Life is quiet and calm around here now, with lots of time for tea most days. I often relax on an old needlepoint-topped stool - it was stitched before the middle of the last century by my hostess' grandmother.
The stool's right beside the bookcase, so I have a great view of many of the books - lots of tea books to check at here. Do you see any favourites?
This book on Celtic Teas is near the top of my own list - I think it's treasured by my hostess too.
And here are another few special choices:
Ah, time for tea now - Grandfather stands tall in one corner.
And here's the tea tray, all set for my hostess and her husband. The tea today is Murchie's Queen Victoria, a tea that was first blended in the 19th century with some of Queen Victoria's favourite teas: Darjeeling and Ceylon teas, Lapsang Souchong (smoky, eh?), and Jasmine. An acquired taste, but it's definitely enjoyed in this household, and by many of their friends too, along with other teas from this Canadian company.
The tea tray today also includes some home-made fruitcake from a Canadian recipe, and some little Swedish ginger cookies. The china's from England (isn't it tempting sometimes to turn over the plate or saucer to check out the pattern name?), but the blue creamer is a special addition from a Scottish pottery.
Off to the other room with the comfortable chairs and the fireplace now for a good afternoon cuppa! Bye for now!
