tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22333563545249246122024-03-05T06:13:19.711-08:00The Tea TrolleyScone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-50921978518654654622017-11-19T13:31:00.000-08:002017-11-19T13:31:13.759-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u>The Delight Prescription<o:p></o:p></u><br />
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I look around my momentarily-dishevelled living room. The ever-green pencil tree that has been up since December might look out of place on the last day of March, but not for long. A jaunty circlet of White feathers and pearls dons its top announcing that it will soon be spring. Crystal-encrusted eggs in subtle hues of rose, violet, chartreuse, yellow and white adorn the branches and jeweller’s crystals in their second incarnation as dewdrops shimmer and shine and will continue to light the room until May Day. Posies of jonquils, pansies and miniature lilies are tucked into sparse areas. Gilded, jewel-toned birds with white down tails perch shyly amongst the finery. This year I have added diminutive porcelain cups and saucers, and teapots. Slowly but surely my home is putting on its Easter bonnet.</div>
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It has been a long, cold, unrelenting winter. Snow seldom flies in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver but we have had plenty this year. While we cannot lay claim to several feet of the white stuff, any small amount is more than enough to shut down commerce and render us storm-stayed. Roads are cleared as quickly as our meagre supply of salt and manpower will allow. Sidewalks, however, remain impassable, sometimes for many days, making it especially hard for those of us who don’t drive, are disabled and have mobility issues. To keep from going stark-raving shack-wacky, I turned my attention to home.<br />
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Over the years I have taken my cue from the seasons and decorated our little nest accordingly. But as one season eases into another, there are a few days when things look a bit worse for wear; the transitions can be chaotic. Today is one of those days. The catch is that tomorrow I am booked for surgery to repair a perforated eardrum. I have no idea how I will respond to surgery or how long I will need to recover, but the doctor has said no strenuous housework for at least six weeks. <br />
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The Valentine decorations are packed in their various boxes awaiting storage downstairs in the garage, I know what doesn’t get done today will have to wait a good long time. Dusting, pillow fluffing, creating little vignettes of decor here and there, and vacuuming take their toll on my energy. I am not growing old gracefully and have failed to make allowances for myself in keeping with my diminished health. I set to work, and by the time I have surrendered to the inevitable, much has been accomplished. The only tasks left undone are the unenviable trip to the garage and the vacuuming of the floors. Eric, poor fellow, will have to finish what I started.</div>
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The lazy pacific sun has fallen asleep, so I turn on the lights to the Christmas cum Valentine cum Easter Tree. The shadows of dusk are transformed into something magical. How does the warm glow soften each harsh shadow and shed its cheerful presence to every corner? I can’t explain it, but I can enjoy it. I nuzzle back into the cushions of the sofa, the warm cup of Cream of Earl Grey cradled in my palms, bringing as much contentment from its aroma as from its soothing taste. The Delight Prescription calms the soul and opens the heart to the possibilities of health and wholeness. It gently brings to mind that the worries of today will pass and all will eventually be well. “Be still and know...” a small voice whispers to my waiting spirit. </div>
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Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-48932020190394584392016-01-12T15:20:00.001-08:002017-07-18T15:33:17.077-07:00Using Things and Valuing People<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
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<span style="color: #ff0066; font-size: 24pt;">M</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">y mother collected, (but never used) beautiful teacups and saucers. There they sat, too high up in the kitchen cabinetry even to be admired. Caked in accumulated kitchen grease and dust, they were taken down every so often, gently cleaned in the sink and then redeposited on freshly-scrubbed shelves for safe keeping. For years she mourned that she didn’t own a proper set of “good dishes”, Eventually her children gifted her with Old Country Roses when she was an old woman. Alas, those dishes met with the same fate as the china cups. Cherished but unseen, they were considered too precious to be handled and too expensive to replace if t*God forbid!) they got chipped or broken! To my knowledge, Mom never got the chance to enjoy them. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff9900; font-size: 24.0pt;">I</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> believe this was the state of affairs in most homes of similar social standing. Many people didn’t own Fine China and those who did felt that it was only to be used for “special” occasions that somehow seldom or never materialised. Barely anything justified their use, no matter how august the circumstance. Birthdays, wedding showers, baptisms, anniversaries, graduations and deaths of loved ones all fled by, and there the China sat, safe, unbroken, unused and, now-that-I-think-of-it, USELESS. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6rwtwzvYh2IsER8UTobjEBX5SCm2WDCSuLcX-boyDVRAATVqmxTNp1phUQ9JFMKUDFEcG4vgFcsyr2PwScGWnxr_vMuSh1psJoWdimVmyvbJFTlOyKkkRRKhcb0M6wXhFg7BlGQBweqx/s1600/White+Dogwood+Tea+Set.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6rwtwzvYh2IsER8UTobjEBX5SCm2WDCSuLcX-boyDVRAATVqmxTNp1phUQ9JFMKUDFEcG4vgFcsyr2PwScGWnxr_vMuSh1psJoWdimVmyvbJFTlOyKkkRRKhcb0M6wXhFg7BlGQBweqx/s320/White+Dogwood+Tea+Set.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Dogwood by Royal Albert, one of my sets that I love and use often!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: 24.0pt;">I</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">s </span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">it any wonder that F</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">ine China has become less and less desirable to own by the proceeding generations? People have suggested that these lovely things are no longer valued. Judging from the “oohs and ahhs” that emanate from my visitors when they see the collection of china lavishly incorporated into my home decor, I wonder if something else is afoot. The shock-bordering-on-panic that accompanies my use of fine china to serve my guests for no reason other than that we are together for tea and I value their esteemed company makes me suspect a truth far more insidious. It is not that Fine China is undervalued, but that people have under-estimated their own worth. I wouldn't want to be surrounded by beautiful things I didn't feel worthy of using. What would be the use or the pleasure in that? </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeOOANB_4Q9p1xPZO26HoiiLx2PrENXIM-reXXVhsT8N0uqRD2K39I4VMDTIbgFIMZfYTIjH1fZwlW0yDu82N7JWrGO5-2zprlvXgcDShQ1bYA_zLhAEyu1l3bkfFNiSZluPVyLknxdY9/s1600/121-save-for-web-19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeOOANB_4Q9p1xPZO26HoiiLx2PrENXIM-reXXVhsT8N0uqRD2K39I4VMDTIbgFIMZfYTIjH1fZwlW0yDu82N7JWrGO5-2zprlvXgcDShQ1bYA_zLhAEyu1l3bkfFNiSZluPVyLknxdY9/s320/121-save-for-web-19.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tea Art by my friend Wanda Burrill-Kowalczyk. Two classy cats having tea, much like Wanda and I! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #b2a1c7; font-size: 24.0pt;">A</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> perspective that values things over people is misguided at best and immoral at worst. In my house and in my life the opposite is true. I have opted to use things, beautiful things, delicate things, breakable things, and to value people. People are more important than things, even gorgeous things, even things as materially valuable to me as my very, very, best Fine China! This is the truth. A broken cup can be mended, or it can be disposed of and replaced. A broken spirit is not so easily set right, and each of us is broken in some way. It is as simple as that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 24.0pt;">C</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">helsea was a lovely and lively six-year old caught up in the excitement of playing with my dog Charlie, as her young mother and I sat chatting in my living room one rainy October afternoon. Given one of Charlie’s many toys, Chelsea was tossing it into the dining area. Charlie was intent on running after it and bringing it back to her so that it could be thrown again. Unnoticed by the adults present, with each toss, Chelsea, was walking backwards, getting closer and closer to a collision with my antique oak occasional table. Inevitably, the heal of her stockinged feet hit one of the legs. She lost her balance and fell. Landing on her hip, settling finally on her bum, she jarred the table and knocked a topiary teacup onto the floor with a crash. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">N</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">o-doubt about it, Chelsea felt she was in major trouble. Thankfully she had not hit her head, and she was not physically hurt, although a little shocked by the experience.When she realised the teacup had been broken in the process, she felt the gravity of having broken something that did not belong to her. She dissolved into a torrent of tears, apologizing for destroying my beautiful china bauble. My heart went out to her. Ignoring the broken china at this point, I helped her up off the floor. “Hmmm”, I said, as I escorted her to sit next to me on the sofa. “my beautiful cup is broken, that’s for sure. Did you do it on purpose?” “No!” she cried, “It was an accident!” “I believe you, Chelsea and I accept your apology. I;m so glad that you weren’t hurt. Do you think the beautiful cup was more important to me than YOU?” No answer. “Well, since I believed you that it was an accident, I want you to believe me that as much as I liked the cup, you are much more important to me. Do you believe me?” “Yes”. “Do you know why you are more important than the cup?” No answer. “Because the cup is just a thing but YOU are a person. A person is much, much more precious than a thing. People are more important than things, always. Do you think you can remember that?” “Yes”. Her relieved response was evidenced by a huge, toothy smile. So I lost a cup but gained a friend for life. </span>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-90360921605414933602016-01-08T10:46:00.001-08:002017-02-15T08:31:25.852-08:00Reminders From My New-to-me Tea Trolley<br />
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If you are an afternoon tea enthusiast, you have no doubt seen or may even own a tea wagon or tea trolley. The kind of lovely thing one might inherit from a mother or grandmother, this piece of tea paraphernalia very much like fine china, is not in vogue at the moment. Despite its current lack of status in popular culture, a tea trolley in good condition will fetch a hefty price at antique stores. Therefore as much as I admired them I<em> </em>didn't actually own one and figured I never would. I couldn't justify the purchase of something so expensive yet seemingly frivolous, but ooooh, I wanted one! However, as my husband often says when I express an interest in owning something we can't afford, or shouldn't indulge in, "It is GOOD to want things!" <br />
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I came across a tea wagon by serendipity, while shopping in a second hand store with my friends June and Ruth. Ruth, one of those fortunate souls who had inherited a tea wagon from her mom, spied it not long after we walked through the door. "Oh, look Rose! A Tea Wagon! And it even has the original glass-bottomed tray!" I thought to myself, they would ask a pretty penny for that. Upon closer inspection though, I noticed several flaws in the piece, some prominent water stains, and a bit of veneer lifting from a place on its top. Hmmm! It was encrusted in dust and grime, and wasn't in stellar condition, but some day might be restored and until then, a strategically placed tea cloth would cover a multitude of sins. I wondered. To my surprise, the price was staggeringly low.,an unqualified steal of a deal. But, it was still more money than I had in my purse. I was a bit of a regular in this establishment and it was one of those places where you didn't dicker and you didn't ask them to hold things. You bought things outright, and the price was the price. It was then my friend June noticed that an acquaintance of hers was working in the store, and as it turned out, was the manager. They chatted amiably and she mentioned that I was interested in the tea wagon. I reticently acknowledged that it was lovely, and the price was excellent, but that I didn't have that kind of money at my disposal at the moment. I was surprised when she countered with "How much would you be willing to pay for it?" While I could see my way clear to spending X-amount, which was slightly lower than the ticket price, I would not "nickel and dime" her . I asked what SHE would be willing to let it go for. Her response? What did I think of (picture a price WELL below the asking price)? Seriously? What a BARGAIN! This was one of those opportunities that might not happen again but alas I was still a measly twenty dollars short, and ready to walk away, wagon-less, because I just knew that I couldn't ask her to break the "no holding" rule, it wouldn't be right. Called away to handle a situation in the back room, the manger left me to come to a decision, but I walked away sadly from the tea cart. My friends were flabbergasted! I explained my dilemma and hoped that when I was able to get back with the proper funds the tea wagon would still be there, but something told me it wouldn't. That is when my friend Ruth came up with a solution. She would lend me the money, and I could pay her back when she dropped me off at home. The deal sealed, I headed home with my prized acquisition.<br />
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In January 2012 I began treatment for a chronic condition I had suffered with for thirty four years. It involved the tight bandaging of my legs, from toes to knees for 10 to 12 hours a day. Over the next several months the swelling in my legs diminished and the infections which continuously plagued me had all but disappeared. It was a triumph that had taken its time in coming and had arrived with a hefty price tag. I had always hoped that there would be a cure one day, but instead I was handed a life sentence. There is no panacea for what ails me, merely a method of management which is awkward, hot, bulky and unattractive. That same week I was diagnosed with osteo-arthritis in my knees. Between the bandaging and the arthritis pain, I was finding it increasingly hard to walk and impossible to manage stairs without the help of a railing.<br />
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One Sunday, four months into treatment, I was scheduled to read scripture in my church's morning worship service. The six small stairs (alas, with no accompanying railing) which led to the pulpit seemed like an entire flight. I was feeling apprehensive and unsteady. It was no great surprise to me that I stumbled on the second stair. My chin hit the carpet with a dull thud to a thunderous gasp from the congregation. I picked myself up, proceeded to the pulpit, and read Scripture, seemingly unfazed. In fact though I felt embarrassed and demoralized!<br />
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That afternoon as I tearfully bemoaed the situation to a friend, my eyes lit upon my beautiful new-to-me tea trolley. I was reminded of just how blessed my life is, regardless of the challenges. God is so immeasurably good to me. He provides me with everything I need and then, time and again, he treats me to something special, an unexpected extravagance. This serendipitous bit of whimsy was just that; nothing I <em>needed, </em>but <em>so</em>mething I had always <em>wanted. </em>I felt an urging, not exactly a voice encouraging me to open the drawer of the tea wagon, Excusing myself from the conversation, I opened it finding what I had placed there , my collection of silver plated coffee spoons in a reseal-able plastic bag to keep them from tarnishing. Perplexed momentarily, I distractedly scanned the left-hand vertical surface of the drawer and an insignia fairly jumped out at me. <i>Gibbard. How could I not have noticed this before? </i>This was no ordinary tea trolley yet I had completely overlooked its pedigree. Gibbard, established in 1835 was a noteworthy Canadian furniture manufacturer based in Napanee, Ontario which employed master craftsmen . To own a Gibbard was to own the best of workmanship. Yes, it had seen better days, had noticeable scars and needed some restoring, but it was, none-the-less, a valuable piece of workmanship. A master's hands had created it, and placed the company's label upon it. I was reminded that the battle-worn tea wagon and I had a lot in common. <br />
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The Bible tells us that we were "fearfully and wonderfully made." by the greatest crafts person in the universe. We are of inestimable value not only because He made us, but because He has placed His own image on us. We carry the maker's mark and we are each a one-of-a-kind creation. Life however, is not easy. and it leaves its cruel scratches on our once-pristine finish. Ill-health had taken its toll on me and my self confidence was battered. It was tempting to think that I was worthless, but God reminded me through the medium of my lovely new-to-me tea trolley, that I, like the trolley will one day be restored to my former glory. Sadly and all-to-often I am insistent on moping over things that are of little eternal significance. However, on rare occasions I see my bandages and osteo-arthritis being cast off like a moth-eaten garment for the freedom and healing of heaven. Like the view of a butterfly's diaphanous wing caught on the periphery of my vision I perceive it and it is gone, but it is none-the-less stunning and real for my fleeting awareness of it. One day " I will be changed, in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye"; I will be effortlessly restored by the touch of the Master's hand. This world is not all there is, praise God from whom all blessings flow, even the whimsical, inconsequential but oh-so-lovely blessing of a new-to-me tea trolley. <br />
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Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-22090304062406849592013-04-22T11:15:00.000-07:002013-04-22T18:15:28.000-07:00Saying Good-bye to Nova Scotia's Queen of Hearts<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">I</span><span style="color: #660000;">n just under 15 minutes,(2:00 pm EST) folks back home will bid their fondest farewell to Rita MacNeil at St. Mary's Church in Big Pond Nova Scotia. I am there in spirit. It is just so hard to say a final good-bye to her but given all the music she has left us, I suppose we don't have to, thankfully.</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>S</em></strong></span><span style="color: #660000;">he embodied all that we as Nova Scotians hope the world sees in us; honesty, humility, a passion for hard work, respect for others, love for family, community, a good ceilidh , and the ability to let down our hair, kick off our shoes and testify to the goodness of God! One news report noted that Rita's cremated remains have been put in a white teapot that bears her name. It seems appropriate and I think she would have smiled demurely and loved the simplicity of it. Something tells me it might even have been her idea! A woman after my own heart, was our Rita!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>I</em></strong></span>n my research over the past few days, I came across an on-line video of a young Rita, perched on a rock at a beach somewhere ( I am assuming a Cape Breton beach) singing away like the song bird she was, accompanied by a lone guitarist. It was truly something to hear, not the Rita of her famous later years, (her beloved voice tempered by experiences, many of them painful and heartbreaking). The vibrato was untempered, the quality naïve, youthfully hopeful, and full of potential. A beautiful, buxom lass, her dark hair in two braids, her complexion like polished porcelain, and always the shyness reflected there, but not as yet OUR Rita. Ah, girl, you aged well m' dear and we all were the better for it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Thank you, generous lady, for sharing your life and your beautiful music with us. We were hungry and you gave us bread, we were thirsty and you gave us drink. God has noticed. Rest now in the bosom of your beloved homeland, you queen of Nova Scotia's heart. RIP Rita.</em></strong></span> </div>
Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-66977243411492176492013-04-18T00:13:00.000-07:002013-04-22T18:21:40.961-07:00Farewell Rita! Saying Goodbye to An East-Coast Legend and a Canadian Icon.<div align="center">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>I</em></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">received news today that Rita MacNeil died yesterday in Sydney, Nova Scotia, not far from her beloved home of Big Pond, Cape Breton.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><em>The Celtic lilt</em></span> <span style="color: #660000;">of Rita's voice was hauntingly beautiful. It poignantly bespoke the </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">brokenness we all share. It chronicled the disappointments, longings and triumphs of a life of inner struggle and hard work. She sang from her heart and testified to her honest truth; she was happiest in the place where she drew her first breath and her last.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><em>As</em></span> an expatriate Nova Scotian I was moved to tears each time I heard her sing of our beloved province. A passion for the rugged shores of our east coast homeland was a cherished obsession that we held in common. It bonded us as sisters even though we never met officially. Knowing that she had not only managed to make it home, but was well-beloved there, I pray that I will one day do the same. I have often thought that if it happened for Rita, it might just happen for me someday. Here's hoping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>"Drop by for a cuppa tea. The kettle is always on!"</em></span> <span style="color: #660000;">This common Nova Scotian invitation was one which Rita took to heart with great success. Several years ago, Eric and I stopped by for a cuppa at Rita's Tea Room while in Cape Breton visiting with Eric's recently widowed mom. It seemed not at all unusual that the grand dame was there that day, greeting patrons, having her picture taken with all and sundry and chatting amiably to anyone who approached her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">I viewed the scene, feeling great affection for this gentle soul, but chose not to impose upon her myself, as like the great lady, I suffer at times with shyness. I trusted there would be another time, but of course now there won't be; however I have no regret. It seemed right at the time, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">it still does and I wouldn't change a thing. I loved her and enjoyed her company from afar; my awkward conversation would have gilded the lily. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Farewell sweet lady. I miss you already.</span> <span style="color: #660000;"></span></div>
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Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-41191602181542652132013-04-14T17:43:00.001-07:002017-02-15T08:36:29.671-08:00The Healing Tea Cup<div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>A </em></strong></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">beautiful cup and saucer filled to "just below the brim" with a steaming spot of splosh contains a balm for the spirit and the body, regardless of the type of tea it cradles. <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Oh</em></strong></span>, when will I learn to turn to this simple act of healing when in the midst of my life's many stresses and strains? Slowly, slowly the realization dawns upon me. It is<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><em> <strong>MY</strong></em></span> choice to embrace the healing which will lead to a beautiful and creative life , and nothing and no one can keep me from it but myself. <em><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Calm down, dear one, make yourself a cup of tea and think on good things."</span></em> says the friend who truly knows and loves me. God, who loves beyond all measure, says it in another way if only I would heed the call of Scripture. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">".... whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8).</span> </span></strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">For me there are few better postures in which to ponder this sagacious principle than sitting comfortably with a teacup in hand, sipping a full-flavored tea and abandoning myself to worshipful thoughts of our wonderful God who has filled this life with many honorable, lovely and commendable realities to focus our rapt attention upon. Even in the midst of all that is wrong in my life, when I view things from this blessed vantage point, I am inspired to look beyond the insignificant ugliness. I am strengthened to strategically plan how I can be part of the solution to whatever upsetting circumstance is vexing my soul and body. I am</span> <span style="color: #660000;">emboldened to</span> <span style="color: red;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">respond lovingly</span> </strong></em></span><span style="color: #660000;">to whatever life hands me and not to merely react in fear or anger.- </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">-copy write Darlene Rose Hominick </span></span><br />
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Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-69591596762782580942013-04-09T19:01:00.001-07:002013-04-10T14:47:19.736-07:00An Inadvertent Embarassment of Riches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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....A Steaming Spot of Splosh from a Gleaming Silver Teapot <br />
into An Old Country Rose Cup! What a delight!<br />
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My Newest China ! The Royal Homes of Britain by Wedgewood<br />
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When my husband Eric and I announced our intention to marry some twenty years ago, we were not exactly your average engaged couple. While all of our friends had married at relatively young ages, I was 36 and Eric was nearly forty when we "tied the knot". I felt pressure to be "mature" about our wedding plans, so we had a small, simple ceremony and a minimalist wedding reception that was nice but not in any way extravagant. Even though I loved dishes, I didn't choose a china pattern and didn't put our name on a wedding gift registry. I felt that all that "hooferah" was meant for younger couples and might be construed as inappropriate for people of our advanced years. I don't know where I got these silly notions, and had I to do it over again, I would throw caution to the wind and indulge in whatever nuptial celebratory fancies we might take a shine to. However, I married the man of my dreams and have no intention of trading him in for a younger, richer or more handsome model and I suspect he feels the same way about me, so that ship has definitely sailed. My desire to "act my age" meant that we started off our married life with very few material possessions. However, as we look forward to our 19th wedding anniversary this coming July, I am grateful that we have been blessed with not only a strong marriage but with a great many beautiful "things" along the way, not the least of those including not one but THREE beautiful sets of dinner china!</div>
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I can't explain why in my mid forties my preferences changed so drastically, but for whatever reason, be it altered taste, or just missing my mom, I fell in love <em>with Old Country Roses </em>with inexplicable passion. I was over the moon when at Christmas time Eric gifted me with a setting for four, including dinner, bread, and side plates, cups and saucers and rimmed soup bowls. I received the self same set the next Christmas giving me a setting for eight, and the teapot, creamer, sugar bowl and coffee pot followed shortly thereafter. For our fifteenth wedding anniversary my dear friend, June gifted us with a matching platter, and I have picked up a few smaller pieces here and there at garage sales and second hand stores. To my mind I was all set. I used my OCR for special occasions like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and Birthdays. Determined that they would not just sit and look pretty I also used them to serve afternoon tea to friends, or even when I was by myself sipping a solitary spot of splosh over the reading of a good book. What I soon realized is that the using of my OCR made the occasion, whatever it might be, special and memorable for my guests as well as for me, so I used it more and more, and to date, have yet to break or chip any of it. In fact I was told by a friend who knows a lot about these things, that using china makes it stronger, because as the dishes are washed , they are hydrated and made more durable. She encouraged me to use my China at least three times a year, and I am committed to do so, both to enjoy and protect them.</div>
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Two years ago a friend arrived at my door with several cardboard boxes filled with china. She was the executor of an estate that included a not-quite complete set of Royal Albert <em>White Dogwood</em> . I had never seen this particular pattern before. It boasted a spray of ( you guessed it!) white dogwood flowers with green leaves and a gold border. I couldn't decide if I like it or not, so I left it out on my coffee table until I could make a decision on it. Meanwhile another friend showed up at my door with ANOTHER incomplete set of china, Royal Albert <em>American Beauty</em>. (pale pink roses on white china with a gold rim) Comparing the two sets, I soon decided that I preferred the <em>White Dogwood . </em>I offered the American Beauty to a friend who was more than delighted to take it and add to it so as to give it to one of her grand daughters. Meanwhile, I now had two sets of china, one for the summer and one for the winter, and was always on the look-out for occasions to use each set at least three times a year to enjoy and protect them.<br />
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<img alt="Vintage Royal Albert American Beauty Pink Rose China Teacup Trio" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/550x/e7/f9/3b/e7f93b427f81af47b2ff265d4d225a39.jpg" /></div>
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...American Beauty china pattern</div>
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Last summer, while with hubby on one of our many Saturday garage sale excursions, I came across a lady who was selling her gorgeous blue and white Wedgewood China, <em>The Royal Houses of England</em> . I acknowledged them as being beautiful, but I passed them by quickly thinking that I could never afford to pay what she was PROBABLY asking for them. After all, we are talking WEDGEWOOD, and that said one thing to me. It would be way too expensive for me. to even consider. I did buy a lovely blue and white Sadler Tea Pot from her that would certainly coordinate with my everyday Blue Willow and which cost me the paltry sum of $5.00, but I would not ask about the price of the Wedgewood, as I just knew her answer would break my heart and probably my bank. As I was perusing other finds, Eric asked me if I had seen the Wedgewood. Of course I had, but it was out of the question. So, he inquired, did I think that it was not worth her $50.00 asking price? Well, it surely was, but with 6 place settings at $50.00 per setting that would be $300.00 dollars and that was certainly more than we had to spend. Fact was however, she was asking $50.00 for the entire 6 place settings! I couldn't believe my ears! Surely there was some mistake. This WAS Wedgewood, after all. There was no mistake. She was an elderly woman who was going into a nursing home. Her only daughter was not interested in the china, although she had had it overly- conservatively appraised for $800.00 at a local antique store that would take it and sell it on consignment. She decided to just put it in the garage sale and see if she could get $50.00 dollars for it. I tried to tell her that it was worth much more than $50.00 dollars, but she explained that it was getting late in the day and that I was the ONLY ONE who had shown any interest in it at all. She was sure that I would enjoy it and use it, and she really wanted it to go to someone who would value it. She was sure I was that person. If I would pay her $50.00 dollars for the set, she would GIVE me the blue and white Sadler for free. Now I have three sets of china, all of them lovely I have one for Winter (<em>Old Country Roses</em>) one for Spring (<em>The Royal Houses of England</em>) and one for Summer (<em>White Dogwood</em>) I am bound and focused to use them each three times per year for my enjoyment and their protection.</div>
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Last week I was sad to learn that my dear friend Kristin had lost her beloved Dad quite suddenly and unexpectedly. Her mom had died some years earlier. Kristin and her younger sister are lovely women but with no interest in china. As Kristin was in the process of packing up her parents' home, she thought of me as she looked at her mom's china collection. She has no idea what the name of the pattern is, but she knows I will love it. Would I be interested in having it? Well, there is always Fall to be considered. What an embarrassment of riches I enjoy! </div>
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am also joining these ladies for...</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">~ Metamorphose Monday @</span></b><br />
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/decorating-for-easter/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://betweennapsontheporch.net/decorating-for-easter/</a></span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">~ Teacup Tuesday @ <a href="http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.ca/</a></span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;">~ Tabletop Tuesday with Marti @ <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/03/157th-table-top-tuesday_25.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/03/157th-table-top-tuesday_25.html</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>~ A Return to Loveliness with Kathy@ <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span><b>~ Tuesday Cuppa Tea @ <a href="http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/</a></b></div>
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<b style="color: #444444;"><br /></b><b style="color: #444444;">~ </b><b style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Teatime </span></b><b><span style="color: #444444;">Tuesday </span><i>and also</i><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Home </span><span style="color: #444444;">blog party</span><span style="color: #444444;"> on Wednesday with Sandi @ </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"></span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Friends Sharing Tea (on Wednesday) @ <a href="http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #674ea7; text-decoration: none;">http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.ca/</a></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"> </span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Wow Us Wednesdays @ </span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/03/wow-us-wednesdays-111.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/</a> <i>and also</i> @</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">h<a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/04/wow-us-wednesdays-113.html">ttp://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2013/04/wow-us-wednesdays-113.html</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Home And Garden Thursday @ <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2013/04/home-and-garden-thursday-18.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2013/04/home-and-garden-thursday-18.html</a></span></b><br />
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Tablescape</span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"> </span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday @ </span></b><br />
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://betweennapsontheporch.net/</a></span></b><br />
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><br /></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">... and also @</span></b><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/easter-table-setting-with-bunny-plates-and-baby-chicks/" style="color: #888888; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">http://betweennapsontheporch.net/easter-table-setting-with-bunny-plates-and-baby-chicks/</span></b></a><br />
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><b>~ Show And Tell Friday @</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.ca/2013/03/easter-decor-show-and-tell-friday.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://romantichome.blogspot.ca/2013/03/easter-decor-show-and-tell-friday.html</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><b>~ Feathered Nest Friday @</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.ca/2013/04/feathered-nest-friday.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.ca/2013/04/feathered-nest-friday.html</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><br /></span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">~ Festive Friday Fiesta @</b><br />
<a href="http://the-home-girl-blog.blogspot.ca/2013/04/festive-friday-fiesta-link-party-5-and.html" style="color: #888888; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">http://the-home-girl-blog.blogspot.ca/2013/04/festive-friday-fiesta-link-party-5-and.html</span></b></a><br />
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Saturday Show Off / Easter Show Off @</span></b><br />
<b style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://maleviksrosentradgard.blogspot.se/2013/03/easter-show-off.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">http://maleviksrosentradgard.blogspot.se/2013/03/easter-show-off.html</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;"><b>~ Seasonal Sundays @</b></span><br />
<a href="http://thetablescaper.blogspot.ca/2013/04/carnegie-hallseasonal-sundays-145.html" style="color: #888888; font-family: Calligraffitti; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>http://thetablescaper.blogspot.ca/2013/04/carnegie-hallseasonal-sundays-145.html</b></span></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><a href="http://theteatrolley.blogspot.ca/2013/04/an-inadvertent-embarassment-of-riches_9.html">http://theteatrolley.blogspot.ca/2013/04/an-inadvertent-embarassment-of-riches_9.html</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Regards, Scone Queen Rose</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Comments:</span><br />
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<cite class="user" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10309787056872088567" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Graceful Rose</a></cite><span class="icon user" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="margin-left: 6px;"><a href="http://theteatrolley.blogspot.com/2013/04/an-inadvertent-embarassment-of-riches.html?showComment=1365512712377#c6872221107499251275" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">April 9, 2013 at 6:05 AM</a></span></div>
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So enjoyed reading your story. Sometimes God just blesses us because he loves us. Enjoy your china. Have a great day!</div>
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<cite class="user blog-author" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Scone Queen</a></cite><span class="icon user blog-author" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; display: inline-block; font-weight: bold; height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px -4px 6px; width: 18px;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="margin-left: 6px;"><a href="http://theteatrolley.blogspot.com/2013/04/an-inadvertent-embarassment-of-riches.html?showComment=1365540066213#c4976271439422421250" rel="nofollow" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">April 9, 2013 at 1:41 PM</a></span></div>
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Thank you Graceful Rose for your very kind comments. I have been on a rather long blogger nap for the past two years or so and it was wonderful to have you respond to my first post in many a year! I look forward to seeing what you are up to on your lovely blog! thank you from the bottom of my heart!</div>
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Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-24410142156056255692011-11-14T20:43:00.000-08:002011-11-14T20:55:40.325-08:00Afternoon Tea And My Mom's Sugar Cookie Recipe:<div style="color: #bf9000; text-align: center;"><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Afternoon Tea And My Mom's Sugar Cookie Recipe</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOUW1pzdxSpnENq49bcQOcVjOvm-IeaOcMmwkRdhid_DmrsbnTnWy1dywOS7NN3CwQsU8AoHu7XncJ_cHT7GlmXd2qUfxAexXhyphenhyphenKf1fC-ftiqJshyphenhyphenHhmQzs7XoWctDtw1VPYF_-1DB8E/s1600/933--save-for-web-1273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOUW1pzdxSpnENq49bcQOcVjOvm-IeaOcMmwkRdhid_DmrsbnTnWy1dywOS7NN3CwQsU8AoHu7XncJ_cHT7GlmXd2qUfxAexXhyphenhyphenKf1fC-ftiqJshyphenhyphenHhmQzs7XoWctDtw1VPYF_-1DB8E/s400/933--save-for-web-1273.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I collect <b>Old Country Roses </b>China and tea ware.., </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbuACgcfSQlLVm65FDCybIyak29FvI9IvGow-6LrerYv6EDtIwhEAlgguDHPF9pGl_XMf_mMTHHdIQFfcDQpyP6Ubh4yHVC3F44p8vtSxcgU6kACJXOnuUArn62VA_c5imOg8lmAfVwE/s1600/933--save-for-web-1274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbuACgcfSQlLVm65FDCybIyak29FvI9IvGow-6LrerYv6EDtIwhEAlgguDHPF9pGl_XMf_mMTHHdIQFfcDQpyP6Ubh4yHVC3F44p8vtSxcgU6kACJXOnuUArn62VA_c5imOg8lmAfVwE/s400/933--save-for-web-1274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwVWGq9wcSXS3zvSWtvOOPKKC0s7m7m2cZqXuQPS4bREP170JkdasSZbVZ9MP717M2zHcmpOxpr-11bgWk4dxnVWmzLiYjuGwoAIekULEY5khq0XVa_365SkA2Dt_lrC5M9dlfJyhJLg/s1600/933--save-for-web-1275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwVWGq9wcSXS3zvSWtvOOPKKC0s7m7m2cZqXuQPS4bREP170JkdasSZbVZ9MP717M2zHcmpOxpr-11bgWk4dxnVWmzLiYjuGwoAIekULEY5khq0XVa_365SkA2Dt_lrC5M9dlfJyhJLg/s400/933--save-for-web-1275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVKpgDakATnYlt5640uUNfrY4ESfBVB6URh4GDtW8TahSBaJcU3iBE1Si7wYiYtMjg7_sWu6dMU3ENsEGIm_aUYm5BuV3oKM2duNX5rjdaKW3fim3ALW_lFJg-NVq1NIPUJPJxjy3O8Qp/s1600/119-save-for-web-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVKpgDakATnYlt5640uUNfrY4ESfBVB6URh4GDtW8TahSBaJcU3iBE1Si7wYiYtMjg7_sWu6dMU3ENsEGIm_aUYm5BuV3oKM2duNX5rjdaKW3fim3ALW_lFJg-NVq1NIPUJPJxjy3O8Qp/s320/119-save-for-web-8.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span> <span style="font-size: small;">am joining Wanda Lee <i>and</i> Pam this week for, <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday</b></span> @ <a href="http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/">http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>and also</i> @ <a href="http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/">http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></div><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><b>M</b></span>om made these cookies every Christmas for as long as I can remember. To be honest, they weren't my favorite, because they were very hard. However, since they were the only sugar cookies I had ever eaten, I asked Mom for the recipe.<br />
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<b style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he first year of my marriage, I made the cookies, but instead of using margarine, as Mom always did, I used butter. The difference it made in the recipe was phenomenal! In fact they were so good, I was grateful that I lived 4000 miles away from Mom. I didn't want her to taste my version, because she took such pride in her own recipe, and frankly, mine were SO much better, that I didn't want hers to be overshadowed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra_GGOCVD20EfuSFn7HdOpzud5OmRx2KOXVxv4x8h7k_TNYbMXqwgHEZ1qJ1Hp6X0Fv193_1TbUOOlNsdCt_S6oqIn5abvb4kVv5qe3VFta28AMspG_jEK0KTWEpT_V7HZfsOGhhSzIs/s1600/933--save-for-web-1276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra_GGOCVD20EfuSFn7HdOpzud5OmRx2KOXVxv4x8h7k_TNYbMXqwgHEZ1qJ1Hp6X0Fv193_1TbUOOlNsdCt_S6oqIn5abvb4kVv5qe3VFta28AMspG_jEK0KTWEpT_V7HZfsOGhhSzIs/s400/933--save-for-web-1276.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span></b>very year I would make them I would say to her, "Well, Mom, I made the sugar cookies, but they just don't taste like yours." I never told her that I used butter, and she would quiz me as to what I might have done wrong. I'd tell her that there was no way that I would be able to bake them like she did. I think she took some pride in being the "Sugar Cookie Queen".<br />
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<b style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></b>aving said that, I have to admit that my Mom's potato salad was absolutely THE BEST! I couldn't come close to reproducing or improving it. She just had the touch, and she certainly didn't pass that one on to me, or any of my sisters. Mom passed away 7 and 1/2 years ago. I really miss her, and would give anything to sink my teeth into her sugar cookies one more time., even if they were a little firm.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>hese cookies are absolutely delicious, very moist and flavorful, and they are especially good after a week or two, once the flavor of the nutmeg really becomes pronounced. This makes about 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dozen</span> cookies, or about 2 1/2 dozen double cookies. I make double cookies which are a round cookie on the bottom, and a cookie of the same circumference but with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">small </span>hole in the centre, into which I put a dab of raspberry jam. To give you a word to the wise, these bake up quite large, and need to be watched so that they are baked sufficiently , but are not over-done.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span>nyway, here is the recipe so that you can also make them in all their glory; ( below the picture of <span style="color: #b45f06;">freshly <span style="color: #bf9000;">baked scones</span></span> with clotted cream and jam; <i>another of my specialties</i>, hence the moniker ~ Scone Queen), but take my advice and use <b style="color: #f1c232;">butter</b>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G7RaOmMvxEtLd7GHFCu80nGW9QAvLRpKfCpoSigNDrhTXT2wpxNy9YwrF_MNLGp-0jBaUmyUTRGcuupxGO9fs2CU_ywy569Z62MY1OouwdNKJt5czE2v_vGd2ovf4AzbLm2XtdCNoh4/s1600/933--save-for-web-1277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G7RaOmMvxEtLd7GHFCu80nGW9QAvLRpKfCpoSigNDrhTXT2wpxNy9YwrF_MNLGp-0jBaUmyUTRGcuupxGO9fs2CU_ywy569Z62MY1OouwdNKJt5czE2v_vGd2ovf4AzbLm2XtdCNoh4/s640/933--save-for-web-1277.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br />
<b style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">P</span></b>lease enjoy our little <b style="color: #bf9000;">Tuesday, Afternoon Tea </b>respite my friends. ~ Do make this special Sugar cookie recipe soon <i>and </i>curl up with a freshly brewed cup of tea and a good book, enjoying the sweet, slightly crunchy, somewhat soft, <b style="color: #f1c232;">buttery</b> delights with just hint of Nutmeg flavor.., Yum!<br />
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Compliments of <i>moi</i>, A.K.A./The Scone Queen<br />
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<b>Mom's Sugar Cookies</b><br />
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Cream together: 2 cups sugar<br />
1 pound of butter<br />
4 eggs (room temperature)<br />
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Combine and then add to the above mixture: 5 cups white flour<br />
2 teaspoons baking soda<br />
4 teaspoon cream of tartar<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon nutmeg<br />
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<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Roll</span> into a large ball. Cover with saran wrap and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">refrigerate</span> until firm to make rolling easier. Roll out 1/4 inch and cut into designs. Bake 350 degrees F. six to seven minutes.<br />
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~ <b style="color: #b45f06;">Please let me know you came by to visit<span style="color: #783f04;"> </span><i style="color: #783f04;">by kindly leaving a comment.</i> ~ <span style="color: #bf9000;">I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.</span></b><br />
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<b style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b>armest regards, <b style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rose</span></b>, A.K.A./The Scone QueenScone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-667851215615699132011-11-08T08:34:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:28:17.570-08:00Cake decorating course on making roses:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello there,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to happily join you for tea today, with just a little post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Still struggling with leg and foot problems, but I did want to share some more pictures of my cake decorating journey. This is the picture of cupcakes that I decorated one day after learning to do the icing roses, and you can see that with just a little extra practice, technique gets better. Practice makes 'perfect-er', if not yet perfect!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Tuesday tea day my friends!</div><br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">Getting to know each other</b>. A list of ten fun facts concerning myself: MMMMMmmmmm..... let me see..... what can I say?<br />
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1. I am an avid collector of many beautiful things like teacups, bears of every persuasion, (except live ones!) blue and white china, teapots, children's books, and anything else that takes my fancy.<br />
2. I met the man of my dreams when I was a mere 17 years old and married him 29 years later, a first marriage for both of us.<br />
3. I am allergic to lobster.<br />
4. I am the middle child of seven. <br />
5. It is a desire of mine to own 25 pairs of lovely, wearable shoes, no small feat (feet!?!) considering I have a size 11 quadruple E foot and have to have my shoes custom made.<br />
6. I will eat almost any food at least once to see if I like it, except for bugs or tripe, the sight of which makes my skin crawl, and I can't imagine putting it in my mouth. <br />
7. Amethyst is both my birthstone and my favorite gem. followed closely by diamonds, and pearls. <br />
8. I enjoy quilling, which is a craft comprised of hand-curled strips of paper glued together to form a design that looks very much like wrought-iron work.<br />
9. I am a strawberry blonde who, at 53, does not have to dye her hair.<br />
10 I adore bright red lipstick, even though I can't wear it myself.<br />
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THAT WAS ARDUOUSLY DIFFICULT. If there was a number 11, it would be that I love using big, bold and unusual words. Phew, that is all I have in me today! Until next time, dear bloggerites!<br />
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<div style="color: #e06666;"><b><i>What about you?</i></b></div><br />
<b>Perhaps some tea trivia;</b><br />
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What teas and foods do you like?<br />
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P. S. ~ I'm so sorry my dear blog friends, <b>yet due to my health issues at times, </b>and also my work schedule, I'm not always able<b> </b>to visit you , <b style="color: #e06666;">yet I thank you very much for visiting me!</b><br />
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Warmest regards,<br />
Rose, a.k.a./ Scone QueenScone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-60931271838050697832011-11-01T14:50:00.000-07:002011-11-01T14:50:02.250-07:00Pumpkin Scones & Afternoon Tea:<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b>W</b></span>elcome to another delightful,</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b><span style="color: #bf9000;">'Tuesday Teatime In blogland'!</span></b></span></span><br />
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This week I am joining in with these tea parties;<br />
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<b><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday'</span></b> @ <a href="http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com</span></a> and also @ <a href="http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">.., And also @ <a href="http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/</span></a> for <b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">'Tuesday Tea For Two'.</span></b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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And also for <b><span style="color: #93c47d;"> Teatime Tuesday</span></b> , at dear Lady Katherine's <i>which is held weekly</i> @<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><a href="http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b></span>f the fact that I adore Tea time is not evident by the existence of </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">this blog, one need look no further than my repeated afternoon tea parties!</span><span style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>n my life there is always room for tea! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> also very much enjoy collecting lovely antique teacups and teapots!</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Isn't this the lovliest cozy Inn? ~ What a lovely place to enjoy afternoon tea!..,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Here is the link @ : <a href="http://www.birchwood-inn.com/breakfast.html"><span style="color: blue;"><b>http://www.birchwood-inn.com/breakfast.html</b></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><i><b>Another delightful recipe for you to enjoy my friends:</b></i></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Pumpkin Scones</span></b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Pumpkin gives a truly delightful taste to Scones. The Pumpkin adds a richness and moistness which is just delicious. Of course they are also that very pretty pale orange Pumpkin colour.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">ingredients</span></b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Two cups self raising flour</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">1/2 cup cooked, mashed Pumpkin</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">1/3 cup Sugar</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">2 Tblspns Butter</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I Egg</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">1/4 tspn Salt</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">1/3 Cup Milk</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">method</span></b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Preheat your oven to a hot 200 degrees c</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Cream the Butter and Sugar. Add the Egg, beating well. Add the mashed Pumpkin.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Sift the Flour and Salt twice and then add alternatively to the Scone mix with the Milk. You may or may not use all of the Milk. It will depend on the moistness of the Pumpkin. You should end up with a moist dough.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
Knead <i><b>slightly</b></i> on a floured surface and then roll out to a one inch thickness. Cut out and place on your greased and floured baking tray. Brush the tops with a little Milk. Bake in the hot oven until just browned. Wrap in a tea towel after removing the Scones from the oven.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Y</span></b>ou may serve warm with *Maple and Cinnamon Butter <b><i>or</i></b> *Orange Marmalade Butter. <br />
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*(To make flavoured butters simply add the above ingredients according to taste to softened Butter)..,<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Enjoy! </span></i></b></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest regards from </span><b><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">Rose ~ a.k.a./Scone Queen </span></b></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #660000;">~ <b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>I</b></span></span></b> always <b><i>so enjoy</i></b> your comments ,<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span><span style="color: #e06666;">so please kindly leave me a comment</span></b> and I shall visit you in return just as soon as I'm able.., ~ </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thanks so much for all of your lovely comments the week before last week!</span><br />
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</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-27255362952646423682011-10-04T00:12:00.000-07:002016-01-08T14:33:40.320-08:00Finally Back in Blogland!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello Dear Readers,<br />
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I have been so long away! Excuse my looooong absence. It could hardly be called a blog nap, it was so interminable!It probably qualifies for a full-on blog coma! But I am back for a little while at least!.The picture directly below was my gift to a friend; decorated sugar cubes. They are not the most accomplished, but given with a loving heart.<br />
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Finally, dear Readers a recipe for a gluten-free chocolate cake that is to die for. Try it, and I can almost guarantee that you will love it, despite the unusual ingredient!</div>
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Garbanzo Bean Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake</div>
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1- 19 oz. can of garbonzo beans ( chick peas) drained and rinsed</div>
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4 eggs</div>
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3/4 c. white sugar</div>
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1/2 tsp baking powder</div>
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1 and 1/2 c. semi sweet chocolate chips melted in the microwave</div>
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Directions:</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Grease and flour a 9 inch cake pan with gluten free flour. In food processor or blender combine the garbonzo beans and eggs and puree until smooth. Add white sugar and baking powder. Pulse and scrap down the sides of the food processor until the ingredients are well combined. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every twenty seconds until completely melted. Add to the bean mixture and combine until well blended. Pour into prepared pan and place in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Check the cake at 35 minutes by inserting a tester into the center. When it comes out clean, remove from the oven and let rest on a cake rack for 15 minutes before turning out to cool. Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve warm or cold. Yummy!</div>
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Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-83662899513821364352011-02-09T09:31:00.000-08:002011-02-09T11:12:04.217-08:00Valentines Tea Party: Teatime In Blogland:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Happy <span style="color: #cc0000;"><em>Valentines</em></span> dear fellow blogging friends!</span></strong></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnFiefrZwRFXcs91H9VqL_6-IBkqJ5sWK7oLPZuDf38d2NMAiLpkLGgVuLUpfgmX4OctY548ZPbGke3pwSnZR6ggaxAhh4JNUeHJBSTB4k3wa8qVJ9pdtQCtge6Jsu9dpAH_wivHY8XQ/s1600-h/IMG_1805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346282223263224482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnFiefrZwRFXcs91H9VqL_6-IBkqJ5sWK7oLPZuDf38d2NMAiLpkLGgVuLUpfgmX4OctY548ZPbGke3pwSnZR6ggaxAhh4JNUeHJBSTB4k3wa8qVJ9pdtQCtge6Jsu9dpAH_wivHY8XQ/s400/IMG_1805.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>W</strong></span>ell, <em>after many false starts,</em> the <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentine Tree</span></strong> is up and sparkling. To be honest, this year it was almost a no-show. Struggling as I have recently with ill health, I attempted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">to</span> put the lights on the tree to no avail.., </span></div><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Nothing seemed to look quite right.., </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">M</span></strong>y dear husband is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">consummate</span> tree-decorator who can string a full-sized tree in less than an hour, and my tiny <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Valentine</span></strong> version would take him less than 20 minutes, but his discretionary time is at a premium, so the tree stood desolate for well over a week. Finally, this last Saturday, we tackled it together; Eric strung the lights and I arranged the antique <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentines</span></strong>, blown glass hearts, and jewel-toned feather-festooned birds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">M</span></strong>uch as I was tempted to pack the entire idea in for the season, I am so glad I didn't! Along with the fireplace mantle which now displays antique<strong><span style="color: #e06666;"> Valentines</span></strong>, burgundy glittered hearts, frosted fruit and white lights, "the little tree that almost wasn't" lights up its tiny corner of my world with warmth and welcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>C</strong></span>anadian winters , and dull, rainy, long British <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Columbian's</span> ones in-particular can dampen and depress even the bravest heart. The bustle and stress of Christmas preparations and entertaining is such that a person barely has the time or energy to really enjoy and embrace the beautiful holiday decorations that traditionally bedeck our homes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">I</span>n a thrice, all is packed away, and the house seems bereft. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">While</span> December seems to fly by, with all its retail, social and religious busy-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ness</span>, January and February are the longest months, and are therefore, (in my humble opinion) much in need of a special touch. ~ <strong><em><span style="color: #e06666;">I can think of nothing better than the anticipation of celebrating the relationships that make our lives worth living....relationships of love. </span></em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">T</span></strong>o that end, it has become a tradition with me and my dear friend, <strong><em><span style="color: #e06666;">Wanda Lee</span></em></strong> to celebrate the patron saint of love, by decorating a tree in his esteemed honor, and entertaining the people we love at a <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Valentine Tea. </span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong>nitially for me, decorating the tree was simply a matter of taking all the overtly-Christmas type ornaments from the traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">taunembaum</span>, and replacing them with hearts and Victorian-inspired paper ephemera. ~ <em>However,</em> when <span style="color: #e06666;">Wanda Lee</span>, (a.k.a./<strong><em>Paper Princess</em></strong>), <em><span style="color: #e06666;"><strong>started to decorate her own <span style="color: #990000;">Valentines</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">tree; she began by creating her own</span>, <span style="color: #990000;">Valentines </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">paper ephemera</span> collection of pretty <span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentines </span>Tree ornaments</strong> <span style="color: #cc0000;">and invited me to do so as well;</span><strong> </strong></span><span style="color: black;"><strong>a new idea and tradition was born !..,</strong></span></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></strong>s the years went on though, <em>we felt that we both needed to take down the larger one in favour of something a bit smaller that would allow me to restore our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">living rooms</span> somewhat, to it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pre</span>-holiday order.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">T</span></strong>he Valentine Tree in its present form took shape on my beloved Grandmother's oak <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">occasional</span> table. Without <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">exception</span>, my guests remark on its inviting beauty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">T</span></strong>hey are all so delighted to be invited to a lovingly-prepared afternoon tea <em><strong><span style="color: #e06666;">resplendent with savory sandwiches, and decadent sweets, accompanied by chocolate-dipped strawberries, clotted cream, lemon curd and raspberry preserves. Pleasant conversations over steaming bowls of aromatic tea and coffee become the stuff from which fond memories are created and treasured. </span></strong></em></span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">N</span></strong>ow, dear reader, perhaps you are thinking that all this sounds just a bit far-fetched and (heaven forbid!) time consuming, but as the old saying goes, "what is worth doing, is worth doing well." The meagre time spent in preparation yields a multitude of fortuitous dividends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><strong>W</strong></span>hile <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Valentine's Day</span></strong> is often accused of being a holiday invented by Hallmark,<strong><em> I believe that , like everything else, it is what you choose to make it.</em></strong> I have decided to bask in the warmth of love and friendship through offering my home as a place to serve those who are dearest to me, and those whom I hope will become dear to me in time. <strong><span style="color: #e06666;"><em>Valentine's Day</em></span></strong> gives me this opportunity and I gladly embrace it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">~Below, are some pictures of us as we played games and enjoyed our Valentines afternoon tea..,</span><br />
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This week I am joining in with these tea parties; the<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"> 41st ,</span></em></strong> <strong><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday'</span></strong> @ <a href="http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com</span></a> and also @ <a href="http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>.., And also @ <a href="http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/</span></a> for the <strong><em>69th,</em></strong> <strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">'Tuesday Tea For Two'</span>,</strong> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I am also linking in with Martha and Terri's, <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Teacup Tuesday</span></strong> this week @ <br />
<a href="http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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And the lovely, <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;"> Teatime Tuesday</span></strong> , at dear Lady Katherine's <em>which is held weekly</em> @<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><a href="http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
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And also with dear Sandi for TeaTime Tuesday @ <a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com</span></a> <br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I</span></strong> am also joining in for <strong>the first time</strong> with</em> : <span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com</span></a> for her delightful <br />
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new blogparty /meme: <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">'Wow Us Wednesdays' </span></strong><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;"><strong>T</strong></span>ea guests Dorothy <em>(chintz polo shirt)</em> and Kathleen <em>(black cardigan and chintz blouse)</em> survey the desert table...,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>D</strong></span>irectly in front of the ladies on the tea table are chocolate-dipped shortbread heart cookies alternated with decadent chocolate-dipped strawberries. Toward the front is clotted cream encircled by freshly baked English Scones accompanied by Raspberry Jam. At table center is a heavenly Chocolate Pound Cake and Skor-Bar Trifle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">A</span></strong>t the back of the table sits the meticulously-polished Silver Service ready to dispense two types of delicious tea, the ubiquitous Orange Pekoe, and a new favorite, Chocolate Dessert Tea ( a perfect accompaniment to all things Chocolate!)as well as a rich, dark brewed coffee. (Lower-Upper Left)..,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">T</span></strong>he first course in an afternoon tea is a variety of savouries, consisting of sandwiches (egg salad, curried chicken, cucumber with cream cheese and dill, and for those with a sweet tooth, the ever-popular cherry-cheese sandwich.) Also served was a spinach dip accompanied with rice crackers and miniature toast-point ramekins., as well as tuna mushroom toastades. Each dish was garnished with a variety of crudites and/or grapes).</em></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">(Lower left), More desserts are featured on a lovely silver tray. Starting from the left are butterscotch squares, followed by chocolate, oatmeal and coconut macaroons, lemon-curd shortbread tartlets and Nova Scotia's famous Cape Breton Pork Pies (not REALLY made of pork but a to-die-for puree of cooked dates, demerara sugar and lemon ensconced in a shortbread tartlet, and topped with a diminutive dollop of maple syrup butter cream. My husband's hands-down favorite!)</span></strong><br />
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<div>(Below) Elisia can always be depended upon to help out in the kitchen. What a gem of a friend!<br />
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<em>(Immediately above):</em> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Rose,</em> </strong></span>a.k.a./ <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><strong>S</strong></span>cone <strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Q</span></strong>ueen, <em>(<strong> me</strong>),</em> putting the final touches on the tuna-mushroom tostades.<br />
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</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Rose's Tea Scones</strong></span></div><div align="left">Set oven to 375 or 400 degrees F. (depending on how hot your oven bakes)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Please read through the Complete Listing of Ingredients before you start!</strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div align="left">4 teaspoons baking POWDER</div><div align="left">1 teaspoon salt</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Optional Ingredients</strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Add One </strong>of the following four options</div><div align="left">1/2 c. currants soaked in hot water and drained once they are plumped</div><div align="left">1/2 cup raisins ( if they are really dry you can soak and drain these as well)</div><div align="left">1/2 cup dried apricots cut into the size of raisins, along with 1/4 cup chopped pecans</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">1/2 cup (one stick) extremely cold butter cut into eight pieces</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">1/4 cup granulated sugar</div><div align="left">1 egg (room temperature)</div><div align="left">1 teaspoon real vanilla</div><div align="left">enough homogenized milk or cereal cream to make 1 cup of liquid when combined with the egg and vanilla</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Method</strong></div><div align="left">Combine the following ingredients using a wire whisk.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div align="left">4 teaspoons baking powder</div><div align="left">1 teaspoon salt</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Reserve 2 tblsps of the flour mixture.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Then, using a pastry cutter, cut into the remaining flour mixture 1/2 c ( 1 stick) very cold butter (which has been cut into eight large pieces) until it looks like coarse oatmeal.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">In a small bowl, add the 2 tablespoons of reserved flour mixture to one of the OPTIONAL ingredients, making sure to coat them thoroughly. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Add the optional ingredients <strong>gently </strong>to the rest of the flour and butter mixture. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Gently add 1/4 cup granulated sugar </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">In a 2 cup measuring cup, lightly beat one room temperature egg. Add to that 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and enough homogenized milk (or cereal cream) to make one cup of liquid.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Using a fork, add 1/3 of the wet ingredients to the flour,butter, optional ingredient, sugar mixture, blending gently, but thoroughly. Add the next 1/3, blending gently, but thoroughly.and the final 1/3 blending gently until it incorporated. You should still be able to see small bits of butter in the dough. Do not over mix! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 4 or five times until it just holds together. Use a VERY GENTLE HAND when kneading the scones. Pat gently into a 1 1/2 high rectangle and cut into 8 large rounds or 12 smaller rounds. Place scones in a 9x9 ungreased square cake pan. Bake until the scones are a medium golden brown. (Larger scones take longer to bake than smaller ones!) Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes, before turning them out and separating them Serve warm with clotted cream and jam., or at room temperature later in the day. These are best when they are eaten on the day they are made. ~ <strong><em>Bon Apetit!</em></strong> <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Are you hungry yet?.., <em>Yum!</em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest regards,</span> <strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Rose,</span></em></strong> (<span style="font-size: large;">a.k.a./ </span><strong><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">Scone Queen)</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Thanks for visiting! <span style="font-size: small;"><em>~<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong> Kindly leave a comment</strong></span> because I so very much enjoy hearing from you dear blog friends!</em></span> ~ ( I have been unwell and also as I have been recovering, <em>exceedingly busy</em>, so I apopolgize for not having been able to blog and /or visit as of the last while).</span></div></div></div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-67811794733481503332011-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:002011-01-11T11:06:33.576-08:00Another cake Decoerating Course; Tuesday Tea Time:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><strong> Welcome!.., I</strong><span style="color: #444444;">'m so delighted that you came by to share a cup of <em>Rosey Lee</em> and some <em>cake</em> my friends! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31EV1NIsXSbct2wuEint6Zm9DgnDRZIeT3ZP62wzJN1yvEMDvIUOlHNB-rUpREdyeRvaf8Zi0nCCujwqnqlyqGHUxV3bv3nScoTe4McsNQr7BG-AHFUzSA-1VpzxmANn6OL62JGOLPgjl/s1600/124-save-for-web-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31EV1NIsXSbct2wuEint6Zm9DgnDRZIeT3ZP62wzJN1yvEMDvIUOlHNB-rUpREdyeRvaf8Zi0nCCujwqnqlyqGHUxV3bv3nScoTe4McsNQr7BG-AHFUzSA-1VpzxmANn6OL62JGOLPgjl/s640/124-save-for-web-36.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Tea and <em>'cake'</em> anyone?</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some fresh cherries as well, perhaps?.., Yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zsHmt3tRY8P0qxERExSXSp3KUA2biEsT0fBdIt16tPVHkxUwdqkXFgp-4PUBdGm7ZMqQA3vNZXTjqPNk8qW3_0jGU1bXtrvw5N7nhWb_gNP95Qz4Fiern_eyRUoh4VPgdINKFrNod094/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zsHmt3tRY8P0qxERExSXSp3KUA2biEsT0fBdIt16tPVHkxUwdqkXFgp-4PUBdGm7ZMqQA3vNZXTjqPNk8qW3_0jGU1bXtrvw5N7nhWb_gNP95Qz4Fiern_eyRUoh4VPgdINKFrNod094/s320/IMG_1450.JPG" width="320" /></span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Last</span></strong> Monday Night I completed my second Wilton Cake Decorating Course. It was Fondant and Gum Paste Decorating. My! What fun and excitement! I just wanted to share with you my final cake, which I must confess was a fake cake made of Styrofoam! I couldn't countenance putting a real cake under fondant and gum paste I had been working on for an entire month. It hardly seemed right since I am sure it wouldn't have been too sanitary! But I am pleased with the final outcome, especially the roses. I am, dear readers, a wee bit dyslexic, and it takes a lot of effort for me to learn from written instructions. Thus, the roses, which we had to learn from copiously reading our text books, were quite a challenge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">T</span></strong>he good news is, that in my fumbling about, I actually created a rose quite different from the one being taught in the book. It is a tighter rose and more streamlined than the lovelyfrilly one in the Wilton Book. Truth is I like them both, and am so glad that my struggle created something quite lovely. Of course it was also quite exciting for me to finally "get" what the book was illustrating, after much effort. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong> do hope you enjoy the pictures. <strong><em>I value your comments as well.</em></strong> ~ May I encourage you to take the Wilton courses. They are accessible to just about anyone. One thing that kept me from taking the plunge was the fact the that cost of the course is not advertised. I took this to mean that it would be prohibitive, but in fact the cost of the actual course is quite minimal, and I even got 50% off of the original cost of it. What adds up is the cost of materials, but if you are truly interested in cake decorating, it is an investment that bring forth many positive dividends and will last you for years and years. As for the courses' difficulty, If I can do them, anyone can. The fondant and gum paste course is just wonderful and working with those materials is magical. ~ <strong><em>Try it!</em></strong> ~<span style="color: #e06666;"> I know you will be delighted with the skills you will easily acquire. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I love hearing from you dear blog friends, so kindly leave a comment..,</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">Hugs from <span style="color: #cc0000;">Scone Queen</span></span></strong></div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-18267627660278654982010-09-26T16:36:00.000-07:002010-10-13T22:24:27.379-07:00Returning to Blogland yet again! Thank You for your Kind thoughts and Patience!<div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"></div><br />
Dear Blog Friends,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB0ZyEcGvsNqdYbDriV0y9CMhZx6nYBuc7S2darix1FmZrVQg_7NBJYKJjyzXjG2d41bohGStP1Bwk5SvxM70N2lBhk1hb6vRlNpAtkAn8aJC5X6_lfy6N_n4ixC1SeuxQ-6rQt9AEV5W/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHB0ZyEcGvsNqdYbDriV0y9CMhZx6nYBuc7S2darix1FmZrVQg_7NBJYKJjyzXjG2d41bohGStP1Bwk5SvxM70N2lBhk1hb6vRlNpAtkAn8aJC5X6_lfy6N_n4ixC1SeuxQ-6rQt9AEV5W/s200/IMG_1371.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Project Cake With Buttercream Roses and Roayl Icing Drop Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErS8xkODftAzODgsLjCBk2D04mUdFWcksNIMwMwag5IRY8DwePGqr60ASzYCFkBKz_e7ZZHx-RxoULuW1VeOQDt-5x8SBpQfu5Dk14M3a3ZtogGlLD_WK58wnz-A1_pDSGyiOQsPfmhEf/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Here I am again, finally! There have been so many impediments to my being ab le to blog lately, but I am hoping that things will settle down soon and I can get back to it with some regularity. My health, and the health of one dear to me have been sorely challenged lately, but I see a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, and I am hoping against hope it is not an on-coming train! Al joikng aside, precious friends, may I say that I have so appreciated your kind comments on my blog lately. I have been instructed and truth be known, ORDERED by my doctor to do one of two things only in the past several weeks. Due to a very nasty break-down of the skin tissue on my leg and foot, I have been told to either walk, or elevate my legs above my heart. Of course, I had already started taking a course in cake decorating that required that I sit with my legs down for two hours plus and my legs continued, because of this to get worse and worse. So my time at the computer had tobe curtailed and thus, I have not been able to blog! My I have missed it and have longed to be back at it! It has been a very boring and long several weeks . Coincidental to that, my dear dog Charlie had to undergo extensive surgery on both of his back legs, as he managed, poor pup, to completely desimate the cruciate ligaments in both legs; first the right leg, followed by 8 weeks of intensive rehabilitation, and then almost immediately after that damage to the left leg, requiring surgery and a FURTHER eight weeks of recuperation. Poor, poor boy! But last Tuesday he finally received a conditional good bill of health. There was significant fear that the right leg had not been corrected properly, and might require another operation, but it looks as if, for now at least, the leg has strengthened and may not require additional and expensive surgery. Thank goodness for Vet insurance! Meanwhile, in the middle of all that muddle, my legs decided to misbehave, and the sdubsequent decision to bombard me with both topical and oral anti-biotics has left me a bit worse for wear! But, all seems to be resolving nicely, fianlly and I want to share with you the pictures of my final cake project. The roses are far from perfect, but considering that I had just learned to make them, 15 minutes prior to putting them on the cake, I was quite pleased with them! I know where I went wrong with them, and more practice will result in better technique, and hopefully better roses! So here is the picture of my final project cake. It tasted DELICIOUS! And really, isn't that what its all about in the long-run anyway! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErS8xkODftAzODgsLjCBk2D04mUdFWcksNIMwMwag5IRY8DwePGqr60ASzYCFkBKz_e7ZZHx-RxoULuW1VeOQDt-5x8SBpQfu5Dk14M3a3ZtogGlLD_WK58wnz-A1_pDSGyiOQsPfmhEf/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErS8xkODftAzODgsLjCBk2D04mUdFWcksNIMwMwag5IRY8DwePGqr60ASzYCFkBKz_e7ZZHx-RxoULuW1VeOQDt-5x8SBpQfu5Dk14M3a3ZtogGlLD_WK58wnz-A1_pDSGyiOQsPfmhEf/s200/IMG_1374.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drop Flowers made from Royal Icing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-4280046949151719242010-09-16T06:50:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:30:50.952-07:00Scone Queen's Tea Party Fun:<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><strong>W</strong></span>elcome to another <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;"><em>tea-lightful</em>,</span></strong></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Tuesday And Wednesday Teatime In blogland'!</span></strong></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiJSfjfErNNurVQhHBnhUYgQjcw-kHGj5y6Ds1aLyjFcVVQC_TTNzD2C_kK2bIxU2z5HnXagAzZRxGjRl2G57Grh6ZTfrrgospROuAqTDrAUGLmyE8np-ynCxgVwj3weF0ZYy6QFnBN9g/s1600/119-save-for-web-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiJSfjfErNNurVQhHBnhUYgQjcw-kHGj5y6Ds1aLyjFcVVQC_TTNzD2C_kK2bIxU2z5HnXagAzZRxGjRl2G57Grh6ZTfrrgospROuAqTDrAUGLmyE8np-ynCxgVwj3weF0ZYy6QFnBN9g/s400/119-save-for-web-8.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
This week I am joining in with these tea parties; the<strong><em> 20th</em></strong> , <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday'</span></strong> @ <a href="http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com</span></a> and also @ <a href="http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPe7OjAuxybkITe82N88loVyFk6oUYZEHLP24fTGPMqwP5RO2Qm3NwzX_WzeCRw1eajoJAKxcC6iclk-eNIZxKqwvbAxiaMVeu_-FP807vA07E_4HfOWSmJiNKN7PSHI89Tc9D4eFhuMI/s1600/121-save-for-web-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPe7OjAuxybkITe82N88loVyFk6oUYZEHLP24fTGPMqwP5RO2Qm3NwzX_WzeCRw1eajoJAKxcC6iclk-eNIZxKqwvbAxiaMVeu_-FP807vA07E_4HfOWSmJiNKN7PSHI89Tc9D4eFhuMI/s400/121-save-for-web-19.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzsI6l2VQX4VghWHeD3RcpQXqTZRecRKHcGLszEH7KGM1rNcNaFgZgiN0OYGkKVD_uNLkr9R_zQ5L3OLNed07peK_fOUD3KZiSD4gCoDf35_kbuUIv8-pMto8wZ_jm-WToWUKj2aPD5Hq/s1600/121-save-for-web-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzsI6l2VQX4VghWHeD3RcpQXqTZRecRKHcGLszEH7KGM1rNcNaFgZgiN0OYGkKVD_uNLkr9R_zQ5L3OLNed07peK_fOUD3KZiSD4gCoDf35_kbuUIv8-pMto8wZ_jm-WToWUKj2aPD5Hq/s400/121-save-for-web-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">.., And also @ <a href="http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/</span></a> for the <em><strong>48th,</strong></em> <strong><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">'Tuesday Tea For Two'</span>,</strong> and also the <strong><em>39th</em>,</strong> <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">'Wednesday Tea For Me And Thee'</span>.</strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I am also linking in with Martha and Terri's, <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Teacup Tuesday</span></strong> this week @ <br />
<a href="http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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And the lovely, <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;"> Teatime Tuesday</span></strong> , at dear Lady Katherine's <em>which is held weekly</em> @<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><a href="http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZyKP9D7ZRXDM10DDjWKPen7aVeW7MXVp0Fv0crECcRcijMfxuzX5bIUhV3AjgW4ZEjBjZoY4GBTpzFJ4gdKWtFhtm5Aj77V450c8-hXVAXb-kbwAtwYgwdw-gIRLGOBlJY4E1MobX8NM/s1600/123-save-for-web-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZyKP9D7ZRXDM10DDjWKPen7aVeW7MXVp0Fv0crECcRcijMfxuzX5bIUhV3AjgW4ZEjBjZoY4GBTpzFJ4gdKWtFhtm5Aj77V450c8-hXVAXb-kbwAtwYgwdw-gIRLGOBlJY4E1MobX8NM/s200/123-save-for-web-3.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><br />
And also with dear Sandi for, <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">TeaTime Tuesday</span></strong> @ <a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com</strong></span></a> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong></span>f the fact that I adore Tea time is not evident by the existence of </em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><em>this blog, one need look no further than my repeated afternoon tea parties!</em></span><span style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #660000;"><em><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong>n my life there is always room for tea! </em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><em><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong> also very much enjoy collecting lovely antique teacups and teapots! </em></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDTZPGiFgfDULuLmKSwsKswMK0MYhEku_3dk_zAidDLz4JC63c4R7wEiHiQywIEzX-tzoGFQ8blr0pqEqL0RTbwjulZTmvakQLjLxgRKZM1Ma0RXN8SdizPGuG-VmHOaDXP4ohANiDf3v/s1600/122-save-for-web-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDTZPGiFgfDULuLmKSwsKswMK0MYhEku_3dk_zAidDLz4JC63c4R7wEiHiQywIEzX-tzoGFQ8blr0pqEqL0RTbwjulZTmvakQLjLxgRKZM1Ma0RXN8SdizPGuG-VmHOaDXP4ohANiDf3v/s400/122-save-for-web-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Please help yourself to my <em>new</em>, <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><strong>'The Tea</strong> <strong>Trolley'</strong></span></span>, <em> blog button</em> that you are free to use on your own blog's sidebar..,</div><br />
<strong><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;">H</span></strong>ello out there in Blogerland.., <br />
<strong><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">I</span></strong> HAVE co-hosted two teas this past Summer with my dear friend, from the Silken Purse in her lovely home on the east coast of Canada. Just as soon as I can manage it, I will get the Paper Princess to share pictures from our first intimate tea, and I will share with you some of the digital images from the later soiree held in honor of my 16th Wedding Anniversary, attended by friends and family. It was so lovely to be in my native province once again, surrounded by dear, if-not-often-near ones. Just back a week from my wanderings in the east, I am still a bit exhausted, but I will try ever-so-hard to get some images up soon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9fYtEPCHwfj7ofv2L1VAH__Wrdyqq40xKt-lcXE3mz84yNBCHGRbbtz8Qa7z4yUcUmo0ez7xYtPvV5EccAO-VTL3ClKhyphenhyphen2PKMh2-dF-i8EFsCV1CjLmho2U5VdWL1JNSqFEYhP1Zizif/s1600/122-save-for-web-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9fYtEPCHwfj7ofv2L1VAH__Wrdyqq40xKt-lcXE3mz84yNBCHGRbbtz8Qa7z4yUcUmo0ez7xYtPvV5EccAO-VTL3ClKhyphenhyphen2PKMh2-dF-i8EFsCV1CjLmho2U5VdWL1JNSqFEYhP1Zizif/s400/122-save-for-web-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;">M</span></strong>eanwhile.......! I have just joined a new website called <a href="http://www.yummyarts.com/">http://www.yummyarts.com/</a> on a trial basis. The deal was that if you agreed to order a free DVD for which you must pay only the shipping and handling fee, you get to preview the website for free for one month. As one of my passions is cake decorating, the subject of this particular website, I thought I would give it a try to see what they have to offer. As it turns out, there is a lot on this little site that is quite exciting and informative. I am not yet convinced that I will join on a full-time basis, but for now, I am pursuing it quite mercilessly, gaining every bit of knowledge I can. Give it a preview if you like and share with me your opinions and insights.<br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: x-large;"><strong>M</strong></span>ay He who loves you best be with you all until next time!..,<br />
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<em><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;"><strong>P</strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">lease enjoy some pictures of afternoon tea treats and our little tea..,</span></span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dY8y_BJ7ej01wyYX4zCLDFpTaOmNHjXPSkWcczcGHMnlji5qTUMQngg62ZuOhNR2NDr4jI8xAKS2DeSfQfmxNrc6FPGc9o6H90S2Q5lmYEBq0lmzpQCopGqNcYc7lG1VSBr6wdfNYrcW/s1600/A-copyforweb-1629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dY8y_BJ7ej01wyYX4zCLDFpTaOmNHjXPSkWcczcGHMnlji5qTUMQngg62ZuOhNR2NDr4jI8xAKS2DeSfQfmxNrc6FPGc9o6H90S2Q5lmYEBq0lmzpQCopGqNcYc7lG1VSBr6wdfNYrcW/s640/A-copyforweb-1629.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For many more <strong><em>"tea-lightful"</em></strong> pictures look below..,</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed a lovely <span style="color: #bf9000;">cream tea</span> with a few sweets and sandwiches.., Enjoy!</span></em></strong><br />
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~<strong>T</strong>here were many glistening,<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"> berry reds</span></strong></em> in today's post with all of the luscious jams and jellies featured in these photos for our <em>cream tea with scones , jam and clotted cream.</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f6EqzIbbp4lb7Xya53_647T-8eYEHT-ByEGCBprIpRDbByHzn4Wi1gtlOSi79LBmGXKQIEe09Gj5bDcLuTU7YRjc4Srp10-kDId31YQEaWv5jor-5bazvep0fPOOgZ4inUlVUev4JbrI/s1600-h/A-copyforweb-1140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f6EqzIbbp4lb7Xya53_647T-8eYEHT-ByEGCBprIpRDbByHzn4Wi1gtlOSi79LBmGXKQIEe09Gj5bDcLuTU7YRjc4Srp10-kDId31YQEaWv5jor-5bazvep0fPOOgZ4inUlVUev4JbrI/s640/A-copyforweb-1140.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div>An elegant serving of scones and afternoon tea..,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4Zm3-VegYzw1sVOkKjw2F9N7gka9bcdEHv7OXqOmjxp1MrkMg6meYOQlG9JpZK-fwm1RJMciQDwwjNYR1cMjlJjXb-73POSej_ht8SC81pyZnDcG_-AL1b6K0EXm6XovMozfKC5DN85K/s1600-h/A-copyforweb-1136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4Zm3-VegYzw1sVOkKjw2F9N7gka9bcdEHv7OXqOmjxp1MrkMg6meYOQlG9JpZK-fwm1RJMciQDwwjNYR1cMjlJjXb-73POSej_ht8SC81pyZnDcG_-AL1b6K0EXm6XovMozfKC5DN85K/s640/A-copyforweb-1136.jpg" vt="true" width="569" /></a></div>Scones fresh and warm and fragrant from the oven; light, flaky, buttery,<em> 'melt-in-your-mouth'</em> goodness!..,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #444444;">Uum!.., Scones and clotted cream with jam!..,</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #444444;">Yum!.., Cream tea..,</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNeUT3FNyxK3dW3rkxIBjd6Iw7Sfzv75rZd7xer1Hzt4sj5faATic4NjJFlSXbE0Gq_iBJGDzJabMTmZ6fv4MMHQUa6qMILavfYdne0Tz_2zBQxyt66dTXApIz-uNWThFV47jDnCAo5jf/s1600-h/A-copyforweb-1143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNeUT3FNyxK3dW3rkxIBjd6Iw7Sfzv75rZd7xer1Hzt4sj5faATic4NjJFlSXbE0Gq_iBJGDzJabMTmZ6fv4MMHQUa6qMILavfYdne0Tz_2zBQxyt66dTXApIz-uNWThFV47jDnCAo5jf/s640/A-copyforweb-1143.jpg" vt="true" width="515" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqnTQhYhDn2OBNHx4OujL2j6Ub1R-7H8fflm2UVVzaMaZWuNcKG-zf01gOcNM7On8U-IhJ93zy43h2k87btTTQUoHA1KGr9RYZsxsfv5Ecxz6Vz9lsfb_7dDUEozZek5SeIN0NbvIrIgL/s1600-h/A-copyforweb-1139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqnTQhYhDn2OBNHx4OujL2j6Ub1R-7H8fflm2UVVzaMaZWuNcKG-zf01gOcNM7On8U-IhJ93zy43h2k87btTTQUoHA1KGr9RYZsxsfv5Ecxz6Vz9lsfb_7dDUEozZek5SeIN0NbvIrIgL/s640/A-copyforweb-1139.jpg" vt="true" width="532" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Sprinkled with a touch of confectioners sugar..,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tOETmmhVkoB7-f28qKgxJAP0w__fBd-g0bHGP7vKZ8nFeBZMey-5U8-Dk5JrGCGPmKRHKNj1ZjBBSJVb295Yf6NVT7byntAC4w-fBb8hyphenhyphenBOHRNisZb2ImaWVMQlGLdAx_3nCDm9VNnZN/s1600-h/A-copyforweb-1145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tOETmmhVkoB7-f28qKgxJAP0w__fBd-g0bHGP7vKZ8nFeBZMey-5U8-Dk5JrGCGPmKRHKNj1ZjBBSJVb295Yf6NVT7byntAC4w-fBb8hyphenhyphenBOHRNisZb2ImaWVMQlGLdAx_3nCDm9VNnZN/s640/A-copyforweb-1145.jpg" vt="true" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Dear little butter pats with decorated sugar cubes.., </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENKz6odQ7uIOKA6y6XpAx7va14JMTwUjF298TB_7fn7YjO2Omx9snW8Ia22Rf8t8rPvVgTxCEkfWextAZ0uHCvMDNH3q7B5G4aOM1whNzEGUN8ZE5kgEy9kH0ZE6NfmI4TClUcRTlCAEa/s1600-h/A-copyforweb-1141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENKz6odQ7uIOKA6y6XpAx7va14JMTwUjF298TB_7fn7YjO2Omx9snW8Ia22Rf8t8rPvVgTxCEkfWextAZ0uHCvMDNH3q7B5G4aOM1whNzEGUN8ZE5kgEy9kH0ZE6NfmI4TClUcRTlCAEa/s640/A-copyforweb-1141.jpg" vt="true" width="483" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty chintz <em>serve ware platter</em> and teapot with a delightful cream tea..,</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few little sandwiches for good measure..,</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44w7ziUYWLpTPZZO7otHOqDyS06quKVZ1NS-Yh7vTtmLEJv9Im9Tm41b2G9jVxrGKQ17nUUwvOSYtNaqE6EYhML-3qX7mpyuH4qHK_oWcm6eAvQdFmlurOl2JAhf5T2zXT-NqWWnRJLyj/s1600/A-copyforweb-1642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44w7ziUYWLpTPZZO7otHOqDyS06quKVZ1NS-Yh7vTtmLEJv9Im9Tm41b2G9jVxrGKQ17nUUwvOSYtNaqE6EYhML-3qX7mpyuH4qHK_oWcm6eAvQdFmlurOl2JAhf5T2zXT-NqWWnRJLyj/s400/A-copyforweb-1642.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaPCOORBUq0YhzDSMQsFLr8c4zsaO1542QkdmwnSgmezhqaUhL9OythwVIBTpHd3ZQscZnpaLLZio_3vwYpg5o1E_221qoSoRJ8nvfoSl1LlU3h8AE_aUUp0X0juNjLDkBVNdHLo5zSJX/s1600/A-copyforweb-1643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaPCOORBUq0YhzDSMQsFLr8c4zsaO1542QkdmwnSgmezhqaUhL9OythwVIBTpHd3ZQscZnpaLLZio_3vwYpg5o1E_221qoSoRJ8nvfoSl1LlU3h8AE_aUUp0X0juNjLDkBVNdHLo5zSJX/s400/A-copyforweb-1643.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8bvW0mKVZUWOAr-wEK5_StNnKCX0eVXVc6PpsL4JotjWI8zkS8yuIv6Y0Z9mWvIQpPkyOGRwWGIB4xKylptTc57mJoDF-yqdjBgA4buT3dPiPZ4bIBb4l9Lpl6Smoy7jtpcNHSiXtvtX/s1600/A-copyforweb-1645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8bvW0mKVZUWOAr-wEK5_StNnKCX0eVXVc6PpsL4JotjWI8zkS8yuIv6Y0Z9mWvIQpPkyOGRwWGIB4xKylptTc57mJoDF-yqdjBgA4buT3dPiPZ4bIBb4l9Lpl6Smoy7jtpcNHSiXtvtX/s400/A-copyforweb-1645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE57Uc_QF89qxj9Ohw-kklTwWQyv-VEJz9X2gp03zeKRkAV7Vj-g7Z696JcTArHAnWU0o4VQdq97Aq5D1iRjtRVS38-JulROc5_7tFVHEuLywHJtofhLtdFOROQV_XXYUphg79tzp_PPz/s1600/A-copyforweb-1644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE57Uc_QF89qxj9Ohw-kklTwWQyv-VEJz9X2gp03zeKRkAV7Vj-g7Z696JcTArHAnWU0o4VQdq97Aq5D1iRjtRVS38-JulROc5_7tFVHEuLywHJtofhLtdFOROQV_XXYUphg79tzp_PPz/s400/A-copyforweb-1644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"> <strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></strong>ere</span> are some pictures from a tea party that <em>Wanda Lee</em> held in <strong><em>my;</em></strong> <em><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">( Scone Queen's),</span></strong></em> honour so that a few of her close friends could meet me on occasion of my visit from the west coast; ( after the passing of my elderly father-in-law, in the past months).., I came a week earlier than my husband, so as to visit my family and friends as well.., <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Warmest regards from <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Scone Queen</span></strong> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-13316027889480931342010-08-30T12:56:00.001-07:002010-09-08T11:17:26.293-07:00Delightful Redundancy! Another Afternoon of Tea at London Farms<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">W</span>elcome to another delightful, <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>'Tuesday And Wednesday Teatime In blogland'<span style="font-size: small;"> and also to</span></strong> <em><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Friday's</span> lovely</span></em> <span style="color: #e06666;"><strong>blog parties</strong></span> <strong>as well!</strong></span>.., <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Enjoy my friends!</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMECsTNMaFz1f83saxHACWFejC49bEkv95AtGWqTX_zk9JkQvhyphenhyphencNfzo1re9k8vBcssmUSs1EA8MLbFn7tvmddMFKAiBo2h9SvmX-PHbuaHvYCxslf5Ts9KauvPwGTaFZLW7dM9FDU-fh/s1600/119-save-for-web-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMECsTNMaFz1f83saxHACWFejC49bEkv95AtGWqTX_zk9JkQvhyphenhyphencNfzo1re9k8vBcssmUSs1EA8MLbFn7tvmddMFKAiBo2h9SvmX-PHbuaHvYCxslf5Ts9KauvPwGTaFZLW7dM9FDU-fh/s320/119-save-for-web-7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This week I am joining in with these tea parties; the <strong>18th</strong> , <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday'</span></strong> @ <a href="http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com</span></a> and also @ <a href="http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPe7OjAuxybkITe82N88loVyFk6oUYZEHLP24fTGPMqwP5RO2Qm3NwzX_WzeCRw1eajoJAKxcC6iclk-eNIZxKqwvbAxiaMVeu_-FP807vA07E_4HfOWSmJiNKN7PSHI89Tc9D4eFhuMI/s1600/121-save-for-web-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPe7OjAuxybkITe82N88loVyFk6oUYZEHLP24fTGPMqwP5RO2Qm3NwzX_WzeCRw1eajoJAKxcC6iclk-eNIZxKqwvbAxiaMVeu_-FP807vA07E_4HfOWSmJiNKN7PSHI89Tc9D4eFhuMI/s400/121-save-for-web-19.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzsI6l2VQX4VghWHeD3RcpQXqTZRecRKHcGLszEH7KGM1rNcNaFgZgiN0OYGkKVD_uNLkr9R_zQ5L3OLNed07peK_fOUD3KZiSD4gCoDf35_kbuUIv8-pMto8wZ_jm-WToWUKj2aPD5Hq/s1600/121-save-for-web-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzsI6l2VQX4VghWHeD3RcpQXqTZRecRKHcGLszEH7KGM1rNcNaFgZgiN0OYGkKVD_uNLkr9R_zQ5L3OLNed07peK_fOUD3KZiSD4gCoDf35_kbuUIv8-pMto8wZ_jm-WToWUKj2aPD5Hq/s400/121-save-for-web-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">.., And also @ <a href="http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/</span></a> for the <em><strong>46th,</strong></em> <strong><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">'Tuesday Tea For Two'</span>,</strong> and also the <strong><em>37th</em>,</strong> <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">'Wednesday Tea For Me And Thee'</span>.</strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I am also linking in with Martha and Terri's, <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Teacup Tuesday</span></strong> this week @ <br />
<a href="http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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And the lovely, <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;"> Teatime Tuesday</span></strong> , at dear Lady Katherine's <em>which is held weekly</em> @<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><a href="http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZyKP9D7ZRXDM10DDjWKPen7aVeW7MXVp0Fv0crECcRcijMfxuzX5bIUhV3AjgW4ZEjBjZoY4GBTpzFJ4gdKWtFhtm5Aj77V450c8-hXVAXb-kbwAtwYgwdw-gIRLGOBlJY4E1MobX8NM/s1600/123-save-for-web-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZyKP9D7ZRXDM10DDjWKPen7aVeW7MXVp0Fv0crECcRcijMfxuzX5bIUhV3AjgW4ZEjBjZoY4GBTpzFJ4gdKWtFhtm5Aj77V450c8-hXVAXb-kbwAtwYgwdw-gIRLGOBlJY4E1MobX8NM/s200/123-save-for-web-3.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><br />
And also with dear Sandi for, <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">TeaTime Tuesday</span></strong> @ <a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com</strong></span></a> <br />
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I am also linking in with the fabulous, <strong><span style="color: #f1c232;">Foodie Friday</span></strong> @ <a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: blue;">http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com</span></strong></a><br />
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As well with the wonderful, <strong><span style="color: #76a5af;">Show And Tell Friday</span></strong> @ <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: blue;">http://romantichome.blogspot.com</span></strong></a> ( I am featuring my<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"> red</span></strong> and<strong><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;">white, </span><span style="color: black;">gingham</span></strong> slip covers for <strong><em>Show And Tell Friday</em></strong>, that my dear little pup is sitting beside at the bottom of this post)..,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2_-NUV7UHwyXBuRuylclBqLQuyZkVUhA9Q41r4bsUFOy3VsXdIeIzNiqd_6oFJPVcXArBfppy3EsnCJzgxA3ZISZsM9q8LtDSQW3iKiR0_1tYB9byhsf5Az-nTJCB9TZxe7SgQ4hAIgb/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><strong><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2_-NUV7UHwyXBuRuylclBqLQuyZkVUhA9Q41r4bsUFOy3VsXdIeIzNiqd_6oFJPVcXArBfppy3EsnCJzgxA3ZISZsM9q8LtDSQW3iKiR0_1tYB9byhsf5Az-nTJCB9TZxe7SgQ4hAIgb/s200/IMG_1306.JPG" width="200" /></strong></span></a><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong></span>f the fact that I adore Tea time is not evident by the existence of this blog, one need look no further than my repeated visits to the London Farms Tea Room to conclude that I am a bit of a fanatic. Truth be known, I would probably go there on a weekly basis, if I had the discretionary time and funds. My only criticism is that they don't "do" a bonifide "cream tea" as they chose not to serve clotted cream with their delicious scones. However, they offer a lovely homemade raspberry jam, creamery butter, and three scrumptious sweets which vary from time to time, along with a smashing spot of splosh known as London Lady Tea which they also sell in their darling little gift shop! It is seldom that I possess the needed self control to leave there without buying a little something for my collection, whether it is silver-plated spoon, a fragrant lavender sachet, or a lovely tea-cup! I say, blushing all the while, that I have been to London Farms no less than three times this season.</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiZN1X2tfTUyp3Nnqz9cFZjchlzd0PvUYjZ2u7HQU5SHMZPBOfiRpTOY2om5pFqaJBlyI1298S-nPshx45VHncp5dC2cHyhNfXI-KcwY8L7daZouA9XTD3bc7p09HMEYx38iIX9cnLBEX/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiZN1X2tfTUyp3Nnqz9cFZjchlzd0PvUYjZ2u7HQU5SHMZPBOfiRpTOY2om5pFqaJBlyI1298S-nPshx45VHncp5dC2cHyhNfXI-KcwY8L7daZouA9XTD3bc7p09HMEYx38iIX9cnLBEX/s200/IMG_1307.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I</span>n my own defense however, I must admit that I do have a "partner-in-crime" on my frequent forays to the farm in the person of my dear friend Ruth, who knows that she need only mention the possibility of a visit to the tea room to obtain my hearty agreement. This time we took delight in viewing a bevvy of free range chickens clucking contentedly in the front garden. amid the brown-eyed-susans. As we sipped on our delicious brew and lingered over our scones and sweets, we discussed plans for our church's up-coming Christmas Tea and bandied about ideas for everything from decor to door </span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">prizes, and keynote speakers to scones! It was a lovely break from the everyday. I do hope that perhaps, we might go there just one more time before the season ends. In my life there is always room for tea! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">The folks at <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">London Farms Tea Room</span></strong> have many such collectable teacups and teapots .., I do not know who these little teacups are made by, but aren't they pretty!?.., <em>I love antique, teacups and saucers!</em></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;">Another delightful recipe for you to enjoy my friends..,</span><span style="color: #660000;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Nova <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Scotian </span>Gingerbread</strong></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup shortening</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup lightly packed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">demerara</span> brown sugar</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1/3 cup Molasses</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">*1 egg</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon salt</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon baking soda</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon ground ginger</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">3/4 cup boiling water</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000;">Method:</span></div><span style="color: #660000;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000;"></span></div><span style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000;">In a medium-sized bowl combine the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking soda, and spices) Set aside. In a separate bowl, cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Into these wet ingredients beat in molasses and egg.Stir the dry ingredients gently into the creamed mixture, alternating with with boiled water, and ending with dry ingredients, combining until just mixed. Spoon batter into a lightly greased 8 X 4 or 9 X 5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F oven for 40-45 minutes or until a tester inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in pan for ten minutes. on a baking rack. Remove from pan and allow to sit of baking rack until completely cool. (If you can STAND it, but I like to serve mine warm from the oven!) To store, wrap tightly or put in an air-tight container. Each 1/12 of a loaf is 133 calories! Pretty good for a delicious dessert, but that of course does not include the lemon sauce or whipped cream. (Lemon Sauce Recipe to follow! Yum, yum, oh yum!)</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">* your egg should be room temperature, but I NEVER remember to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">take</span> it out of the fridge in time for that, so soaking the egg in warm water for 15 minutes before hand will bring it closer to room temperature. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Lemon Sauce</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup white sugar ( if you are concerned about calories you could use a 1/2 and 1/2 split if sugar and S<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">plenda</span>)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 tablespoon cornstarch</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1/8 teaspoon salt</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon nutmeg</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 cup boiling water</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 tablespoon butter ( Go ahead and indulge, it won't kill you!)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon grated lemon zest</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">*the juice of one lemon</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000;">In saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch, salt and nutmeg/ <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Gradually</span> whisk in boiling water, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">stirring</span> to remove any lumps. Simmer over low hear, stirring <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">occasionally</span> until the mixture is thick. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, lemon zest and lemon juice. Serve over warmed gingerbread and enjoy AS, NO DOUBT, YOU WILL!</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">* <em>To get the most juice out of your lemon, heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds on high. You will double or even triple the amount of juice you will get from the lemon. I like to zest my lemon after if has been juiced, because if you do it before, the lemon falls apart as it is juiced. </em></div><br />
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</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC4CyyuX4TEJBSUBZdI6m5MuTS1d3_FqTgc0_05cnNVmCJKVbhkNUE0ebwdf7vvGAldoPcG5nPcjwAlztG_qULJOzMr2VrfVGOYz_Q_Vt-r3UuqBtX9-XGLv4Srw6-eRdS_87j-TCbh8/s1600-h/IMG_1244.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288379898600799250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC4CyyuX4TEJBSUBZdI6m5MuTS1d3_FqTgc0_05cnNVmCJKVbhkNUE0ebwdf7vvGAldoPcG5nPcjwAlztG_qULJOzMr2VrfVGOYz_Q_Vt-r3UuqBtX9-XGLv4Srw6-eRdS_87j-TCbh8/s640/IMG_1244.jpg" style="float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 240px;" width="480" /></a><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">P</span></strong><span style="font-size: large;">lease also enjoy my little, "puppy-scape", tablescape for <strong>Marti's</strong> , <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Tabletop Tuesday</span></strong> @ </span><a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">~This is my dear little doggie, <strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> Charlie D. Dog. ~ </span><em><span style="color: #bf9000;">Woof!</span></em></strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest regards from </span><strong><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-large;">Scone Queen </span></strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">~ <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><strong>I</strong></span></span></strong> always so enjoy your comments ,<strong><span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span><span style="color: #e06666;">so please kindly leave me a comment</span></strong> and I shall visit you in return.., (I am still making the rounds from last week, so please be patient; I adore visitng you as well my dear blog friends)! ~ </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thanks so much for all of your lovely comments last week!</span><br />
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</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-51940423502805733582010-08-17T16:06:00.001-07:002010-08-23T04:30:43.276-07:00Queen of sweets; Cape Breton Pork Pies:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquL03_bzcswRv-pOoChGRnBrY3yLa4nEvF4OBnVBVLm0A_BJW-NLYnk-K2ai5GyUme2QuLbzyTHqrjWfMTMr-jLERp8TW69jLbZSh4PW132vOqG0CuySEZ0jF7OzhR2qBiIMnTmls8eWD/s1600/119-save-for-web-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquL03_bzcswRv-pOoChGRnBrY3yLa4nEvF4OBnVBVLm0A_BJW-NLYnk-K2ai5GyUme2QuLbzyTHqrjWfMTMr-jLERp8TW69jLbZSh4PW132vOqG0CuySEZ0jF7OzhR2qBiIMnTmls8eWD/s320/119-save-for-web-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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This week I am joining in with these tea parties; the <strong>16th</strong> , <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday'</span></strong> @ <a href="http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com</span></a> and also @ <a href="http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPe7OjAuxybkITe82N88loVyFk6oUYZEHLP24fTGPMqwP5RO2Qm3NwzX_WzeCRw1eajoJAKxcC6iclk-eNIZxKqwvbAxiaMVeu_-FP807vA07E_4HfOWSmJiNKN7PSHI89Tc9D4eFhuMI/s1600/121-save-for-web-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPe7OjAuxybkITe82N88loVyFk6oUYZEHLP24fTGPMqwP5RO2Qm3NwzX_WzeCRw1eajoJAKxcC6iclk-eNIZxKqwvbAxiaMVeu_-FP807vA07E_4HfOWSmJiNKN7PSHI89Tc9D4eFhuMI/s400/121-save-for-web-19.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzsI6l2VQX4VghWHeD3RcpQXqTZRecRKHcGLszEH7KGM1rNcNaFgZgiN0OYGkKVD_uNLkr9R_zQ5L3OLNed07peK_fOUD3KZiSD4gCoDf35_kbuUIv8-pMto8wZ_jm-WToWUKj2aPD5Hq/s1600/121-save-for-web-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzsI6l2VQX4VghWHeD3RcpQXqTZRecRKHcGLszEH7KGM1rNcNaFgZgiN0OYGkKVD_uNLkr9R_zQ5L3OLNed07peK_fOUD3KZiSD4gCoDf35_kbuUIv8-pMto8wZ_jm-WToWUKj2aPD5Hq/s400/121-save-for-web-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>.., And also @ <a href="http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/</span></a> for the <em>44th,</em> <strong><span style="color: #b4a7d6;">'Tuesday Tea For Two'</span>,</strong> and also the <em>35th</em>, <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">'Wednesday Tea For Me And Thee'</span>.</strong> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I am also linking in with Martha and Terri's, <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Teacup Tuesday</span></strong> this week @ <br />
<a href="http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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And the lovely, <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;"> Teatime Tuesday</span></strong> , at dear Lady Katherine's <em>which is held weekly</em> @<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><a href="http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I collect the <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Old Country Roses</span></strong> Pattern by<strong><em> Royal Albert</em></strong> and have many pieces; I so enjoy using the teacups especially!..,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of a tart tamper.., very handy for making tarts of any kind!</td></tr>
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</div><span style="color: #e06666;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong>f the scone is the <strong>"queen of sweets"</strong> for the tea table, then surely the delectable tart must be her "lady in waiting". Easy to make, and ever-so-dainty, a variety of tempting tarts offers the tea-taker a symphony of tastes wrapped in a sweet, melt-in-your mouth shortbread crust. For an afternoon tea, I delight to offer at least two (and sometimes three!) types of tarts,. My favorites are the ever popular lemon curd, tart served plain, or presented with a diminutive dollop of clotted cream, the Maid of honor, a delightful jam filled tart with a delicate cake hat punctuated with a Florette of pink butter cream, and finally, in deference to my east coast ties, the toothsome <strong>Cape Breton Pork Pie.</strong> This little gem, one of my husband's all-time favorites, contains <em><strong>NOT ONE OUNCE OF PORK!</strong></em> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>I</strong></span>t's name is the subject of some conjecture. My favorite explanation is that they are so good, when you have one, you can't resist having another, and another and another! Thus, you "pork" out on them, making a little piggy of yourself in the process! So dear <em>bloggerites</em>, here is my recipe for Cape Breton Pork Pies. I found it in a venerated cookbook, which was given to me by my dear friend , June one year for Christmas. Imagine my delight, precious bloggerites, when I received this, to discover that it was the cookbook most used by my own sweet Mom. In fact, she used it so much it was in tatters by the time she passed away, and was mistakenly discarded when my sisters were packing up her kitchen.. The title page had gone missing when I was just a little girl, so the name on it's front meant little to me, but the pages looked familiar somehow, so I quickly turned to the cake section to discover the recipe for the birthday cake mom had always made for me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>I</strong></span> felt as though I had recovered a bit of my own heritage from the ashes of time. What a blessing! Upon further investigation of it, I found the recipe for the Pork Pies, something my husband had intimated was an integral part of his own Christmas tradition from Sydney, Cape Breton. I made them as a surprise for him, and to his delight, he pronounced them "better" than his auntie's. So now they are a staple in our house for Christmas, but also for tea. ~<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"> Enjoy and please let me know how yours turn out!.., </span></em></strong></span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">CAPE BRETON PORK PIES</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tart Shells:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #cc0000;">1 cup of cold, creamery butter ( this is what made them better than Auntie's. She probably used margarine, which was a common practice in Cape Breton. The difference it makes to the recipe is unmistakable!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">4 tablespoons icing sugar</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">2 cups flour</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Cut the butter into the flour suing a pastry cutter. Add sugar and knead until well-blended. Press small amounts into small muffin tins. Bake at 425 degrees F. for 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they brown very quickly, and you DO NOT want to make them too dark. ( In my opinion, the lighter they can be, the better, but that is just MY preference!) Remove and allow to come to room temperature. Carefully remove from tins, as they are VERY delicate!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Filling;</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2 cups finely chopped dates</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #cc0000;">1 1/2 cups brown sugar ( I use demerara)</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1 cup water</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Lemon Juice (the juice of one lemon, whatever that may be. I usually heat my lemon in the microwave for a quick 10 seconds. It DOUBLES the amount of juice you will get from it. How much of that juice you put in is really up to your taste, but I like the whole amount.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Simmer the above ingredients until the dates are of a soft consistency. Cool, then fill the tart shells. Top with a piped swirl of butter cream icing which has been flavoured with maple syrup or flavouring. YUM! YUM! YUM! These freeze well, and can be made weeks ahead if covered well in the freezer.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">* anecdotal additions are my own, but this wonderful recipe is from "Out of Old Nova Scotia Kitchens" by Marie Nightingale (Nimbus Publishing Limited) </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">A lovely, <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">Old Country Roses,</span></strong> teapot, creamer and teacup.., So pretty! </div><br />
Happy <em>16th,</em> <strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday'</span></strong>, <em>44th, </em><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;"><em>'Tuesday</em> Tea For Two'</span></strong> and <em>35th,</em><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">'Wednesday Tea For Me And Thee'!..,</span> <span style="font-size: large;">A</span></strong><span style="color: black;">nd also please enjoy your other lovely,</span><strong> '<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Tuesday And Wednesday Teatime In Blogland',</span></strong> </span><span style="color: black;">tea parties at other blogs ladies!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">Cheers from</span> <strong>Scone Queen</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">I love hearing from you so please kindly leave a comment.., Thanks</span>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-63493128744873040972010-08-07T15:53:00.000-07:002013-04-22T12:03:13.134-07:00A Delicious Spot of Splosh in Big Pond, Cape Breton: Tea with Rita<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">H</span></strong>eading back to the mainland of Nova Scotia after sojourning on Cape Breton Island for two weeks with my husband's recently widowed mom, Eric and I decided to take the old highway, instead of the new one which is quicker but terribly boring. The biggest delight by far was visiting Rita MacNeil's famed tea room in Big Pond. What a delightful place indeed. We had heard rumours that the prices were high, but dear friends, I do not know the last time I had a large, sumptuous bowl of fragrant seafood chowder, a mile-high cloud-light scone, with homemade strawberry preserves, and a robust and flavourful cup of tea for under $15.00! The service was swift and friendly, and the surroundings were picturesque to say the least, and there was no sense that you were being rushed through your meal to accommodate the incoming crowds. The icing on the cake, ( or perhaps one might say the clotted cream on the scone!) was the presence of the grand dame herself. Yes, indeed Rita McNeil was there in the flesh talking congenially and having her picture taken with all manner of folk, treating everyone like a long-lost friend visiting "from away". I chose not have my picture taken with her. Believe it or not, I am a wee bit on the shy side myself, when it comes to celebrity, and I did not want to impose, but I must say it was ever-so heart-warming to see her and to experience the genuine warmth of her personality as she greeted her tea room patrons. It made me proud to be a Nova Scotian, even though I have been in exile these 14 years on the absolute opposite of the country!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I</span></strong> must say I was suitably impressed by the scones. They were positively massive, at least 5 inches high, and light as light could be! HOWEVER, to be totally honest, they were a wee bit lacking in terms of taste. If I could combine the height of hers with the taste of mine, I would be a rich, rich, woman! That having been said, I have to say that the chowder was absolutely lovely, with five or six HUGE scallops in it, and a clam or two for good measure. The only thing it lacked was lobster.......PRAISES BE!!!! As I am allergic to the little red-shelled devils and would have been heartily disappointed had they ruined my chance to enjoy this steaming dish of delight. So, Rita dear, congratulations on your great success as a singer, entertainer, entrepreneur and tea-room maven. I doubt that anyone deserves or appreciates it more than you do, dear soul. <br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I love hearing from you so please kindly leave a comment..,<span style="color: #e06666;">Thanks!</span></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Regards, Scone Queen</span></em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.ritamacneil.com/tearoom.html"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>http://www.ritamacneil.com/tearoom.html</strong></span></a>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-86909028706747610162010-03-29T22:34:00.000-07:002010-05-20T06:16:05.841-07:00Easter Time: Decorating Easter Bunny Cupcakes! I am having a hard time believeing that Easter will be with us in slightly over a week! Wasn't it Christmas just last month? Where does all the time go, dear bloggerites? I just finished co-hosting a very informal Easter Tea at my church along with my friends, Ruth and Janet. It was a lovely time of whimsy, with a few delightful women. We reminisced about Easters of yesterr-year, spent some time thinking about what the first Easter must have been like for Mary, the mother of Jesus and closed the afternoon off by decorating Easter bunny cuppcakes. How cute they were, and how delicious, accompanied by fresh fruit and steaming cups of coffee and tea! There isn't anything I enjoy more than the company of women, and an afternoon of conversation and tea.<br />
Today I made my final decision about Easter Dinner.What should I serve and who should we invite? The guest list was the easiest of tasks, as we have those who it has become a tradition to entertain on holidays. The menu was not so easily decided upon. As I attempt to graciously accept that I am not getting any younger, I am trying to make preparations as easy as possible. I think this year, I have managed to keep the prep time to an all-time minimum. The ham is a pre-bakedand spiral cut, and needs only to be heated to a specific temperature. I am making a scalloped potatoe casserole, one or two vegetables, and a wild rice and barley recipe that is made in a rice cooker and is dead easy to throw together. As an appetizer I am going to do devilled eggs, keeping the eggs in the shell, and serving them in lovely egg cups. That should be fun and different. For dessert, dear readers, I have done the unthinkable. I have purchased a FROZEN CHEESECAKE selection from Costco: six different varieties of cheesecake. It was on sale, and frankly, I couldn't make it for the price they were charging. I have had the Costco cheesecake before and it is quite delicious, so I am throwing caution entirely to the wind, and vowing to take it tres easy this year. For once, I will not be totally exhausted by the time we sit down to eat. One of my guests has offered to bring the salad, and should another guest offer to bring something else, well then, that will be even less work for me. I do feel almost guilty about the whole thing, but I am trying hard not to let it bother me too much. For the past 16 years, I have done the lion's share of the cooking and baking in my home, but, as the British put it, that has become "a bit beyond the rabbit-proof fence" for me at this point. and it has just gotten to be too much. Perhaps this time next year I will feel different, and go back to the way things used to be, but then again, maybe I won't! What are your Easter traditions, dear readers? Do you do any table-scaping? I am looking for something simple but elegant. Any ideas? Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-90870337800063774192010-03-23T08:45:00.000-07:002010-03-23T12:38:40.300-07:00A Spring Celebration Of Friendship Afternoon Tea:<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello there dear friends,</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It's <strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">'Tuesday Tea For Two'</span></strong>, teatime once more.., Please do join us!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pop over for a visit <strong>after </strong>you have visited and enjoyed your scones with clotted cream and jam and a freshly brewed pop of<strong><span style="color: #bf9000;"> Rosey Lee</span></strong> in <strong><em>Scone Queen's,</em></strong> <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Old Country Roses,</span></strong> china teaset!: <a href="http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">theplumedpen.blogspot.com</span></a></div><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">J</span></strong>ust a little note from <em>moi</em>,<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong> a.k.a./ Silken Purse</strong></span>; a guest blogger today at <strong><em>Scone Queen's</em></strong> lovely, <strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">The Tea</span> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Trolley</span></strong> blog.<br />
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<strong>T</strong>oday is,<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tuesday Tea For Two</span>,</span></strong> at my <strong>The Plumed Pen</strong> blog, once more: <br />
<strong>W</strong>hereas my dear friend S<em><strong>cone Queen</strong></em> and <em>I</em> have been friends for many years; in fact I have known her since I was 12 and she was 14; today dear friends, we have decided to collaberate with a special teatime blog posting!.., (<em>Yet with reference to our respective ages</em>, we shall not reveal how old we are now)!..,Hehe!~<strong><em> Scone Queen</em></strong> was originally an aquaintance of my older sister, then much to my delight and thanksgiving to the Lord, over the years we became fast friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">W</span>hen dear<strong><em> Scone Queen</em></strong> created her second blog, we had thought that partnering with regard to occasional guest blogging at each others respective blogs would be lots of fun!~(Her other delightful blog is aptly named; Tea By 2).~ I do hope she will also grace the pages of my blog sometime soon, as she is an exceptionally gifted writer, as well as being very knowlegeable in her own right on the subject of Afternoon Tea!..,<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: xx-small;"> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><em>(I'm sure Scone Queen would not mind in the least, if); I also warmly, and with loving embrace of friendship, referring to a dear friend, (who shall remain nameless):~ This other dear personal friend, (whom if reading this), may just recall a similar offer to guest blog and be ever so delightfully supported should she ever decide to create her own meme; a little 'birdie told me that she would 'give me a heads up', so to speak, when she is ready with her sweet surprises..,wink!</em></span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The delights of Afternoon Tea and a precious friendship spanning many years, <em>are numerous,</em> dear friends:</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">T</span></strong>he rich, wonderfully soothing and refreshing repast of many an <em>Afternoon Tea</em> for us, is delightfully full of poignant memories, shared laughter and dreams; (even tears, as we arranged together for a soothing tea to be held after her dear mother's passing).~ These precious teatimes have proven to be a lasting bond of friendship and common interest between my dear friend <em>Scone Queen</em> and I, over these many years! ~ Alas, we are separated by thousands of miles as we reside on the opposite ends of our nation, the coastal regions of Eastern and Western Canada, respectively. <em>We do most thankfully, enjoy frequent conversations by phone however.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #e06666;">D</span></strong>o you have a special friend with whom you share Afternoon Tea, (or perhaps coffee), and with whom you also share many precious memories?.., <strong><em><span style="color: #e06666;">Please do tell!</span></em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em>Scone Queen</em></strong> and I would dearly enjoy to hear of your pleasant memories of friendships further enchanced over a piping hot and fragrant pot and a pretty cup of <strong><em>Rosey Lee</em></strong> or coffee, as you enjoyed your very own, <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Tea For Two</span></strong> or <em>coffee hour</em> with your dear friend!<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><strong>*P</strong>lease do<strong><span style="color: #e06666;"> leave a comment</span></strong> and also kindly consider <em><span style="color: #ea9999;">following </span><span style="color: #ea9999;">me;</span></em> that way it is easy to stay in touch!~ I will be <strong>delighted</strong> to visit you as well!</span><br />
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<strong>W</strong>armest Regards from Scone Queen<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Photo credits: China, <em>Old Country Roses</em> teacup with pretty molded sugar @ 'Michele's Treasures,Teacups, And Tumbling Rose Cottage' blogspot blog.~ Blue and white teacup picture @ Google Images.~ Molded <em>bunny</em> sugars in Sugar bowl @</span>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-25145753062893196682010-03-13T13:55:00.000-08:002010-03-16T02:13:16.206-07:00Top O' The Marnin' to Ye! Tis a Lovely Day to be Irish! Happy Saint Patrick's Day to One and All!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimA32yTkfjXQ-G9eKQdePJlUD1808qDh-0M_pQrPPAzjZgOHzzViUitJD36l_BS2N00HvgXrskkFDnkyuZmtepDfyrRSz5_3M5ZGN6e6CgDHrNkvtv4P1W6ewQqkpiqyAeHC1JPj78okRY/s1600-h/A-copyforweb-267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimA32yTkfjXQ-G9eKQdePJlUD1808qDh-0M_pQrPPAzjZgOHzzViUitJD36l_BS2N00HvgXrskkFDnkyuZmtepDfyrRSz5_3M5ZGN6e6CgDHrNkvtv4P1W6ewQqkpiqyAeHC1JPj78okRY/s400/A-copyforweb-267.jpg" vt="true" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week I am partaking with <em><strong>Wanda Lee's</strong></em> 22nd, <strong><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">'Tuesday Tea For Two'</span></strong> blog afternoon tea party @ <a href="http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">theplumedpen.blogspot.com</span></a></div><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">I</span></strong>t has been ever-so-long since I blogged! My, but the time just seems to speed by and before you know it we will be looking at a full-fledged spring here on the West Coast of Canada! We have alredy had the crocuses, the daffodils are now in bloom, along with the forsythia and the flowering crab trees, and yet, there are mornings when it is still necessary to scrap the frost from the windshield of the car!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Bw8zoNBRZwywZ-FkU1PespnX35sWOqGVIlVmWNpS2XNpdY12M4N5SMYxdotAyHDOmMZqT82-VUD9r7-9Xhl4hT_Mssb_ai7BnfDnE_t5Qhyy5kCrJuz0laG_9lr60mdn01tPeOabe0hN/s1600-h/BOTeabearieGood%2520Luck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Bw8zoNBRZwywZ-FkU1PespnX35sWOqGVIlVmWNpS2XNpdY12M4N5SMYxdotAyHDOmMZqT82-VUD9r7-9Xhl4hT_Mssb_ai7BnfDnE_t5Qhyy5kCrJuz0laG_9lr60mdn01tPeOabe0hN/s200/BOTeabearieGood%2520Luck.jpg" vt="true" width="199" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">B</span></strong>ut one of those lovely harbingers of Spring is about to be upon us, and I couldn't let Saint Patrick's Day go by without offering you a wonderful recipe for 100% Whole Wheat Irish Soday Bread! This is an absolutely scrumptious recipe, and so light and delectable, I am seriously conidering serving at tea INSTEAD of my traditional scones. It is very toothsome, and a slight bit sweet, without being too overpowering andt tastes like heaven when served warm with butter and a wee bit of honey. Try it and see if you don't agree that it would be a lovely alternative to the sweet and less-healthy scone. Do let me know your opinion!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">100% Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">makes two 9 inch round loaves</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4 cups whole wheat flour</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3 teaspoons baking powder</div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 teaspoon baking soda</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 teaspoon salt</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/4 c. ( 4 tblsp.) cold butter cut into small squares</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 1/4 c. raisins or currants or a combination of both</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 egg beaten</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 3/4 c. buttermilk ( or 1 1/2 c. plain yogurt and 1/4 c. milk)</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 tablespoon molasses or honey</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1. In a large mixing bowl, combine and whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until it resembles coarse meal.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3. Add raisins or currants</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4. Combine liquids seperately and add 1/2 to dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly with a fork before adding the second half.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5. When the dough becomes hard to mix with the fork, use your hands to combine the ingredients completely, kneading it right in the bowl until it is smooth. (about three minutes) </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6. Shape the dough into the two balls, and place them on a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Flatten each ball slightly and cut an X about 1/4 inch deep in the top of each loaf.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">7. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 35</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;"><strong>D</strong></span>ear Reader, I do hope you will try this recipe as it is suprisingly delicious! Kind of like that wonderful pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">H</span></strong>ugs and blessings from <strong><em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Scone Queen</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">P</span><strong>lease <em><span style="color: #38761d;">do leave a comment</span>,</em> I would love to hear from you!</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div></div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-46613483704561612732009-12-27T08:34:00.000-08:002009-12-27T08:40:30.821-08:00Christmas Tea At London Farms in Richmond, British Columbia<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPQcyJKCkyy-BW83777SwCNWQ-gbuCJbWt9Tn05VSUU7jAvzTCDXLIjkT3s0RB7K3KINMQh-KVg5RkspFZXQldVNKZjhivrOsj-t6wLmm6ImlU8-MnWok5rrXakjT_vfdVDHFCsPeGpXZ/s1600-h/London+Farms+parlour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPQcyJKCkyy-BW83777SwCNWQ-gbuCJbWt9Tn05VSUU7jAvzTCDXLIjkT3s0RB7K3KINMQh-KVg5RkspFZXQldVNKZjhivrOsj-t6wLmm6ImlU8-MnWok5rrXakjT_vfdVDHFCsPeGpXZ/s320/London+Farms+parlour.jpg" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyFaOl_sZMVGB1kquAwIu9RHP47J0kR9fDP1fmpAmVVwVWctL74epiPdigoC4evfchMz-cq5a4CDaz2A61K9gonjta23lFyotPOvjU4-dS0c8m9DCdbB07bOoFT5DB2OuGFTdmc2lxIpT/s1600-h/London+Farms+in+the+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyFaOl_sZMVGB1kquAwIu9RHP47J0kR9fDP1fmpAmVVwVWctL74epiPdigoC4evfchMz-cq5a4CDaz2A61K9gonjta23lFyotPOvjU4-dS0c8m9DCdbB07bOoFT5DB2OuGFTdmc2lxIpT/s320/London+Farms+in+the+snow.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color: #990000;">After coordinating the general hub-bub of activity surrounding Broadmoor Baptist Church's Ladies Christmas Tea for close to 200 guests, I was exhausted and in need of some intensive TLC. Among the little grace notes of the remaining holiday season was a blissful time of just a meagre 60 minutes that I spent at London Farms to enjoy their annual Christmas Tea with two of the ladies from my tea committee: Ruth and Janet. Unfortunately, dear reader, I was so busy living my experiences that I took no care to record them on digital film, so thus, I have no pictures to share of OUR time there, but believe me when I tell you that it was lovely to the enth degree! Thanks to Google images, I have found some stock photos to share of this wonderful place. As you can see to the left, London Farms is a nineteenth century farm house that has been made a heritage sight for our growing community of Richmond, BC. ( This is lovely shot of the farm taken after a rare snowfall here in Richmond.) It was at one time, a working farm and the London's were wealthy farm owners who lived in a rather sumptuous home given the times. The picture to the right is of the formal parlour. The farm house has been made into a museum and in the area that was once the very large dinning room, the London Farm society serves tea in the summer time and at special occassions during the year like Easter, Valentine's Day, Father's and Mother's Day, and of course Christmas. We had the dubious distinction of being the very last party to be served tea this year at Christmas, a pleasure that came with certain perks, as we were each presented with a lovely Christmas cactus when we were leaving, as the farm was closing down until well after the holidays. How lovely for them to think to give us these delightful tokens before we left. The other wonderful thing about London Farms is their gift shop which boasts lots of tea related items, as well as homemade soaps, candles, fruit preserves, and handcrafted sewing. I was able to purchase two very distinctive beaswax moulded candles for a very reasonable price. They adorned my Christmas table this year and I am sure will give me pleasure for hour and hours to come; all for the priceo f just $4.00 per candle. What an incredible find.</span><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7oUCK7NJtlzq7yMblz_R8sBWd9T0sqveIbUSGXK7lxA-Sy2MfsGQf7_NaxsQUk8sNM4Cs6-ZekRogH2ZUykcNuZC4tsB6jNBkUM2Sj13m3zO6eI22Ysb7d1HP96NkH_cj7rNeAvtSkjc/s1600-h/London+Farms+Gift+Shop" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7oUCK7NJtlzq7yMblz_R8sBWd9T0sqveIbUSGXK7lxA-Sy2MfsGQf7_NaxsQUk8sNM4Cs6-ZekRogH2ZUykcNuZC4tsB6jNBkUM2Sj13m3zO6eI22Ysb7d1HP96NkH_cj7rNeAvtSkjc/s400/London+Farms+Gift+Shop" /></span></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #990000;">The tea itself was lovely and consisted of a selection of three home-baked sweets' a chocolate shortbread cookie, a plain shortbread and a delicious square of some sort that I am not able to identify but which tasted heavely! Also there was an absolutely delicious scones served with butter and jam. My! I absolutely COVET that recipe, but alas, they are not about to give it to me; and I suppose I would hardly blame them! The tea that accompanied the sweets is a blend made especially for London Farms entitiled London Lady. It is an Earl Grey concoction especially blended by Murchies Tea of Victoria, BC, at least that is who I think makes it. It is flavourful and delicious and the perfect match to the over-all experience. If you are ever in our "neck of the woods", I do so hope that London Farms is accepting visitors at that time so you can have the London Farms Tea Experience. It is truly lovely!</span><br />
</div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-17461093194537654902009-12-08T04:04:00.000-08:002009-12-14T19:09:25.216-08:00Tea Finis!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my dear Silken Purse's "Tuesday Tea for Two", I would like to share with you the story and some pictures from my lastesst tea venture. At 10:30 last Wednesday evening, I packed up the last of my china, my silver service and coffee carafes and headed home from the church after the two-day marathon that was the Broadmoor Ladies 13th Annual Christmas Tea. Looking back over the past two days I am grateful for the people who stepped forward from every segment of the cogregation, contributing their enthusiam, vigor and expertise to make this event an outstanding success. The tremendous volume and quality of their work was astounding. </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMV82jFROHI69auVCqTbSVkUBxOBkGr8BJdlZjwUatccK8v2Zh_g5VhlMn6Jr1yfezLxfeSuJ6YWoNZZ4Pk3B2FYd1t85K1PZ0U79JxjqG2sKXBw30bram-CdBr5Hg-XbU3Yp2K3F3VJo/s1600-h/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMV82jFROHI69auVCqTbSVkUBxOBkGr8BJdlZjwUatccK8v2Zh_g5VhlMn6Jr1yfezLxfeSuJ6YWoNZZ4Pk3B2FYd1t85K1PZ0U79JxjqG2sKXBw30bram-CdBr5Hg-XbU3Yp2K3F3VJo/s200/IMG_0327.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Youth group, and the Worship team helped with the decorating of the facility, led by Ruth from the Tea committee and Selma, a congregant who is a gifted interior decorator. Everything looked polished, tasteful and lovely. The decorating of the tea tables was the responsibilty of individual tea hstesses. Each hostess set her table with her particular china pattern., making each white-clothed table a unique work of art. My pattern is the ever-popular "Old Country Roses" by Royal Albert. It was quite interesting to see all the different styles and patterns of china that were represented, each as unique as thier owner! To my knowledge, no two tables sported the same pattern., and I saw some designs I had never seen before, even from among those who had Royal Albert, which I thought I knew quite well. It just goes to show that life is full of suprises!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kitchen ran at peak efficiency as Janet organized the volunteer staff to create eye-pleasing plates of delectable savouries and sweets. sweets. </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jvRC4hb30VvgS8OVua6U2bD8peqjduNQgm1e8MoQZcfC0-Jin21Zg3EnlgBFMEXneP4Avkjj2bo79O6x5DsPq5dUY90MgJgBtK8ILrvqn11MZDM1gNsL81ZmefyvSrfM-W8-yArbQpkm/s1600-h/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jvRC4hb30VvgS8OVua6U2bD8peqjduNQgm1e8MoQZcfC0-Jin21Zg3EnlgBFMEXneP4Avkjj2bo79O6x5DsPq5dUY90MgJgBtK8ILrvqn11MZDM1gNsL81ZmefyvSrfM-W8-yArbQpkm/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Gentlemen Servers, (members and friends of the church) looking handsome in their white shirts and bow-ties, were aptly coordinated by Lois, who has taken on this responsibility for several years, and who turned eighty years young last month. How well they performed, those wonderful servers! Fritz, assigned to my table on Wednesday evening, was always there ready to pour copious amounts of steaming coffee and tea and to see to our every tea-related wish. We were pampered to the ultimate. My server for Tuesday Night was none other than Dr. John Zimmerman, retired professor of the Charles Betall Chair of Pastoral Studies from Carey Theological Seminary, and husband of our guest speaker. </span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWvDfa4gvsDTUHr7nIOKtwUk6DITUE_L1xmoJaGWJhqUcRtSW0glr8qrGUTNes-XRpvzL28aFzA8lE8AUiXEDuFlJW0HosAD7ugCOz9QOCk9sxBkE514JNnDZ8Zpu5bRGW4twyfCvBFwn/s1600-h/IMG_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWvDfa4gvsDTUHr7nIOKtwUk6DITUE_L1xmoJaGWJhqUcRtSW0glr8qrGUTNes-XRpvzL28aFzA8lE8AUiXEDuFlJW0HosAD7ugCOz9QOCk9sxBkE514JNnDZ8Zpu5bRGW4twyfCvBFwn/s320/IMG_0335.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> One of the highlights of this two-day extravaganza was</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">the door prizes, donated by the congregation, and local retail businesses. Tea Committee member Lorraine, collected wonderful items and combined them to make lavish baskets, boxes and bags for distribution to eager tea goers on both evenings: eighteen spectacularly bejewelled gifts for each event. The excitement and hilarity was truly contagious.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLUT_GCt6_L0CcfscOWuY9sO02ZrOCDW5inF47JSVHL0qshOFILc6JxxDYsVqmHmkjxwUugOWI5cPfzQt622EI9EMWa0reoUUTY2rKoa3aCYLB5l1KE20Zkz9saM7pfvisPVZG_wY7rEv/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLUT_GCt6_L0CcfscOWuY9sO02ZrOCDW5inF47JSVHL0qshOFILc6JxxDYsVqmHmkjxwUugOWI5cPfzQt622EI9EMWa0reoUUTY2rKoa3aCYLB5l1KE20Zkz9saM7pfvisPVZG_wY7rEv/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The theme for the two evenings was "Joy". Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Martha Zimmerman, author, lecturer, and popular conference speaker, shared about the joy of being resuced from hopelessness and despair by God who "in dependable love, shows up on time" in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. She challenged us to look to Jesus and a relationship with him as our greatest gift in the Christmas season.</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Music for Tuesday evening was provided by the Richmond Chorus Ensemble who gave tea-goers spirited renditions "Christams Kumbayah" and "Sing Noel". Dressed in thier teal blue sequined tops and black skirts, they blended well, not just musically but also with our theme colours of teal, silver and white!</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday Evening, my wonderful husband Eric,accompanying himself on the impressive grand piano in the church's sanctuary, graced us with his beautifully musical offerings of "Under the Holly Bough" and "Oh Holy Night".</span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On both evenings, local crafters set up booths around the perimeter of the room, selling their lovely wares to those who wished to do a bit of no-pressure Christams shopping. Quilted items, homemade soaps, jams,jellies and preserves, jewellry, and more were available for sale, with 10% of their profit being contributed to the church. The proceeds from the evening will go to two worthy causes; namely our kitchen renovation fund, and the STEP program for Sans Salvadore which provides housing, clean water, and eduation (to name only a few of it's initiatives) to the porest of the poor in South America. </span><br />
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</div></div></div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-59736649375796539762009-11-28T05:25:00.000-08:002009-11-28T15:00:20.018-08:00Tea for One Hundred and Sevety-Three. Oh,my, oh me!<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In reference to my last blog entry, one hundred and three rhymed with Tea, but as I counted numbers it was actually one hundred and sevetny-three. Wonderful! It still rhymes so I'll go with it. Last minute stragglers are starting to come in, so my wish is that the number stays still rhyming, so 183 or 193, or 203 would be great, as long as we know far enough in advance to prepare enough food. </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltjfD_IS8eOzaoCN747OM_0nKDzFwOxKWthUyf9B-DUzwd2rc3jUB_XQFyGOkBvSnTRYo1GHdtI7tYkKNHnLCP7Ot2egl-QbGFqtzmk5GdbjY-QmhvI0jMXgbZvXGZLvqaCMbgyAylqHH/s1600/teapartygirl.com" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltjfD_IS8eOzaoCN747OM_0nKDzFwOxKWthUyf9B-DUzwd2rc3jUB_XQFyGOkBvSnTRYo1GHdtI7tYkKNHnLCP7Ot2egl-QbGFqtzmk5GdbjY-QmhvI0jMXgbZvXGZLvqaCMbgyAylqHH/s320/teapartygirl.com" yr="true" /></span></a><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, we started the decorating and things are beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Broadmoor Baptist Church. It is hard to get really detailed pictures with my little camera, but I will try. The other problem is that I get so distracted with the details that I don't remember to take the camera out! I get too busy living life to photograph it! I am very fortunate that I have at my disposal a gifted interior decorator who goes to our church and who is just a wonderful person with whom to work. Because she is working with materials the church has, and has had for several years, she is somewhat limited in what she can do, but she is managing to pull several delightful rabbits out of her interior decorating "hat", and I am quite pleased. Then of course, the rest of my Tea committee is so helpful and dedicated. It is all boding well for the upcoming event, but I must admitt I will be glad to get to the end of it all, and make it a wonderful memory. </span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn61ZHTdS2k5GcLMW7ONJtaVcos4_F2GUTXoD_z2v_laiZlP2p54G1o8dyuhzhG0SzQuCPcBu1akoX2jcIepMXD9PgDzTFJNFn_yTraPK2rUIHx8OsuMHO4NIIFXTrp41eJ8utmvzFKVXp/s1600/Red+Dot+Table+Setting+Onthetable.co.uk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn61ZHTdS2k5GcLMW7ONJtaVcos4_F2GUTXoD_z2v_laiZlP2p54G1o8dyuhzhG0SzQuCPcBu1akoX2jcIepMXD9PgDzTFJNFn_yTraPK2rUIHx8OsuMHO4NIIFXTrp41eJ8utmvzFKVXp/s320/Red+Dot+Table+Setting+Onthetable.co.uk.jpg" yr="true" /></span></a><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To my American friends, I hope that your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that you survived Black Friday with aplomp! Here in Canada, we celeberate Thanksgiving in October, but on American Thanksgiving, I did manage to celebrate "Turkey Day" as we prepared an early "Christmas Dinner" for the ESL students who attend classes at Broadmoor where I am blessed to teach one of the advanced groups. My students sang "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" as part of the progrram for the event, and I think they performed quite admirably. Alas, and alack, though I succombed to my tendancy to not get pictures! Oh, well! I am sure I will get a lot more photo-centric now that I am trying to blog on a regular basis. Anyway dear trolleyites, I wish you well in your own dleightful festive adventures and endeavors. In the words of one of Charles Dicken's immortal characters, "God Bless Us, Everyone!" </span><br />
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Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2233356354524924612.post-81707121821973016072009-11-26T06:41:00.000-08:002009-11-29T16:34:24.037-08:00Tea For One Hundred and Three!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPkOy508T_B1RRrfYN4cMCkEfalu-RCXD_c_tSybljHs1cvCAMZkNTUD02N4rEgP18Bamxt6adPbwcO75ZhFuu3f4WjGegaGlrgBHSj7JhUoLAja6UAU7A0rGnSRByS3talC__28FD__j/s1600/Christmas_Tea.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPkOy508T_B1RRrfYN4cMCkEfalu-RCXD_c_tSybljHs1cvCAMZkNTUD02N4rEgP18Bamxt6adPbwcO75ZhFuu3f4WjGegaGlrgBHSj7JhUoLAja6UAU7A0rGnSRByS3talC__28FD__j/s320/Christmas_Tea.png" yr="true" /></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You read that right, dear tea trollyites! I am about to coordinate a tea for 103 (at least) ladies at my church. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the first and Second of December at 7:00 p.m.. It is the 13th annual event, and I am hoping that the number is not an ominous one! I am working with the most tremendous group of women: four dynamic dames who have been fixtures in the church for decades. How I ended up coordiating this group of august women is beyond me! (Just blessed I guess!) Anyway, we are in the thick of preparations for this mammoth event, even as I pen these words! I will keep you posted on our progress and hopefully have pictures to share with you. Stay tuned and HOLD ON TIGHT! The going might get a little bumpy! If you are in our area (Richmond, British Columbia!) drop by for tea! $10.00 a ticket gets you a lovely repast, spectacular music, a whiz-band speaker, and DOOR PRIZES! Catch you on the flipside!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo Credit :Sandy Lyman Clough</span><br />
</div>Scone Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02554599714114122073noreply@blogger.com4