The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. -Psalm 24:1

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  • 04.07.2011 A Shower For Cinco
    A Shower For Cinco
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    Dearest Cinco, Though a manly bear-cub you may become one day, you were celebrated this past weekend with sweet confections, dainty finger-foods, hand-picked flowers, and lots of warm conversation and laughter among some lovely ladies that will one day be a significant part of your life. A hand-crafted owl mobile made of felt, a delicious cake with an owl topper made of fondant, and cute little owl napkins all served to remind us that the nest is awaiting your arrival. So as you find yourself running out of space in your current abode, know that many who already love you have contributed much to make it a cozy and comfortable transition to all that awaits you. So, go ahead. Come along. We’re ready and waiting…to welcome you home.

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  • 11.08.2010 Art of Holiday Tea Class
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    This morning finds our family slowing down, and coming up for air. The Preacher made cheesy eggs and sausage, and I assembled a platter of ginger scones, pumpkin cranberry bread, cranberry curd and clotted cream, leftovers from the Art of Holiday Tea Class I taught on Saturday. I love an intimate tea party, and savor the details that go into creating an intricate menu. 20 ladies at the class did not make for an intimate party, but I am more than grateful for the opportunity to share with others and bring home a little extra income a few times a year. Taking tea is about savoring quality time with others, first and foremost, so whether your menu is elaborate or simply store-bought cookies, make time for a warm cup of tea and company this upcoming holiday season. On the menu for this holiday themed class: Roasted Red Pepper and Goat […]

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  • 11.04.2010 This Afternoon
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    …as tea class preparations are underway in the house that never slows down.

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  • 03.08.2010 Scone Secrets
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    I taught a class on the art of Afternoon Tea this past weekend. I’ve done this class several years in a row, but each time is a new experience. All 20 students this time were all so pleasant and enthusiastic while sipping tea, watching me cook, and listening to my ramblings on history, etiquette, and recipes. I love to serve fresh-baked scones from the oven in this class. I have several recipes for scones, and for this class, I switched up the recipe from a buttermilk scone to a cream one. Half-way through the demonstration of cutting butter into the flour, I had the overwhelming sense that I had more flour than was called for. Re-measuring quickly ensued, as did my elevated blood pressure! Thankfully, I recovered gracefully, and served up some decent scones–not my best by any means, but definitely palatable when slathered with homemade clotted cream and lemon […]

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  • 04.19.2009 3:30
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    3:30 in the afternoon is Teatime at our house. It’s our new tradition. My recent reentry into the world of tea has reminded me how much I love the ceremony, and why it’s appropriate for young gentlemen as it is for young ladies. And young gentlemen are what I have. Number 1 and Number 2 are now old enough to forgo afternoon naps, and enjoy reading and engaging in quiet activities in the afternoons while the little ones are asleep. Our diminutive respite is held daily at the kitchen table around 3:30. The boys sip, respectfully, out of thrifted teacups that came complete with a voice altering function that turn manly boys into demure young lads. We steep our teapot, stir discreetly with our demitasse spoons, and indulge in sweet little sugar cubes. Occasionally, we munch on lemon wafer cookies. The best part of this ritual is the deliberate conversation […]

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  • 04.06.2009 Distinction…
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    Everyone enjoys the decadence and distinction of an afternoon tea in our culture of speed and efficiency. Perhaps that explains the popularity of the tea class I teach a few times a year at our local cake decorating/candy making/baking specialty store. The 17 students that enrolled in the class Saturday sampled a full-tea menu prepared by moi, while sipping on three different selections of teas. Here was the menu: *You may recall the recipes for the meringues and scones, previously posted. There’s so much I’d love to share about the joys of taking tea, but desire as I may to continue to elegantly sip and savor in quietude, the reality of my Monday is found in homeschooling, laundry, cleaning, cooking, and snuggling with four rambunctious boys! Contentment with the “must-dos” makes the “get-tos” just that much sweeter doesn’t it? Have a wonderfully distinctive day whatever you have on your plate…

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