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Hello to everyone, I must say that 'Spring is bustin out all over!" here. We have lots of things blooming. They are a bit early, but I am hoping there will not be another frost. Our last frost is usually mid or late April, so I may have to eat those words. Everyone here is already wearing capris and flip flops, with younger girls already into shorts. It will be capris for me, unless I am in the house. I do welcome the thought of wearing sandals of all types, but first must hit the nail salon.
I know that all of us are having differing weather conditions right now. But I am hoping soon that all of us will have enjoyable weather soon. Some of my herbs that I left outside are showing green leaves, and garlic that I planted last fall is up by several inches. We had such a mild winter. I really hope to get more into herbal plantings this summer, but I will need to research it more than I did last summer.
I am finally over most side effects of my illness, all except occasional sneezing and that could be from present blooming plants in the neighborhood, who knows? My Dr. tells me that I have been taking a lot of over the counter stuff that is not good with my heart and blood pressure meds. So I am trying some others. You nearly have to have a pharmacy degree to know what to take anymore.
All have a pleasant weekend. We have been "stuffing the plastic Easter eggs again at church. They had different night for ladies and Gents to make it a contest. Ladies won, and the total stuffed was over 29,000.If you remember last yr. we dropped 15,000 from a helicopter on the church property. This yr. it will be a hot air balloon.
Hi Everyone,
A belated Happy St. Patrick's day to all.
What a day today! It had to be close to 80. I had a longsleeved cotton shirt on and it was too hot. I thought tomorrow was the first day of spring - not summer. My crocus are blooming like crazy. They have multiplied gloriously and so many other bulble are poking thorugh. It is my favortie time of the year. I went to the flower show in Boston yesterday. It was wonderful. My daughter and I took her three little girls. Her twind are going to be five in another month. It seems like they were just babies. Time sure flies.
Mary, congratulations on your award for writing. I would love to see some of your articles.
Anne, I have several of my mothers old Pillsbury Bake-Off cookbooks. I love looking through them. They still do have the bake-off. I get the Pillsbury emails and have seen it mentioned. I don;t know if they still do the little cookbooks though but they do put the recipes on their website. I found the TOH Board several years ago searching for an old bake-off recipe which had been a favorite of my sister and myself when we were growing up- peekaboos. It was a cookie made with a dough simialr to a creampuff with a couple of chocolate chips peeking our.
Hedgie
Good Morning Dear Friends, and Welcome to Tea! I am on the upswing from that virus that turned quickly to pneumonia, so, while the rest of Michigan is out in summer clothes and enjoying the rare treat of warm weather, I was measuring breaths and sleeping sitting up, ugh. It was downright horrid to sit and watch while family and friends have played, but my tea was a true and faithful companion as I plotted my escape from illness.
I am encouraged today and when the mind starts whirling and longing for a bit of fun, there is no stopping the body from following along.
I ran headlong into a lovely product that made for a nice surprise. Sally Hanson nail polish strips are easy to apply and very atrractive, especially on nails that have a lot to hide. I received compliments and that made me smile. As soon as I won't scare everyone away I am going to take myself to the local salon for a spring liftoff. Physicains PH matchmaker lip gloss is an astounding product, that matches your own color beautifully and in the same line is mascera that is kind to sparse dry lashes.
Good Morning Carolyn and Hedgie waving to Anne and Elza. I recently got gifted with a small cache of Pillsbury cookbooks and those pages inspired several page markers and plans to cook lovely things. Nothing says spring like a beautiful cake perched on a footed plate, just waiting to be enjoyed.
While the sun shines brightly in the blue sky and warm temperatures beacon, it is a good day to walk the dogs, and decorate the front door. Won't you join me? Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary
Good Evening tea Friends,
What a glorious day today was! The temperatures have been breaking records all week. I can't imagine wearing just short sleeves and no jacket in March. It is more like the end of May. I was downtown today and all of the flowering trees were in full bloom. As beautiful as they were I wish more flowers were blloing also to complete the picture. There is some concern about the fruit trees budding too early and ten getting a heavy frost. It could affect the fruit crops. It is going to cool off tomorrow but still be in the low seventies.
Mary, I was sorry to hear that you have not been well but am glad that you are on the mend. I will have to try that Sally Hanson nail polish. I always make such a mess that this sounds good to me. How does it last once on your nails?
Carol, are you sewing for any spring craft shows?
Hugs to everyone else.
Good Morning Dear Friends and Welcome to the Tearoom! I agree with Hedgie that the weather has been just divine. The flowering plums leading up to our front door are wearing their full headresses and the grass is as green as can be. Storms kicked up late last night and today it will be wet and cooler. The dry spell proved to be the perfect medicene to not only set my ears right, but to fight off the pneumonia. That is where the good news ends. While walking big dog Leo down our little lane two large younger dogs accosted us. Leo circled the leash around me to protect and I wrenched my back, barely making it back home. Back to the dr, ouch....but....with this little hope in my heart for an exit of Meniere's, with a change of climate. I wonder if there is a relocation program for people who need to move for health reasons.
Meanwhile, back in the days of getting over that pneumonia, I decided to think ahead to putting on a bathing suit...ohboy. From the comfort of home I shopped at 'Zappo's' and let me tell you, aside from having to ship from and to, I am delighted with the company. Being a wee bit older and not in the perfect body, I went for the swimdresses and shirred fabrics...wrong. In frustration, I read a little review from 'a lady of a certain age' and ordered her preferred suit...opened the box and threw it back in....then I tried it on...It is perfect! Cute cute cute! It is tempting at this point to take out a full page ad, but instead I'll just share that Zappo's Rocks! Their customer service, return policy and free shipping both ways is awesome.
Dear Hedgie, The Sally Hanson nail polish strips last until you remove them, and even that is easy. The first time I tried them out I was nervous and lacked a little confidence but the learning curve wasn't hard at all. I have never had 'nice nails' and due to my health, my own nails are a fright. This makes them absolutely beautiful and I get compliments! I would suggest picking one of the more neutral and avoiding white as it is very stark, but honestly...I am going to keep using them. Noone is harder on nail polish than me, and I had no chipping even though my nails peel in layers.
All this good news just begs for a tea party and I wholeheartedly recommend, that if you haven't visited the Teavana web site, by all means do. There are many new blends and the shipping is quick. I have some small glass pitchurs that serve the individual beautifully and I love the development of the flowers and herbs before straining the tea to a pretty glass.
Even with the bump in the road of having to go to my dr I have the most hopeful spirit....life is almost too good to be true! Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary
Good morning Angels! I've been out of pocket, as they say here, due to traveling to SC to spend some time with my mother. She had shoulder surgery (again!) last Monday, when they were finally able to replace the shoulder replacement -- what they had tried, unsuccessfully, to do back in September -- and so I was there when she got home from the hospital. All went well, the surgeon is pleased, and she's already had her first physical therapy session. So grateful that she can move her arm again! And she's not having a lot of pain either. We are pretty hopeful at this point -- she's been in a sling for six months and is ready to get rid of it ASAP!
I thoroughly enjoyed spring in South Carolina -- azaleas, dogwoods, redbuds, and wisteria all in bloom -- so beautiful. I did not enjoy pine pollen (achoo!) and fire ants. One evening I treated 11 different spots in Mama's yard, and then had to hit at least 2 more on each night after that. They are pesky critters!
Well, I'm enjoying my Saturday before jumping back into work on Monday. I'm going to the gym this morning -- my Nook is so wonderful for reading on the treadmill, much easier than a book -- then will run by the bank to get my schedule, then home to do laundry.
Waving happily to everyone -- wishing you a lovely Saturday.
With 4 days of steady rain all week it has been just a bit gloomy, but we spoke with a Farmer friend who was so elated that his farm ponds are all full again and wheat is greener than it has ever been, the gloom is welcome for short periods. This weekend forecast is for SUNSHINE! My favorite flavor of weather. And you would think I am a farmer, myself, as I walk around the yard each morning just watching things seem to pop up overnight.
Mary, Eureka for your having found a swimsuit that suits you. So many are for the younger girls-made up of triangles held together with strings. Almost should be a law against those, but that is coming from a very mature set of thoughts. I am so glad you got one you can enjoy.
DH is at WalMart on an errand to get MILK. He has been gone for 45 min. So I am assuming he will be bringing in 3 or 4 sacks of somethings. It is a 10 min. drive.
Elza, we have met with fire ants on visits with friends in Texas. Not very friendly critters. Glad you are able to eliminate some of them for your Mom. Hope her healing will be quick and as painless as can possible be.
I enjoy reading of my Kindle Fire so much, and so many books I download are free or very inexpensive. And the only trouble is that so much reading keeps me from my list of chores. I do not flash that list around!
Wishing everyone a delightful weekend. Carolyn
Carolyn, my secret for getting junk food (since I am generally opposed to buying junk food) is to ask DH to stop at the store for bread and milk. Almost always results in cookies, chips, and ice cream -- in addition to the bread and milk, of course.
Gray, cold, drizzley rain turning to snow...what makes you smile in the face of all weathery wonders? Give up? Tea! A pretty cup with your favorite tea, brewed to perfection, with a little sweet treat....and the sun shines from within!
Good Morning Dear Friends and WElcome to the Tearoom.
I won't go into the details further than to say that having an illness that responds poorly to barometric changes can be a challenge. I am a fighter and naturally sunny side up, but I have sighed and nearly given in to it, but that is where a nice hot cup of tea saves the day!
I am behind in the news from our lovely room, and when that happens, I feel estranged...out of the zing and off the loop. I hope that whatever takes you away from writing in our room gently guides you back again with the smiles of friends to cheer and share with you.
I am completely scrambling to put together a plan for Easter celebration and while my winter snuggies are perfect for today, it is supposed to get up to 70 and be sunny by this Sunday. Our Palm Sunday plans are usually quiet, but hopeful and I get in the swing before the big day.
May I pour you a cup of tea today? The table is prepared and there are so many lovely things to talk about. Please come and share. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary
Good morning Mary! Sorry about your health challenges but I hope that this morning is finding you feeling better. It's a little gray and drizzly here today but I'm hoping for sunshine -- since I just hung towels out on the clothesline!
Louisville is completely consumed with The Basketball Game tonight, which, as far as this state is concerned, will be for the national championship! We'll be watching and I'm going to cheer on the UK Wildcats --
I'll be busy this afternoon getting music together for Palm Sunday and after that I'll think about Easter. Haven't made any plans for an Easter menu, but I'm thinking that a spiral-sliced ham would be really nice. Especially since that would give me a hambone to cook white beans with later ...
Waving to everyone from Kentucky, the center of the basketball universe!
Good Morning Elza, I am inspired by the vision of towels dancing on the line an dthe hope of sunshine. I don't think our gray skies will give way and the temperatures are very chilly. I am drinking lots of hot black tea with lemon and sugar and dreaming of summer days. Yesterday we had a rain/ice/hail storm with high winds that caused many accidents and chased anyone who was out back indoors. Alan came home from work and turned up the heat without a prompt as he had been soaked several times.
A spiral ham is always welcome and the soup that comes from the bone is just delightful. Let me add a simple macaroni salad and of course a jello mold, hot rolls and green beans flavored with a smoked ham hock and that is my idea of perfect. You always inspire me.
I hope your mother is doing exceptionally well since her surgery and that her recovery is easy. Have a grand day! Mary
Good Morning Dear Friends and Welcome to the Tearoom. I have my second cup of what I hope is many cups to come of hot tea and a pitchur of iced tea on hand. I am lagging behind holiday plans but do have a precious pkg of Kowalski Holiday Kielbasa, perogis and the makings for a lovely family brunch. DS will be working Easter Sunday and DH will be coming off of many 12 hour days in a row, so the day will be very relaxed.
The chill in the air is tempered by clear blue skies today and yesterdays bluster and drizzle is past. I went back into layers of clothes and even my winter jacket and still felt cold. I am looking forward to warmer days.
I am embarking next week on a new adventure as caregiver to a dear lady who, like my mother suffered a brain aneurism. I hope I can provide exactly what she and her husband very sorely need to enjoy their days together. It is a familiar role for me and done in glad spirits. God still holds surprises, even when you thing you know it all.
One such surprise was being able to secure an appointment at the hairdresser for tomorrow. One person's regretful cancel is my lucky day! New businesses are cropping up in Fenton and that is good news for the economy. A trip to the candy store, where the ladies were in full view dipping chocolates and making casts of rabbits and other little critters made me smile. I left with hand wrapped boxes of favs for everyone. It was also lucky parking day as the first spot by the front door was waiting for me and I left it, waiting for someone else :>
I am not even going to discuss the number of insects that are alive and well outdoors. A neighbor was mentioning a run in with bare poison ivy vines and as I was standing there looking at her. Holding one hand with the other, I managed not to have phantom itches. Poor thing.
Today is doggie beauty parlor day and Little Trixie, who just hates to go, has decided to hide. Big Dog Leo will tattle so she can't escape. Life, is beautiful. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary
Whispering, Good Morning Dear Friends....Welcome to the tearoom. After two nights of the Pascal Moon shining between the slats of my vertical blinds I am a bit frayed around the edges. I actually wanted to move the bed, or put up a tent over it. How funny is it to ohhh and ahhh at a beautiful thing and have the same sight just wear at the senses.
Do you feel the pull of Easter morning and the joy that surrounds the ultimate truth? I have to admit that without the human early fanfare surrounding this wonderous event, it feels a lot like the moon in the window. Maybe it's like a house with all it's parts painted different colors but lacking the pleasing ahhhh. Although I like each one separately but when put together there is no finished feeling. Perhaps that will ease and take care of itself as ds arrives home from work and we gather together.
The morning is very crisp and clear with the sky opening up with light to swallow the moon and put it back in its place. I am back to the hairdresser to do a little color correcting. I love the parts and pieces of it separately but the same as a holiday without a festive dinner, it needs something to pull it all together and make it harmonious. I love my stylist...maybe she can identify the key factor.
I hope to hear from the members of our tearoom family as the day goes by. The table is ready exactly when you arrive and friends are treasure. Have I let our group down in some way? I truly hope not. Your very grateful hostess and friend, Mary
Happy Easter Day to All,
Thinking of all our Tea Room friends and hoping every one is enjoying a beautiful day. This first Easter without DH Howard seems and is different for me. Erica and I were invited to dinner with friends in another town, but I'd rather be home today. Yesterday, however, our next door neighbors were celebrating Easter dinner on Saturday instead of today as grandparents had to leave early for home, and they asked us to join them, which we did - it was easy to get there and back and enjoyable to spend time with them and their two little girls.
I baked biscotti and bread (Crescia, an Italian cheese bread) and that was the extent of my baking for this holiday. It is suppose to reach 60 and be sunny today, for a change. Erica was out planting peas, onions, and Swiss Chard - she loves to garden and it makes her happy. Another neighbor dropped off fresh, cleaned crab meat so we are having crab cakes for dinner. This is a first for us, having something other than lamb or ham for Easter.
Mary, I hope you are happy with your corrected hair color and feel all beautiful and physically better today. I am feeling a bit low as I got word that one of my dearest friends of many years is not doing well at all after by-pass surgery several days ago. Life certainly has unhappy twists and turns as we go along our way.
Enjoy this blessed day, dear friends, and get back to us soon.
Anne
Happy Easter to all the tea Room Angels
I hoe everyone had a lovely Easter with friends and family'
What a beautiful Eater we had today. I celbrated with three of my daughter and one of their homes and six of my grandchildren. It was a little chilly for their egg hunt but they didn't seem to mind. Where di that unseasonably warm weather of a couple pf weeks ago go? We had a lovely dinner with everyone bringing something. My contribution was a bunny cake which doubled as a birthday cake for my grand daughter who turned seven today. One of my sons celbrates his birthday tomorrow. he was born on Good Friday. My other son celebrates his on Thursday. he was born on Holy Thursday. My youngest grandaughter was born on Holy Saturday and we celbrated another grandaughter's birthday the next day on Easter. Easter was on march 23rd that year which is the earliest that can be. I guess Easters have been very busy for my family.
Mary, good luck with your new venture of caring for the lady with the aneurism. You are perfect person to bring comfort to her.
Have a wonderful week everyone as spring unflods its' beauty day by day.