Lazy, Rainy Days

It was a perfect day for tea. Rain's been falling mostly all day and it was just right for a cup of tea.

I found a new tea that is absolutely delish. I loved Earl Grey teas way-back-when; but then I found them getting stronger and stronger--just a quick dip for my bag. Whatever my reasons, I haven't had it in years. 

I had received this free sample of Mighty Leaf's Earl Grey just last week. Mmmmm. Just as a proper Earl Grey should be, to me, anyway. A very enjoyable Earl Grey {hot}, if I do say so myself.

Perfect for a rainy day.

Labels: Tea, TN

Spring is in the Air

You'd think, one day, I may just grow my own iris. I haven't planted them in the past two placed we've lived.  That's just not right. I adore them!

My daffs are blooming, so I've made the place look a little springy inside also.

I love these little fellows.

The basement  is coming along just dandy. (Don't look too closely at the smaller "before" pic. HOARDER!) I don't care to admit to how much junk I threw out or gave away. Why in the world do some of us do this? Lawdy me. I got it from my mom. Hope my kids don't catch it from me!

While we had wonderfully warm weather yesterday, there was a nip in the air today. The hub was given a wonderful gift of Chinese tea when he was in Beijing last week. It is perfect for these cooler afternoons.

Today we've had this spring forward time change, which is always a challenge.  I don't much like it.

Tea for Me

With the temperatures turning cooler, I can now enjoy some hot tea in the afternoons. Today's selection is from a small bag (almost gone) that I picked up while in San Francisco last January.  (I can't believe it was that long ago!)  Vallen and I met for tea at the wonderful Crown & Crumpet.  She chose the Marie Antoinette for her pot.  Thank goodness, because it is a delightful mix of fruity goodness!

It even has little pink crystals in it--probably sugar--which makes it even more delectable!  Pink crystals! Oh my.

An absolutely wonderful afternoon pick-me-up filled with delightful memories.

Cheers!

Harrogate, North Yorkshire

At some point in my detailing our car trip around the UK, I found a blurb on one of my favorite sites for finding good food throughout the world, Chowhound.  It said that en route to Edinburgh, there must be a stop over in Harrogate.  And that is just what we did after leaving Stratford.  We had a beautiful, sunny day.

I don't know why we always feel funny driving by a nuclear plant.  Let's just hope there's no China Syndrome while we're driving by.  You see them all over the place in the UK, and I'm always fascinated with their sight.

Our main destination, of course, was Betty's Tearooms.  Do I need to tell you it was well worth the detour?  Oh my, was it ever.

Yes, we arrived properly at tea time.

We spied these coming in.  Bad, bad.  Bad.

There was sparkling pink lemonade, Swiss Alpine Mac (& cheese),

(Kids were HAPPY!  We like happy kids. 

Rösti (hashbrowns) and Yorkshire Sausages.

And then . . . . dun dun dun . . .  (scroll WAY down if you're dieting!)

How hard do you think it was to walk away without any pastries?  Pretty darn hard.

But we were good.

Look at these luscious petit fours and marzipan.  The detail is amazing.  I loved the little cabbage. 

The take-away counter.

Harrogate is a lovely town.  One I have added to my list to return to with lots more time to explore.

On our way out of town, I spied these perfect places to live.  I'd take a flat in any one of these, thank you very much.

And then I could walk to the park where I worked in this little shop.  Is this not the most precious of shops you have ever seen?  Ahhhhhhhhh.

Afternoon Tea

Way back when, a life time ago it seems, we were in San Francisco. Remember that? ha. Well, yes, I'm continuing to post about it. And here's one of the highlights of the entire trip.

Val and I met up for afternoon tea at Crown & Crumpet. It was as delightful as it looks. Probably even more so, if you ask me.

I promise.

C&C is a delight to walk in to, nonetheless sit and have tea. With a special friend? Even better. Sneak in under the radar, priceless.

There were all kinds of colorful and flavorful candies.

Something for everybody. And then some.

Not to mention eye candy. Everything had its spot.

Cath Kidston linens. And you know how I feel about CK.

So civilized. Dainty finger sandwiches.

Scones and crumpets. With all the fixin's.

And little sweets for our hearts' content.

Tea for two. We sat for hours.

With our special sugar charms. An absolutely charming afternoon, indeed.

And today, my replication.

Divine Marie Antoinette tea. Val chose this one, and what a choice it was. Almost melon flavored and pure delight.

With sugar charms, of course.

Speaking of tea, who's anxiously awaiting the new Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland film with JD opening next weekend? I sure am! I'm feeling a little better these days. Cleansing the body is a good thing. I definitely feel the difference.

xo
ro