Tardis visits Phillips Andover and the Andover Historic District

Tardis has been with me a few weeks and I realized I had not taken him shopping. Since I am big on shopping local I decided to visit my friend Colleen at her shop Brissonte in North Reading. Tardis enjoyed his shopping experience.

We may not want to think about Christmas decorating yet but we sure do need to plan for it.

Tardis really liked the velvet pumpkins. Me too. I have a few at my home on display as we speak.

There are so many pretty things for home décor in this shop. A sprinkling of vintage items too.

Colleen's shop is so much fun. I never go out empty handed. When you buy something you always get a Hershey's kiss with your receipt.

We continued north on Route 28 to the lovely Town of Andover which was incorporated in 1646. We took a walk around the historic district on Main Street. I love all the houses with multiple chimneys. I can imagine they have fantastic rooms with fireplaces.

This house needed some TLC but it was still spectacular. It was a much prettier green than it shows in the photo. It was a little washed out by the bright sun.

Notice the box shape of many of the homes.

Most of the leaves are gone at this point but occasionally you can find a nice golden tree.

I loved this house over by Phillips Andover. Phillips Andover is the very prestigious and pricey school that counts George Bush Sr. and Jr. as alumni.

I think this home is part of the housing of the school. Another boxy home with multiple chimneys.

A better look at the house from the front.

                                              And an even closer look at the lovely façade.

Back home we checked out our purchases from Brissonte. A favorite magazine and a little something for the Thanksgiving table.

 

And now for the next event of the day, football. Percy is ready. Tardis will get his introduction to American football and I will turn him into a Patriots fan.

 

Tea at Pauline's

Oh do come in, we've been waiting for you.

 

Kismet the kitten, greeted us at Pauline's lovely home. The living room was cozy and inviting and a perfect respite from the raw, rainy weather outside.

 

 

We dined on shrimp sandwiches.

 

And mushroom sandwiches and curried chicken sandwiches.

Pauline made cream scones and crescent rolls. We had strawberry jam, lemon curd

 and pumpkin butter.

I had to try them all. Everything was delicious!

We had a few tea options. Lady Grey, Boston Harbor and Cranberry Autumn.

Deborah, Kim, and Pauline enjoyed the company of the Tardis. I told them all about the Traveling Teapot and it's adventures.

Kim is my friend from high school and I met Pauline and Deborah years ago in a tea group. In 1997, I joined the Greater Boston Friends of Victoria tea group. The group was active with tea events for about 10 years and then the group dismantled. I have remained friends with several of the ladies and we get together occasionally.

Pauline brought out the desserts.

She set them right in front of me. A little bit of decadence on her amethyst glass cake stand.
We had mini red velvet cakes, lemon squares, chocolate ganache cheesecakes, iced brownies and pretzel bars. I took a doggie bag to my sister who could not attend today's tea.

I had to take a last photo of Kismet who is helping Pauline and her husband Scott heal their hearts from the loss of their cat Whisper. Kismet has found herself a safe and loving home.

The adventure continues with the Tardis and I hope I will have something to blog about this weekend.

Tardis, the Police Box, and a sidewalk tea party

The minute I saw that the Traveling Teapot was the Tardis and a Police Box, I knew where I would take it when it was my turn to host. My town has a police box in our downtown square!

So I set up a tea table and let the Tardis sit atop it so he could look out on Stoneham Square.

 I invited Stoneham's finest but no takers. That would have been fun.

So, my sister Sheila, my friend Jeanne, and Kathy, the shop owner from the business behind the police box decided to take a few photos for you all. Kathy's business is housed in an architectural gem of a building.

I decided to go informal and use paper cups. They did have teapots on them. I did not want to risk breaking any of my precious tea cups plus I was lugging quite enough stuff already. The table, chairs, tea, camera, and of course that precious cargo, The Tardis.

Here's a sister's shot. The tea is Harrod's No. 42. My absolute favorite! It's not easy to procure a stash of Harrod's tea but I have quite a few tins thanks to the kindness of friends who have traveled to London.

Here's a closer look at the very happy Tardis who has found a kindred spirit in Stoneham's Police Box.

This Police Box is a replica of the original box which was not nearly as attractive.

 

Yes, our town is quite old and mainly known as a shoe town way back when.

 

You can probably enlarge the photo to read the history of the Police Box.

Here's the final view of the box as it looks across Main Street at another landmark The Stoneham Theatre. Another beautiful day in New England. Tardis has been so lucky with the weather.

Soon, it will look like this in Stoneham. This is the church that is closest to our Town Common. It always reminds me of a Currier and Ives painting. I thought I might share a few photos from my hometown. These were taken last Winter which was historic for snowfall in the Boston area.

The fire station in Stoneham is always decorated nicely at Christmas time. Santa is in the tower although you can't see him.

The Town Common is illuminated by colorful lights during the holidays.

We have a gazebo on the Common. I would love to see it lit up. This year a local realtor is teaming up with a landscaping company and we will have a skating rink in the Winter months.

Yes in that spot right there. There will be families making memories on the Common.

This will be the scene in a few short months but today we had sunshine and warm temperatures and for that I am thankful. Tomorrow we are meeting friends for afternoon tea in Framingham.

The journey continues for Tardis.

Sunday breakfast and a walk around Winchester

It's Sunday morning and we're craving a nice breakfast. Tardis is buckled up and ready for a quick car ride to Winchester.

We stopped at a favorite spot, Swanton Street Diner. My friend Gena met up with us. Although Tardis is quite the tea drinker, he has a very small appetite. So we split our Florentine Benedict. Grilled tomato, spinach, eggs and hollandaise sauce, yum! Tardis has found out I am quite the foodie.

Not a good photo of any one of us because I have had no practice with my selfie stick. Gena held the Tardis while I maneuvered the stick. I was laughing so hard the photo came out blurry. Well, we had a good time anyway.

Here's a better view of the Swanton Street Diner. When we got there it was super busy and we ate at the counter.

 

Tardis waited patiently for his breakfast and took in his surroundings. I am not sure if he has been at a diner before.

 

Eggs benedict can be very filling so we decided to take a walk near the duck pond in Winchester.

 

Tardis got an overall view from the stone wall near the Town Hall.

 

The day was so pretty. We have had such warm temperatures lately. If you read my last post you will remember that we ate lunch outside.

 

The temperature is a bit cooler today but still very nice. It is shaping up to be a fantastic Autumn in New England.

 

When I walk by this area I always think it has an Asian feel to it. I imagine this is what it looks like in Japan yet this spot is only a 5 minute drive from my home.

This is  another view but closer to the pond in a little park.

Tardis was really enjoying the sun. I think I may have to get him some sunglasses if this weather continues.

After our walk, we hung out on my patio. Tardis loved crunching in the leaves. I think he might want to take some souvenirs with him. We will see what we can do about that.

Tardis is watching the football game with me now. I am a rabid Patriots fan. He is not sure if he likes American football.

We will continue our adventures this week so please check in often!