PART THE SECOND – IN WHICH THE TRAVELING TEAPOT RELAXES, CHECKS OUT THE BOOKCASES, AND SERVES TEA FOR TWO.

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!  

Downton Abbey & Sticky Toffee Pudding Sundae

Downton Abbey & Sticky Toffee Pudding Sundae

The Tardis became a big fan of Downton Abbey while staying with Teresa in Ohio.  Teresa  sent along a gift packet of Downton Abbey teas and a service bell to ring for Spratt or Denker.  

  

A tea tray is ready to enjoy while watching the show tonight.  I just picked the pink camellia in my garden.  Isn’t it beautiful?

I’ll be sitting in a Downton Era chair which was a gift to my great-grandfather in the 1920’s and enjoying a pot of Mrs. Patmore’s Pudding Black Tea.  This tea has such a wonderful aroma. 

After the show, a Sticky Toffee Sundae with banana ice cream and caramelized banana slices was a perfect ending to a lovely evening of Downton.

Cheers and Happy Sipping!

Tea Party in a Box!

Team Oolong

TT Blog Tea Party Today and a Tea Party in a Box!

The TT Blog Tea Party is happening NOW!  Welcome!  Put your kettle on and pour a cup and please say hello in our comments so we can raise our teacup to welcome you.

It’s not possible to invite all of you to come to my home, so the TT Blog Tea Party is a way for all of us to share a day to put the kettle on and enjoy a cup or two of tea and stop to think of tea friends and raise our cup to them…..

I will always remember the first phone call I received after joining ATAA.  It was from Eve to welcome me and a suggestion to have a long distance tea party while we chatted.  We each put the kettle on and steeped a pot of tea and talked and talked.  Since then, many pots/cups of tea have been shared while chatting in person, via phone, email or snail mail with many members that have become friends through the years.   It is just natural to put the kettle on when calling or writing or emailing these friends now. 

So it seemed a grand way to welcome “The Tardis” by celebrating long distance tea parties with friends.  But instead of phone calls this time, the Tardis made deliveries to England, France, Pennsylvania, Kentucky,  Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, Minnesota, Arizona, Wisconsin, Texas, Kansas, Washington, Oregon and several parts of California to drop off packages so you all can join the doctor and his new companion (me) for a welcoming tea party.

Denise in England shared about a tea party in a box on her blog.   Andrea in France sent me a wonderful tea party in a box with the last TT.   Marilyn in Portland blogged about a tiny tea party in a box.  All of these friends left me wanting to send a “Tea Party in a Box” to tea friends.  This seemed the perfect time to send one to friends I’ve become more closely acquainted with through tea.

It is to celebrate the Tardis and Dr. Who with some of his favorite treats imported from England-- Jammie Dodgers and Jelly Babies. 

4^th Doctor Quote: ‘Would you like a jelly baby?”

The tea is one of the Tardis blends from Adagio Teas.  The English bone china tea mug is a favorite, a gift from Linda.

Our kettle will be bubbling all day long so that the blog party can be enjoyed in every time zone.  You are invited to put your kettle on and join us anytime or many times today.

I’ll be wearing the beautiful cobalt blue color of the Tardis with this vintage Alice Lund signed necklace from Denmark from one of my favorite time periods….the mid-century modernist years.

Thank you so much for joining in our TT Blog Tea Party!

I loved sending these little tea parties in a box to friends.  I hope it will inspire you to think about making your own to share with someone special.

Cheers and Happy Sipping!

Martha

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.

A Cross Country Trip- The Tardis Arrives in Boston!

 

The Tardis has landed in Boston! When I arrived home from work today Tardis was patiently waiting for me on my porch. I'm Elaine of Team Darjeeling by the way.

 

Although Tardis didn't complain I am quite sure he is exhausted from his trip from Marilyn's home in Portland, OR. He told me he had such a great visit to the West Coast.

 

In Boston, MA, the wind is howling and it's pouring buckets outside. Inside, it is cozy. Tardis has met the kitties and is relaxing by the fire with a cup of Earl Grey from a local brewer, Jolie Tea of Salem.

 

A good night's rest is in order for we have many adventures ahead of us.

A Final Nod from the Pacific Ocean

 Diana took Dudley Jr. to the Atlantic Ocean and now Little Blue is visiting the Pacific Ocean.

This first photo is a nod to several special ladies from ATAA that have become

my friends.  I have been most fortunate to meet each of them.

The quote is how Martha from ATAA yahoo signs off most often.

I treasure this quote, "Every cup of tea is an imaginary trip" by Catherine Douzel.

The Little Blue Teapot reminds me so much of our Traveling Teapot coordinator, Rainy.

The crocheted pad was a gift from our fearless leader, LaDonna.

All three ladies have a connection with our beautiful Pacific Ocean.

The teacup came from china and reminds me to travel each time I have a cup of tea, even if

it is just in my imagination.

 Sitting in among the drift wood watching the birds, waves, and sipping.

It's been a fun month of shared tea and adventures with the Little Blue Teapot,

snapping photos, quiet moments, shared sips of tea, and friendship.

Tea Time in the Garden

 In between adventures Little Blue wanted to have tea in the garden.

Little Blue pours tea so beautifully.

 Tea time included goat cheese with candied walnut tarts,

watercress and radish sandwiches, and sponge cake with a

fluffy marscapone orange marmalade topping.

 Autumn flowers surrounded us.

 Little Blue thoroughly enjoyed adventuring outdoors.

Little Blue sends greetings and wishes you

all could have enjoyed tea time in the garden.