. I hated to come back. I have somecinnamon plum tea that I brought back.. Nobody had any English Toffee tea. Any way it is back to work today. Oh I almost forgot I brought home some chow chow,peach preserves and corn rrlish that my sister in law and I made from produce from their garden. Its good to be back and everyone try to stay cool today.

i am back from vacation. I had such a good time.We went down in Onyx Cave and took the tour. Its so nice and cool in there.You where a headset,and everything is explained to you. There was even a still in there. Went to one place called quigleys castle. Its a house that a lady and her husband built themselves. Her husband had promised to build her one,never did so her and her children tour down the one they were living in,and lived in a chicken coop until her house was built. Its made out of rocks,with 28 windows,and sheput plants 4 feet from the walls. The plants grew up to the second story ceiling in the house. Upstairs in what was her bedroom,she has a glass wall with a huge butterfly colection running across the whole wall. All this was built during the depression. OUtside there is plants and floweres everywhere. She had made bottle trees. Its interesting to look at because there is every kind of bottle imaginable on the trees. The mailbox is made from stones, and they have a fish pond also.  While in arkansaw we went and saw the Passion Play,and went on a tour of the holy land. That took up all of saturday. The motel was nice.Land of nod. Its a pink motel. They have gourmet coffee and tea in the lobby that is available allday long. I got kind of spoiled on that. The continental breakfast was good.All kinds of fruit,juice,milk,cold cereal,yogurt and different muffins,bagels and danish and cinnnamon bread. While there we shopped til we dropped. What was funny we even found a restaurant called myrtle Maes. My bro took a picture of me by the sign. Arkansaw is a pretty state up there in the ozarks. I hated to come back. I have somecinnamon plum tea that I brought back.. Nobody had any English Toffee tea. Any way it is back to work today. Oh I almost forgot I brought home some chow chow,peach preserves and corn rrlish that my sister in law and I made from produce from their garden. Its good to be back and everyone try to stay cool today.

i am back from vacation. I had such a good time.We went down in Onyx Cave and took the tour. Its so nice and cool in there.You where a headset,and everything is explained to you. There was even a still in there. Went to one place called quigleys castle. Its a house that a lady and her husband built themselves. Her husband had promised to build her one,never did so her and her children tour down the one they were living in,and lived in a chicken coop until her house was built. Its made out of rocks,with 28 windows,and sheput plants 4 feet from the walls. The plants grew up to the second story ceiling in the house. Upstairs in what was her bedroom,she has a glass wall with a huge butterfly colection running across the whole wall. All this was built during the depression. OUtside there is plants and floweres everywhere. She had made bottle trees. Its interesting to look at because there is every kind of bottle imaginable on the trees. The mailbox is made from stones, and they have a fish pond also.  While in arkansaw we went and saw the Passion Play,and went on a tour of the holy land. That took up all of saturday. The motel was nice.Land of nod. Its a pink motel. They have gourmet coffee and tea in the lobby that is available allday long. I got kind of spoiled on that. The continental breakfast was good.All kinds of fruit,juice,milk,cold cereal,yogurt and different muffins,bagels and danish and cinnnamon bread. While there we shopped til we dropped. What was funny we even found a restaurant called myrtle Maes. My bro took a picture of me by the sign. Arkansaw is a pretty state up there in the ozarks. I hated to come back. I have somecinnamon plum tea that I brought back.. Nobody had any English Toffee tea. Any way it is back to work today. Oh I almost forgot I brought home some chow chow,peach preserves and corn rrlish that my sister in law and I made from produce from their garden. Its good to be back and everyone try to stay cool today.

i am back from vacation. I had such a good time.We went down in Onyx Cave and took the tour. Its so nice and cool in there.You where a headset,and everything is explained to you. There was even a still in there. Went to one place called quigleys castle. Its a house that a lady and her husband built themselves. Her husband had promised to build her one,never did so her and her children tour down the one they were living in,and lived in a chicken coop until her house was built. Its made out of rocks,with 28 windows,and sheput plants 4 feet from the walls. The plants grew up to the second story ceiling in the house. Upstairs in what was her bedroom,she has a glass wall with a huge butterfly colection running across the whole wall. All this was built during the depression. OUtside there is plants and floweres everywhere. She had made bottle trees. Its interesting to look at because there is every kind of bottle imaginable on the trees. The mailbox is made from stones, and they have a fish pond also.  While in arkansaw we went and saw the Passion Play,and went on a tour of the holy land. That took up all of saturday. The motel was nice.Land of nod. Its a pink motel. They have gourmet coffee and tea in the lobby that is available allday long. I got kind of spoiled on that. The continental breakfast was good.All kinds of fruit,juice,milk,cold cereal,yogurt and different muffins,bagels and danish and cinnnamon bread. While there we shopped til we dropped. What was funny we even found a restaurant called myrtle Maes. My bro took a picture of me by the sign. Arkansaw is a pretty state up there in the ozarks. I hated to come back. I have somecinnamon plum tea that I brought back.. Nobody had any English Toffee tea. Any way it is back to work today. Oh I almost forgot I brought home some chow chow,peach preserves and corn rrlish that my sister in law and I made from produce from their garden. Its good to be back and everyone try to stay cool today.

Myrtle, I was doing some "caving" last weekend -- my DS & DBIL were visiting and we went to Mammoth Cave. It was a great place to visit on a hot summer day -- 54 degrees year-round! Boy, did that feel good.

I actually have a "normal" schedule this week -- work on M/W/F, off on T/Th/Sat. I'm really looking forward to that since I have plans with friends for each of those days! Tomorrow I'm meeting a friend at her health club so we can chat while we walk. Thursday I'm meeting another friend for lunch, and on Saturday we have 3 other couples coming over for dinner. I'm going to make chicken bog and a banana pudding for dessert (I think -- not positive on the dessert yet), and they are brining veggies and salad.

The pomegranate/blueberry tea turned out pretty well iced. It was a nice pink color -- looked a little like cranberry juice. It was quite tart, so it definitely needed sweetening. I'm thinking I may like it better hot, with honey. Will try that whenever it cools off enough to want hot tea!

Good morning dearest of angels,   Well looks like another hot one in the South today.   I am the only one up this morning.  DH is off today, Scott is still asleep, Jenna stayed at MIL's last night.  I am up ready to go, this morning.   Well let me go and get my lunch together. 

Myrtle,  glad you had a great time and made it home safely.  Welcome Home

Have a great day

Hugs

Carole

Good Morning Dear Friends, Welcome to the Tearoom! God turned on the sprinkler system and the heat has gone elsewhere. Last night DH, DS and I went swimming and when I looked up there was a hot air balloon just topping out trees! It looked as if the basket would land on top of us! A little girl called down to ask how the water was....such a silly happening. If there had been a rope dangling I might've grabbed on and took a flight1

Dear Elza, I am toasting your perfect week and hoping for one of my own. I think your dinner sounds perfect. If you get the postings from Southern Plate look at the Twinkie Cake...that is next on my company menu.

Dear Carole, Have a lovely day at work. I will try to send you a cool breeze and fireflies.

Happy Teusday!

Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary