WREATHMAKER

I am emerging from a blog absence. After recovering from the horrendous flu, we spent a week getting packed, and headed down to Arizona for a much-needed break from winter. There was limited access to the internet in the house we were at, so I wasn’t able to post on my blog…and I missed visiting my favourite sites each day! There are other kinds of “winter” besides the weather, too,…the kind that puts a cold chill around your heart. I have experienced some of that,  and hopefully, I am emerging from that also. Although the snow is still feet deep in our city, I believe that soon my spring bulbs will emerge , to bring a splash of colour to us. We are preparing for Easter, around the house, as well as in our hearts…and the thought of Jesus emerging from the tomb gives us hope for eternity. So there you have it, my word for the day, and my thoughts that go with it.

Just this week I found a blog I love! I am a huge fan of Downton Abbey , and was so pleased to see a blog which specializes in Downton Abbey cooking. I will certainly be trying some of those recipes. I happened to bake some eccles cakes, as I had currants, mixed peel, and a packet of puff pastry left over from Christmas baking. When I worked downtown many years ago, I would often buy Eccles cakes at Eatons department  store (I still miss Eatons!!) Here is a link to the blog’s recipe, which differs somewhat from the one I used. http://downtonabbeycooks.com/2012/05/08/tea-tuesday-mothers-day-tea-ideas-eccles-cakes/ I set out my Mom’s silver tea service and tray, and am using a cup and saucer she received from my Dad in the early 1950’s. If he went on a rare business trip he often brought back a cup and saucer for her. This particular cup was her favorite. The stamp is Paragon bone china, by appointment to Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. Be sure to visit our deligh...

It has been too long since I have joined in with Sandi’s Tuesday Tea Time . I have missed it…we came down with the terrible virus which is making it’s rounds. Being very dehydrated, we did drink lots of tea, but certainly nothing picture-worthy! Anyway, today we’ll have  a big cup of tea and a few cookies, in a peacock theme. I set the tea things on the mirrored cupboard. I do love the teapot!

To all my blog friends..have a wonderful Christmas. Let us  celebrate the birth of the Saviour!

Christmas is approaching far too quickly….still gifts to wrap, and even some last minute shopping! It is very pretty outside today. The large soft snowflakes are coating everything with a fresh white coat. Inside, the teapot is ready for some Earl Grey, and we have a few cookies to go with it. I am using a Lenox teapot, Lenox mugs, plate, and bowl. The foil wrapped balls in the bowl are chocolates from Costco. They add a splash of colour to a table and a nice sweet finale to a meal. I added some dried hydrangeas to the free IKEA tree in the dining room. (We paid $20 for the tree and received a $20 gift certificate ) I love real trees but we have had a faux tree in our living room for several years.  I brought out old ornaments which I’ve stored for years to decorate this Fraser Fir. It looks rather simple. I’m joining Sandi’s weekly tea party today. Thanks, Sandi!

I have seen some copycat postings around, and there is even a copycat party occasionally. I was given a copy of “Christmas Cottage” magazine and happened to notice this vignette. The silver birds and the white container reminded me that I had something similar, and at the same time I was trying to think of some simple decor for our very small foyer. So here is my version: It was fun putting it together! Joining SANDI’S HOME Day

Sandi is hosting a lovely Christmas tea today.That girl comes up with the greatest tea party themes! I’ve set the table with mercury glass plates (from Z Gallerie) and candleholders, and my Mom’s silver teapot. The glass mugs are from Mikasa…we love to use them every day. Placemats were made by my sister-in-law. I haven’t had time to bake in time for tea tonight, so I guess it’ll be fruitcake to accompany our snack. Oh, well!