tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11705548965350060502024-03-16T10:30:38.590-04:00Barb's Tea ShopBarb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.comBlogger565125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-60858943179804563842024-03-16T10:16:00.008-04:002024-03-16T10:30:07.618-04:00Lady Mendl's tea room: Discovering a hidden gem in Manhattan <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJwNnt1Ak1BA52jYRfDB0LSHpGK7-_4oa5AKyNssB0FR4CJFpIxLR4_A5fxCvPiY9e4gBeom8s1ztqEisXCt6rRFHIiuXUebM9-Z2NHnzpRjg7qCdfQPUAjCjyh6J57oBcPdicqI-dPefYlqdy0M9Ul_zDAj5bzOx8OIJhN6b3dyntROasgek-Wf7Axg/s4032/20240310_190147454_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJwNnt1Ak1BA52jYRfDB0LSHpGK7-_4oa5AKyNssB0FR4CJFpIxLR4_A5fxCvPiY9e4gBeom8s1ztqEisXCt6rRFHIiuXUebM9-Z2NHnzpRjg7qCdfQPUAjCjyh6J57oBcPdicqI-dPefYlqdy0M9Ul_zDAj5bzOx8OIJhN6b3dyntROasgek-Wf7Axg/w640-h480/20240310_190147454_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb of Barb's Tea Service with Lady Mendl's tea room manager, Christine with TeaTime </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.ladymendlsteasalon.com/">Lady Mendl</a>'s may be aptly described as a "hidden gem" in New York City, a tea room that blends in so well with the neighborhood, we walked passed it on the day of our reservation. The only sign that lets guests know of its location is a small brass plaque engraved with a tea cup design that hangs to the left of a stately wooden door. Perhaps its understated signage is only fitting for a building that began as a private tea salon in 1919 and during Prohibition also served as Speakeasy.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD6lK0V5__5UnGA8rPPIuT4jaexhMlYJmJU76_Zobuj-R4pc6vA7vl1ybO3kvbpLuH20GSGXDeECQlZkwQ9B0UXEMBB4sws7Zx4fw0MCe1c33QZLa9GpCqii7Qotpi9c5b6TgBIp0Yu0HC5-eThDup8ho4tFKWgmI6Gcf_mVjBIWbWhno5W5TYoQZKQQ/s4032/20240310_184904526_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizD6lK0V5__5UnGA8rPPIuT4jaexhMlYJmJU76_Zobuj-R4pc6vA7vl1ybO3kvbpLuH20GSGXDeECQlZkwQ9B0UXEMBB4sws7Zx4fw0MCe1c33QZLa9GpCqii7Qotpi9c5b6TgBIp0Yu0HC5-eThDup8ho4tFKWgmI6Gcf_mVjBIWbWhno5W5TYoQZKQQ/w400-h300/20240310_184904526_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Understated signage, a nod to its past, Lady Mendl blends in with its neighbors</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>We were made aware of Lady Mendl's by great tea friend, Barb T, who knows, these days, we're pretty regular visitors to the Big Apple. Barb had recommended Lady Mendl's based on her own experience there a few years back. She put it on our radar and, finally, this month we were able to follow through. We were not disappointed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmokE93M_hHicBzT9vKpYO9Vckn_geuxCMUoaE2yP_2FzTDu6n1JLEe9oswErAYgZSToEmU2m_VuGOcYQI2Ca3clK9mxaYEopA0yJ9qen9tiDMFlHBnAq5ALxPg7BBy739orUn5bT0mj3bvcxx4trRZiiffkaFCIIt5ijH74Sz4gFmWWYDKGeMrvctzxo/s4032/20240310_185643755_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmokE93M_hHicBzT9vKpYO9Vckn_geuxCMUoaE2yP_2FzTDu6n1JLEe9oswErAYgZSToEmU2m_VuGOcYQI2Ca3clK9mxaYEopA0yJ9qen9tiDMFlHBnAq5ALxPg7BBy739orUn5bT0mj3bvcxx4trRZiiffkaFCIIt5ijH74Sz4gFmWWYDKGeMrvctzxo/w300-h400/20240310_185643755_iOS.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern/Vintage room filled with TeaTime publications</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When we passed through the door of the 1830's brownstone, our party of five - me, husband, Chris, along with son, Matt, his girlfriend, Jenna and our daughter, Rachel - arrived at the parlor floor of the onetime private residence. This level encompasses the traditional high ceilings, elegant crown moldings and arched doorways, but, now accented with modern decor, especially evident in the waiting room's bold striped furniture and colorful paintings. It was in this special place we not only met up with manager, Christine, but found an array of TeaTime books and magazines (including the March/April issue with our "Escape to the Chateau" article!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso1pZqYzc-QCXhgUF2M9Nl720ii9_oMoYCAT-5wb997_eLZv-acXdbjhtyf0NLFTCYKnlN50FmLA3OBY6n1Gs4dq9Ex4zzVnWFm8T9tycS_-Z-aiyLgm6H5Iw-sxhDi0ExgZcjxOxR4gGU58TuGZlk50rINgZTF_U_2iCtuHVeEDjitgGDiqIxmACp1w/s2677/20240310_192840468_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2545" data-original-width="2677" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiso1pZqYzc-QCXhgUF2M9Nl720ii9_oMoYCAT-5wb997_eLZv-acXdbjhtyf0NLFTCYKnlN50FmLA3OBY6n1Gs4dq9Ex4zzVnWFm8T9tycS_-Z-aiyLgm6H5Iw-sxhDi0ExgZcjxOxR4gGU58TuGZlk50rINgZTF_U_2iCtuHVeEDjitgGDiqIxmACp1w/w400-h380/20240310_192840468_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Once our coats were off, we moved across the hall to our table in the corner, a lovely spot bordered by large windows, a fireplace and a wild fern. (The latter seemed intent on visiting our table from time to time, but mostly with good humor). </div><div><br /></div><div>The table was set with an assortment of colorful china with varying patterns and hallmarks. We enjoyed lifting the plates (empty, of course!), to identify their origins and calling out our favorites.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95nP0btcZODjpPii4WKEEGc4CDJP-faZ9QWsEvKIpZDkuxIMvxM0FEXD0TawvnPP2DyflBi9MfpHmFe9Ye2b8D-pPws89vycLVSUdlJxR3u2Zh1HKwqbc7sZQonzJ4ev6-rFocfALMBFJQcsRf4DLoSwe6Quwqc6pu-0Rmgnsu3EF-uqZ0tvY3IubwPs/s4032/20240310_190325272_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95nP0btcZODjpPii4WKEEGc4CDJP-faZ9QWsEvKIpZDkuxIMvxM0FEXD0TawvnPP2DyflBi9MfpHmFe9Ye2b8D-pPws89vycLVSUdlJxR3u2Zh1HKwqbc7sZQonzJ4ev6-rFocfALMBFJQcsRf4DLoSwe6Quwqc6pu-0Rmgnsu3EF-uqZ0tvY3IubwPs/w400-h300/20240310_190325272_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel and Jenna looking over tea selections.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The afternoon tea fare is a fixed menu of scones, savories and sweets, but with a few welcomed surprises. Guests have the option of choosing a particular tea or select a tea pairing which brings a new tea blend with each course. Most of our party took advantage of the pairings and with delightful results. As one who loves Earl Grey, and, for the record, that's what Lady Mendl's pairing selections began with, I found the nudge to explore other well-curated teas that help bring out the most in the tasty tea fare a rewarding experience.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU5wPxIf3HBf2NL3c9n317SmPyT9PTbd0Bm6EUQDJEZxQX6asFPNJbEINs4h8D_ShRtUd9bFUk2UTeiYeRs09ZDYS2tOVI7KAhD8bgSbl2dMezC8gUM_Zs-tRRiKeTWmlQe_7sjXpuaZVF9P0TUx4DDwbUq8z2Qn2QKseqdyCSwwYXDeQP0SZH-GB5XY/s4032/20240310_192912060_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU5wPxIf3HBf2NL3c9n317SmPyT9PTbd0Bm6EUQDJEZxQX6asFPNJbEINs4h8D_ShRtUd9bFUk2UTeiYeRs09ZDYS2tOVI7KAhD8bgSbl2dMezC8gUM_Zs-tRRiKeTWmlQe_7sjXpuaZVF9P0TUx4DDwbUq8z2Qn2QKseqdyCSwwYXDeQP0SZH-GB5XY/s320/20240310_192912060_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savories in three-tiered tray</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF3OXX3ExtHuTLPcZksauyV6f-5cmTEH97XPqHF6mD8cS4iXOB7EIVZGLFzPiuk9dWkPICiemt9RGn4VN5735wlSJpGS-EFIfbUXvIJwrqvCbm-VUuhpkT6TuHW8jR0xeNCyrKuuqCubr4aAJDS5BSdrpsS1P8-YNoilrk50QbD5mOgfPexk5OFkdeAA/s4032/20240310_190505368_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF3OXX3ExtHuTLPcZksauyV6f-5cmTEH97XPqHF6mD8cS4iXOB7EIVZGLFzPiuk9dWkPICiemt9RGn4VN5735wlSJpGS-EFIfbUXvIJwrqvCbm-VUuhpkT6TuHW8jR0xeNCyrKuuqCubr4aAJDS5BSdrpsS1P8-YNoilrk50QbD5mOgfPexk5OFkdeAA/w338-h253/20240310_190505368_iOS.heic" width="338" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table filled with an assortment of china</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The only other choice on the menu is the first course where one can opt for soup or salad. Rachel was the only one in our party who had the potato leek soup, served up beautifully in a small, slender glass. Rachel reported it was amazing, once she got used to drinking her soup rather than having the usual assistance of a spoon.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErGuOzfBVR0wl4d2Z1OYDPKRw9s5BUnhprGpD4z-84RAzRW5tu3qI0ThXULuTgqN-EAUNGurmQmPxqKSyT5cvk7kIswCaC3GoyasepATJVUBiMeag92AB5OrbbONQzuqEc2ywqRP3AfOQydOHJgA5WTbfLrqn8SDzzs_SXr0GbZCEhwDgx-ejv8cCa4U/s4032/20240310_195832934_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErGuOzfBVR0wl4d2Z1OYDPKRw9s5BUnhprGpD4z-84RAzRW5tu3qI0ThXULuTgqN-EAUNGurmQmPxqKSyT5cvk7kIswCaC3GoyasepATJVUBiMeag92AB5OrbbONQzuqEc2ywqRP3AfOQydOHJgA5WTbfLrqn8SDzzs_SXr0GbZCEhwDgx-ejv8cCa4U/w400-h300/20240310_195832934_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curd, jam and cream housed in a BTS' favorite, salt cellars.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The scones are served warm and, with our admiration, the accompanying curd, jam and cream were housed in cut-glass salt cellars (a favorite Barb's Tea Service tea table accessory!).</div><div><br /></div><div>The tea sandwiches were satisfying as well, but the desserts were the show stoppers. Aside from petit fours, chocolate-covered strawberries and macarons, there was also a crepe cake with 20-plus layers, a magical creation that was both light and rich.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-EJ_C-UA0mmSg6tUaLT53jhwqBTuqgNg2r9LB5Z3V1OhmvnMtO_79OB4Szjr35IZFnGi-VLWB0EQt1HOMZWvK7hsSOUwcaXkCSvH1yklrsgMzQcOpTIfQw-HakdRoXCCEdEuuowXZJLe7WLkpqUEzaE90rogdbZD4zNlX8_HU8ozytYOXVBStfwD4Fs/s4032/20240310_202823494_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-EJ_C-UA0mmSg6tUaLT53jhwqBTuqgNg2r9LB5Z3V1OhmvnMtO_79OB4Szjr35IZFnGi-VLWB0EQt1HOMZWvK7hsSOUwcaXkCSvH1yklrsgMzQcOpTIfQw-HakdRoXCCEdEuuowXZJLe7WLkpqUEzaE90rogdbZD4zNlX8_HU8ozytYOXVBStfwD4Fs/w290-h218/20240310_202823494_iOS.heic" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petit fours, macarons and strawberries</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGoYMX1iSxx2p4s1YKpUxz1Fn7WEnULJ-dmC4eJGthv9CDFzL3eFV-aVW2_53RspL-y4sbDgsNzounYv69oK-VCcgP1d2RTT0RaLxBjv3nTdHaqCuEhAGyEyb-P1xAGEr1l9qCxYZiaNvwR2t7Nol0JGvtHixjFa-AEfcH40W-sDSbIq9b2xGSvJL2Ms/s4032/20240310_202134884_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGoYMX1iSxx2p4s1YKpUxz1Fn7WEnULJ-dmC4eJGthv9CDFzL3eFV-aVW2_53RspL-y4sbDgsNzounYv69oK-VCcgP1d2RTT0RaLxBjv3nTdHaqCuEhAGyEyb-P1xAGEr1l9qCxYZiaNvwR2t7Nol0JGvtHixjFa-AEfcH40W-sDSbIq9b2xGSvJL2Ms/w283-h212/20240310_202134884_iOS.heic" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multi-layered crepe cake, both light and rich</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And, yes, there really was a Lady Mendl! Born, Elsie de Wolfe in New York in 1859, she had various occupations in the arts, starting as an actress, then gaining much success as an interior designer. Later in life, she married a British diplomat, giving her a title. She resided in the same Gramercy Park brownstone building of the current tea room where she was known a grand hostess with great style.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvDkG-NzziEoPXi37EDThPP7c0CfLfv5mSoiog4ddFQ2gaHDZBt592CJekObv-9UZYBoPMQIvf4DEfMBM1dhS7MY3v6zfhEskPks_Pgog_MSt_BvydkyL_giptUg3EmrW4NWUH9YHdAARaQEObliW4kJbKSV0Fz4XqKvYQZQgfODzcpctSRKhfvV4CK2A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvDkG-NzziEoPXi37EDThPP7c0CfLfv5mSoiog4ddFQ2gaHDZBt592CJekObv-9UZYBoPMQIvf4DEfMBM1dhS7MY3v6zfhEskPks_Pgog_MSt_BvydkyL_giptUg3EmrW4NWUH9YHdAARaQEObliW4kJbKSV0Fz4XqKvYQZQgfODzcpctSRKhfvV4CK2A=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hidden gem, we won't walk by again.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We'd say this tea room captures the spirit of the best of Lady Mendl - an eclectic blend of old and new, where food and service excel. A true Manhattan treasure, now that we've found it, we plan to be back!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-27901230395374296772024-03-14T08:40:00.003-04:002024-03-14T17:22:32.523-04:00Escape to the Chateau: Our escape to NYC, the last stop on the "Dare to Do It" tour, (and a bit of "tea time" with Angela!)<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP3Xoq5LqZ7VPTm2fQ6dTc2-QITOhHUj9joT3NKv9NGbS568hhUVZRp99EOl21Q18DE2o6TaR6kr7HsxQ7arRLQqdwbFILEGC-hJj9_iNx1eQKPQgOXdTrhb0Td-CDUFq29OdE8GJbgZKXET8zq4xxbbn6vwIBzXKiBSysAkYNJ7uqX1kdY2nW1qsNDU/s4032/20240312_030511556_iOS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP3Xoq5LqZ7VPTm2fQ6dTc2-QITOhHUj9joT3NKv9NGbS568hhUVZRp99EOl21Q18DE2o6TaR6kr7HsxQ7arRLQqdwbFILEGC-hJj9_iNx1eQKPQgOXdTrhb0Td-CDUFq29OdE8GJbgZKXET8zq4xxbbn6vwIBzXKiBSysAkYNJ7uqX1kdY2nW1qsNDU/w640-h480/20240312_030511556_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gulleys meeting up with the Strawbridges at Manhattan's Town Hall</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Dick and Angel Strawbridge have "dared to do it" from the beginning of their "Escape to the Chateau" television series, inspiring a league of devoted fans from their native UK to their adopted home in the French countryside, and extending across the pond to Canada and US. We at Barb's Tea Service, members of the latter group, along with some our family, <i>dared</i> to meet up with the Strawbridge's at the last stop of their first North American tour with our own <i>escape to New York City</i>.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbf7zF0vZ2KRrPYS28NerpkoJido-IIeMC1BUWcG8FAx2yNe0xerUhkkaG0C3meRKV3YtxSQlpJ5GUV7_k9kXbrpgM1qtJunHwJcXKzOEI15TtZXiR4S-xRb39LPA6tUkPaD-W3Vl-loTm2tufORjOWNBEnlewyblqbC6VnFWTaIUkYwKFqH7ROydtq0/s3334/20240312_030516764_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2883" data-original-width="3334" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbf7zF0vZ2KRrPYS28NerpkoJido-IIeMC1BUWcG8FAx2yNe0xerUhkkaG0C3meRKV3YtxSQlpJ5GUV7_k9kXbrpgM1qtJunHwJcXKzOEI15TtZXiR4S-xRb39LPA6tUkPaD-W3Vl-loTm2tufORjOWNBEnlewyblqbC6VnFWTaIUkYwKFqH7ROydtq0/w640-h554/20240312_030516764_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb and Angel, a shared passion for vintage china and tea parties</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>As a fan of "Escape to the Chateau" from the beginning of the series, originally on HGTV, now available on Peacock, I would eagerly await each season as Dick and Angel, along with their children and a streamlined team of skilled crafts folk, would lay out a new project to be tackled at their dream home - a 19th century chateau filled with charm, but in desperate need of repairs and modern conveniences. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIqulOiUQrrT3uKmyaGomlFrY4vmaVfGPQic1kY-TxiK_Do-aGN9APX3h4dcuy3O7Un2S1onwMExoRsgiepwpDDyFXiBu9rZHyodiNafcwDz2_ga5cGjeB-6I-9s8p1TaPS3NdyL7GwYTfWZmNoUxtLLZSk4iSwJI94fWTw96WwmeigUeyLFD3rWDAEM/s4032/20240311_231309826_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIqulOiUQrrT3uKmyaGomlFrY4vmaVfGPQic1kY-TxiK_Do-aGN9APX3h4dcuy3O7Un2S1onwMExoRsgiepwpDDyFXiBu9rZHyodiNafcwDz2_ga5cGjeB-6I-9s8p1TaPS3NdyL7GwYTfWZmNoUxtLLZSk4iSwJI94fWTw96WwmeigUeyLFD3rWDAEM/w640-h480/20240311_231309826_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Town Hall stage before the Dare to Do it show (note the faux ferns on either side).</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>In nine seasons, the Strawbridges provided us first-row seats to their chateau renovation, turning the estate not only into their "forever home" but creating an events venue for weddings and other special occasions. I was especially enamored with Angel's collection of vintage china and her tables set for teatime. With her background running a vintage tea party service, it's no surprise I felt a deep connection with Angel & co. from the get-go.</p><p>I had corresponded with the delightful Chateau team for over a year and when the series ended and Dick and Angel took their story "on the road", finally coming to North America, I was twice blessed: one, an interview with Angel in January for <a href="https://teatimemagazine.com/">TeaTime Magazine</a> and two, prime viewing with my family at their New York tour this week. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FqdBwMJ5WavAOKDtzONDwEbxXhnTzVzwPgHWq-3LRLRt90ia_IleyKSrtsMOsusK-SF8ytuTQP7BTq8QGbecztxQBTPK7CStSHSYtKQfv0lzNCmFJmlV1-EETPuDGhQCFPVr9pR8bjMLkyBnbPMHsTLWCW9qbRa8b8Zn-Daj4Aa8QTD447Xo7X_BcBk/s4032/20240105_142209528_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FqdBwMJ5WavAOKDtzONDwEbxXhnTzVzwPgHWq-3LRLRt90ia_IleyKSrtsMOsusK-SF8ytuTQP7BTq8QGbecztxQBTPK7CStSHSYtKQfv0lzNCmFJmlV1-EETPuDGhQCFPVr9pR8bjMLkyBnbPMHsTLWCW9qbRa8b8Zn-Daj4Aa8QTD447Xo7X_BcBk/w227-h302/20240105_142209528_iOS.heic" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing some 'tea time' with Angel <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xO9hs-ZwWsMLpcftCqT25HpN-K3RvsWb37ngbO5GMNlSRiIrIqF-9UzjjN3SPF-qsau50iPeQkSVCxpoqtLJXiLAhPDsfi8IJp2Pqm2dV0yNFGPSih09Vg395WwBZpKVzU2AZ9onzB8Da282MYjtt5yje5UadR07ykyLiWjSBl_xvbhMUdLXY0oNTrI/s4032/20240105_151831275_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xO9hs-ZwWsMLpcftCqT25HpN-K3RvsWb37ngbO5GMNlSRiIrIqF-9UzjjN3SPF-qsau50iPeQkSVCxpoqtLJXiLAhPDsfi8IJp2Pqm2dV0yNFGPSih09Vg395WwBZpKVzU2AZ9onzB8Da282MYjtt5yje5UadR07ykyLiWjSBl_xvbhMUdLXY0oNTrI/w335-h251/20240105_151831275_iOS.heic" width="335" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatting with Angel via Zoom in January</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The "Dare to Do It" show in New York was especially great for my husband, Chris, and me, as our favorite NY couple, my son, Matt, and his girlfriend, Jenna, were able to join us as well as daughter, and BTS ops manager, Rachel. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9sR_KwX7RiGP293atrq8A-dGWZhUrTM-rfeBPlpgDBaK8hyphenhyphenkUkSotju31x1-eeuC_okpdBrzKy8dMoXqkgJbSEM63Jmvbl5sVZ4frr24FyYj7elTFEs0dme7OrCLtjjFwMzG45QFZjnm-1rZCCd8c6xFA6DkYGXDnlOFxJth35BGxEWEvlnF8KHxY1o/s4032/20240311_231933516_iOS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9sR_KwX7RiGP293atrq8A-dGWZhUrTM-rfeBPlpgDBaK8hyphenhyphenkUkSotju31x1-eeuC_okpdBrzKy8dMoXqkgJbSEM63Jmvbl5sVZ4frr24FyYj7elTFEs0dme7OrCLtjjFwMzG45QFZjnm-1rZCCd8c6xFA6DkYGXDnlOFxJth35BGxEWEvlnF8KHxY1o/w640-h480/20240311_231933516_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In our prime seats before the show with some of our family.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>We thoroughly enjoyed the evening spent with the Strawbridges at the Town Hall in Manhattan. Natural storytellers, aided by a lively slide show, Dick and Angel shared highlights of both their personal and professional lives, sometimes poignant, sometimes cheeky, but always in good humor and with deep appreciation. It felt as familiar and comfortable as many of Angel's vintage treasures - a big group hug shared by those on stage with those in the seats.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxfb3qqjslhZBywNO0SgiUzrpBX-JJLKNxBUYCmdwTeIJ1YvNmdL8XIglUE7sJVe2RYICG7kPEu77X1Ki9SQoXAznVK3oECBQbMBSoUWewLz8SX-9Wl8jvNUyjKf2V5Aver4O6xrAFtJaw_Z5mzh6-PKk1R7MgeNswt9O1DjyfPPnxCGQfzRSKuw8h-A/s4032/20240312_030444391_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxfb3qqjslhZBywNO0SgiUzrpBX-JJLKNxBUYCmdwTeIJ1YvNmdL8XIglUE7sJVe2RYICG7kPEu77X1Ki9SQoXAznVK3oECBQbMBSoUWewLz8SX-9Wl8jvNUyjKf2V5Aver4O6xrAFtJaw_Z5mzh6-PKk1R7MgeNswt9O1DjyfPPnxCGQfzRSKuw8h-A/s320/20240312_030444391_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris (aka "arm candy"), Dick and Barb</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Afterwards, we met up with Dick and Angel, feeling as if we were reuniting with old friends. Dick asked Chris if he was the "tagalong" to which my husband replied, "I'm the 'arm candy'". From then on, that's how Dick, sporting a large grin that couldn't be masked by his grand mustache, referred to Chris.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSE17Dewd8m2afN0rE08oHkMBSNo7RC8gOUGgtjtsBVp4B-HD2Llthcp-XGBVWVGux2hVOJSpVCRdC7HxI3ffdo9qOWqocOVn3oZ1BpB9bh4hWhkU5cTP04GVYc99m5t1mJCM4xbfFUbt6krVJqJh1PsYFE6d8284XhtFJdAVMnUnOORPYrVyCWjAKnB4/s4032/20240312_030449935_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSE17Dewd8m2afN0rE08oHkMBSNo7RC8gOUGgtjtsBVp4B-HD2Llthcp-XGBVWVGux2hVOJSpVCRdC7HxI3ffdo9qOWqocOVn3oZ1BpB9bh4hWhkU5cTP04GVYc99m5t1mJCM4xbfFUbt6krVJqJh1PsYFE6d8284XhtFJdAVMnUnOORPYrVyCWjAKnB4/w400-h300/20240312_030449935_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A warm hug after the show. </td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Angel, truly a born hostess, greeted us warmly with literal hugs and we talked about our last chat that made up a good deal of the TeaTime article. </p><p>And, the positive vibes that Dick and Angel send out permeate throughout crowd as though it's more of a family gathering than a hodgepodge of unacquainted guests. We met and became fast friends with Nadine G, chatting at length about our mutual fascination with the Chateau series. She was also the recipient of Angel's generosity and endearingly quirky style. When she found out that Nadine was a resident of the Big Apple, Angel insisted she take one of the show's stage accessories - a large, gold, faux fern, with significant heft. (Truly a cherished conversation piece, it that now resides in Nadine's home. However, it's the tale of getting it <i>into </i>the taxi that is the best example of what happens when Chateau-meets-New York and we're thrilled to have witnessed the whole experience.)</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXIuQWH5xw8VfgyASwknif_JRBQO8nz99u-Cs6KpbvNlsoLVYQGpUOl3XBAL6Fhcz_79hYLSDKS_DxREdp7T3WaW8K_IwIHhxzgeXCfDRwEDg-4RZzKQZg9s_7GNz6kaV9AtMOhSILaO3BpImbeppFDqvQ_-ke67bY1q4g7wSULWZzuDZMv_8SSLh9ho/s4032/20240312_030633666_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXIuQWH5xw8VfgyASwknif_JRBQO8nz99u-Cs6KpbvNlsoLVYQGpUOl3XBAL6Fhcz_79hYLSDKS_DxREdp7T3WaW8K_IwIHhxzgeXCfDRwEDg-4RZzKQZg9s_7GNz6kaV9AtMOhSILaO3BpImbeppFDqvQ_-ke67bY1q4g7wSULWZzuDZMv_8SSLh9ho/s320/20240312_030633666_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nadine gifted a faux fern from Angel</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwzRw6ARQhdnn3Y_XRmQa7O7QWOx8m0pE5j7cGDNFrzzfnnPtNu0lREtwMW9TA75zibxJpvT1JldxPSU-dexenxuNe2ENrFKKzYIB95iYsuwHsIOH28v5KJKROAC5EF5dJiSHyX3_y6nMwJha4BxgFf8qcwdN7lgr3ac3Iqm3SXNCOJoTpypYRgJcCng/s4032/20240312_031033095_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwzRw6ARQhdnn3Y_XRmQa7O7QWOx8m0pE5j7cGDNFrzzfnnPtNu0lREtwMW9TA75zibxJpvT1JldxPSU-dexenxuNe2ENrFKKzYIB95iYsuwHsIOH28v5KJKROAC5EF5dJiSHyX3_y6nMwJha4BxgFf8qcwdN7lgr3ac3Iqm3SXNCOJoTpypYRgJcCng/s320/20240312_031033095_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the faux fern home in the taxi: NY meets Chateau</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>For more information on Dick and Angel and their Chateau journey, see TeaTime Magazine's March/April issue . You can find it in retail stores (Barnes and Noble, Publix, and more!) and also on-line at <a href="https://subscribe.teatimemagazine.com/?msclkid=6726408c6e121651f79b257e54646754">TeaTime Magazine subscriptions</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5lr3p0KYBEc0F_7oHjZSw3IfdqCqS4rFD8j7dzX_jwyoHduqw8EYBVEZ9dVCe0yFBjuANSmPnwqkwddam85OGdPid8qG9yYjKvLtVkKDSgFbKya_fttFf10p4Q62OvS3jmhyphenhyphenB5dOcb3b5_T6YkYI_dgU53TU0mbadkrVTn5MYPy7APKpody77EKkfiE/s4032/20240214_191501151_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5lr3p0KYBEc0F_7oHjZSw3IfdqCqS4rFD8j7dzX_jwyoHduqw8EYBVEZ9dVCe0yFBjuANSmPnwqkwddam85OGdPid8qG9yYjKvLtVkKDSgFbKya_fttFf10p4Q62OvS3jmhyphenhyphenB5dOcb3b5_T6YkYI_dgU53TU0mbadkrVTn5MYPy7APKpody77EKkfiE/s320/20240214_191501151_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyHTYDC6Hbvfs_AmPCpeRSQxZbljr2r16cYCvXgdiYQ9pBDEkZY-knmijXJftnEhsoLaEv-fWbgsjlt-fgAnun_LfHcIXgCqOwzhrGwJfwKxHy8tSMl3_2OuVjsPnrHqFKsyCT81P7KrJiAsrJG2Sfx7K3FtUFZOeuTYxxH2QqPJfA2nY5FpITrzcOK4/s4032/20240312_213123003_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyHTYDC6Hbvfs_AmPCpeRSQxZbljr2r16cYCvXgdiYQ9pBDEkZY-knmijXJftnEhsoLaEv-fWbgsjlt-fgAnun_LfHcIXgCqOwzhrGwJfwKxHy8tSMl3_2OuVjsPnrHqFKsyCT81P7KrJiAsrJG2Sfx7K3FtUFZOeuTYxxH2QqPJfA2nY5FpITrzcOK4/s320/20240312_213123003_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>Now that we're back from our escape to New York, what's next? I'd say we've added a direct escape to <i>the</i> Chateau in the future. Thanks to Dick and Angel for taking us with you on your "Dare to Do It' journey, welcoming us into your forever home and a most wonderful evening in Manhattan.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-81365189925598858282024-03-05T08:18:00.003-05:002024-03-05T14:39:09.410-05:00Tuesday Tea and Tomes: BTS takes a swan dive: 'Capote's Women' and 'Answered Prayers'<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDhOQZETb4f35NN9ZxGETxr9yaR5inbm_2TSvntmVk8_pgNDCqsj67srxEIHVKG3sC4FRRWUiCNXvv_w__jrjEL8vTuNg2lcYH33Y7cwBLuTX5GziZiDEH_b7c24uGWZxS0lo5xMHwArFcgn54N8qHhGX7nsKEyBkbQXdi5diboyJb6vXDpuRg5dNjC8/s4032/20240303_205052538_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDhOQZETb4f35NN9ZxGETxr9yaR5inbm_2TSvntmVk8_pgNDCqsj67srxEIHVKG3sC4FRRWUiCNXvv_w__jrjEL8vTuNg2lcYH33Y7cwBLuTX5GziZiDEH_b7c24uGWZxS0lo5xMHwArFcgn54N8qHhGX7nsKEyBkbQXdi5diboyJb6vXDpuRg5dNjC8/w640-h480/20240303_205052538_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BTS took a swan dive with Truman Capote books: "Capote's Women" and "Answered Prayers".</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>The recent miniseries on FX, "Feud: Capote vs. the Swans" has many of us eagerly anticipating Wednesday evenings at 10:00 pm for the latest installment. With only two more episodes to go, as of this week, the true-life drama of the gifted and celebrated author and his cadre of elegant socialites, the series inspired us to read more about Truman Capote's roller coaster ride of fame, friendship and betrayal - specifically, "<b><u>Answered Prayers</u></b>" and "<b><u>Capote's Women</u></b>". The former is Truman Capote's unfinished book, filled with gossip and scandal and the latter is a recently published tome which the current "Feud" miniseries is based. Both books are filled with as many captivating and cringey stories as the television adaptation, but this wasn't our first encounter with the "Swans", the name Capote gave to his exclusive club of beautiful and wealthy women. That came with the 2021 book by Anderson Cooper.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscj2rnxUAQfYcA1In9xXhrhObo2Dzpa58cJirhFuqJFviXsFaoglP8rUDMZ0yeOrdtt5g58g1IoZpvRItHLxPUgx5lA0vR662ikmdVuZhJDbY53mFvez39ciXjydgAhDMl4PQC1Jil7KSemBSDeHy7p2hUVH5b6NpfAMuYbdJIQNPu4N7sSAbUfJEarI/s1280/vanderbilt%20book%20two%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscj2rnxUAQfYcA1In9xXhrhObo2Dzpa58cJirhFuqJFviXsFaoglP8rUDMZ0yeOrdtt5g58g1IoZpvRItHLxPUgx5lA0vR662ikmdVuZhJDbY53mFvez39ciXjydgAhDMl4PQC1Jil7KSemBSDeHy7p2hUVH5b6NpfAMuYbdJIQNPu4N7sSAbUfJEarI/w400-h300/vanderbilt%20book%20two%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anderson Cooper's mother, Gloria, was once a Capote "swan" as noted in his 2021 book.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>A quick step back to a past BTS Tea and Tomes featuring the book "<a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2021/11/tuesday-tea-and-tomes-anderson-coopers.html">Vanderbilt, the Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty</a>", by Anderson Cooper, which details the family's astounding rise to wealth via Cornelius Vanderbilt, his great-great-great grandfather, and the equally spellbinding spiral of loss by generations who were more gifted at spending than fortifying the clan's fortune. One of the last Vanderbilt's to live that unchecked lavish lifestyle was Cooper's mother, Gloria, once one of Truman Capote's "Swans". Anderson Cooper devotes several pages of his book to Cote Basque, the favored lunch spot of New York elite and, eventually the title given to the spare-no-feelings, tattle-tale chapter from "Answered Prayers". Gloria's instincts cautioned against sharing intimate details with the author of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and that served her well. Although Capote's depiction of Gloria Vanderbilt is certainly not flattering, she was not as brutally exposed as many of her fellow "swans".</p><p> Which bring us to "<b><u>Capote's Women</u></b>" and "<b><u>Answered Prayers</u></b>".</p><p>"<b><u>Capote's Women</u></b>", by Laurence Leamer, published the same year as Anderson Cooper's "Vanderbilt" , certainly focuses on Truman's swans, but also weaves the story of Capote's life throughout the 316 pages, starting with his southern roots in Monroeville, Alabama, relatively undistinguished save for his next-door-neighbor and friend, Harper Lee, author of "<a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2020/04/tea-and-tomes-to-kill-mockingbird.html">To Kill a Mockingbird</a>" (another BTS Tuesday Tea and Tomes). The book also charts Capote's impressive writing career, which peaked with his wildly successful "In Cold Blood", a true story masterfully told in the style of fiction. </p><p>Unfortunately, the time at the top, professionally and socially, was not to last. Leamer takes the reader through the slow and sad decline of Truman Capote, propelled by a self-sabotage mix of drugs, alcohol and abandonment of people he considered "friends".</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLLG1mt476FzfBQwx4v9b35ZODHHcD_u73Ja7YcEnWSRL6Ho9LiahEGWX13pyej7v18QYJjN43nhnLP2a_-mrfWM8FJXQUbNG0H68x7OsFjWoDJ_FkORGmtKBSaYJOMbS3cmj_tVRj43L-y-oqoYbjPDvDocMkhCjLjlFMlbaK68rCtnmIKJwySAg1R8/s4032/20220120_220411561_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLLG1mt476FzfBQwx4v9b35ZODHHcD_u73Ja7YcEnWSRL6Ho9LiahEGWX13pyej7v18QYJjN43nhnLP2a_-mrfWM8FJXQUbNG0H68x7OsFjWoDJ_FkORGmtKBSaYJOMbS3cmj_tVRj43L-y-oqoYbjPDvDocMkhCjLjlFMlbaK68rCtnmIKJwySAg1R8/w238-h179/20220120_220411561_iOS.heic" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the Monroe Museum in 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgu4yhevTt_BCGmcMG8NvG5Ah0BULNcJ80Yt_kQE5nUkJVHZYBxUpoWuZ6LIWfavfUNXtSAzJQ39twA-2o3r2Fkd4SaMIVDuXKcW6z7kuT_00ZwPOnSf2SO8XHcBPzonayqgOTvC4WPIFEp9ExszZYpI4wD2FqEqyA47mKvQeBOcSkvpWOxDakE-pLyE/s1080/Truman%20at%20Monroe%20Museum.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgu4yhevTt_BCGmcMG8NvG5Ah0BULNcJ80Yt_kQE5nUkJVHZYBxUpoWuZ6LIWfavfUNXtSAzJQ39twA-2o3r2Fkd4SaMIVDuXKcW6z7kuT_00ZwPOnSf2SO8XHcBPzonayqgOTvC4WPIFEp9ExszZYpI4wD2FqEqyA47mKvQeBOcSkvpWOxDakE-pLyE/w271-h203/Truman%20at%20Monroe%20Museum.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Alabama museum includes a Capote section</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We visited Monroeville in January of 2022 and stopped in the Monroe County Museum, which served as a model for the courtroom in the movie, "To Kill a Mockingbird". It also includes rooms devoted to the hometown's two authors, Harper Lee and Truman Capote. A fascinating building full of history in an otherwise small, sleepy, southern town.</span></i></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p>"Capote's Women" is a page-turning, entertaining read. A highlight of the book, as well as Truman's celebrity, is the "Black and White Ball" he hosted at the Plaza Hotel (and, yes, we had afternoon tea in this sumptuous place last year, see, <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2023/08/afternoon-tea-at-plaza-perfect-way-to.html">Afternoon Tea at the Plaza</a>). Using a trick from Gilded Age hostesses (or versions of New York's Studio 54's strategy), keep the guest list so exclusive, everyone will want "in" no matter what the party really delivers. (With chicken hash as an entree and balloons for decorations, in substance, it didn't match - or even come close to, for that matter - most of the grand parties of this high-end social strata, but the attraction was being "included". Only the well-heeled party from Italy left early and were overheard grumbling - we flew in for this?).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvp1cEjiux96bleqmBAM4mE0WYMTPx7AFD4LkdczmkbekkU9784aoCfCPKj6BTFjxnk1Gr2tZhvNF83nYIn04_TMYmQwmA4cP0U319bp3CpmTZ6BPn-zrFcSad7I9lYZFj0In4cR28skurv9f9I7MOpfGWf80JWiEglT_D0uAy2bEE7z79d7jQPcj3cs/s2638/20230811_174743239_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2591" data-original-width="2638" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvp1cEjiux96bleqmBAM4mE0WYMTPx7AFD4LkdczmkbekkU9784aoCfCPKj6BTFjxnk1Gr2tZhvNF83nYIn04_TMYmQwmA4cP0U319bp3CpmTZ6BPn-zrFcSad7I9lYZFj0In4cR28skurv9f9I7MOpfGWf80JWiEglT_D0uAy2bEE7z79d7jQPcj3cs/w400-h393/20230811_174743239_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NYC's Plaza Hotel, home of Capote's Black and White Ball, 1966, and our afternoon tea, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Many over-the-top details of the "jet set" lifestyles from European palaces to oceanside estates in Palm Springs, Florida, elicit both feelings of awe and awful. Endless parties of look-alike one-percenters whose world is so tightly bound, they divorce and remarry each other spouses, as though there's danger outside the circle. Titles (real, removed or faux) are cherished, even if the one bestowed is as dull and dim as unpolished silver. </p><p class="MsoNormal">It makes sense that Truman Capote would add some color to
this society. He was a favorite invitee - his dramatic storytelling enchanted
the upscale crowd, like their own personal one-man reality television show,
before it was even a concept.<o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJQNH64ojFA4RDIB1YzAtTRooVUIQ0SzESIhFE25JzBwLkzpbjqFh4EmlEVXCotNpFcgyAXAhMLUvamAhJxT_fiJz6gNdP-aHguNbOedPnDVPp2OisLP-S7g7nhPb9F1Oa7QUxFzIL2L8UwHMC-08TsNeO74wBvwlMVeXc9AgHscWngUXIR6ft-hnyhY/s4032/20240127_190058253_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJQNH64ojFA4RDIB1YzAtTRooVUIQ0SzESIhFE25JzBwLkzpbjqFh4EmlEVXCotNpFcgyAXAhMLUvamAhJxT_fiJz6gNdP-aHguNbOedPnDVPp2OisLP-S7g7nhPb9F1Oa7QUxFzIL2L8UwHMC-08TsNeO74wBvwlMVeXc9AgHscWngUXIR6ft-hnyhY/w197-h262/20240127_190058253_iOS.heic" width="197" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm Beach tea, "swimming pools, movie stars"</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBFUPd9vobGB2g8Ny6MIsPhBEHVrjBkhIss2-wmKX-G8jEROLS7bp-n01EpqEhqOk0USH9K9eqjh_nsR4uxn7n0zirKx7RmKq822Vae9A18cFuIhAwbWhNZd4L3o2hYwjQYp0tuHAuT4-FwX1ZKx6RQ3yRsyLcscK2Holo8KRfECKXk-JfpqTchNUMdw/s4032/20240127_200548603_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBFUPd9vobGB2g8Ny6MIsPhBEHVrjBkhIss2-wmKX-G8jEROLS7bp-n01EpqEhqOk0USH9K9eqjh_nsR4uxn7n0zirKx7RmKq822Vae9A18cFuIhAwbWhNZd4L3o2hYwjQYp0tuHAuT4-FwX1ZKx6RQ3yRsyLcscK2Holo8KRfECKXk-JfpqTchNUMdw/s320/20240127_200548603_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flagler Museum in Palm Beach Florida.</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We visited Palm Beach, Florida, in January of this year and visited the Flagler Museum (a Gilded Age mansion). We entered the world of docked yachts as big as school busses and a city center so clean and manicured, it looks like Disneyland - "swimming pools, movie stars." </i><i>IYKYN </i><i>( more in a future blog).</i></span></div><br /><p>Some sad, but at times funny, stories include Jackie Kennedy Onassis' younger sister, Lee Radziwill's attempt at a mid-life acting career and Joanne Carson's in-house wake for Truman. The second wife of Johnny Carson, Joanne trumpeted that her memorial for Truman would be a star-studded attended event, but the only celebrities who came were an aging and senile, Jim Backus, propped up on a couch, and an unrecognizable Esther Williams. The press that camped out on Carson's lawn were sorely disappointed. </p><p>We enjoyed "Capote's Women" and found it a bit easier to follow the jumping timelines in the book than the series. But, nonetheless, we eagerly await the final episodes of "Capote vs. the Swans". The rollercoaster ride of Capote and the swans provides readers and viewers a "fantastic voyeur-age" into the thrills and spills of an almost alien lifestyle, but once it's over, it's good -actually almost a relief - to unbuckle and return to the pleasures of the happy ordinary. </p><p>And, for "<b><u>Answered Prayers</u></b>" interesting, but meandering (though, we're fond of "meandering"), especially the first chapter, "Unspoiled Monsters". The third and final Chapter, "La Cote Basque" is gossipy with unlikeable characters bound by an oddly codified society that's both shallow and confining, with consequences to those who puncture the glittering bubble. Sentenced by the tribe, Truman Capote was quickly outcast for exposing confidences, finding there was a cost to biting the satin-gloved hand that fed him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-21015483304773219252024-02-25T17:42:00.004-05:002024-02-26T09:52:02.854-05:00Salt in tea? Our interview with Michelle Francl, chemist and author of 'Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea'<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg93nq57PvBUbo153ygJhnpJILEztCwx0xQSWaqqpHNkEYctEq_1NpqhcZ7DQAres18qS7WIC6bjIEcAqBVQq0NEGebHi2ZcbT0KbWzbmKOqZgEa2ylsrR_37MCPEI68m7t1JWBr3Phr7fWl3vUnQ_O1fatrlGotSpVQK4lfc1jdHmXCMszuVDD-JWu0/s4032/Salt%20%20teapot%20with%20lemon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrg93nq57PvBUbo153ygJhnpJILEztCwx0xQSWaqqpHNkEYctEq_1NpqhcZ7DQAres18qS7WIC6bjIEcAqBVQq0NEGebHi2ZcbT0KbWzbmKOqZgEa2ylsrR_37MCPEI68m7t1JWBr3Phr7fWl3vUnQ_O1fatrlGotSpVQK4lfc1jdHmXCMszuVDD-JWu0/w640-h480/Salt%20%20teapot%20with%20lemon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When brewing a pot of tea, favored additions are milk, sugar and lemon slices. What about salt?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">How do you take your tea? Do you add milk or sugar or lemon or. . . salt? Michelle Francl, chemist, writer and tea enthusiast, recommends the latter and it has caused quite a controversy!</span></div><p>Michelle Francl, a Professor of Chemistry at Bryn Mawr and author of the new book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Steeped-Chemistry-Tea-Michelle-Francl/dp/183916591X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HJ3973KO1FD7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.beNrMPDtdqfT7ntwSl0mleS6vsE_I9Uv18zH_S2i97myxaR9Fjn_5V7KL79RQCUjGaIzsWjF8lYkT8dY_E7b_Nbc9RPxWNyEaEKG-ZjO1JAk1bqeKScjCOEE5iJP5wFxV4K4v4fu_bnGJvVH7jb8WuQ2ZyHSZ-QS0h9idOcAIeww5HIHee16czr5AiPTGMH-6BCsPeK3K3hFH9RkHC0sVQ.xdziyYNDpAEZ-mJJSDSt5M3qxT8iPkTG8iUcwDWWUVI&dib_tag=se&keywords=michelle+francl&qid=1708958954&sprefix=michelle+francl%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1">Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea</a>" took some time to chat with BTS this week and address, among other things, the topic of adding salt to tea. A subject so controversial it caused a bit of a "brew-haha" between the US and the UK.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qx8QrHqCDe8oPJjNX9V03pWfBGs2lr2r7MtyhS5BRwziBFAm6JGwBWPHWpJEtmvM1GPUhq3udBfpbNvz4joUXBPts-0PAy9Ls3ABRHhdJMaqSxyLpTmnVu6LK2pWtCpmRh4-fdgWv0biWGEwyeUcGA-Xx6bGc-LGx_PIh1LvJ2cbve0EtgAQVGcmXpc/s660/Salt%20cover%20of%20book.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Qx8QrHqCDe8oPJjNX9V03pWfBGs2lr2r7MtyhS5BRwziBFAm6JGwBWPHWpJEtmvM1GPUhq3udBfpbNvz4joUXBPts-0PAy9Ls3ABRHhdJMaqSxyLpTmnVu6LK2pWtCpmRh4-fdgWv0biWGEwyeUcGA-Xx6bGc-LGx_PIh1LvJ2cbve0EtgAQVGcmXpc/w426-h640/Salt%20cover%20of%20book.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle Francl's new book, filled with fascinating tea facts, sparked a bit of a "brew-haha".</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After news reached England that an American professor advised adding a bit of salt to one's cup of tea to reduce bitterness, it generated an outcry from a number of incredulous UK citizens. The U.S. Embassy in London felt they had to this address this poste haste and issued a statement to defuse the situation. Here's an excerpt: </p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">". . .We want to ensure the good people of the UK that the unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain's national drink is not official United States policy. And never will be. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The U.S. Embassy will continue to make tea in the proper way - by microwaving it".</span></i></p><p>Ah, we were doing so well! :)</p><p>But, seriously, folks - there's some<i> seriously</i> fascinating information about the chemistry of tea. Understanding how it all works can produce what we're all in search of: the perfect pot of tea.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">After receiving several news articles regarding the hue and cry that stemmed from the publication of "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea" from my posse of tea sources, I reached out to Michelle Francl to learn more. She </span>graciously took time to answer a few questions we sent her way. </p><p>A chat with Michelle Francl: </p>BTS: Your recommendation to add salt to brewed tea to reduce bitterness has caused quite a "stir" with the British and even garnered a response from the U.S. Embassy. Did you expect this kind of reaction (emotional, not chemical - I know you have the latter down pat!)?<div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Michelle Francl: I certainly did not expect the kind of reaction that I got from the British public about salt and tea. I thought it was interesting when I uncovered it, and given that it’s a hack that coffee drinkers have known for a long time, I didn’t really think that people would get quite so emotional about it. It was a bit overwhelming, but also a lot of fun to see chemistry in the news in this way.</b></i></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>BTS: Do you have any plans to do a tour in the U.S (or elsewhere) this year? </div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Michelle Francl: I am doing a bit of traveling to talk about the book, but as of yet, there is no official tour.</i></b></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div>BTS: What is your favorite tea?</div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Michelle Francl: My favorite tea is Assam from the Halmari estate, but I also love green snail tea and rose congou in the afternoon. </i></b></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div>(We'll quickly add here that green snail tea gets its name from the shape of its rolled up leaves, not its contents.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAZOQXJv4miq2Ze-oc1UFPbJsR23UUp07Wtxy9ytva-jIEHku9-INzZPVUWhHuwjS3-cmdBbtwIDYw-bEL_YCJ9z0jxNgB0uCDpUIYTOMMhxSAG8tuCTf5qAxWsIs9UPcWj9rOfJkR1OPcvo4Mf38m0eKUChFEQZyYDxnIlQF3TXAvc9LlX-NPkdqZds/s4032/Salt%20salt%20close%20up.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAZOQXJv4miq2Ze-oc1UFPbJsR23UUp07Wtxy9ytva-jIEHku9-INzZPVUWhHuwjS3-cmdBbtwIDYw-bEL_YCJ9z0jxNgB0uCDpUIYTOMMhxSAG8tuCTf5qAxWsIs9UPcWj9rOfJkR1OPcvo4Mf38m0eKUChFEQZyYDxnIlQF3TXAvc9LlX-NPkdqZds/w640-h480/Salt%20salt%20close%20up.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pinch of salt can reduce the bitterness of tea. Vintage salt cellars on my tea table may now hold salt!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And, while drinking my favorite tea, Earl Grey, I took in a recent presentation that Michelle Francl gave to the Royal Society of Chemistry online. Here I learned not only that Michelle Francl does not care for Earl Grey (but noted it does contain properties that enhance relaxation), but more, importantly, how understanding the chemistry of tea can lead to brewing a better pot of Camilla Sinesis. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I purposely steeped my black tea blend longer than usual to make it just a bit bitter. After a sip to assure the brew was indeed past its prime and bitter, I added a pinch of NaCl. Amazingly, it did taste smoother and less harsh. </div><div><br /></div><div>As one who collects vintage salt cellars for scone condiments (curd, cream, jam), I believe I now have yet another purpose for these mini crystal dishes. Salt! I might just add this to my tea table as a precautionary aid, should my brew be unintentionally bitter.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><u>Final notes</u></i>: "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Steeped-Chemistry-Tea-Michelle-Francl/dp/183916591X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HJ3973KO1FD7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.beNrMPDtdqfT7ntwSl0mleS6vsE_I9Uv18zH_S2i97myxaR9Fjn_5V7KL79RQCUjGaIzsWjF8lYkT8dY_E7b_Nbc9RPxWNyEaEKG-ZjO1JAk1bqeKScjCOEE5iJP5wFxV4K4v4fu_bnGJvVH7jb8WuQ2ZyHSZ-QS0h9idOcAIeww5HIHee16czr5AiPTGMH-6BCsPeK3K3hFH9RkHC0sVQ.xdziyYNDpAEZ-mJJSDSt5M3qxT8iPkTG8iUcwDWWUVI&dib_tag=se&keywords=michelle+francl&qid=1708958954&sprefix=michelle+francl%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1">Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea</a>" is available on Amazon. I will feature it in an upcoming Tuesday Tea and Tomes. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to all the above, Michelle Francl, Ph.D, is a quantum chemist who has published in areas ranging from development of methods for computational chemistry to the structures of topologically intriguing molecules. She is also an Adjunct Scholar of the Vatican Observatory. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are truly grateful to Michelle Francl for taking the time to visit with us at BTS. We look forward to any of Dr. Francl's future presentations we may have the opportunity to attend in person and eagerly await for our copy of "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea" to be delivered.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-25699198209481720482024-02-23T08:23:00.005-05:002024-02-23T17:02:50.391-05:00Tonia's Victorian Rose tearoom is closing: Years of memories, we'll wait for 'Chapter Two'<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMU_V8JWU7kieppJ6vrAycXTUAXqhBB2OEkl4wlP46ML7L9Doj9aKuBgxmKZXns_Wsi3bbZ0e0It58ScPLF9qwKaLbT2_85IQ8uqMAtb9dmo28aNLjC2JiVTKa9KUV2h-9L-XfB5oUBifBGMQGxYHaZj2lqEfl_LE0zpQeKu9OJH8ahrHKEZvCKWX2I0/s2048/Tonias%20outside%202021.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMU_V8JWU7kieppJ6vrAycXTUAXqhBB2OEkl4wlP46ML7L9Doj9aKuBgxmKZXns_Wsi3bbZ0e0It58ScPLF9qwKaLbT2_85IQ8uqMAtb9dmo28aNLjC2JiVTKa9KUV2h-9L-XfB5oUBifBGMQGxYHaZj2lqEfl_LE0zpQeKu9OJH8ahrHKEZvCKWX2I0/w480-h640/Tonias%20outside%202021.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonia's Victorian Rose tearoom will close March 2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div>Tonia's Victorian Rose has been more than tearoom - it's been a second home to local tea enthusiasts and, for us at Barb's Tea Service, it's been close to our heart for over two decades. So, hearing of its closing in less than two weeks is sad news, indeed.<div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdnPY3IRo6Q4C97hhFgx_PktNt2BZrPrvxmeeI_HSJcfgXmSKcfDXvQsIClFz-JNBcPY6oAgA8Bo8_JQt6klmFCzudeyR23z57_ln_Lgxxzz-gFQ20ZqgM4ex9xZEX0l94HrkZg_iD4r0RdZBmMHGeUZoMeSD_uxAUVBdAGnyT_gmRgPlkFpQnfuAxV0/s3435/Tonias%20tearoom%20Laura%20and%20Barb%20Feb.2024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2629" data-original-width="3435" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdnPY3IRo6Q4C97hhFgx_PktNt2BZrPrvxmeeI_HSJcfgXmSKcfDXvQsIClFz-JNBcPY6oAgA8Bo8_JQt6klmFCzudeyR23z57_ln_Lgxxzz-gFQ20ZqgM4ex9xZEX0l94HrkZg_iD4r0RdZBmMHGeUZoMeSD_uxAUVBdAGnyT_gmRgPlkFpQnfuAxV0/w400-h306/Tonias%20tearoom%20Laura%20and%20Barb%20Feb.2024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura and Barb this week at tea, a bittersweet celebration</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Last week, we talked with owner Tonia Carsten who informed us that Tonia's Victorian Rose would be shutting its doors on March 2, but it's not her preference. The "building", a three-story vintage home, built in 1910, is up for sale by its owners, which leaves Tonia and her staff looking for new opportunities.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI_wREgsWEZ-F1yy1i_M5gUP7VvsKs2OOi4COND7FC4-Uohtalvm6CBi8DAdEIfLwwwUZVzo8uYjiLNj3o1giOjWvMLNGYbGfigcwxpsqNanlm_eZJtedaRezk8pHDF_BxVWMKuNaGknRVz0uceNoiU8MJla7LyRNL3AcK0nA8CX3VWQ-eJiTttYZiFc/s1600/Tonias%20Victorian%20Rose%20Barb%202004%20red%20hats%202007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI_wREgsWEZ-F1yy1i_M5gUP7VvsKs2OOi4COND7FC4-Uohtalvm6CBi8DAdEIfLwwwUZVzo8uYjiLNj3o1giOjWvMLNGYbGfigcwxpsqNanlm_eZJtedaRezk8pHDF_BxVWMKuNaGknRVz0uceNoiU8MJla7LyRNL3AcK0nA8CX3VWQ-eJiTttYZiFc/w400-h300/Tonias%20Victorian%20Rose%20Barb%202004%20red%20hats%202007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L): First tea talk at Victorian Rose, newspaper photo. (R): Office outing, posing on VR's porch</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Barb's Tea Service goes way back with this Rochester, Michigan tearoom starting when it was known only as the "Victorian Rose" and owned by Loretta Curry. Twenty years ago, when we were just starting our "tea talks", Loretta hired us enthusiastically. We gave our first tea etiquette talk (outside of home parties) on Mother's Day and even garnered some local news coverage for the event. We are forever grateful to Loretta for opening that door for us. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD54G3JMlnfm8BEnfhMGj2VgRYOeia5sqTsHk5YJBcF6bxu3P_p4kPb48vCXlVgWFqz7mqZlMB0j5OJwLqzTXyIzpLFd2dRPfbsQKusvlI0o9vRfCw8jZEMxMfIJltn1AMdni4y_tjNeFa2vQ2xU46fL7mkbMEXyn6qxtN4ih5qJQgE7uoMv1NQwC6-fE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD54G3JMlnfm8BEnfhMGj2VgRYOeia5sqTsHk5YJBcF6bxu3P_p4kPb48vCXlVgWFqz7mqZlMB0j5OJwLqzTXyIzpLFd2dRPfbsQKusvlI0o9vRfCw8jZEMxMfIJltn1AMdni4y_tjNeFa2vQ2xU46fL7mkbMEXyn6qxtN4ih5qJQgE7uoMv1NQwC6-fE=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In 2017, the Sistah's came to visit the "new" tearoom </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>We also launched our first "ladies outings" with a group of friends at the office - a fun group of nine gals who bonded over tea and a desire to "hang" outside of work.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTpDEZibMBKePThBwAbcs8PyvJUuxgZW3WP_3Iioc1xj7xcyfQL2C86LvimY52WZkdRnFoNJH57nz3OBfL4ml5lb5F5WpRqCrCHGG9yNALbilqygKYGZl8cLHZhsJLl689ArOTnEtRsdvZVcL-IleofoUGTxYraEJegdaxmfhrcM2pbH8zdKwMIhghFQ/s1280/Tonias%20happy%20birthday%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTpDEZibMBKePThBwAbcs8PyvJUuxgZW3WP_3Iioc1xj7xcyfQL2C86LvimY52WZkdRnFoNJH57nz3OBfL4ml5lb5F5WpRqCrCHGG9yNALbilqygKYGZl8cLHZhsJLl689ArOTnEtRsdvZVcL-IleofoUGTxYraEJegdaxmfhrcM2pbH8zdKwMIhghFQ/w400-h300/Tonias%20happy%20birthday%202022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacup dessert for birthdays where Laura Q and I celebrated quite a few!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>When, Tonia purchased the tea business from Loretta in 2017, keeping many of the menu favorites like the scrumptious chicken pot pie, we continued to patronize this charming tearoom. We came with our favorite cousins (aka, "the Sistahs") shortly after Tonia took over and returned to celebrate many birthdays with most awesome friend, Laura Q. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2mBxa8tOFgroSEbXBFbQ-fbNRWH5XRJyWzJvctpwXyHIkpgolUtrQ_9isp7Er7eiZlQ8wa8VaVOh9mEvKF3MPOxaTY5Do0JJ7wfPdetHJPI_Oqd_0-O8JZF5puSD8drnmIz9i8-umzR_AOL-PoTfn-v1j01uenkajv3Oqhyt3Lo40rQle1V4FvfduoE/s1280/Tonias%20Laura%20and%20Barb%20Jan.2022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="962" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2mBxa8tOFgroSEbXBFbQ-fbNRWH5XRJyWzJvctpwXyHIkpgolUtrQ_9isp7Er7eiZlQ8wa8VaVOh9mEvKF3MPOxaTY5Do0JJ7wfPdetHJPI_Oqd_0-O8JZF5puSD8drnmIz9i8-umzR_AOL-PoTfn-v1j01uenkajv3Oqhyt3Lo40rQle1V4FvfduoE/s320/Tonias%20Laura%20and%20Barb%20Jan.2022.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victorian Rose</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgijiNnE7-_hVod00jod1AwxFhAjL0Csb8K0esGfNzH9HlsEDxT3cqY69pEDbyx9_R4uY4ecNhjMTmoukQlXVeGdm12kvEaKPY2Za59CWx-40ghrGy_X67dJXeR-cargY6U87-4aBlQpQ3AWUKhDlcaWM_pSXPS0fcBe0LnSnp2RhtkQS8KGYGusDeJN8" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="262" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgijiNnE7-_hVod00jod1AwxFhAjL0Csb8K0esGfNzH9HlsEDxT3cqY69pEDbyx9_R4uY4ecNhjMTmoukQlXVeGdm12kvEaKPY2Za59CWx-40ghrGy_X67dJXeR-cargY6U87-4aBlQpQ3AWUKhDlcaWM_pSXPS0fcBe0LnSnp2RhtkQS8KGYGusDeJN8=w262-h320" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teatime over the years at Tonia's</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Even during quarantine times, Tonia's continued to serve the tea community, offering afternoon tea carry-out. We happily took advantage of this, often ordering for two and sharing a virtual tea time with favorite daughter, Rachel.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT9hgp8A7MS2zBcyDqgYgLbv-HcbiadmvB9Y6bO0j8sHqzQdNQXUEDmdcQmNSvvXC3Yyylb2Z3AePOoPhcOMk9JlaRdb03Xo8oi7-XsJ8dRFAhGPVfIkRX5FCvqFaYWhrGsV5ypX4QfBe7MrMzuygSOaFuWSGKboeZc9PP9PqQAsmIoVoZl27TjkktmU/s640/Tonias%20tonia%20Nov.%202024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzT9hgp8A7MS2zBcyDqgYgLbv-HcbiadmvB9Y6bO0j8sHqzQdNQXUEDmdcQmNSvvXC3Yyylb2Z3AePOoPhcOMk9JlaRdb03Xo8oi7-XsJ8dRFAhGPVfIkRX5FCvqFaYWhrGsV5ypX4QfBe7MrMzuygSOaFuWSGKboeZc9PP9PqQAsmIoVoZl27TjkktmU/s320/Tonias%20tonia%20Nov.%202024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During quarantine, Tonia offered carry- out teas.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9iQA7P5pYe18JADmguuYsF05KGMlAGGRDeTToUp0Dd7nqokLgQKmx4oz_SRQ8QdvCw6Ceymj4zXbakWXbcqUtH2SZCWKPHdV4R0AI4Be2f_Was52bu4JE6wpGFEjI4DOrjH0uawOCk6PUCfrtrGhQTBJlXtBJwzA74MIh42BuOUYqEuFwVzCeLZDt0c/s1600/tonias%20April%202020%20virtual%20tea%20time%20with%20rachel.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9iQA7P5pYe18JADmguuYsF05KGMlAGGRDeTToUp0Dd7nqokLgQKmx4oz_SRQ8QdvCw6Ceymj4zXbakWXbcqUtH2SZCWKPHdV4R0AI4Be2f_Was52bu4JE6wpGFEjI4DOrjH0uawOCk6PUCfrtrGhQTBJlXtBJwzA74MIh42BuOUYqEuFwVzCeLZDt0c/s320/tonias%20April%202020%20virtual%20tea%20time%20with%20rachel.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virtual tea with Rachel and Tonia's tea fare</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>This week, Laura and I came once again for tea, lunch and celebration - although this time, it was, most assuredly. bittersweet. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUv66Szj2QGncrsBFn-HCLF7K3thHbC7m-AxWT-xOjdDoKYGEbnMvBkl-uvytPJm_LGhZ9svld3jjh9guB69-xDUqT9EtXwK9K2MPOgnJB0gp1aDY5u0zfBihJHN529hLN6RNftUJzH1eVLp2Nr0uAdRXTy-kJ2bWzp_i8BSC1tg8ngE7XuX7h8-11pY/s2048/Tonias%20Laura%20and%20Barb%20Nov.%202020.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="2048" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUv66Szj2QGncrsBFn-HCLF7K3thHbC7m-AxWT-xOjdDoKYGEbnMvBkl-uvytPJm_LGhZ9svld3jjh9guB69-xDUqT9EtXwK9K2MPOgnJB0gp1aDY5u0zfBihJHN529hLN6RNftUJzH1eVLp2Nr0uAdRXTy-kJ2bWzp_i8BSC1tg8ngE7XuX7h8-11pY/w400-h366/Tonias%20Laura%20and%20Barb%20Nov.%202020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'll miss Tonia's Victorian Rose, but will watch for "Chapter 2"</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Tonia tells us that after March 2, there are plans for tearoom "pop ups" throughout the tri-county area, so we advise to stay tuned. With Tonia's Victorian Rose's great following, any event is sure to be an early sell out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div></div>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-56969812637558874502024-02-19T08:28:00.000-05:002024-02-19T08:28:33.922-05:00President's Day: A visit to FDR's 'Little White House' in Warm Springs (with Eleanor's favorite tea)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy5SKzytYEvCkiNHQPOmYlRRPbOba0pFv2HRyrLNH-bLRZfhjzMifE8SDSK27OZQbKP7yY5QCoEdZkVsRd4NgMGpnDIEtyBfp6ssnyNEJQzYETpkorH1j9X8hGY34ckbynQdgd7_V8QxU-KFMqCRmjwLTfBvcGM4NwDc_uPUQSk5KsUiO-ZkZ2ZMFWXo/s4032/20240129_173906983_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy5SKzytYEvCkiNHQPOmYlRRPbOba0pFv2HRyrLNH-bLRZfhjzMifE8SDSK27OZQbKP7yY5QCoEdZkVsRd4NgMGpnDIEtyBfp6ssnyNEJQzYETpkorH1j9X8hGY34ckbynQdgd7_V8QxU-KFMqCRmjwLTfBvcGM4NwDc_uPUQSk5KsUiO-ZkZ2ZMFWXo/w640-h480/20240129_173906983_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Little White House in Warm Springs - Franklin Roosevelt's retreat in Georgia</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>In honor of today's holiday, "Presidents' Day", we at Barb's Tea Service thought it the perfect time to share highlights from our recent visit to "The Little White House", Franklin Roosevelt's retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia.</p><p>Last month, on our return-home road-trip (central Florida back to Michigan), our friends (and fellow January snowbirds, Pam and Quint) suggested we stop at the Little White House, considering we're fellow history buffs and, added bonus, its location was not too far off our route.</p><p>So, on a cool, but sunny, Monday afternoon, my husband, Chris and I, drove into Warm Springs, a small town roughly an hour and a half west of Macon, Georgia with Roosevelt's Little White House just a few minutes passed the historic burg.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYV2m1sqMOoqfu4fcEqUeC-8Rmp8eW8ZbfA12bdid-Kv-N0nJdSHT0qD6UJqHLmxDTquE6uyJUTGfTw2nkYX9ql3VXH5hWYl_rno-kDZx3zU5t78cPseLBvj8tj7U7L_Y6NF4NtExB_U3VQr6chWMAxUqlIbnW_vGXHtVT2t8X5XtO_Z7Ehyj79Xy6nI/s4032/20240129_171655375_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYV2m1sqMOoqfu4fcEqUeC-8Rmp8eW8ZbfA12bdid-Kv-N0nJdSHT0qD6UJqHLmxDTquE6uyJUTGfTw2nkYX9ql3VXH5hWYl_rno-kDZx3zU5t78cPseLBvj8tj7U7L_Y6NF4NtExB_U3VQr6chWMAxUqlIbnW_vGXHtVT2t8X5XtO_Z7Ehyj79Xy6nI/w640-h480/20240129_171655375_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FDR's specially equipped car on display in the museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Nestled in the woods, the Little White House is one of four separate buildings on the site. Guests first enter a museum/visitors center, where docents guide one through the campus. A short film, in the museum's theater, is recommended to start the tour. A time capsule of its own, the fifteen minute movie is narrated by Walter Cronkite and tells the story of FDR's connection to Warm Springs; from seeking a cure for polio, which struck him in 1921, in the region's natural spa water to constructing a second home where he conducted many of his presidential duties. (Although the heated springs - a constant 88 degrees - didn't provide a cure, it did bring some improvement and provided a bit of relief.).</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSKaw4FqCgkQDErBlzYw6SnRFw8VOrgGjGJQQpI0lhCduiK-pANQRnk6UYmBibodV-x6MqfbLPCPFUDFmwaegXdwiu1v50v2hZi0-w7OdUKBDgKbRIk_cLHjQGem4m5wWB5TJM2Qo8VQVQL5dXykPiBFUSbfyNEd-PDLdF2nWiYnSy11mZoOHuA0f9Wo/s4032/20240129_172609850_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSKaw4FqCgkQDErBlzYw6SnRFw8VOrgGjGJQQpI0lhCduiK-pANQRnk6UYmBibodV-x6MqfbLPCPFUDFmwaegXdwiu1v50v2hZi0-w7OdUKBDgKbRIk_cLHjQGem4m5wWB5TJM2Qo8VQVQL5dXykPiBFUSbfyNEd-PDLdF2nWiYnSy11mZoOHuA0f9Wo/w290-h217/20240129_172609850_iOS.heic" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FDR's stamp collection</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3h0yVfS7VmVtR-jymFMJ-Zx1yYelTR9u000kn6SBuD_0rX-ADqjiEEc4f80NdkakH6CdQ6bYwUi_b2fQF34Kh_mZXzK33QtK2AH0m_Cd9RQzqaMXZHNjzuJ_eNZbQOE5rV35L8S6NyLU8I8BQDHC-00hh-0s5ew7FT_iwS0iyL-vInpuHXFZHUMQZzI/s4032/20240129_171556623_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3h0yVfS7VmVtR-jymFMJ-Zx1yYelTR9u000kn6SBuD_0rX-ADqjiEEc4f80NdkakH6CdQ6bYwUi_b2fQF34Kh_mZXzK33QtK2AH0m_Cd9RQzqaMXZHNjzuJ_eNZbQOE5rV35L8S6NyLU8I8BQDHC-00hh-0s5ew7FT_iwS0iyL-vInpuHXFZHUMQZzI/w283-h212/20240129_171556623_iOS.heic" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Little White House patio furniture and china</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There are many treasures to view in the museum, including the car FDR drove, which had specially designed hand controls to replace foot pedals, his prized stamp collection and the patio furniture and china used on the Little White House deck. There's also a full section devoted to Eleanor Roosevelt, a trailblazing First Lady that we not only admire, but have a dedicated tea talk devoted to her. (See our blog - <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2016/10/tuesday-tea-and-tome-autobiography-of.html">Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt</a>, where we talk about ER and our ER tea talks!) </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdFckD5LlR9bL6uvqRiOekiYpLtliXyvGZBdSReNByH7EXkDwffXVvDjePwcUeuwtXB7oXOeHIaerG9AVjUC_yb-TaAlCAHw1NMRLVxEppUaCYQvR96LQffTFv31u7v3srrFEqTktc3pDW_N0mUYqNHhWynGXRfpLH8wqWUXo1y5zyrcTIQqVnlog0pU/s4032/20240129_172512637_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdFckD5LlR9bL6uvqRiOekiYpLtliXyvGZBdSReNByH7EXkDwffXVvDjePwcUeuwtXB7oXOeHIaerG9AVjUC_yb-TaAlCAHw1NMRLVxEppUaCYQvR96LQffTFv31u7v3srrFEqTktc3pDW_N0mUYqNHhWynGXRfpLH8wqWUXo1y5zyrcTIQqVnlog0pU/s320/20240129_172512637_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eleanor display in the museum</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn2qQ6PPm8zudurdqCoqgAJm9hQ_enO9UdIQ47IQ92CiQfxdRJp2u80PeHQaQjvZDgYfQXsrHwXwnoq3yf_bFGHhmEz7bvxGFBL1bfO64rNqltd7cJ_dk-jZmQwEcwN8poEZlCHIHL8GFdBM_P7yYG1uHUevoznML3IISegAVzzRBszhAWd83DN0i-xc0" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn2qQ6PPm8zudurdqCoqgAJm9hQ_enO9UdIQ47IQ92CiQfxdRJp2u80PeHQaQjvZDgYfQXsrHwXwnoq3yf_bFGHhmEz7bvxGFBL1bfO64rNqltd7cJ_dk-jZmQwEcwN8poEZlCHIHL8GFdBM_P7yYG1uHUevoznML3IISegAVzzRBszhAWd83DN0i-xc0=w242-h323" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roosevelts in Hyde Park, 2015</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdFckD5LlR9bL6uvqRiOekiYpLtliXyvGZBdSReNByH7EXkDwffXVvDjePwcUeuwtXB7oXOeHIaerG9AVjUC_yb-TaAlCAHw1NMRLVxEppUaCYQvR96LQffTFv31u7v3srrFEqTktc3pDW_N0mUYqNHhWynGXRfpLH8wqWUXo1y5zyrcTIQqVnlog0pU/s4032/20240129_172512637_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdFckD5LlR9bL6uvqRiOekiYpLtliXyvGZBdSReNByH7EXkDwffXVvDjePwcUeuwtXB7oXOeHIaerG9AVjUC_yb-TaAlCAHw1NMRLVxEppUaCYQvR96LQffTFv31u7v3srrFEqTktc3pDW_N0mUYqNHhWynGXRfpLH8wqWUXo1y5zyrcTIQqVnlog0pU/s4032/20240129_172512637_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></a><p><i>While we learned that Eleanor didn't stay in Warm Springs often, it was Val-Kil Industries that supplied most of the furniture for the Little White House. Val-Kil was a small factory that Eleanor, along with two partners, established for farmers near her home in New York to make furniture and other crafts to supplement their income. We also discovered - in the gift shop! - that Eleanor's favorite tea was "Orange Pekoe" - and, yes, we most certainly bought a package to bring home,in addition to an Eleanor Roosevelt tea mug. 😉🫖</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIOs5Yi_YXak2ZrwPVvrc_Aiye4MVC4_X1qMdJ-mJziNdcJr24-_Mz25kdXua9MNGVqYWB8tfdvK3Ja_PkrAO9njlUcTDf5BdyfaUVDp1mmoO2MKJI69mnhO1e6m9KeJc8OhyphenhyphenZayG2kpVBP5t1hDNGQt03z0sGVAPEF5DvW3RINjSXEhzGNYzK_5eeh0/s4032/20240129_174238734_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIOs5Yi_YXak2ZrwPVvrc_Aiye4MVC4_X1qMdJ-mJziNdcJr24-_Mz25kdXua9MNGVqYWB8tfdvK3Ja_PkrAO9njlUcTDf5BdyfaUVDp1mmoO2MKJI69mnhO1e6m9KeJc8OhyphenhyphenZayG2kpVBP5t1hDNGQt03z0sGVAPEF5DvW3RINjSXEhzGNYzK_5eeh0/w640-h480/20240129_174238734_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Little White House, FDR's chair and table near the fireplace.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>But, the real treasure lies up the hill to the Little White House, which is flanked by two other buildings: a guest house and staff quarters. </p><p>What struck me when first entering the Little White House was how unpretentious the living space is. Not to say it doesn't have charm, but it's found in the well-structured wood beams and floors, the stone fireplace and the natural beauty of finely crafted furniture as opposed to, say, multiple crystal chandeliers and gilt-covered everything. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN4wRYVnoz2CmMtD99kvxDPqXMIlCeKsJUEkPvKmfW1apG27o9F6MeLkcMXhzYxKPBXI3rDthfGt533cBbiR2q03E_-X0wtTgR1E3-CbHZEQzmya1uUfuZKtgpZKyaUlhb9hjdWbrTRHnp1aIKEXt4aFA4kG5FfoLgOImxYoYty2xbkjD1K4UFV4cOTQ/s4032/20240129_175319355_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN4wRYVnoz2CmMtD99kvxDPqXMIlCeKsJUEkPvKmfW1apG27o9F6MeLkcMXhzYxKPBXI3rDthfGt533cBbiR2q03E_-X0wtTgR1E3-CbHZEQzmya1uUfuZKtgpZKyaUlhb9hjdWbrTRHnp1aIKEXt4aFA4kG5FfoLgOImxYoYty2xbkjD1K4UFV4cOTQ/s320/20240129_175319355_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back deck overlooking woods</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWaxs8d08152plakpKBVJKLa1tZEI8o9qSSrVOrfIlUlpokySk8gBNGaFZfMbbQ7BXozqgSCAZtZRW4ELen0VZvWvSebBD0TidnstT-cZDqXyPZaHJ2zVDcJXraz98CGdxKgvua3hQ_zuKEGUQ79p66gI5TQWea8FyAQnWe5t9f9bBz8OOmcfVHiYopoA" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWaxs8d08152plakpKBVJKLa1tZEI8o9qSSrVOrfIlUlpokySk8gBNGaFZfMbbQ7BXozqgSCAZtZRW4ELen0VZvWvSebBD0TidnstT-cZDqXyPZaHJ2zVDcJXraz98CGdxKgvua3hQ_zuKEGUQ79p66gI5TQWea8FyAQnWe5t9f9bBz8OOmcfVHiYopoA" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret service spot</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>One of our guides explained that the architect for the Little White House did have a more luxurious design in mind, but FDR insisted on a residence that reflected more of its environs. </p><p>It was at the Little White House where Roosevelt put together many of the Depression-area programs that were part of the New Deal. Inspired by the community of Warm Springs, he continued to push for improvements for those not born of privilege. In fact, when first arriving in Warm Springs, he was shocked to learn that residents in this area paid four times the amount for electricity that he paid in his home in New York. </p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkPqDyo67zifsxYkZ0I6blV-zMkjZ6ZIuff8pC6Wh2DbZOS8KvnMpwxyGni_177sm54xWfExZMAiNXlL2glxIeiLeSsZ6HoqMwedw3egpX0fxbrKYMtBfO5fIEgnJ6bocrUlrI1n5LfXfk0MzwRglk8TQm_iYWZQvdIyrD4TRfeBIRIetxKddrxOvyKM/s4032/20240129_175353227_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkPqDyo67zifsxYkZ0I6blV-zMkjZ6ZIuff8pC6Wh2DbZOS8KvnMpwxyGni_177sm54xWfExZMAiNXlL2glxIeiLeSsZ6HoqMwedw3egpX0fxbrKYMtBfO5fIEgnJ6bocrUlrI1n5LfXfk0MzwRglk8TQm_iYWZQvdIyrD4TRfeBIRIetxKddrxOvyKM/s320/20240129_175353227_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FDR's bedroom, no plush furnishings</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU5QUM-XN2G1iq6_SL6nNhC-8gdBaE0ol0uWiwRnLONd1fZ28RZ21tFTLR0KsWd0QETgstfOquHZEoLJrwPmAhdiryR0cdd1hm7BqcXN5V2fo-LdnFuwB3j-uYS92puqgbbgpSN7I6HSYcFB9VCnzvNm25e0YSz02m5OmIaXAThivGTJrAzKWrWXugv0/s4032/20240129_175419217_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU5QUM-XN2G1iq6_SL6nNhC-8gdBaE0ol0uWiwRnLONd1fZ28RZ21tFTLR0KsWd0QETgstfOquHZEoLJrwPmAhdiryR0cdd1hm7BqcXN5V2fo-LdnFuwB3j-uYS92puqgbbgpSN7I6HSYcFB9VCnzvNm25e0YSz02m5OmIaXAThivGTJrAzKWrWXugv0/w275-h206/20240129_175419217_iOS.heic" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom between bedrooms.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>While there is much to celebrate that occurred at Warm Springs, it was also where tragedy struck. On April 12, 1945, FDR died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the Little White House, not long after returning from Yalta. Sadly, after all his dedication and commitment to peace, he did not live to see the official end of WW II. </p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkymrsqTzLaXvEpe2RSb3m2-LpXCogs2TLyIEBxf8AbyZ9RW6aIJzZeXIrEb-EJzxGdTCNrNTbGItVTi2DlykwuvwQBPRnC5DFFOQ7CmPAE_d5szUVHae2F6fj44OBSywY1KTdKG9JA2Ki_Lzilhou1Z8c-fv0-aFf4kNHUZmEVgMF3KqpKmgVr5kJZk/s4032/20240129_180109405_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkymrsqTzLaXvEpe2RSb3m2-LpXCogs2TLyIEBxf8AbyZ9RW6aIJzZeXIrEb-EJzxGdTCNrNTbGItVTi2DlykwuvwQBPRnC5DFFOQ7CmPAE_d5szUVHae2F6fj44OBSywY1KTdKG9JA2Ki_Lzilhou1Z8c-fv0-aFf4kNHUZmEVgMF3KqpKmgVr5kJZk/w400-h300/20240129_180109405_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "unfinished portrait" on display.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhsMKCRNmXRp4r0vKZvO-chXlQPVjgCZNJ_42tYnpelnf4oVqDJDpr57A7VoRbihSEOcz8D2ijurG78QKd_rUmUkPUFgyPh5_VBaBYv1eF7hHXbVn6xjpqrL-kWxibD3SCWNQfpY8SutMrrj-m-C66f4n9Opr6zsaCA1S1Ro8eQgqPcEi7yZULE1F5OY/s4032/20240129_180211418_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhsMKCRNmXRp4r0vKZvO-chXlQPVjgCZNJ_42tYnpelnf4oVqDJDpr57A7VoRbihSEOcz8D2ijurG78QKd_rUmUkPUFgyPh5_VBaBYv1eF7hHXbVn6xjpqrL-kWxibD3SCWNQfpY8SutMrrj-m-C66f4n9Opr6zsaCA1S1Ro8eQgqPcEi7yZULE1F5OY/w166-h222/20240129_180211418_iOS.heic" width="166" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos capture FDR.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Just before his death, Roosevelt was having his presidential portrait painted. The "unfinished portrait" is on display in the Legacy room, part of the museum. Next to the portrait that most of us would recognize immediately from history books and other FDR references, there are photos of what he truly looked like at the time. At only 62, he looks much older and more frail. As our guide noted, the artist's portrayal of the thirty second president was truly a gift to FDR and his family.</p><p>Visiting the Little White House was an amazing and incredibly interesting experience. After our afternoon immersion in Warm Springs, we concluded that even if this historic venue had taken us off our direct route home for a few hours, it was worth every minute. A piece of history, so grand in ways we don't typically define as such, it makes one appreciate even more what today's holiday is honoring.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyp127Gzt-rfzTTmUDO5BWVzpk3SKOiAC-wI-qJTYXkApWFJ8t_mz4Udv3XabJ4Qx04Eani5nEKtkxr2Zesbq2rufat_531yJJ4X4HoG1lNrjUxuSCaMIzsVHSkoG6fIrJZAj6ShQTJXj4kBJ8GGFKVElmk_zYYnp8wQ3K755ozqUlndItX58SvB5skM/s4032/20240129_181349623_iOS.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyp127Gzt-rfzTTmUDO5BWVzpk3SKOiAC-wI-qJTYXkApWFJ8t_mz4Udv3XabJ4Qx04Eani5nEKtkxr2Zesbq2rufat_531yJJ4X4HoG1lNrjUxuSCaMIzsVHSkoG6fIrJZAj6ShQTJXj4kBJ8GGFKVElmk_zYYnp8wQ3K755ozqUlndItX58SvB5skM/w480-h640/20240129_181349623_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little White House with Eleanor tea and mug, purchased at the gift shop</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>As I drink my Orange Pekoe, I raise my Eleanor Roosevelt tea mug to many of our President's (and First Lady's) who take on the task of running the country. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqMnp53yh3ERFHw32gxXJWucCux5ENM9-8gP76Wb1xpKg2a-zXrAOHF36WPvMCPVvved2gBQ9kxqtovqPgSnoZFCWx-QMYlaj92uuvCaGu-gpIM4vic24L6njzJ3Tzw3TWlzLwns8kMRNOVmLYj_c2l4WVB9-e9uTwHSv8hfdtABBeRy0gfQfloWWTntk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqMnp53yh3ERFHw32gxXJWucCux5ENM9-8gP76Wb1xpKg2a-zXrAOHF36WPvMCPVvved2gBQ9kxqtovqPgSnoZFCWx-QMYlaj92uuvCaGu-gpIM4vic24L6njzJ3Tzw3TWlzLwns8kMRNOVmLYj_c2l4WVB9-e9uTwHSv8hfdtABBeRy0gfQfloWWTntk=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyde Park with Rachel, 2015. More presidential sites to visit in the future!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>I also am once again inspired to get back to more visits of Presidential homes and libraries. To date, I've only visited seven sites, for six presidents: Mount Vernon, the Hermitage, the Gerald Ford Museum, the McKinnley Museum and tomb, Taft's home and for Franklin Roosevelt both the FDR home and library in Hyde Park and, most recently, the Little White House. </p><p>I'm thinking we'll "off-road" a bit more in the future. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-81333895489238777422024-02-15T18:27:00.010-05:002024-02-16T09:01:22.167-05:00Bridgerton Tea at Bloomfield Township Public Library: Barb's Tea Service was delighted to be back, serving and "spilling" the tea on Regency -era Romance!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jLDLY7J8DmWZPNwpQgHJ5UarvbhaOETgmh2LQcbmAqi49NCvaonw3ExUOcin2mARDSO3hZCHTXbHwdq3ApNpyw4hTUpvQe8wbNvZ2bA3ERnTVfHUttms5dvxNVkOBG_yRqNgeRf9XTyPMvSbAI3Zy8QgbLz5hepU5wCnHpg4HgrLNouGqvt9kvFCnsk/s1434/20240213_182114657_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1434" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jLDLY7J8DmWZPNwpQgHJ5UarvbhaOETgmh2LQcbmAqi49NCvaonw3ExUOcin2mARDSO3hZCHTXbHwdq3ApNpyw4hTUpvQe8wbNvZ2bA3ERnTVfHUttms5dvxNVkOBG_yRqNgeRf9XTyPMvSbAI3Zy8QgbLz5hepU5wCnHpg4HgrLNouGqvt9kvFCnsk/w640-h552/20240213_182114657_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb's Tea Service served - & spilled - the tea on Bridgerton at Bloomfield Twp. Library Valentine's Eve</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Barb's Tea Service was delighted to be back at Bloomfield Township Public Library celebrating romance and romance stories, most specifically, "Bridgerton" - most appropriately on Valentine's Day Eve.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb-kpn1Zh311s7kY3NkpPeJcIKT8-8gI62iqM-5eWJCMNY-h_oEjjQ-y2-sV2Ca9Hu3gEL4UfgRZq2exg4jp5Nmr_2ewM1EsTCunaseQ2Na5v9WNpOHdRRIGpbY6oKgGp-SmkTWwgGM-tKH1zjzuNBYIkT3NLlTYbqf3oMIqRA2Xii3gX4hVaJXLCm8xU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="216" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb-kpn1Zh311s7kY3NkpPeJcIKT8-8gI62iqM-5eWJCMNY-h_oEjjQ-y2-sV2Ca9Hu3gEL4UfgRZq2exg4jp5Nmr_2ewM1EsTCunaseQ2Na5v9WNpOHdRRIGpbY6oKgGp-SmkTWwgGM-tKH1zjzuNBYIkT3NLlTYbqf3oMIqRA2Xii3gX4hVaJXLCm8xU=w270-h400" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooke H. with Barb and Pam of BTS</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the invite of Brooke Hoskins, Assistant Department Head, Adult Services, who turned the library's meeting room into a lovely tearoom with tables covered in white linens, topped with pastel floral arrangements, place cards and vintage china, BTS served up Twinings tea and dished on Bridgerton - novels and Netflix series.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8d_kcNXeg3EsDQP7uzJhYTBrl_LzHUpEqfXJuT7Xp68mNI-rwlzI3d0siqNDhWfNR8FofGAvxeg3g1kQ8IIg_tnScQ5G6m6JnNOhVRvqXGE5uvKDrYel7CTr5BeR2qrlOS74Snd5FQUWEpGjZ2jM3zMnVCjWetvKhu_YtEqDDgUMtDOuovWN8ErB6etI" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="280" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8d_kcNXeg3EsDQP7uzJhYTBrl_LzHUpEqfXJuT7Xp68mNI-rwlzI3d0siqNDhWfNR8FofGAvxeg3g1kQ8IIg_tnScQ5G6m6JnNOhVRvqXGE5uvKDrYel7CTr5BeR2qrlOS74Snd5FQUWEpGjZ2jM3zMnVCjWetvKhu_YtEqDDgUMtDOuovWN8ErB6etI=w298-h224" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bloomfield Twp. Library-turned-tearoom</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fttaoNm42buBLXAcwfta6gUB6KNS6_1f33v3eZlEbqXhYa2NAYxE5CMoQGgQyR3RfTeFF2OQGHAWIc4y_Yc4wb5A4IQOMpMRJNc6mtwZc_qUy1ugcHI4xSBGBgDplHVp50U3eCAu3q_kXSg3S3eBkHEKBz7-eBYS2C2Jnoal1Eh3mrOr5Bbqy0exVqM/s1113/Bridgerton%20cards.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1113" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fttaoNm42buBLXAcwfta6gUB6KNS6_1f33v3eZlEbqXhYa2NAYxE5CMoQGgQyR3RfTeFF2OQGHAWIc4y_Yc4wb5A4IQOMpMRJNc6mtwZc_qUy1ugcHI4xSBGBgDplHVp50U3eCAu3q_kXSg3S3eBkHEKBz7-eBYS2C2Jnoal1Eh3mrOr5Bbqy0exVqM/w291-h219/Bridgerton%20cards.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tables were topped with flowers and place cards</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were thrilled to see a "booked solid" (with a waiting list!) room full of wonderful guests with a number of familiar faces, including tea friend, Carol M.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRom3Vb3FkkFxEMgcRaI068equ-VAQ7_M7NWB10BP-EuD_kQ_-CWacYkBiId56iIviAEjwxcd96_FOfFSj6DAOCvihQEMJUneapks-PXsZWiU-qNAeYWdFKPh6PkfMXs3QPR1dfF0zewRofHII8XEBOerkgmhY9JhHpsuUUQh0vT6wt_vWu9IF1S7HK_I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="254" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRom3Vb3FkkFxEMgcRaI068equ-VAQ7_M7NWB10BP-EuD_kQ_-CWacYkBiId56iIviAEjwxcd96_FOfFSj6DAOCvihQEMJUneapks-PXsZWiU-qNAeYWdFKPh6PkfMXs3QPR1dfF0zewRofHII8XEBOerkgmhY9JhHpsuUUQh0vT6wt_vWu9IF1S7HK_I" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bridgerton Tea was "booked solid".</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Hdkjv41720vY0Hfh3rAVKa0WeQOJwnanPZlgzaarstuc_d9qb4B_UpwTqxfNfSvMtQhJkt32ZR7JttQc8vgz4VTEanmMs03l0VWjQwgM2PQGffnaCYrArku2AXYtYXwXecqjpMGSHJ_-oXnw1wDidjKh4JCzvbC99ovlnhLfQFW3JcyTcZOqL3fZXMM/s3531/Bloomfield%20library%20full%20group.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2321" data-original-width="3531" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Hdkjv41720vY0Hfh3rAVKa0WeQOJwnanPZlgzaarstuc_d9qb4B_UpwTqxfNfSvMtQhJkt32ZR7JttQc8vgz4VTEanmMs03l0VWjQwgM2PQGffnaCYrArku2AXYtYXwXecqjpMGSHJ_-oXnw1wDidjKh4JCzvbC99ovlnhLfQFW3JcyTcZOqL3fZXMM/s320/Bloomfield%20library%20full%20group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests enjoying tea and tea treats before tea talk.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">(While BTS supplied tea cups, many attendees brought their own. Sandra showed us her very special porcelain cup from China. She was among one of the first groups to visit China when tourism was opened to foreigners in the 1970's). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrRuMLBiGgPO3tKTmgYvZcnOkRF0hxfZg-NpH2jwngsdUhRw19fWSHPesd0zon17tFTupl92b64rJ0Cfa-sWH1_-c5zCN-6eRTg_fnMS5osbT0P_l-zmIins2eh_rYagZN-PE07tMRoGxQ2Gzrb_4Nr2PpGLIGplEow_kzoYVs-ey02JNvPmv9QdCIqc/s4032/20240213_201626913_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrRuMLBiGgPO3tKTmgYvZcnOkRF0hxfZg-NpH2jwngsdUhRw19fWSHPesd0zon17tFTupl92b64rJ0Cfa-sWH1_-c5zCN-6eRTg_fnMS5osbT0P_l-zmIins2eh_rYagZN-PE07tMRoGxQ2Gzrb_4Nr2PpGLIGplEow_kzoYVs-ey02JNvPmv9QdCIqc/s320/20240213_201626913_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandra shows off her special tea cup from China</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In addition to "spilling the tea" on a variety of Bridgerton topics, we shared slides from our recent visit to Bath, England where we had a personal tour of Bridgerton filming sites. BTS also provided each guest with their own heart-shaped fan for use at their next ball (or heatwave). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX9tap4sZp_fe52hEK7NNbsV0AUUGVzongu3Q9MXvPGg80kueSCyk1ecOBsMcl59CCeyT_smRBQQSJ3Zx2vRl-H3FomNAXDR8YQWqLoq9fSZcrhIWruOZ_2XNqFkq84SzpLOcJmidcu36dEIP3a7F5-ef1NH4sIdIx8z5TFzqFLpkspsG_a6T1SRPLFFY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="184" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX9tap4sZp_fe52hEK7NNbsV0AUUGVzongu3Q9MXvPGg80kueSCyk1ecOBsMcl59CCeyT_smRBQQSJ3Zx2vRl-H3FomNAXDR8YQWqLoq9fSZcrhIWruOZ_2XNqFkq84SzpLOcJmidcu36dEIP3a7F5-ef1NH4sIdIx8z5TFzqFLpkspsG_a6T1SRPLFFY=w210-h280" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour of Bridgerton -Bath, England</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigScIE5TUY3_0Wclm7mFq_K1ChjDxveS5ugpZF9EI3q1d_qiByaM78DLVtLMo3pwsPIjUCV2UZ3Y2h9xyA6N6GsPtXoNJjCq8iFaaUPHvYOM_ONZ2phcEmqLs2pydK7XvNl07qExoC0aaDMrxZqtkslJNTn0DKyqdXeamAw_2BVLNCGuwXNNyocowE0BY/s4032/20240213_202554448_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigScIE5TUY3_0Wclm7mFq_K1ChjDxveS5ugpZF9EI3q1d_qiByaM78DLVtLMo3pwsPIjUCV2UZ3Y2h9xyA6N6GsPtXoNJjCq8iFaaUPHvYOM_ONZ2phcEmqLs2pydK7XvNl07qExoC0aaDMrxZqtkslJNTn0DKyqdXeamAw_2BVLNCGuwXNNyocowE0BY/w273-h205/20240213_202554448_iOS.heic" width="273" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great to see our tea friend, Carol M.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We also hinted a "sneak peek" into the next issue of TeaTime Magazine (there's amazing content in every issue). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI24EYxmcLWmWjR9iunkVId2yO3F8ED4BudNi8-_xbuvk1g89dx5H4Jjvb0w6Q06P543RuCxTicYeKImnc9hDpWhu5_D38tn5D8LGrfC03DdI6fYTvKzNsUSYH-pF6NkUPlKLPMPVuvOzMiME2G7yJraoKD4FBmdZvymslfcMxaWJR_LF8ddBSRKA9qDM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI24EYxmcLWmWjR9iunkVId2yO3F8ED4BudNi8-_xbuvk1g89dx5H4Jjvb0w6Q06P543RuCxTicYeKImnc9hDpWhu5_D38tn5D8LGrfC03DdI6fYTvKzNsUSYH-pF6NkUPlKLPMPVuvOzMiME2G7yJraoKD4FBmdZvymslfcMxaWJR_LF8ddBSRKA9qDM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BTS provided fans for guests, shared slides from our Bridgerton's tour of Bath & talked TeaTime Mag.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">BTS thoroughly enjoyed our Bridgerton Tea with both guests and venue that are near and dear to our heart - Valentine's Day or any day! 💓🫖📕</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><br /><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-76138522369826436622024-01-31T21:10:00.003-05:002024-02-02T10:25:55.757-05:00Buc-ee's! The dazzling southern travel stop experience: everything from soup to nuts and scones to brisket!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuvID1lfOavqphmZOuYOqbP7ipvJ1XHQkTq5kwLbbJHRu795o8tcfvBHVO3kNEwW-rOl9IwkeBo8SF-3PLSvN7bpHgHFP8AoVLx0ucNuhjkpiYb72f4CV6Auqm4G2fB9WW2G75vFUxKST5-4tIRyJqKbp11up2Cbo1RUBqCHzYKsWUTnVg0VYr4qfPOg/s1920/Buc%20-%20beaver%20statue.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuvID1lfOavqphmZOuYOqbP7ipvJ1XHQkTq5kwLbbJHRu795o8tcfvBHVO3kNEwW-rOl9IwkeBo8SF-3PLSvN7bpHgHFP8AoVLx0ucNuhjkpiYb72f4CV6Auqm4G2fB9WW2G75vFUxKST5-4tIRyJqKbp11up2Cbo1RUBqCHzYKsWUTnVg0VYr4qfPOg/w480-h640/Buc%20-%20beaver%20statue.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first stop at Buc-ee's will not be our last!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>What would you call a highway rest stop that serves up pulled pork sandwiches, scones and kolches as well as adorable logo merchandise and home decor in a football field-sized store that sparkles from entry to exit? Some may say it could only be a dream, but we know it is real and its name is <a href="https://buc-ees.com/">Buc-ee's</a>.</p><p>For the month of January, my husband, Chris, and I drove south, parking for two weeks in central Florida, but making many stops on the way down as well as on our return home to Michigan. We toured the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach and the "Little White House" in Warm Springs, Georgia (btw, all future blogs, so please, "stay tuned"!), leaving room for some unexpected adventures . That's where a bit of, as we at Barb's Tea Service like to call "serindipi-tea" came to us via social media from good friends, Tim and Joni, who were on their own southern road trip. En route home, we caught their latest post - a morning stop and selfie at "Buc-ee's" in northern Florida. We've followed their lead to fancy masquerade balls and grand theater, so we knew they were on to something special. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4iDdRdOESE_IQLvfs_jvI19FN_VJm9T0O3mKo-BmSzMDr956K6SAZbG8Kl5QlVINQVTvMvqpIvQX76OsqggWFffqm5KMFOGo1qQWFIMBaOU1JzbUOtzPWl3E0DETykiM-M6GkYZYN45TcuxkSWbshQ8tnMgmloULwTuCVJ3xMF5KopBUymAg3-Iq4oU/s1339/Buc%20Richmond.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1339" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4iDdRdOESE_IQLvfs_jvI19FN_VJm9T0O3mKo-BmSzMDr956K6SAZbG8Kl5QlVINQVTvMvqpIvQX76OsqggWFffqm5KMFOGo1qQWFIMBaOU1JzbUOtzPWl3E0DETykiM-M6GkYZYN45TcuxkSWbshQ8tnMgmloULwTuCVJ3xMF5KopBUymAg3-Iq4oU/w302-h290/Buc%20Richmond.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serendipi-tea brought us to highway wonderland</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5Nim_x5ZphHupZb0bwwXxwQKnV_1kIATHcFVqltg-5ARYBcaFgy5uLwXp-b-nt4oInjQY6Q4nvWshn4ry25OKyvzCsxKMKzm940y9iii2O-Mf0tDmq1fHNiPwPFRRNBAgcq4rqFo7QF09GCp3lkFKLluQMZB0Z64zsCimtsXGgAmwS1JUbDZS0GKseQo" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="320" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5Nim_x5ZphHupZb0bwwXxwQKnV_1kIATHcFVqltg-5ARYBcaFgy5uLwXp-b-nt4oInjQY6Q4nvWshn4ry25OKyvzCsxKMKzm940y9iii2O-Mf0tDmq1fHNiPwPFRRNBAgcq4rqFo7QF09GCp3lkFKLluQMZB0Z64zsCimtsXGgAmwS1JUbDZS0GKseQo=w287-h225" width="287" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All signs point to Buc-ee's</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Shortly after our friends enticing notification, good fortune and great timing came our way as we saw billboards popping up for a Buc-ee's just off I-75 in Richmond, Kentucky. It was destiny and we were not disappointed.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIKIucIR9oJ-TQshyDy8-17K6p6G64SRTRQLfpZPCOdRH4RrTFJJItmWCuRUK4-52jWvKk72XkyqaHYAUjiUdWUdaS1ZAArqmd0vppblzwHVk3Q55INBlsg81b8p7fqpJRisEbAXz4SJnV3i-Q-IkoOOIHxMM4-F7Pe_bdtd0440IOMpuOnNxJQmzjuU/s4032/20230121_225513340_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIKIucIR9oJ-TQshyDy8-17K6p6G64SRTRQLfpZPCOdRH4RrTFJJItmWCuRUK4-52jWvKk72XkyqaHYAUjiUdWUdaS1ZAArqmd0vppblzwHVk3Q55INBlsg81b8p7fqpJRisEbAXz4SJnV3i-Q-IkoOOIHxMM4-F7Pe_bdtd0440IOMpuOnNxJQmzjuU/w300-h400/20230121_225513340_iOS.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fashionable friends never steer us wrong!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>A recent article in <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/11/22/why-are-buccees-gas-stations-so-popular/71342752007/">USA today (November, 2023 - also listed on Buc-ee's website)</a>, explains the Buc-ee's attraction. First, they have award-winning restrooms. And, yes, that's one of the reasons we made the stop. I can say from personal experience, the bathrooms really are divine - extremely clean and actually, kind of glamorous, with vanity-style sinks and lighted mirrors. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBriGEj0aQ1f9DpUBnRQ-G1xb3NT-FQBq7jOoRXPCBbQk1btKQKR2pCePhEWJCWfS-WyEMxg_YxXwWThvPN9v8ci69sk-DLEb05mUKe0DNMLeQrFRuxJpu3iRAJCHvlMGJW_RDieg9wr0WUD1WE8KbNDImx3ySOMJwxuFUgg5T74XapMJTO5HBV1h5yRk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBriGEj0aQ1f9DpUBnRQ-G1xb3NT-FQBq7jOoRXPCBbQk1btKQKR2pCePhEWJCWfS-WyEMxg_YxXwWThvPN9v8ci69sk-DLEb05mUKe0DNMLeQrFRuxJpu3iRAJCHvlMGJW_RDieg9wr0WUD1WE8KbNDImx3ySOMJwxuFUgg5T74XapMJTO5HBV1h5yRk" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our own Buc-ee's selfie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>Then, there's the incredible variety of food: breakfast tacos, brisket sandwiches, packaged salads and a high end bakery that offers not only the aforementioned scones and kolaches (sweet and savory!), but, lemon bars, cinnamon rolls, muffins and cookies. And, from our small sampling, all were tasty and very satisfying.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2avFM9hFq-1kFGqURRzB37RiGpq250ST6S_7HYTg9xotKIvH1nmbYV3Iq53w_4hmUCLSIZ58QwQTKLmiCVY5M8ObUxHcHNwSWf3qVeevESlJgAl4mhC5eSv6kmA8wlURDAcfSLgDJa1NgGYiU_5PRAI4GcdBOTnGfyoA_S_zoQiBompwbm6M6uXUH1w/s1920/Buc%20pastries%20kolche.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2avFM9hFq-1kFGqURRzB37RiGpq250ST6S_7HYTg9xotKIvH1nmbYV3Iq53w_4hmUCLSIZ58QwQTKLmiCVY5M8ObUxHcHNwSWf3qVeevESlJgAl4mhC5eSv6kmA8wlURDAcfSLgDJa1NgGYiU_5PRAI4GcdBOTnGfyoA_S_zoQiBompwbm6M6uXUH1w/w400-h300/Buc%20pastries%20kolche.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a sample of Buc-ee's bakery.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>They also have a wide selection of fudge that looked scrumptious (we'll save a few things for our next visit).</p><p>If we had had more time, I would have loved to have browsed through their home decor section and perhaps, picked up one of the adorable plush Buc-ee's mini mascots or the cliche, but still desirable, T-shirt.</p><p>Another lure, although we had almost a full tank when we arrived in Richmond so didn't take advantage of, is their low gas prices and plentiful pumps. </p><p>We were curious as to Buc-ee's history, which is also on their website. Buc-ee's is the creation of Arch, "Beaver", Aplin III, who grew up in Texas and worked in his grandfather's general store. Two years after graduating from Texas A & M in 1980, he opened his first convenience store in his home state. Almost twenty years later, the first super-sized Buc-ee's opened and now there are forty-three scattered across Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJnQNxnD0H0KYVTXaLXtK1C4YVRDnvyQVcUkhebvJ_2UVMod0G9T_nl2wZ5Ti-G9ICs2WbfDuyGpPTv61e3fX30WerQ5L2h_Q80Ox6GQ0SQJVO4RrWtMmidLLgOvIRHy7nLuwku3bHBnYJzuOJnjXjKd8fTCvHwBZCvTd7RKldhy4UBV3nmqqWqyNoZY/s1920/Buc%20tea%20time%20scones.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJnQNxnD0H0KYVTXaLXtK1C4YVRDnvyQVcUkhebvJ_2UVMod0G9T_nl2wZ5Ti-G9ICs2WbfDuyGpPTv61e3fX30WerQ5L2h_Q80Ox6GQ0SQJVO4RrWtMmidLLgOvIRHy7nLuwku3bHBnYJzuOJnjXjKd8fTCvHwBZCvTd7RKldhy4UBV3nmqqWqyNoZY/w640-h480/Buc%20tea%20time%20scones.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buc-ee's has the perfect blend of classic and sweet and savory. Just like a great afternoon tea!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Although our first Buc-ee's experience has us longing to go back, it will take some planning. The closest location to Detroit is the Richmond, Kentucky location, which is over a five-hour drive. There are a number of new Buc-ee's in development, including Huber Heights, Ohio. While that would shorten our trek by two hours, it's noted that those in the "planning stage" will take several years to be completed.</p><p>So, like many good things in life, for the time being, for us, Buc-ee's will be an experience to seek and savor when we're visiting states well south of Michigan. </p><p>In the meantime, we'll enjoy a Buc-ee's tea time with our take-out sweets and savories. </p><p>For more Buc-ee's tea time, see Barb's Tea Service's most recent video on YouTube (and subscribe while you're there!) </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyBmpisudgs&t=8s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyBmpisudgs&t=8s</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqulqwLXWhvZ1tWc9xVQcqa5xINFHtyWlBust2SXu4OnJqcn3ZnnRuGgHnbPe8pLydJaT2T7WtEU9ziJtcuESTfAf1d93Qh9LG9-4uY_mG1uhu-o-J1woMJ3YHm9RoS_gQgCcTQq6K8Q9E5lwAy80oXddoYx_WgAFn5ssJlaaJDV1_qlizOfOeo9rHe0/s1898/Buc-ees%20BTS%20video%20title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1898" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqulqwLXWhvZ1tWc9xVQcqa5xINFHtyWlBust2SXu4OnJqcn3ZnnRuGgHnbPe8pLydJaT2T7WtEU9ziJtcuESTfAf1d93Qh9LG9-4uY_mG1uhu-o-J1woMJ3YHm9RoS_gQgCcTQq6K8Q9E5lwAy80oXddoYx_WgAFn5ssJlaaJDV1_qlizOfOeo9rHe0/s320/Buc-ees%20BTS%20video%20title.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-34895772499971240172024-01-20T13:54:00.019-05:002024-03-14T19:08:04.022-04:00What's In, What's Out for 2024: Barb's Tea Service weighs "in" on what's hot and cold for the new year. <p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttRlBHdSc3KB-XM-mG-qMlOjmozWxFM8SpRtwUXbCtu2vJ9sqMGKH1bT32Tx3tlmXAa65MxCtHtfnH660WQDpCf2utQGwh268e12I0d-ZJKCaDWBLrFkvhqbG2i_T2MCv1xoc1X1PjF-LY2YKii3JeQNuxZk0O4wdWhwNR2t2V3Qu-6L9M6Z3bleclyU/s4032/20240111_140718936_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttRlBHdSc3KB-XM-mG-qMlOjmozWxFM8SpRtwUXbCtu2vJ9sqMGKH1bT32Tx3tlmXAa65MxCtHtfnH660WQDpCf2utQGwh268e12I0d-ZJKCaDWBLrFkvhqbG2i_T2MCv1xoc1X1PjF-LY2YKii3JeQNuxZk0O4wdWhwNR2t2V3Qu-6L9M6Z3bleclyU/w640-h480/20240111_140718936_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedgwood: a favorite of both BTS and Jane Austen. We're never sad with our Wedgwood blues.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>It may be self-validating or just an affinity for an annual activity that has ebbed more than flowed in recent years, but, we at BTS are thrilled to see that In/Out lists are, in fact, "in". As reported last week in the New York Times, (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/03/style/new-year-in-out-lists.html">What's 'In' in 2024? In-and-Out Lists, Apparently</a>), there has been a resurgence of media sources who opine on what's trending for the new year and what should be left behind in the old. </p><p>Although Barb's Tea Shop blog was not cited in the NYT article, we are comforted in the knowledge that we have been on the verge of a trend for over a decade. BTS began its In/Out list at the end of 2010, pooling from a variety of industry experts as well tapping into our own keen sense (or is that non-sense?) of all things fashionable. </p><p>With newfound support and a host of things to share, BTS, once again, offers up what it sees coming and going in 2024.</p><p><b><u><i><span style="font-size: medium;">In and Out 2024</span></i></u></b>:</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>In</i>:</b> <b><u>Recluttering</u></b>. A term coined in a Washington Post article last November and featured in the newspaper's In/Out list for 2024. It's defined as a "celebration of your stuff - stuff that you just want to hold on to, stuff that makes you happy, stuff that makes you feel nostalgic for a moment, a memory, or a loved one". That pretty much describes/gives justification to most of BTS' "ins". But style experts caution - recluttering isn't a "free for all". One must find balance.</p><p></p><p><b><i>Out</i></b>: <b><u>Clutter</u></b>. Of course and once again. We feel there's progress made with the case for recluttering. We'll take the win.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivp41S0DNbroXTvlDh69xbXbIq4rj4dkz2YIl3o5YpOejkZywo9jTOVjn2Ar56Ph0BnZ5CMsH-JrXULJ3K8H4yjw972gR045ezkSa6QTNmwDgw78cqbmK_uBmkKBuLL57Mjj323XJ2fFXoBk9IU8Mqw8g9z8LZ0CJOGGOYOxG9ySUL-znv8ogWr4a8ukk" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivp41S0DNbroXTvlDh69xbXbIq4rj4dkz2YIl3o5YpOejkZywo9jTOVjn2Ar56Ph0BnZ5CMsH-JrXULJ3K8H4yjw972gR045ezkSa6QTNmwDgw78cqbmK_uBmkKBuLL57Mjj323XJ2fFXoBk9IU8Mqw8g9z8LZ0CJOGGOYOxG9ySUL-znv8ogWr4a8ukk=w364-h274" width="364" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recluttering: Wedgwood Jasparware</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWWX4C1acC4hM7r8rvjNMppx8ACUvoXB9lh0qRBSgOqd5BbDa2rHUbCeKONzhXirJIl-MPf5_r7nN2avEkoXGGUnUOaY9mgJX0un6V7zVpqhn7kjjiTKpUUVeBDAghF8dgpvRGw9saW4FcHS8HPLenexwa6xuQKg-8uCUQjCFn80KNmgR7y_5kLqxkiVc" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWWX4C1acC4hM7r8rvjNMppx8ACUvoXB9lh0qRBSgOqd5BbDa2rHUbCeKONzhXirJIl-MPf5_r7nN2avEkoXGGUnUOaY9mgJX0un6V7zVpqhn7kjjiTKpUUVeBDAghF8dgpvRGw9saW4FcHS8HPLenexwa6xuQKg-8uCUQjCFn80KNmgR7y_5kLqxkiVc=w229-h306" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two trends unite. Barbie & Wedgwood</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b><i>In</i></b>: <b><u>Wedgwood </u></b> A classic. BTS has been a collector for decades, finding great company with impressive loyal fans such as Jane Austen. With recent additions of jasperware plates and an equally impressive reference tome, we're never sad when we get the Wedgwood blues. (<i>see also: Barbies, see also: recluttering</i>)</p><p><b><i>Out</i></b>: <b><u>Butter crocks</u></b>. We dodged this failed trend by, we must confess, not knowing it existed. According to the New York Times, "What will life be like in 2024?" (January 1, 2024), butter crocks did not get the traction predicted for 2023. A quick check on the "internets" found, there was, indeed, some support for butter crocks invading last year's kitchens. <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-butter-keepers-crocks-5180289">The Spruce Eats</a>, in March of 2023, recommended eight butter keepers with the tagline, "never struggle with cold, crumbly butter again". Apparently, the struggle was not real (enough).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0PBlPLJyWyhF3GXv-bXcCmR2IoPnxTgRwKTlRZ8htByyTJk12DlkY-c7LzsjVY5m-qwqB9B2VZtf3Rdir-eFPb0VWN90Pnd_-Tgyan-OLyaAjSdS97IgDbEBjrP_5TVJElqKey0gEPUvVhmUgXR0ye5jNqdmio-vDEn6XigGQ885SjFipiNbonJhhyM/s1080/Tartan%20scarf%20Barb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1080" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0PBlPLJyWyhF3GXv-bXcCmR2IoPnxTgRwKTlRZ8htByyTJk12DlkY-c7LzsjVY5m-qwqB9B2VZtf3Rdir-eFPb0VWN90Pnd_-Tgyan-OLyaAjSdS97IgDbEBjrP_5TVJElqKey0gEPUvVhmUgXR0ye5jNqdmio-vDEn6XigGQ885SjFipiNbonJhhyM/s320/Tartan%20scarf%20Barb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaid is in! Tartanry is out!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><i>In:</i></b> <b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Mad for plaid</b>: Inspired by a recent stay in Scotland, we have embraced plaid from apparel to home decor. The Princess Di plaid pattern scarf, with its soft blended hues of pinks and blues, adds a regal touch to almost any wardrobe, but we aren't stopping there. We've moved on to tartan touches in the guest bedroom and holiday tables. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBB8pMjkVormDbn1D4mmCRZprb_410URhDpeYiEmXxQvZwA7CG6t3GPRAfooiGdlf0_5cQLo5qB9viSsFoXvbqOm2quE9H5Br_oOUJSDYWZALBVUdMapiiId2M54cXXgWuoxulo_YSJpE3nRR14tyKrgmDPN78ngRyoa5R0fRNY2opqZ2i-u8A8n7_qY/s4032/20231224_222010510_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBB8pMjkVormDbn1D4mmCRZprb_410URhDpeYiEmXxQvZwA7CG6t3GPRAfooiGdlf0_5cQLo5qB9viSsFoXvbqOm2quE9H5Br_oOUJSDYWZALBVUdMapiiId2M54cXXgWuoxulo_YSJpE3nRR14tyKrgmDPN78ngRyoa5R0fRNY2opqZ2i-u8A8n7_qY/s320/20231224_222010510_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaid for the holidays!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrDxb9GsxmQUDUm-Il0HriWwbrxaPSEbEaesoTJ1jcLLJRcC6rWIbbzLu2so6x1PsqQXK4eKBokKDD_Zpj64g1E5PfPqaIi75toNGI-QNMeO6k2mnq3dzbPnFnIsyje9uzjk76IpXvq8hnRh553CZGBX4JJe9XyWqMvzderdPhHGtd5LdD34BFeHuErI/s4032/20231221_154822405_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrDxb9GsxmQUDUm-Il0HriWwbrxaPSEbEaesoTJ1jcLLJRcC6rWIbbzLu2so6x1PsqQXK4eKBokKDD_Zpj64g1E5PfPqaIi75toNGI-QNMeO6k2mnq3dzbPnFnIsyje9uzjk76IpXvq8hnRh553CZGBX4JJe9XyWqMvzderdPhHGtd5LdD34BFeHuErI/s320/20231221_154822405_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaid for the bedroom.</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Out</i></b>: <u style="font-weight: bold;">Tartanry:</u> A sentiment that fabricated tartan patterns along with a few other highly merchandised Scottish traditions are based more on marketing than long established traditions. However, after two hundred years of promo, BTS feels this can easily qualify for historic tradition. To those who hold on to this old belief, we say, put your tartanry in your bagpipe and smoke it.</p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe9UZnItiokp7SPaCVPx7vL8rFAVwg8ftNXCMRnNUrUVNoCyUJnHUOjPbteZE1PB8BHn0um1dMxKyY0i8-8Y-MTOyNJZuDIhfiIp-gT2-g9Wcla3XARpmYqnym7SJyfpmlCHX43DIeZL_Z34gvD3sa5Vp4Rv7ugjL-ZU3XTyW0Px0je043JpOEvU3sos/s4032/20231222_194919311_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe9UZnItiokp7SPaCVPx7vL8rFAVwg8ftNXCMRnNUrUVNoCyUJnHUOjPbteZE1PB8BHn0um1dMxKyY0i8-8Y-MTOyNJZuDIhfiIp-gT2-g9Wcla3XARpmYqnym7SJyfpmlCHX43DIeZL_Z34gvD3sa5Vp4Rv7ugjL-ZU3XTyW0Px0je043JpOEvU3sos/w320-h240/20231222_194919311_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridgerton, Season 3 is coming!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtz1H4RSvnGcynPsMRHD88V9sB3Xz8fJxSiXUq7HGBERSAjp5GzOk9UiSIiHtYCX7XTRboEJqFbtxzl2iT5VKZY7_W4RAaCSSKy-8H9hp06gmw7km5zjx7TOX3eknAYKSZ4t4TOSb8L2iXSWFGZWmg7jbsw7XB_LrZsZxMIR30-pcYreO_QYqhTGYJuM/s4032/20231002_095135874_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtz1H4RSvnGcynPsMRHD88V9sB3Xz8fJxSiXUq7HGBERSAjp5GzOk9UiSIiHtYCX7XTRboEJqFbtxzl2iT5VKZY7_W4RAaCSSKy-8H9hp06gmw7km5zjx7TOX3eknAYKSZ4t4TOSb8L2iXSWFGZWmg7jbsw7XB_LrZsZxMIR30-pcYreO_QYqhTGYJuM/w243-h324/20231002_095135874_iOS.heic" width="243" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridgerton in Bath, ready for our next tea.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>In:</i></b> <b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Season 3</b><b>!! </b> The third season is a "go" for both <b>Bridgerton</b> and <b>The Gilded Age</b>. The Bridgerton series is moving forward with Penelope and Colin's story in May. And, dear gentle readers, <b>BTS is launching its new season in February with a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea talk</b>. (and, of course, more Gilded Age coming to BTS, too!)<span style="background-color: white; font-family: New; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: New; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="I_ZkbNhI D_FY W_6D6F" data-test-id="message-view-body" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2228; display: table; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; outline: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; width: 882.708px; word-spacing: 0px;"><div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5" style="outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 16px;"></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBple_8p1Ggj3Nz1SlpVMhY3So2pHTHCiP6byBiCNNzXK4lTslMkvEEJHNTb1qgxBinASBt6mKTZKL7vWp9DTH3pDGLvtPKO0xtmP_rqGdhc47vLCiATD8t5mPlnIsySHC07MxAZrFDR6llbh99OD_WBbJXPuuFhX8gtqLctkkDjP76rFDSumBXMmRiI/s4032/20240111_140736515_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBple_8p1Ggj3Nz1SlpVMhY3So2pHTHCiP6byBiCNNzXK4lTslMkvEEJHNTb1qgxBinASBt6mKTZKL7vWp9DTH3pDGLvtPKO0xtmP_rqGdhc47vLCiATD8t5mPlnIsySHC07MxAZrFDR6llbh99OD_WBbJXPuuFhX8gtqLctkkDjP76rFDSumBXMmRiI/w320-h240/20240111_140736515_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pride and Prejudice in Chinese</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTra618BiSeiRd80RQxY3Puq8uRhuolnznz_ob9zRJwPRn2NI0WJA_JJHI4jJFjghN4oSdsJZBYlDpwGaCkoY5tLHcoWFqxGoyEWpPyEwiKZ00Q2H4riri6NEU5798QQ2RMKU_BEXh31LJey4Rberd0-6A1edi2_YcEjGa_IE3a22jbTT46RnrPzGaPX4/s4032/20230930_152126239_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTra618BiSeiRd80RQxY3Puq8uRhuolnznz_ob9zRJwPRn2NI0WJA_JJHI4jJFjghN4oSdsJZBYlDpwGaCkoY5tLHcoWFqxGoyEWpPyEwiKZ00Q2H4riri6NEU5798QQ2RMKU_BEXh31LJey4Rberd0-6A1edi2_YcEjGa_IE3a22jbTT46RnrPzGaPX4/s320/20230930_152126239_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane Austen in Bath and beyond.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b>In</b></i><span style="text-align: left;">: </span><b style="text-align: left;"><u>Jane Austen Everywhere</u>!</b><span style="text-align: left;"> We love Jane and not only for her loyalty to Wedgwood. After two hundred years, the Regency-era author maintains rock-star status, inspiring movies, festivals, fan-fiction and a global following. </span></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeQDqdoPTO1XCK0cmIzLDpM0TG32sVwD90FZgnwTwPXgivqC19Xab8Nm5__RCAKGruNV-LTiN2php8awELTRqzprjwo8U764he3gSGzGAa4zQ4iI0najr_6ZEjeK9xhwK_IIg6qHNLEhhLYC4V2rAML9YeGVsxIVZ0QnX9pBO93EMHyiAD55ocohEwgs/s4032/20240111_140746260_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeQDqdoPTO1XCK0cmIzLDpM0TG32sVwD90FZgnwTwPXgivqC19Xab8Nm5__RCAKGruNV-LTiN2php8awELTRqzprjwo8U764he3gSGzGAa4zQ4iI0najr_6ZEjeK9xhwK_IIg6qHNLEhhLYC4V2rAML9YeGVsxIVZ0QnX9pBO93EMHyiAD55ocohEwgs/w400-h300/20240111_140746260_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Jane may spur one to take a long (trip to) Bath, read her classics in different languages (we were gifted "Pride and Prejudice" in Chinese) or attend one of BTS' Austentacious Afternoon Tea Talks. We say all have much to recommend. But, wait, there's more. . . !</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpjYmA19dFdSroznkxjY4poYjvcxbxqggBqx4SvJa2Kehmz-veUnXvOqlas6fUPfV5o4bOISYnMVRFzxutj-oSS6B_UqGOXeV3PybfQ61ve7v6y0LvsStLOUR87ZjzFVS4q2FIhVTqzqVPoQadA_KxGm9QeN_8fAlWruyvKzi5HwjhBGUHx4C9ib-a50/s2448/BTS%20JA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2410" data-original-width="2448" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpjYmA19dFdSroznkxjY4poYjvcxbxqggBqx4SvJa2Kehmz-veUnXvOqlas6fUPfV5o4bOISYnMVRFzxutj-oSS6B_UqGOXeV3PybfQ61ve7v6y0LvsStLOUR87ZjzFVS4q2FIhVTqzqVPoQadA_KxGm9QeN_8fAlWruyvKzi5HwjhBGUHx4C9ib-a50/s320/BTS%20JA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BTS has Austentacious teas ready for 2024</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b><i>In</i></b>: <u style="font-weight: bold;">Being Mr. Wickham</u>: It took us a trip across the pond to discover that Adrian Lukis, the actor who portrayed George Wickham in the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice (1995), had co-written and starred in a one-man play about the future of the rakish character that fooled even Elizabeth Bennet. (Adrian Lukis was a guest on a BBC morning show in October which we viewed on the telly in our London hotel). "Being Mr. Wickham" had a stint on Broadway this past June. This play would receive our greatest approbation if it returned for a fortnight or two.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacBsbOZ0uYpbw5Mwj3sosS3SMpsPEUcdg8GdYjT6-Mxj5AiTuh5bLU972N61ibQJ_VeKVLVfHvKgZxm-V8boQ7QkkdZQ1vBDIgGsXEFMxKzPGZ3cvIRUlmGNP-C-P5cjdsS24WQgyPG5c1JvS39ktIqKH3dI8DTe3vUqIEk7MzzTqda5A-yncXokeA18/s4032/20231008_090144617_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacBsbOZ0uYpbw5Mwj3sosS3SMpsPEUcdg8GdYjT6-Mxj5AiTuh5bLU972N61ibQJ_VeKVLVfHvKgZxm-V8boQ7QkkdZQ1vBDIgGsXEFMxKzPGZ3cvIRUlmGNP-C-P5cjdsS24WQgyPG5c1JvS39ktIqKH3dI8DTe3vUqIEk7MzzTqda5A-yncXokeA18/w277-h208/20231008_090144617_iOS.heic" width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being Mr. Wickham continues this rakes tale.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBxAM2s2A6X68wlkTeUEk3Js1xh8cqUxnL3SMAk22Rgg32AHzlmRc7txm4FkOTCYIY2j2jjoM8Ty7qIiPynRxhZhVWZIp-Vm9OyP_bWNnWB1IJq8Jigag2qtDZoSj0L_LJE0OugWiOCS90H0bwFuzb64ATtuYvXdTB_RrSEkg3ekInAMYnDsCLLh4ED9Y" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="292" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBxAM2s2A6X68wlkTeUEk3Js1xh8cqUxnL3SMAk22Rgg32AHzlmRc7txm4FkOTCYIY2j2jjoM8Ty7qIiPynRxhZhVWZIp-Vm9OyP_bWNnWB1IJq8Jigag2qtDZoSj0L_LJE0OugWiOCS90H0bwFuzb64ATtuYvXdTB_RrSEkg3ekInAMYnDsCLLh4ED9Y" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adrian Lukis, aka "Wickham" chats on the telly.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Out</i></b>: <u style="font-weight: bold;">Being Richard Simmons</u> At least according to the former exercise guru and the star of "Sweating to the Oldies". A new biopic, starring Pauly Shore, is in the works, however, Richard Simmons was quick to post on social media that he is not involved with the movie and doesn't plan to be. Although Pauly Shore did not receive Simmon's approval, he believes, as quoted in Variety, that, ". . . We all need this biopic now more than ever". <i>Hmmmm? </i> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hi-veuMptcOz8L8Ei7n1yDHyxGDo2vufYvHKKzFynV7EFWD3GjhOqH7viCVvE8SDTf56g8i5BbRTjEomcOzNrz-qzrLDQDYksYdgOtfbUvWioA4hq5-JctDDjM7X3Rrnq4ECx3XeKN9hEV5h_DwsJfYWq2oIPOYRrg4IqqoujHbpkHmZFCZycovUxL8/s4032/20240111_141005731_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hi-veuMptcOz8L8Ei7n1yDHyxGDo2vufYvHKKzFynV7EFWD3GjhOqH7viCVvE8SDTf56g8i5BbRTjEomcOzNrz-qzrLDQDYksYdgOtfbUvWioA4hq5-JctDDjM7X3Rrnq4ECx3XeKN9hEV5h_DwsJfYWq2oIPOYRrg4IqqoujHbpkHmZFCZycovUxL8/w640-h480/20240111_141005731_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prosperitea, players don tiaras and fascinators, and drink tea from Wedgwood cups (BTS version)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><b><i>In</i>: <u>Party games, with hats</u>!</b> We are excited to participate in "Prosperitea", a game of "artisanal tea blending". When we sit down to play, we and our guests will don requisite fascinators and tiaras. But, that trend doesn't end with refined afternoon tea festivities. We've expanded it to pinochle club, where guests select their appropriately-worded (and beautifully embroidered!) baseball caps to alert partners whether they were "going for jacks around" or will "bid like an Engman and play like a Gulley". </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkbBymfFD5cPGfFOuJatPzVI2Waz5HXyp4jh2H4nscVvn1iejZVO3fKQDbEMWAWf7r8l41ECuHF9hI_S-YHGpmlQ3M0MFzR4UM9zOOgtYztBu0m6LOOKwQsfKJAmTvPZWuamaeXu6o-UTuhr4mmhbYbyGrNiZnFfkSFv4qXZcEZPWKF4ZWOgXWPYk9PA/s4032/20231224_233936110_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkbBymfFD5cPGfFOuJatPzVI2Waz5HXyp4jh2H4nscVvn1iejZVO3fKQDbEMWAWf7r8l41ECuHF9hI_S-YHGpmlQ3M0MFzR4UM9zOOgtYztBu0m6LOOKwQsfKJAmTvPZWuamaeXu6o-UTuhr4mmhbYbyGrNiZnFfkSFv4qXZcEZPWKF4ZWOgXWPYk9PA/w400-h300/20231224_233936110_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevate your card club with assorted snappy hats</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Out</i></b>: <b><u>Accessorizing for Wordle</u></b>. We don't think this was ever in, but, to set the record straight, formal attire is highly discouraged for this daily challenge. Sweats and/or pj's are di rigueur. Same for Connections or Spelling Bee. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxCpUhFCSEoOiy7vvSvfzCc0ftRcGjjjzcjjKH_lOl1nRPWUaggltxh9UThVh_zvEkmeQlJ-OoiTseL6kP7acNfgE7i0lKLGtpvGyybWB0NJRhHRnMjKQz2NK-YDuLUHSFZIdPuxUuxhyphenhyphenszgBUmSxDl5cQHQMYTy5iTtLW8qWWztqc6oIRtBlBtjX5wU/s4032/20231009_111217411_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxCpUhFCSEoOiy7vvSvfzCc0ftRcGjjjzcjjKH_lOl1nRPWUaggltxh9UThVh_zvEkmeQlJ-OoiTseL6kP7acNfgE7i0lKLGtpvGyybWB0NJRhHRnMjKQz2NK-YDuLUHSFZIdPuxUuxhyphenhyphenszgBUmSxDl5cQHQMYTy5iTtLW8qWWztqc6oIRtBlBtjX5wU/w275-h206/20231009_111217411_iOS.heic" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Harewood House, home to Princess Mary</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF51r9W8mHiQvELhXPu5wx5qPby_0BYb3mexc3_VecNJ9tv8piHn5zePa15txU8qQZLf8vdh-Gv-vnjAsWyTPy5JgA69pBjo2XKyyYuoYF-zJBtclX0xdJ0NsvEebG96wT4nFxOYyLGvZBt4EwV4hZDEro2OvnQF1uLwAoLfuDyJL8-i3lmIDZ7tgJoM/s4032/20230307_231911182_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF51r9W8mHiQvELhXPu5wx5qPby_0BYb3mexc3_VecNJ9tv8piHn5zePa15txU8qQZLf8vdh-Gv-vnjAsWyTPy5JgA69pBjo2XKyyYuoYF-zJBtclX0xdJ0NsvEebG96wT4nFxOYyLGvZBt4EwV4hZDEro2OvnQF1uLwAoLfuDyJL8-i3lmIDZ7tgJoM/w269-h202/20230307_231911182_iOS.heic" width="269" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spare may be "out" in the cold</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>Royal In</i></b><span style="text-align: left;">: </span><b style="text-align: left;"><u>Princess Mary</u></b><span style="text-align: left;">. We're going back a century-plus, but with a recent biography on the only daughter of King George V (great Aunt of King Charles III) and given a subplot in the first Downton Abby movie, <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2023/05/tuesday-tea-and-tomes-princess-mary.html">Princess Mary</a>'s story is back in the news. We visited her home, Harewood, (also featured in Downton Abby) this past fall and will share more in upcoming blogs!</span></div><p><b><i>Royal On-the-Outs</i></b>: <b><u>Prince Harry</u></b>. With last year's "Spare", <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2023/05/tuesday-tea-and-tomes-spare.html">Prince Harry</a> spilled the tea on all the Royals, teeing up a somewhat chilly family reception when he returned for the King Charles III's coronation. To be continued, we're quite sure. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYoP4OMGtMbCGxFWjpoSZbs9C-gcaCULjHGHmny45MaZAS8E7RAYum3nmBXcbx2HJF4eMyqNNW2zhmYoyZL-nZFn7JDbkUV188OuD8ZnUhGSq0Qd3kfkXoSvLo6UgAmiQY9VJCPsi2L3nh4gb88tnj4ZTqSzLmPszYkeH0W7k3EGjUr1JXuqNN5-wCrY/s4032/20240101_004241314_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYoP4OMGtMbCGxFWjpoSZbs9C-gcaCULjHGHmny45MaZAS8E7RAYum3nmBXcbx2HJF4eMyqNNW2zhmYoyZL-nZFn7JDbkUV188OuD8ZnUhGSq0Qd3kfkXoSvLo6UgAmiQY9VJCPsi2L3nh4gb88tnj4ZTqSzLmPszYkeH0W7k3EGjUr1JXuqNN5-wCrY/w241-h320/20240101_004241314_iOS.heic" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris before December of 2023</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLGPzNxJuNBH84XY3jufBqEK-W6mvy40lgmeDtik3i9eroI2E1nO9g4wXrw2SUorzTtcWT1fZI6nJVCGpjrSWbt4mXaGVTX2xiolWHrpwOkwT0koVKW8OYoVUrJ4RwiLR3lIM2nJRvFvxdq8lPONB410oVGXA36kkdUF7x7r_oClAIov3imDDhCqUe9_g" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLGPzNxJuNBH84XY3jufBqEK-W6mvy40lgmeDtik3i9eroI2E1nO9g4wXrw2SUorzTtcWT1fZI6nJVCGpjrSWbt4mXaGVTX2xiolWHrpwOkwT0koVKW8OYoVUrJ4RwiLR3lIM2nJRvFvxdq8lPONB410oVGXA36kkdUF7x7r_oClAIov3imDDhCqUe9_g=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris proudly sporting Honolulu blue</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b><i>Out</i></b>: "<b><u>Viva Magenta</u></b>" Pantone's color of 2023. It was chosen for being "brave and fearless" and promoting "joyous and optimistic celebration."</p><p><b><i>In</i></b>: <b><u>Colors of the year</u></b>: While Pantone unveiled its color of 2024: "<b>Peach Fuzz</b>" for its "radiant and warmth and modern elegance. . . [noting it] effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless", we at BTS offer <b>Honolulu Blue</b>. Like Viva Magnta of yore, its fans have been brave and fearless for thirty years. May we be so lucky to experience a joyous and optimistic celebration!</p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4JfDm7GFNZ-DCGpXfrnDxxsZ1NApCx3FiGtQgfN8R3KS19MOz0UMQkOUHgpozEkOhI-koKwwpGqf-wnBpld14Q_oGswjZH7QerE7kxJZsW38LTxR136Wfi07dqWVaehisVbAVkDER_6Z7gQhc5_NX3n0tg2ZO9ODpsoUkFB7SmUGnPgdkldNiayTGdw/s4032/20231231_212458010_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4JfDm7GFNZ-DCGpXfrnDxxsZ1NApCx3FiGtQgfN8R3KS19MOz0UMQkOUHgpozEkOhI-koKwwpGqf-wnBpld14Q_oGswjZH7QerE7kxJZsW38LTxR136Wfi07dqWVaehisVbAVkDER_6Z7gQhc5_NX3n0tg2ZO9ODpsoUkFB7SmUGnPgdkldNiayTGdw/w362-h271/20231231_212458010_iOS.heic" width="362" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor Swiftea mug, also in.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKzl2Fmyu-fu-RuQSz27YCJLQ4kE3DoKT4L0b4tXfjjDPX67UtN-UMTHbcUQONQPJaYavOSn9x8Ub1Sb9xi5nLdUpgxXdqdoBepz9hbr_Zs1XsoabZyhcLwzIcd-7AQoKBGH9vFY7mjdGFHPFK83D6M3gbJrmdQK7wBtvJ0TfZxZFu9nPG_JzlqqmP5A/s1080/Barnes%20and%20Noble%20Taylor%20Swift.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKzl2Fmyu-fu-RuQSz27YCJLQ4kE3DoKT4L0b4tXfjjDPX67UtN-UMTHbcUQONQPJaYavOSn9x8Ub1Sb9xi5nLdUpgxXdqdoBepz9hbr_Zs1XsoabZyhcLwzIcd-7AQoKBGH9vFY7mjdGFHPFK83D6M3gbJrmdQK7wBtvJ0TfZxZFu9nPG_JzlqqmP5A/w227-h303/Barnes%20and%20Noble%20Taylor%20Swift.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor Swift is in. </td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i>In</i></b>: <b><u>Taylor Swiftea Mug (and Travis Kelce)</u></b>. Fantasy football members and Swifties unite under one roof, or dome, or open air stadium (those in the northern climates, really need to rethink the latter). While we watch winter NFL games in Buffalo and Green Bay, and shudder in empathy with the players on the frozen tundra, we'll raise a cup of our favorite hot beverage in a Swift-tea mug.</p><p><b><i>(Possibly) Out</i></b>: <b><u>Jason Kelce</u></b>. Talk of retirement just after a loss in the playoffs. A win would have meant a date with the Lions. Although no mug to commemorate just yet, whatever JK decides, our helmets are off to a Kelce who wasn't so much the Swifties' center of attention, but an Eagle-eyed centered center, nonetheless. </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b><i>Only IN</i></b>:</u></span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WEmNsVR1X83WPYTrCsSh828agftXSsH4WwNbMm9mFYPPxKTA66Ft-R2p7NQFQxgi9v4HfzgSSlUOH_rEiutROWs7GPJQjCiScy0LSpC6WPTm_1XpeLZiQlWnbqnCZwoJtsE23v16-dDf2vP55FAueIWQnwQiG38CXLMOGqZmjroN2ci2kqkdBQJo9Ts/s1702/barbie%20holiday%20barbies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1702" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WEmNsVR1X83WPYTrCsSh828agftXSsH4WwNbMm9mFYPPxKTA66Ft-R2p7NQFQxgi9v4HfzgSSlUOH_rEiutROWs7GPJQjCiScy0LSpC6WPTm_1XpeLZiQlWnbqnCZwoJtsE23v16-dDf2vP55FAueIWQnwQiG38CXLMOGqZmjroN2ci2kqkdBQJo9Ts/s320/barbie%20holiday%20barbies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holiday Barbie's, part of our recluttering.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSBAmmMatleM45k-cLfmaDuJ63JewBp7s6RnUF2AF_27Q1h7LAKO_AwS7U6afym3jCSha_ooft-iIQbYmBP2SkGbczILs8vM9eYzzlux0Zr7Pqc2JBjt6c_TSt9Z6aFGV8df8NCwrvxIaV2UNr1wKvuK_HIhH36SaTZlTDAu8GqhjnHJ1Dm0r5PcBnOjA" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSBAmmMatleM45k-cLfmaDuJ63JewBp7s6RnUF2AF_27Q1h7LAKO_AwS7U6afym3jCSha_ooft-iIQbYmBP2SkGbczILs8vM9eYzzlux0Zr7Pqc2JBjt6c_TSt9Z6aFGV8df8NCwrvxIaV2UNr1wKvuK_HIhH36SaTZlTDAu8GqhjnHJ1Dm0r5PcBnOjA" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbie's Tea Service, Barbie fans</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i>In</i></b>: <b><u>Barbie</u>:</b> Embrace the pink and more recluttering. <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2023/07/barb-ie-tea-service-sharing-some-of-our.html">Barbie</a>, the movie, brought back the spotlight to this ageless fashion doll who <i>Barbie's Tea Service</i> has been devoted to for almost a lifetime. Our Barbie collection makes us both "happy" and "nostalgic", but we're experiencing some pressure on the home front to find a little more "balance" in what we keep and what we display. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7H87nLyvCze0s_6wS2ggH8_MLCQq2Pnjrmrz3nshhxk5E0TX6lq3CKR_urQw25aQU2yE8Ef7NZI5L3kulTadDKKbUuGKUPQl7V0wwwKPmd4eabvr5VGLR-ke1aYeoGzQaT_opfTs_2qhOiGjX1VHWvFfyeNDLvZ9JbGqtvghamSjcISGIlGe-ZeXRM_4" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7H87nLyvCze0s_6wS2ggH8_MLCQq2Pnjrmrz3nshhxk5E0TX6lq3CKR_urQw25aQU2yE8Ef7NZI5L3kulTadDKKbUuGKUPQl7V0wwwKPmd4eabvr5VGLR-ke1aYeoGzQaT_opfTs_2qhOiGjX1VHWvFfyeNDLvZ9JbGqtvghamSjcISGIlGe-ZeXRM_4=w316-h237" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawbridges are coming to the US (beyond the telly!) </td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2VxolnwmaUYu44JSo4If_flsWCW6RseIV2_UZNct6GuQhMigsZWlkTuQe4AZze1zl_f-ugPsqsc5ggzph-3QdSHdQ2fR-uoQ4RQuR-3860NfDawB0sYIlmnAxxvIUq65anza8v7VEJZL_SkjlBGF_AJIRICjByXBpKHPR3epXc_osyXygvzILL5yV9Q/w260-h195/20230810_020253069_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="260" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Chateau's tour stops!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2VxolnwmaUYu44JSo4If_flsWCW6RseIV2_UZNct6GuQhMigsZWlkTuQe4AZze1zl_f-ugPsqsc5ggzph-3QdSHdQ2fR-uoQ4RQuR-3860NfDawB0sYIlmnAxxvIUq65anza8v7VEJZL_SkjlBGF_AJIRICjByXBpKHPR3epXc_osyXygvzILL5yV9Q/s4032/20230810_020253069_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>In</i></b>: <b><u>Escape to the Chateau Tour of the US and Canada</u>: </b>There's so much to love about this show: the engaging hosts, Dick and Angel Strawbridge and their children; their centuries-old French chateau rehab; and the updated venue's vintage tea parties and weddings. Check out their website for upcoming dates this February and March. Will BTS be attending? Yes, we'll be escaping soon!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVjzM6vms4B2tDkrxohhUkdSnjiqjHRyVhSav3x09HL91lh8eFt-cvMwlnVJMtO6LvW61TUw5DbV-DoIxvMI07c0kHIXi8r2QnhCLwu25Q0gHt4yZewBJ6FAB4_cElEIQfpUq3jU0R_-lV6An6l1rDKG-IGsOwWuRcIYyfNDSuMt_3b92XCVSjXYNNzs/s4032/20220724_143016240_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVjzM6vms4B2tDkrxohhUkdSnjiqjHRyVhSav3x09HL91lh8eFt-cvMwlnVJMtO6LvW61TUw5DbV-DoIxvMI07c0kHIXi8r2QnhCLwu25Q0gHt4yZewBJ6FAB4_cElEIQfpUq3jU0R_-lV6An6l1rDKG-IGsOwWuRcIYyfNDSuMt_3b92XCVSjXYNNzs/s320/20220724_143016240_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knife rests and salt cellars, still in.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-wuq7hm_ASx15iTUGa4D6mXFPFVQ7ZESuQlydpVS4rPFdoky3wCFVYBTdSMbHE1eUdNwiOjXhOqSYTZ_2UwyYeJsYEbJyqxxv0pv73qfkyDif7ZNCos0Fm-Cbj7zT1s3zB2sVOhjmAXHUmDhuR5FP98ix1b7xh-o2e49UfURJ0kGe_hqe9PC30C7-FE/s4032/20231117_195639259_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-wuq7hm_ASx15iTUGa4D6mXFPFVQ7ZESuQlydpVS4rPFdoky3wCFVYBTdSMbHE1eUdNwiOjXhOqSYTZ_2UwyYeJsYEbJyqxxv0pv73qfkyDif7ZNCos0Fm-Cbj7zT1s3zB2sVOhjmAXHUmDhuR5FP98ix1b7xh-o2e49UfURJ0kGe_hqe9PC30C7-FE/s320/20231117_195639259_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invested in salt cellars, luckily not butter crocks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><p><b><i>In:</i></b> You may be relieved to know, we predict knife rests and salt cellars are still headed for tablescapes this year. Move over butter crocks! Set your teaspoon down for a practical and elegant repose on a knife rest and fill your cellars full of lemon curd and clotted cream.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHRE0NW49G8mly1rBDCOsvDgTemGTxrrp2esyli8qwb8xcpahpjTlOtgkq__IkgVQ2fsoptJt2AqOj4N3aYwBOXY57IsvxZfsUKT5hUtVCWY9LjAQuwrvUeoW4cipibpICdp7PWwmhR0JIXJrhV3sXDKoF8s70rbZyPXXJKxsGvlBOecdU7apmMtBSOk/s4032/20230330_164601115_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibFvpe7aKV7PZUuB9pMQAZTu8dZA2S8I5Nu2uh3mU2lNea3S4Rs47tVShM8l46N6OQ1xehQdzdBKVElkFa2RO4XhXfLoRww_LShLz0Wq1etVSTt4jKOY1K4poK2vwk4F9VtSvqVDbsyw8sWvubobCcXyQq3rXxwGR010oqEOlbQR0SYUlmc1CNIFXIp4E" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibFvpe7aKV7PZUuB9pMQAZTu8dZA2S8I5Nu2uh3mU2lNea3S4Rs47tVShM8l46N6OQ1xehQdzdBKVElkFa2RO4XhXfLoRww_LShLz0Wq1etVSTt4jKOY1K4poK2vwk4F9VtSvqVDbsyw8sWvubobCcXyQq3rXxwGR010oqEOlbQR0SYUlmc1CNIFXIp4E=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downton Abbey/Gilded Age<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo26gOJDmgkAW-LmhwTFzpUa2B-vCF3Kl8fF6vpM6ViSGeQ_cCPTm-_SDQU_5B6BnqgAusiASaMhwmOQ6e_HG7-ASxm6U4FpQoMw1OkikF4V4qVbv8zC3BXTkBoyaSYc0mEZ0WtFA1KkCLn63lEsD1aUu8CBrsKbGQ_J8H4I6nVFV7FccFtn2yf5VpHIk" style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo26gOJDmgkAW-LmhwTFzpUa2B-vCF3Kl8fF6vpM6ViSGeQ_cCPTm-_SDQU_5B6BnqgAusiASaMhwmOQ6e_HG7-ASxm6U4FpQoMw1OkikF4V4qVbv8zC3BXTkBoyaSYc0mEZ0WtFA1KkCLn63lEsD1aUu8CBrsKbGQ_J8H4I6nVFV7FccFtn2yf5VpHIk=w245-h328" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="245" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea Tasting and Tea Etiquette</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo26gOJDmgkAW-LmhwTFzpUa2B-vCF3Kl8fF6vpM6ViSGeQ_cCPTm-_SDQU_5B6BnqgAusiASaMhwmOQ6e_HG7-ASxm6U4FpQoMw1OkikF4V4qVbv8zC3BXTkBoyaSYc0mEZ0WtFA1KkCLn63lEsD1aUu8CBrsKbGQ_J8H4I6nVFV7FccFtn2yf5VpHIk" style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></a></div><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>In</i></b>: <b><u>Barb's Tea Service tea programs</u></b>! Last year was filled with a variety of BTS tea talks and tea tastings and we can't wait to see you all in 2024! We served up several different Jane Austen teas (including a Jane Austen Christmas tea), along with Downton Abbey, Tea Etiquette and Tea Tastings. New this year - Bridgerton (and more!). Call or email us to customize a tea event for you and your special group. <b><i>Reach us at barb@barbsteaservice.com or 248-840-4356.</i></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>BTS knows that all tea friends are always "in" and in our hearts. We look forward to much tea time fun with you all in 2024! 💗</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-33649938953992043222023-12-22T15:35:00.003-05:002023-12-22T15:41:58.155-05:00Bridgerton Tea Time Treasures: Scones, shortbread, and BTS' Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea in 2024!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqtHvNNQsP8PlyZnFnwk1sMf00x0d7LqML-E7JvBHJZglIfqafLITVK9AADJlDZyZPoCDbzQFy1J_9AnWj1Au2njr7bS0g242MGPj3wc7pyFTcQy-6Z9wA3FectLqQXohI1-vaGESD6ogQ0R8g_Q7LNW-plZ3MxLnpKsCOtGg_nUtJnc8r0nYEbuyH6s/s1690/Bridgerton%20tea%20time%20tales.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1690" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqtHvNNQsP8PlyZnFnwk1sMf00x0d7LqML-E7JvBHJZglIfqafLITVK9AADJlDZyZPoCDbzQFy1J_9AnWj1Au2njr7bS0g242MGPj3wc7pyFTcQy-6Z9wA3FectLqQXohI1-vaGESD6ogQ0R8g_Q7LNW-plZ3MxLnpKsCOtGg_nUtJnc8r0nYEbuyH6s/w640-h544/Bridgerton%20tea%20time%20tales.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridgerton books inspired a Netflix series, fancy tea sets, high end tea fare and BTS' tea talks!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>There's so much Bridgerton news that, if penned in the style of Lady Whistledown, we'd surely run down our quill pen and ink bottle rather quickly. But, alas, we have the benefit of a laptop and can share the news with no fear of interruption.</p><p>As, we wrapped up our BTS tea events for the year, with the last two held within a fortnight, we look to our 2024 season. First up, a "Bridgerton Afternoon Tea" in February (watch our website for details!) and we can't wait to serve and "spill" the tea with fellow fans of the Regency-period ton.</p><p>We'll be sharing our personal visits to some of the Bridgerton series filming sites from previous trips to England and most recently, our excursion to Bath. (The latter includes the home of Lady Danbury and a very special dress shop.)</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG96R8vwlNC0D00X3ZggaLnp6AF_8cyyR7H1v77OmpsGg_vbM0X9wV2StoPiE18LOfO8Xn2YvHs9O1Qo7HX3IKwcEkxE3_3dYf9YNKIJM_kmL16tBAYmYvbJGSwKB4l5G6yu4dLZ4JxtILCyYydGJyk5t1nmXGYV_AGX1M8CVAEM0-yJXL-qLf5fgDkmc/s4032/20231001_105401814_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG96R8vwlNC0D00X3ZggaLnp6AF_8cyyR7H1v77OmpsGg_vbM0X9wV2StoPiE18LOfO8Xn2YvHs9O1Qo7HX3IKwcEkxE3_3dYf9YNKIJM_kmL16tBAYmYvbJGSwKB4l5G6yu4dLZ4JxtILCyYydGJyk5t1nmXGYV_AGX1M8CVAEM0-yJXL-qLf5fgDkmc/w300-h400/20231001_105401814_iOS.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Bath, England on personal Bridgerton Tour</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>In past blogs, dating back to 2021, we've shared our enthusiasm for Bridgerton as early adopters of the show. We wrote how the Netflix series sparked sales of fancy tea sets (<a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2021/01/fancy-tea-sets-surge-in-popularity.html">Fancy tea sets surge in popularity</a>.) and featured the first Bridgerton novel by Julia Quinn (and also the first in the Netflix series) in our Tuesday Tea and Tomes in June of 2022. ("<a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2022/06/tuesday-tea-and-ton-duke-and-i-first-in.html">Tuesday Tea and Tons</a>"). We not only reviewed "The Duke and I", but The Republic of Tea's accompanying "Duke and Duchess Honey Breakfast Tea". Hot, spicy and sweet - those words apply to the story as well as the tea.</p><p>In May of this year, we devoted two blog posts to Queen Charlotte, the "prequel" to the Bridgerton series co-written by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes (the latter created the Netflix series based on Quinn's novels). We shared our thoughts on the historical fiction/love story of King George III and Queen Charlotte as well as another tea inspired by Bridgerton, "<a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2023/05/birdgerton-queens-cake-from-republic-of.html">Queen's Cake</a>".</p><p>All that to say, we've been fans for quite awhile and look forward to not only our upcoming Bridgerton tea event in February, but also Season 3 of Bridgerton starting in May, 2024.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLU1oumB6m4zjTqN266RR_VNMEZb9m9UNei2AY7AiuHA1eo6oms0ky-gyWKJ0KerfkbQhv9cw3GRGCoKuBsJTKfdwQ-DdixwRV0jyuvOuuzfeV4wb1LuvY4lMEyafy9OJLOff5YEBm-YZ8snL-5QoRyT5I2vz-s0et10-hlciuzwnwmY3hlpM8P12_XQ/s2016/Bridgerton%20tea%20time%20tales%20open.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLU1oumB6m4zjTqN266RR_VNMEZb9m9UNei2AY7AiuHA1eo6oms0ky-gyWKJ0KerfkbQhv9cw3GRGCoKuBsJTKfdwQ-DdixwRV0jyuvOuuzfeV4wb1LuvY4lMEyafy9OJLOff5YEBm-YZ8snL-5QoRyT5I2vz-s0et10-hlciuzwnwmY3hlpM8P12_XQ/w400-h300/Bridgerton%20tea%20time%20tales%20open.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Williams Sonoma Tea Time Tales: special tea treats behind 8 "doors"</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>To celebrate, we purchased Williams Sonoma's "Bridgerton Tea Time Tales", an abbreviated countdown calendar featuring Bridgerton-inspired treats behind eight covered "doors". We won't reveal all the secrets, but the treasure behind the first door was a delicious bite-sized chocolate shortbread. There are also more samples of The Republic of Teas' Bridgerton blends.</p><p>But, Dear Readers, this is not the only item of note. There's a whole line of Bridgerton-inspired items for Regency-style entertaining from <a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/food/bridgerton/">Williams Sonoma</a> including tea, tonics, sweets and linens. (Surely something to please any ton-fans on your holiday gift list - even if it's "on its way".)</p><p>To see our "Bridgerton Tea Time Tales" reveal, se our latest BTS video on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msb9U6P1-C0">Bridgerton treats from Williams Sonoma and BTS' Bridgerton-inspired tea talk (New for 2024!) (youtube.com)</a></p><p><br /></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-61135333378807120582023-12-20T09:41:00.007-05:002023-12-20T10:05:13.750-05:00Edinburgh's Prestonfield: A 17th century home-turned-hotel, with royal connections, hosts a most elegant afternoon tea!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUPUYMq26HKHBjKpSQ-NIMMvTuPK48aINwIEWTEiVLMNlC_p-FXGV2ls3S08IES3RWeQSLounNIllGr2DIlLhBTIwEqlJnZbrXKo-1xFm7430cfdHGL2c9RBbZv_gyfZwmRnv4umw8X7f0EVMlGRD_7MkXmswnOmAxCezI76W8A_oIHfa_twaBlZihxM/s3234/20231006_135437982_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2237" data-original-width="3234" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUPUYMq26HKHBjKpSQ-NIMMvTuPK48aINwIEWTEiVLMNlC_p-FXGV2ls3S08IES3RWeQSLounNIllGr2DIlLhBTIwEqlJnZbrXKo-1xFm7430cfdHGL2c9RBbZv_gyfZwmRnv4umw8X7f0EVMlGRD_7MkXmswnOmAxCezI76W8A_oIHfa_twaBlZihxM/w640-h442/20231006_135437982_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon tea at Edinburgh's Prestonfield</td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://www.prestonfield.com/">Prestonfield House</a>, a luxury hotel and restaurant, is a short drive from downtown Edinburgh, but feels miles away from the clamor and congestion of the city. A sumptuous and elegant oasis that offers not only posh accommodations, but an incredible afternoon tea experience.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzB6eI-RGOU5UR91x1eOQBtNBgqOQsszc-GUADmUaw3Vhiz-wMdOTd04Tig6HpV4tGczoa0Cb4aNG7-kx1DW5aFnqEOaTJoB7Kpa9xA1fpP7A7t1EKN2ZNY-Wud1NdS3EoHt418A4ZTRFEw5EW5RrTQphibGF1bsHjZVm-PcR1QeLf0lBmEYCms2FWUI/s4032/20231006_141955350_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzB6eI-RGOU5UR91x1eOQBtNBgqOQsszc-GUADmUaw3Vhiz-wMdOTd04Tig6HpV4tGczoa0Cb4aNG7-kx1DW5aFnqEOaTJoB7Kpa9xA1fpP7A7t1EKN2ZNY-Wud1NdS3EoHt418A4ZTRFEw5EW5RrTQphibGF1bsHjZVm-PcR1QeLf0lBmEYCms2FWUI/w400-h300/20231006_141955350_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon tea fare included haggis croquets and pumpkin cheesecake</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>We - my husband, Chris, and I, along with our favorite NYC couple, Matt and Jenna - enjoyed afternoon tea at Prestonfield this past October. From the moment we entered the front door to our final walk around the grounds, we loved every minute of this grand venue: the rich interiors, excellent customer service, tasty and artfully created tea fare and the well-manicured gardens, along with the resident kitty who charms and oversees all.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbD6tLTCtqjDxH8JGdkyJ8TJTTF-egbiZeUF6kFIVwXoPKVO8fgZAso2wJLBCKa9723Qse0L2dJwOllIKKMRcoI6CdOnxdaROvZeDYdekyzG1pD0g2CEQKrQOwGgrxqSQc8ENTnVRj6kgUYrb1hjlQl6FJxJpKKkP2Kjrv5dZgfi6fzGuRMX_rNlEkWo/s4032/20231006_141817340_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbD6tLTCtqjDxH8JGdkyJ8TJTTF-egbiZeUF6kFIVwXoPKVO8fgZAso2wJLBCKa9723Qse0L2dJwOllIKKMRcoI6CdOnxdaROvZeDYdekyzG1pD0g2CEQKrQOwGgrxqSQc8ENTnVRj6kgUYrb1hjlQl6FJxJpKKkP2Kjrv5dZgfi6fzGuRMX_rNlEkWo/w640-h480/20231006_141817340_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon tea sweets included chocolate tarts and carrot cake and citrus marscapone</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After a somewhat harrowing and daunting public parking search near Edinburgh Castle, our frazzled state was quickly put to rest by the Prestonfield staff. We were escorted to the second level for our tea and seated in crimson-colored, velvety sofas in a room accented in golds and reds. The ceilings are high and trimmed with sculpted designs. Even before the tea was served, we were enjoying dining like royals. Which is not surprising, considering past guests. Queen Elizabeth visited Prestonfield as part of her 80th birthday celebration.</p><p>And the royal connection doesn't end there. The Prestonfield home, designed by the King's architect, Sir William Bruce, was originally built for the Provost of Edinburgh, Sir James Dick, in 1687. Bruce who also designed Holyrood Palace. Prestonfield remained in the family until 1958 when it became a hotel. Forty-five years later, in 2023, it was purchased by Edinburgh restauranteur, James Thomson, who spent two decades restoring it to is current rich and sumptuous decor. </p><p>Our waiter told us that James Thomson worked at Prestonfield early in his restaurant career and fulfilled his dream of owning this beautiful estate.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUdxY2fMVCaerkAyzaxOeYEIZqL7ceDr_tNg5c6g5IangYjHjhquEGYMGrxGzxDe4y8_bv6nmU7M6eYzCi-mG0OPc3s17r5phT9YLpRsO1J-j7zsfcE-oGKJJoyI7gBH6S2gfeLZbI60oRC-RpV5G1j4T0HgMiC2NejZrwka2tRdXb07_cD1HPzalXlo/s4032/20231006_141726030_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUdxY2fMVCaerkAyzaxOeYEIZqL7ceDr_tNg5c6g5IangYjHjhquEGYMGrxGzxDe4y8_bv6nmU7M6eYzCi-mG0OPc3s17r5phT9YLpRsO1J-j7zsfcE-oGKJJoyI7gBH6S2gfeLZbI60oRC-RpV5G1j4T0HgMiC2NejZrwka2tRdXb07_cD1HPzalXlo/s320/20231006_141726030_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful presentation on 3-tiered tray</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6NEyTELVfbYOXTf6AtZRrsXT1i99tWGPGXwa-oyzQgcOnSTUY4G5n4rcRH9NA-Ac3mfD_UfVvJdyJcQcza-LRcdc2KUv2cGEb2iGzaiFldhHR7Pmfz9_PnC4TbhirtIQR4FFA0cccQlmGiTnphfq9BQklrIFRER4hNAQ8R_kebV734XCtsMPmzhfqmI/s4032/20231006_135027378_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6NEyTELVfbYOXTf6AtZRrsXT1i99tWGPGXwa-oyzQgcOnSTUY4G5n4rcRH9NA-Ac3mfD_UfVvJdyJcQcza-LRcdc2KUv2cGEb2iGzaiFldhHR7Pmfz9_PnC4TbhirtIQR4FFA0cccQlmGiTnphfq9BQklrIFRER4hNAQ8R_kebV734XCtsMPmzhfqmI/s320/20231006_135027378_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea served in silver teapots</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Because we were in town in the fall, Prestonfield's seasonal tea was "Autumn Harvest". The three-tiered trays were filled with savories such as haggis croquets and "savory pumpkin cheesecake" and sweets that included carrot cake and citrus mascarpone along with a clementine chocolate tart. In addition, four different finger-sandwiches were served as well as plain and fruit buttermilk scones, accompanied by clotted cream and raspberry jam.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9O-KPIonlMlNvLNv_rPr7ooykEMHUc7Rksk85_gINpXcH39YWta67widPOP-jVbkshKysetygQ12yMBi-HNwmqH9y9uMELzD9drw_HeJLlOjzog0EjHVOxgnPK2RsVqEh_Qt4Vr1JegxFpT1Y8FHFrpI2XseVvIF8fjK2S7ElM1-Pm5GWBqBHinyUTU/s4032/20231006_151151360_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9O-KPIonlMlNvLNv_rPr7ooykEMHUc7Rksk85_gINpXcH39YWta67widPOP-jVbkshKysetygQ12yMBi-HNwmqH9y9uMELzD9drw_HeJLlOjzog0EjHVOxgnPK2RsVqEh_Qt4Vr1JegxFpT1Y8FHFrpI2XseVvIF8fjK2S7ElM1-Pm5GWBqBHinyUTU/w240-h320/20231006_151151360_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High celings with sculpted patters</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cRA3lFOSNpF7bDk3GuRMOaogyevz81Qs2iHhrWJgSUEVho6nktqsxLu94_1uKqdDgt0B5CvsHEsF5fTEqpw21pZKFV9V-IiwR_vgaqHn5qzg_arHdPWkRTlpp_sGxPsDinJ_X4diGhrnJ7CqEYgBqYw6DSpz3SWBzpCLFmx6GpduuBQFldcHruaKk3Q/s4032/20231006_152120220_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cRA3lFOSNpF7bDk3GuRMOaogyevz81Qs2iHhrWJgSUEVho6nktqsxLu94_1uKqdDgt0B5CvsHEsF5fTEqpw21pZKFV9V-IiwR_vgaqHn5qzg_arHdPWkRTlpp_sGxPsDinJ_X4diGhrnJ7CqEYgBqYw6DSpz3SWBzpCLFmx6GpduuBQFldcHruaKk3Q/s320/20231006_152120220_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth here for her 80th</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The tea was finely brewed (I ordered the Earl Grey Blue Flower which was delicious) and served in silver teapots. Appropriate of the setting and service, we indulged in a "royal afternoon tea", adding a glass of champagne to our sweets and savories.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfd9lAzs6_YHOz9hlM4ZTyhHOzpKuN6COqrxwoe2bMJFceCTNGhyje1c_LbsM0i9Ga1r8P8GVlAITHnkdxSH3qVzngXjIjbeypGSWG4spJJLZAexYFpQmZuhnWEoeW72yexWrrR3JXiCMIh3lsvhiaM27g-RbIRh-rkK4tPrWBJvDMkta5pkkR9h7Dd8/s4032/20231006_134354313_iOS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfd9lAzs6_YHOz9hlM4ZTyhHOzpKuN6COqrxwoe2bMJFceCTNGhyje1c_LbsM0i9Ga1r8P8GVlAITHnkdxSH3qVzngXjIjbeypGSWG4spJJLZAexYFpQmZuhnWEoeW72yexWrrR3JXiCMIh3lsvhiaM27g-RbIRh-rkK4tPrWBJvDMkta5pkkR9h7Dd8/w300-h400/20231006_134354313_iOS.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A moment on the fainting couch, taking it all in</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After my brief recline on the fainting couch nearby, our party walked the grounds for a bit of exercise and to soak in the picturesque gardens. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDaDFDz1jmDrssDYvJlSsckUpF8KFrA_I53zqCoG_5PesAUF6ZBwFGtMwaA58WSjNDUk2NkJ19-eIPLxpuaKIlPXUDEbvHVu7ty5a5-i17cIrwb1-cKFEzo0aRjrVIjvndsi_MAQ2TgupyKDwzYRAeUFCE3T08AtSpA57TLz7woi0rlw9GV1qW5zbebI/s4032/20231006_153317457_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDaDFDz1jmDrssDYvJlSsckUpF8KFrA_I53zqCoG_5PesAUF6ZBwFGtMwaA58WSjNDUk2NkJ19-eIPLxpuaKIlPXUDEbvHVu7ty5a5-i17cIrwb1-cKFEzo0aRjrVIjvndsi_MAQ2TgupyKDwzYRAeUFCE3T08AtSpA57TLz7woi0rlw9GV1qW5zbebI/w274-h206/20231006_153317457_iOS.heic" width="274" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the grounds, Jenna, Chris and kitty</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61WoNBlKA49cEP5LS1D7TZNsRDUmHOVDqd_ioO2L1CPjXx3SPNa72V9lWXZRclDvcdlxbgD4RfUmYtMcVJsItClwpRyvyD1JWN1fCZsr2w2BQF8hqlW_IVBI0StR7_vpoTWJqDGDa6ghyphenhyphencppWUOPFiBJ5jR0UOL3FZ7umCQjsQfUuTtU5a_ceimBk58c/s4032/20231006_153755068_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61WoNBlKA49cEP5LS1D7TZNsRDUmHOVDqd_ioO2L1CPjXx3SPNa72V9lWXZRclDvcdlxbgD4RfUmYtMcVJsItClwpRyvyD1JWN1fCZsr2w2BQF8hqlW_IVBI0StR7_vpoTWJqDGDa6ghyphenhyphencppWUOPFiBJ5jR0UOL3FZ7umCQjsQfUuTtU5a_ceimBk58c/w281-h211/20231006_153755068_iOS.heic" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prestonfield's entrance, instantly welcoming</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We hope to be back soon! In the meantime, please enjoy our short video, taken "live" during afternoon tea at Prestonfield. Click the link and see our most recent "short": <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@barbsteaservice7756/shorts">Barb's Tea Service - YouTube</a><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p></div>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-77566396272938411902023-12-16T18:42:00.001-05:002023-12-16T19:05:05.735-05:00How do the royals eat bananas? Finessing "finger foods" and other dining etiquette tips with the help of the Queen, Seinfeld's Mr. Pitt and BTS<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r-UMnVmv8JRI9SUL2TDsCqeEdat3OP_TUT75cGQ-mlAHXSLbFNFnAZeLWN1JP-fCKoMT2BJMiXP9t2tCrsE2PvZFUJ0l-6kpTvnHqmE3nzkD3Unpg2i65b6HtUwXZseBYRoE2j-qfYN8lAJvEqYZswsZfpLjPzbcCVY6FK0fQLq0Kc9sKaAB3pVCBXw/s2016/Dining%20Barb%20and%20banana.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r-UMnVmv8JRI9SUL2TDsCqeEdat3OP_TUT75cGQ-mlAHXSLbFNFnAZeLWN1JP-fCKoMT2BJMiXP9t2tCrsE2PvZFUJ0l-6kpTvnHqmE3nzkD3Unpg2i65b6HtUwXZseBYRoE2j-qfYN8lAJvEqYZswsZfpLjPzbcCVY6FK0fQLq0Kc9sKaAB3pVCBXw/w640-h480/Dining%20Barb%20and%20banana.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which foods require knife and fork? Let BTS' Twelve Etiquette Essentials assist!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>The holidays are upon us and among the season's activities that often come with as much delight as angst are festive dinners and gift shopping. We at Barb's Tea Service, along with royal experts and Mr. Pitt, are here to offer a little assistance.</p><p><b><u>First, the festive feast etiquette</u>:</b></p><p>At a fancy dinner party one may be daunted by what foods are considered "finger foods" and which require utensils. </p><p>Barb's Tea Service's "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Etiquette-Essentials-manners-tea-quette/dp/1548052396/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LXMAL9A51GBR&keywords=twelve+etiquette+essentials&qid=1702343329&sprefix=twelve+etiquette+essentials%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1">Twelve Etiquette Essentials: Formal Dining and Tea Time</a>" devotes an entire chapter to the subject.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh07fuf1EsqDQLAqFHhMhIWc1HX19bL8tborDTpfOAlbH47nI-dx139Czg599uhTI_au13rrDfJbultaGyFrnQoezGQDeS8zD8fvJmbcqIzhaByzF30z7yqGVmr6hkIfE121Jo4V5TPsXxO5nzHXc7CWYzJAI5Fv2AHKws1gfkQ3_xLeqMKeGl1O1inkUA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh07fuf1EsqDQLAqFHhMhIWc1HX19bL8tborDTpfOAlbH47nI-dx139Czg599uhTI_au13rrDfJbultaGyFrnQoezGQDeS8zD8fvJmbcqIzhaByzF30z7yqGVmr6hkIfE121Jo4V5TPsXxO5nzHXc7CWYzJAI5Fv2AHKws1gfkQ3_xLeqMKeGl1O1inkUA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twelve Etiquette Essentials has a chapter on finger foods (or utensils).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>We were reminded of how one approaches "finger foods" vs "knife and fork required" earlier this month when a video resurfaced of etiquette professional, Robert Hanson, demonstrating how the Queen would eat a banana. </p><p>Shocking to some, the Queen did not peel back the banana skin with her hands!</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uotTIwhUH2sXLuwY8LvkQQfpEZIi-ILjXISxVnZnnRXAbHkIJZZBEBr2f8MuacKz9Y72qxRuiP1Gke2tfxVDna0TTNpv7nKny-k0jV51_FS5tUs7NJtbbroUTqnwAaSRP9oZS7Lwg3g2QTi7u16TWAz3UH4SBP_p9btA1pmxpnJgmG6x0lvfuj7tjb0/s4032/banana%20end%20cut%20off.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uotTIwhUH2sXLuwY8LvkQQfpEZIi-ILjXISxVnZnnRXAbHkIJZZBEBr2f8MuacKz9Y72qxRuiP1Gke2tfxVDna0TTNpv7nKny-k0jV51_FS5tUs7NJtbbroUTqnwAaSRP9oZS7Lwg3g2QTi7u16TWAz3UH4SBP_p9btA1pmxpnJgmG6x0lvfuj7tjb0/w400-h300/banana%20end%20cut%20off.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To eat a banana, the Royals start with cutting the ends with a knife</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>The video shows Robert H. slicing each end of the yellow fruit with the aid of a knife and fork. The banana is then turned on its side and the knife slices through the skin lengthwise. This exposes the edible center of the fruit that can be further cut into bit-sized pieces.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-PhJyU3tHVxmuuQ9lyn7LAaFMJuXfevpUP2tgjHps8NQ7a449UDh9bRsLIuVif8JAmu8KKfpPxpCwEa7llmvXJbLsqvSVK82pepc_XT6eeS-yMivAdhoY8U9JZyGDVSWCHdrqSFBO59ri3HIxcINFLat2G5GATNmR59FQ-hy-He3un6La4CYiO9cxuo/s4032/banana%20knife.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-PhJyU3tHVxmuuQ9lyn7LAaFMJuXfevpUP2tgjHps8NQ7a449UDh9bRsLIuVif8JAmu8KKfpPxpCwEa7llmvXJbLsqvSVK82pepc_XT6eeS-yMivAdhoY8U9JZyGDVSWCHdrqSFBO59ri3HIxcINFLat2G5GATNmR59FQ-hy-He3un6La4CYiO9cxuo/w400-h300/banana%20knife.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the ends are cut off, turn the fruit over and slice the skin </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">It is an interesting approach to nibbling on banana. Certainly it adds a bit more decorum to this task than peeling the skin back and allowing it to dangle incrementally with each additional bite.</span></div><p></p><p>But, is this just a bit too formal for a fruit so well-engineered by nature that it comes with its own biodegradable container? </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pCAGSPAnCj_d4dXWgwP2FxD7-wydKXARLC_pWzux6nEIvnup1PJuRe-NGYaBQU_aN0D2ew2bonVFOXK0hnEQ4-G6YUWwwKSdinsf37869pBf1tIztt8R7XrYciApZIDoM4nULy5LqWaksBMd9b1dr5nxog2mjbIy-dsXH4hd8o9odiAabUjp9R1by_M/s2016/dining%20snickers%20on%20a%20plate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pCAGSPAnCj_d4dXWgwP2FxD7-wydKXARLC_pWzux6nEIvnup1PJuRe-NGYaBQU_aN0D2ew2bonVFOXK0hnEQ4-G6YUWwwKSdinsf37869pBf1tIztt8R7XrYciApZIDoM4nULy5LqWaksBMd9b1dr5nxog2mjbIy-dsXH4hd8o9odiAabUjp9R1by_M/w400-h300/dining%20snickers%20on%20a%20plate.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snickers: Mr. Pitt does not view as a "finger food".</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Perhaps. But, then, I turn to Mr. Pitt, Elaine's eccentric boss from Seinfeld. At first, his unconventional method of eating a Snickers bar leaves onlookers incredulous. Like the Queen's banana, he, too, opts for a knife and fork over thumb and fingers. However, George sees the rationale - maybe Mr. Pitt doesn't like getting chocolate on his fingers. George gets on board with the "Mr. Pitt method" which sparks a temporary trend in the city of eating traditional finger foods, like cookies and doughnuts, with utensils.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9FeYWSbMhXlMBUe0L9qtqaTmhlsKJPdrriSOJzcg5QSIs2Ik64uqd6trcWirWo0N-oam_DVbbu3qpBexC1TSp4dIIH7U7IhZ-5RZWFYFwNxafhRgeI-lCnvNxCJccH9CNZFrbqRnEG1sRhLNVkBdg9tF2vfzv9yrtXpg1oeOfyEY7zDUNefATSUpmkg/s4032/20231210_200715223_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9FeYWSbMhXlMBUe0L9qtqaTmhlsKJPdrriSOJzcg5QSIs2Ik64uqd6trcWirWo0N-oam_DVbbu3qpBexC1TSp4dIIH7U7IhZ-5RZWFYFwNxafhRgeI-lCnvNxCJccH9CNZFrbqRnEG1sRhLNVkBdg9tF2vfzv9yrtXpg1oeOfyEY7zDUNefATSUpmkg/w400-h300/20231210_200715223_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a knife and fork on a Snickers bar eliminates a chocolate mess.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>In the bell-shaped curve of formal dining etiquette, I think we've identified a few outliers (monarchs and fictional eccentrics), but most common-sense protocol lies in the middle. That's not to say, it's always easy to figure out what foods <i>really</i> require utensils.</p><p>That's where BTS' <b><u>Twelve Etiquette Essentials: Formal Dining and Tea Time</u></b> comes to assist. And, bonus(!), it covers not only guidelines for finger foods, but proper protocol for business dinners and afternoon tea. Additionally, it instructs on how to set a formal table and the proper way one gives and receives a toast. All of these are even more in play during the holiday season.</p><p><b><u>Twelve Etiquette Essentials: Formal Dining and Tea Time</u></b> is here to help with navigating those sometimes tricky dining situations.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dKfd4KTRIGD_dGcZLzELKRBtXhXvsz-AE-6V_ollO_CAwQoaWSrs2FU9aYk1cXcdUUtrKRq_PHadkhlXqTqJsV0Iuv4z19A8Rvo89c0au1QDHHoRMfnAh2w7k6JJmxMK4Fu2p50VY0izluo_iVIZI0fhHZoT8m-s_j43WXIAaPUjki1WDOastChnMD0/s4032/20231210_201017104_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dKfd4KTRIGD_dGcZLzELKRBtXhXvsz-AE-6V_ollO_CAwQoaWSrs2FU9aYk1cXcdUUtrKRq_PHadkhlXqTqJsV0Iuv4z19A8Rvo89c0au1QDHHoRMfnAh2w7k6JJmxMK4Fu2p50VY0izluo_iVIZI0fhHZoT8m-s_j43WXIAaPUjki1WDOastChnMD0/w480-h640/20231210_201017104_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb's Tea Service's Twelve Etiquette Essentials available on Amazon</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Now to the shopping assistance. . . </u></b></p><p> We're also here to help for some last minute stocking stuffers! BTS's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Etiquette-Essentials-manners-tea-quette/dp/1548052396/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LXMAL9A51GBR&keywords=twelve+etiquette+essentials&qid=1702343329&sprefix=twelve+etiquette+essentials%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1">Twelve Etiquette Essentials: Formal Dining and Tea Time</a> is available for purchase at Amazon.com. Follow the link for purchase.</p><p><br /></p><p>See our BTS video demonstrating how to eat both a banana and a Snickers bar with the aid of a knife and fork: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgEAeI-N-Es">BTS presents: What are "finger foods": How the Royals eat bananas and more! (youtube.com)</a></p><p> </p><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-3445156382827057262023-12-15T13:44:00.007-05:002023-12-17T20:50:25.813-05:00A Jane Austen Christmas: Barb's Tea Service presents an "Austentacious" tea talk (sold out!) at Troy Historic Village<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsI9VLQlrca2M-9dRhuHq5aCUGrz8wrey2Fwh5v3L2fhVQFHQiiikRWW67vwMKZBcgDe6Fb43qSj2mjlS-3LhLD2vUGTzRMkkulOH0mOLod3elNQdKZtprPHwaxX9DDumHQo1LluIlUNOD1yc_lwOldL0KihM0yk6YR63E3MwfAHdx209_q0i8ZNDVz4/s4032/Troy%20HV%20Barb%20and%20Pam.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsI9VLQlrca2M-9dRhuHq5aCUGrz8wrey2Fwh5v3L2fhVQFHQiiikRWW67vwMKZBcgDe6Fb43qSj2mjlS-3LhLD2vUGTzRMkkulOH0mOLod3elNQdKZtprPHwaxX9DDumHQo1LluIlUNOD1yc_lwOldL0KihM0yk6YR63E3MwfAHdx209_q0i8ZNDVz4/w480-h640/Troy%20HV%20Barb%20and%20Pam.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb and Pam (BTS) at Troy Historic Village</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week Barb's Tea Service presented "A Jane Austen Christmas" at Troy Historic Village - a most appropriate time to celebrate as our tea talk took place just two days before Jane's birthday and less than a fortnight before Christmas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3oZOVNZamhNLjxlI3zw8j34qFeRG2GLU4S3zFqx2p_iLC9iwzehI1Yk211K3x494CTyFFn2BjjYNAspDeaD2Otrgiw7tqU91qdyRy6h3EPRym7Myo5NfHBLiIHtXoum0UWEvvGGmW6rNthEdve_nW39e6yrWaUZaDEKsxM0PDmEE8Vf6s4PLnbhzq8k/s4032/20231214_190005561_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3oZOVNZamhNLjxlI3zw8j34qFeRG2GLU4S3zFqx2p_iLC9iwzehI1Yk211K3x494CTyFFn2BjjYNAspDeaD2Otrgiw7tqU91qdyRy6h3EPRym7Myo5NfHBLiIHtXoum0UWEvvGGmW6rNthEdve_nW39e6yrWaUZaDEKsxM0PDmEE8Vf6s4PLnbhzq8k/w400-h300/20231214_190005561_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sold-out evnt (Patti, the best fitness guide, entering far left)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A sold-out event held at the Troy Historic Village's church, we were thrilled to see so many guests, including dear friends (a shout out to Clay, Patti, Rosemary and Mary Ann H.!) and a great deal of new ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92kmXJ01xYfS9wATJ6zjyez9UiMdDWKJiPTicOtAgYJOx73omEM5vhagf52bSHfbxcduVTsqsPAHvLdEfY3sJ0nINJmBB2yQ0B3L02759HGmuSpGlxrORZnHAOU2ld-10VI2oreBI0idpbCLT8RCNMZuYkEytfg5_u7B7hcize8us5JnSZU_xdPSaKEA/s4032/20231214_183958226_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92kmXJ01xYfS9wATJ6zjyez9UiMdDWKJiPTicOtAgYJOx73omEM5vhagf52bSHfbxcduVTsqsPAHvLdEfY3sJ0nINJmBB2yQ0B3L02759HGmuSpGlxrORZnHAOU2ld-10VI2oreBI0idpbCLT8RCNMZuYkEytfg5_u7B7hcize8us5JnSZU_xdPSaKEA/w400-h301/20231214_183958226_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Austen quilt reproduction</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabQP6MNI34KRkwoAP7MDZH6pYsQWqjsWWrcj27c9iKig8H6smM6ppTTb1Nui6el6DoSK068RmrfBZPQyUzhJSWFGlESpFot0XzjHgubJDDBhn6PFwkUlrC6HylXw3q8q7BeZ3-XmXF8YIFEH_CJ4SbLE3H_mGq3pIp7yWzkS1iMchBkBostesScyb1g8/s2626/Troy%20HV%20quilt%20maker.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2626" data-original-width="2230" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabQP6MNI34KRkwoAP7MDZH6pYsQWqjsWWrcj27c9iKig8H6smM6ppTTb1Nui6el6DoSK068RmrfBZPQyUzhJSWFGlESpFot0XzjHgubJDDBhn6PFwkUlrC6HylXw3q8q7BeZ3-XmXF8YIFEH_CJ4SbLE3H_mGq3pIp7yWzkS1iMchBkBostesScyb1g8/w203-h239/Troy%20HV%20quilt%20maker.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan L., quilter extraordinaire</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">New to our Jane Austen tea talks are the homes and special places of the Austen family in Bath (sharing our most recent visit to Sydney Place and the Pump Room). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf-5Wshhaho9BEHGDIOGrhUVle3YvFt0TqqEhaoOdtGnWQ4l2CFFRe9RvzQhF4CgJpRaO1w_GuADD4WaiOhhMecRBM3FZH4Fl3-ifvb5MifxlAnvnTX1_UcpWGWD6IZAk-qcM-KIZZcLmy8gkfX14hG2-BKxBo7nEa07phHglkwXBlvm25w72VmAjk4s/s1600/Jane%20Austen%20Rachel%20in%20front%20of%20house.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf-5Wshhaho9BEHGDIOGrhUVle3YvFt0TqqEhaoOdtGnWQ4l2CFFRe9RvzQhF4CgJpRaO1w_GuADD4WaiOhhMecRBM3FZH4Fl3-ifvb5MifxlAnvnTX1_UcpWGWD6IZAk-qcM-KIZZcLmy8gkfX14hG2-BKxBo7nEa07phHglkwXBlvm25w72VmAjk4s/w299-h225/Jane%20Austen%20Rachel%20in%20front%20of%20house.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter (and BTS member) Rachel at Chawton</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7P_PGKEhH94GW-_jIqLRTC7_W1X7BKqztlaGYVyUBA5kdUu_vDX552Ej3LaUCy8RzpQ1TZPfOjfDRoVLHi23ehtRVj2sBjwMiCvZyHJAF_uudyaUODUlCyZlTVCzN7RvkapSKh2_M4KogYhrQvNL_78ZzESNBwxz5GfsYVb8xho32WJC7JS5a54V8sg/s1600/Jane%20Austen%20Quilt.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7P_PGKEhH94GW-_jIqLRTC7_W1X7BKqztlaGYVyUBA5kdUu_vDX552Ej3LaUCy8RzpQ1TZPfOjfDRoVLHi23ehtRVj2sBjwMiCvZyHJAF_uudyaUODUlCyZlTVCzN7RvkapSKh2_M4KogYhrQvNL_78ZzESNBwxz5GfsYVb8xho32WJC7JS5a54V8sg/w297-h222/Jane%20Austen%20Quilt.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austen quilt at Chawton</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also talked about our visit to Chawton Cottage, which is home to some of the Austen treasures, including a quilt that was sewn by Jane, her sister, Cassandra and their mother. A reproduction of the quilt, made by one of the Troy Historic Village volunteers, Susan Lindsay, was on display. It is absolutely beautiful and truly captured the craftsmanship of the original.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0jljhaJdAgv56H49My5-QU631rdZjfx4TzM0ewL5ovHWSnQlHLMaMICINkMJx0nk27lHrCM_uSZ_eYhjfLtpEhlxK7oVNxVLuSJXwhL5Yy5PGYdzUvcTDUXAg5V8NjiuyzGaGzRfx-imSOUQJulbzv1pf_M2nyGsOUx5cICuzQ_T6O47CF-v3yYqM6A/s3608/Troy%20HV%20Pam%20checking%20in%20people.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2899" data-original-width="3608" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0jljhaJdAgv56H49My5-QU631rdZjfx4TzM0ewL5ovHWSnQlHLMaMICINkMJx0nk27lHrCM_uSZ_eYhjfLtpEhlxK7oVNxVLuSJXwhL5Yy5PGYdzUvcTDUXAg5V8NjiuyzGaGzRfx-imSOUQJulbzv1pf_M2nyGsOUx5cICuzQ_T6O47CF-v3yYqM6A/s320/Troy%20HV%20Pam%20checking%20in%20people.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam checking the guest list</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we discussed some of the holiday traditions of the Regency period including trifles and bullet pudding, BTS team member, Pam, assisted with set-up, tear down and checking guests in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XvpAWFLVlKxHEsCMcrvZ48VIWUo7Ui_4AjgcsMLlAhyphenhyphen56eQIKwhqC-e7BRZhox8opqRWcyf8ZObK160Gg9Xz28fXHBoWRp-tHOY_C1S-rzWlef_4opzr41BEm2tbrbK3keA1nKbPsk3Vp7nC3f5AsiIvpUIXFD1G0lJY6seykCUzkhBNPo32ES72UFI/s4032/20231214_201201881_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XvpAWFLVlKxHEsCMcrvZ48VIWUo7Ui_4AjgcsMLlAhyphenhyphen56eQIKwhqC-e7BRZhox8opqRWcyf8ZObK160Gg9Xz28fXHBoWRp-tHOY_C1S-rzWlef_4opzr41BEm2tbrbK3keA1nKbPsk3Vp7nC3f5AsiIvpUIXFD1G0lJY6seykCUzkhBNPo32ES72UFI/w300-h400/20231214_201201881_iOS.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb with Mary Ann H. (middle) and friend</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Troy Historic Village served up tea and sweet treats for the event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS0fzGJjGghcfR9Tmp-4ye3eL_iPA6R1ERwfIVaZP3Q1D2qtZXDIg0CZVcMkM9TTJ3bpN-zx9dY7lWBxEMO7TE8ZjJpYCanRaL3WdxgJ4GDXUoPQYe1b1sLVjZG8HhM2Y8i5An4LhB0o2K7guZB4qJvjiaYHCPKuKK10EYx8oTutlKX6_m4jCBrIJC0A/s4032/20231214_183945448_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS0fzGJjGghcfR9Tmp-4ye3eL_iPA6R1ERwfIVaZP3Q1D2qtZXDIg0CZVcMkM9TTJ3bpN-zx9dY7lWBxEMO7TE8ZjJpYCanRaL3WdxgJ4GDXUoPQYe1b1sLVjZG8HhM2Y8i5An4LhB0o2K7guZB4qJvjiaYHCPKuKK10EYx8oTutlKX6_m4jCBrIJC0A/s320/20231214_183945448_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot cups of tea and treats served up at THV.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much felicity experienced this week at Troy Historic Village! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlDEP_0PgZCQO85DZHGiNVbxOPfvkfLgqg20M_uaiazxslDzoYp0ZIF4SqxjvFBpJelQmOzBVD6r7kUpTErV7bUFW4GrXCPEj_IYd5Jsj6iFzqi76llWkYRZ75L5UXIuJWjPOgYwgVIJLldyNMIRwmaHEUG0G-TujizdNbA0L2vOV9FURtcYppdzmIpc/s3329/Troy%20HV%20Stephanie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2367" data-original-width="3329" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlDEP_0PgZCQO85DZHGiNVbxOPfvkfLgqg20M_uaiazxslDzoYp0ZIF4SqxjvFBpJelQmOzBVD6r7kUpTErV7bUFW4GrXCPEj_IYd5Jsj6iFzqi76llWkYRZ75L5UXIuJWjPOgYwgVIJLldyNMIRwmaHEUG0G-TujizdNbA0L2vOV9FURtcYppdzmIpc/w640-h456/Troy%20HV%20Stephanie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special thanks to Stephanie and Tom!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A special thank you to Stephanie Arwady for the invitation to return to this wonderful village (and, Tom, too for all the help in setting up 😊).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wishing you a joyous holiday season, filled with fun festivities and, perhaps even, a tasty trifle or two.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-79160159618151934502023-12-09T08:29:00.001-05:002023-12-09T08:29:32.782-05:00Tea Tasting, Tea History and Tea Etiquette: Barb's Tea Service presents at Chesterfield Township Library!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9uFNrMjUAfjxTuWXi_Op71XLsJCR0MHnUOkpNAIv9seIdgwT4qyxIcyrBRGjzeHLMARCWgFEeMUi4AFo2PjnDWdEosolQMiMkwFgNsFmD3PWU9en-sFKU3SaQTYWD3NjoRUPT5KwMitSlvHoPGeHtlhoUhMb7zz7qMKL6kXw4SNAqazXffE7wDxcax4/s4032/20231207_005342806_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9uFNrMjUAfjxTuWXi_Op71XLsJCR0MHnUOkpNAIv9seIdgwT4qyxIcyrBRGjzeHLMARCWgFEeMUi4AFo2PjnDWdEosolQMiMkwFgNsFmD3PWU9en-sFKU3SaQTYWD3NjoRUPT5KwMitSlvHoPGeHtlhoUhMb7zz7qMKL6kXw4SNAqazXffE7wDxcax4/w480-h640/20231207_005342806_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb's Tea Service presents tea talk & tea tasting at Chesterfield Township Library</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Barb's Tea Service presented a tea talk and tea tasting at Chesterfield Township Library this week - an event where things "heated up" quickly with a sampling of Earl Grey, but eventually "cooled down" with chilled matcha lattes. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW-TjVoNZw0rmTg4PMOi87v62ysZ7K2gfd807sfFZ-ji5VIGA7yvLP22ShJeUhU7zHyHZjWdOOJ40EDy09Gqjj3m0PzXLWyk5FsIwZBGzcTajt0vc16Z-bTnwMy6IkcojRkTbcgiZpsvyXmLl05Y2R7vZfXfHo_AEmM9SfA_Z-2EzBFXlFCkbinq0BBE/s4032/20231206_225642715_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW-TjVoNZw0rmTg4PMOi87v62ysZ7K2gfd807sfFZ-ji5VIGA7yvLP22ShJeUhU7zHyHZjWdOOJ40EDy09Gqjj3m0PzXLWyk5FsIwZBGzcTajt0vc16Z-bTnwMy6IkcojRkTbcgiZpsvyXmLl05Y2R7vZfXfHo_AEmM9SfA_Z-2EzBFXlFCkbinq0BBE/w400-h300/20231206_225642715_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three different teas were sampled and a choice of herbals to take home</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Chesterfield Township Library meeting room was filled with maximum capacity this past Wednesday and the group of guests were absolutely delightful. From sharing their own tea experiences to wanting to assist with set up and tear down, these attendees were amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was wonderful to meet new tea friends and see "old" tea friends as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWGjNdnvy_rcIsUTzNoQmkZ4GTLcpbkNRYLYynX9Wf0lujLuTyryZlwodzK3__Nd1Z4b2Kk_k54HCIp6tGrPhxxAR95iPZvoMw_KnWjRTfiSuod9hQQuqKupB_pMWZiIl3MZQbUhHCsmoy_quOzNOSUVKi66wT7eIv7ZsLgdwbvRWK4qiu8WGXXQIQVGU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="320" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWGjNdnvy_rcIsUTzNoQmkZ4GTLcpbkNRYLYynX9Wf0lujLuTyryZlwodzK3__Nd1Z4b2Kk_k54HCIp6tGrPhxxAR95iPZvoMw_KnWjRTfiSuod9hQQuqKupB_pMWZiIl3MZQbUhHCsmoy_quOzNOSUVKi66wT7eIv7ZsLgdwbvRWK4qiu8WGXXQIQVGU=w400-h348" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Old" friends, Patti and Kimi, attended the tea talk/tea tasting event</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While I covered tea topics that included history and etiquette, BTS team member, Pam B., brewed and served three different types of tea. On our tasting menu: Earl Grey, Sencha and Matcha. To wrap up on a caffeine-free note, each guest was asked to select up to two herbal teas to take home.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU0V3eDd1yycXWPHDTnJZ5ktF1MFMFL3faVUSL9B73olaxJiaMnhsbdg-Aen-D23C1-CwRIOJfp2inOcz4zr-GUTVGblXpRj1Q2E4KErwUOY26nBG3nbow4icgzWVeoMsJ8P9GlPhIPK9cDBWSdPPZDoScL70fr2lrGoKRzVz1DZwxjmaDpC2_NKyOkfk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="320" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU0V3eDd1yycXWPHDTnJZ5ktF1MFMFL3faVUSL9B73olaxJiaMnhsbdg-Aen-D23C1-CwRIOJfp2inOcz4zr-GUTVGblXpRj1Q2E4KErwUOY26nBG3nbow4icgzWVeoMsJ8P9GlPhIPK9cDBWSdPPZDoScL70fr2lrGoKRzVz1DZwxjmaDpC2_NKyOkfk=w400-h251" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a wonderful tea time at Chesterfield Township Library</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Many attendees brought their own teacups and, as is typically the case, they hold engaging stories of their own. Some cups were delicate bone china handed down from grandmothers, others were of the super-sized variety for daily tea consumption. (We have quite a few of both kinds in our own cupboards!)</div><div><br /></div><div>A delightful evening of tea at the Chesterfield Township Library meeting/tea room. A special thanks to Adult Services Librarian, Amber Johnson, for extending the invitation to us earlier this year. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-77072660615898831352023-12-03T14:25:00.003-05:002023-12-03T16:00:07.302-05:00A grand holiday celebration: Christmas trees and other festive family traditions in Grand Rapids<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjLFkg2pwkZBnIRJi9_RyMpPWmhQhbeUiC69MTJDMk3a5IaUIyoB6OBgbALf5wCed0TMpqCORf4TWwZZ4J5NDYVbGy8T-elqUQLDy9rtHpiaK_6i5GBqLbYkUZgs6MgXtKa21uodJxp5f7hZNs9cshNlClC9Yq4LZ39_MbI9z5rwX5k6vCIBRfAztXy0/s4032/20231130_184308340_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjLFkg2pwkZBnIRJi9_RyMpPWmhQhbeUiC69MTJDMk3a5IaUIyoB6OBgbALf5wCed0TMpqCORf4TWwZZ4J5NDYVbGy8T-elqUQLDy9rtHpiaK_6i5GBqLbYkUZgs6MgXtKa21uodJxp5f7hZNs9cshNlClC9Yq4LZ39_MbI9z5rwX5k6vCIBRfAztXy0/w480-h640/20231130_184308340_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas tree traditions grew in Victorian England</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The holiday season is upon us! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we're in the midst of the flurry of activity that accompanies it, including the decorating, baking and shopping, it's a treat to take some time out and learn more about the traditions we follow as well as those from other cultures and countries. And, that's exactly what we did last week at <a href="https://www.meijergardens.org/christmas-holiday-traditions/">Frederik Meijer Gardens</a> in Grand Rapids, Michigan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RlK-0XJxD0plGPbhFnsoJqP3fXLOf6S8vK40oylp1spCmaVn_8CSzMGS39UEy8MFNZ4c-VWeIO6U-rPLwgVAuNiV04lXqCIaH-G_GH1b3n_JsSSSRzQwspihtKN0YyvMY4UvMb0xn5kImEnlBHKlsybXZ2Mttw91UrfFT13k_3j7anYOMA-UgzFLPrc/s4032/20231130_212739479_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RlK-0XJxD0plGPbhFnsoJqP3fXLOf6S8vK40oylp1spCmaVn_8CSzMGS39UEy8MFNZ4c-VWeIO6U-rPLwgVAuNiV04lXqCIaH-G_GH1b3n_JsSSSRzQwspihtKN0YyvMY4UvMb0xn5kImEnlBHKlsybXZ2Mttw91UrfFT13k_3j7anYOMA-UgzFLPrc/w300-h400/20231130_212739479_iOS.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sistahs at Frederik Meijer Garden</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joined by my beautiful and fun-loving cousins, (together we are "The Sistahs"), we spent the afternoon at the Meijer Gardens' "Christmas and Holiday Traditions" exhibit to not only be inspired, but walk away with greater appreciation for the history of our Christmas customs as well as how others celebrate the season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJO_4FfDufDHnTHB5uVN3_n8GrFJAmJtPK3QJNpIX6mgeKdYV8TtxRPYjvqwq7wLpGMOtKQt3hAMHZ3ZB35SQiUq5r9Ts_D0UG_YBArMaLh7nCl3vZ_FTZtQ7JxDNSRvOPtkfRY4tjESS7TGYmtyRwCwj_5qJeYXwtMy3tcLadsKigHXLhjzHs7snBkI/s4032/20231130_181745495_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJO_4FfDufDHnTHB5uVN3_n8GrFJAmJtPK3QJNpIX6mgeKdYV8TtxRPYjvqwq7wLpGMOtKQt3hAMHZ3ZB35SQiUq5r9Ts_D0UG_YBArMaLh7nCl3vZ_FTZtQ7JxDNSRvOPtkfRY4tjESS7TGYmtyRwCwj_5qJeYXwtMy3tcLadsKigHXLhjzHs7snBkI/w400-h300/20231130_181745495_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holiday traditions include menorahs for Hanukkah that celebrate the Festival of Lights</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are currently forty-two different displays at Meijer Gardens, comprised mostly of Christmas trees decorated to represent the traditions of several countries. But, there are also exhibits dedicated to Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLedPpu0REhdWXqMlHGqr6N1OHJMOyoSr12gAdQINN9t4f4QtI7Sj3uOTBfixq4GxuxdC5C9kVt7ZatDnYC8c7M3oZQiVNsYGMQKQMSVQs-J-3StO4dygUM0lTDMAefisCFBphlsMn6v-Mv0TkFf6TSUyoNUdgZprSY_tTjEGMJtbxecjcV8PTRCCN4fY/s4032/20231130_185204171_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLedPpu0REhdWXqMlHGqr6N1OHJMOyoSr12gAdQINN9t4f4QtI7Sj3uOTBfixq4GxuxdC5C9kVt7ZatDnYC8c7M3oZQiVNsYGMQKQMSVQs-J-3StO4dygUM0lTDMAefisCFBphlsMn6v-Mv0TkFf6TSUyoNUdgZprSY_tTjEGMJtbxecjcV8PTRCCN4fY/s320/20231130_185204171_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">India's Diwali celebrations include designs made of sand</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many of the trees tell the origin stories of how different countries celebrate Christmas. Germany was the first country to produce glass ornaments in the mid-19th century, soaring in popularity beyond its borders when an illustration of Queen Victoria's tree, decorated with those festive adornments from her husband's home country, was published in a London newspaper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHGtCwnRYfJCUjaD7vKAalsujKNlSrr9B91EJDu1JPsyHwfJUGhSr1BxRb3shm1UNhB1f-i9fG4jIJ-hm6f-JY-Q0gXlU0X7oL5-AsPE83UY0a6OAcWz6LIu367tmMHQEjsG_n3KTGii20MsWanNrpNnd2CasfHHO2fIM7hAxWBMCIO2SDYgBE4Kdltc/s4032/20231130_181102954_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHGtCwnRYfJCUjaD7vKAalsujKNlSrr9B91EJDu1JPsyHwfJUGhSr1BxRb3shm1UNhB1f-i9fG4jIJ-hm6f-JY-Q0gXlU0X7oL5-AsPE83UY0a6OAcWz6LIu367tmMHQEjsG_n3KTGii20MsWanNrpNnd2CasfHHO2fIM7hAxWBMCIO2SDYgBE4Kdltc/w480-h640/20231130_181102954_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">U.S. trees after WW II featured mass-produced glass ornaments.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prior to World War II, most of the hand-made glass ornaments on U.S. trees came from Germany. But post-war, several American manufactures began to mass-produce reproductions of these glass balls adding a variety of colors and recessed medallions. This tree reminded me of the ones we had in our home when I was little, and, along with my three older brothers, it represented not only the excitement of the holidays, but the anticipation the gift-wrapped toys that would soon be underneath its branches. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2h_aVkJc604Cxky10_c1BLYH05WNQ-o7uAaKybaYJ_JT9rMKZg49EtG_4O56cYagzvsj_HY8KphPv2gWepwmDOQXFcFHaYqz8DZ4Yn_UTi937oOcliJk46DzmiZhc9Xt1GoazabbBWP20LIVdw_tU2Aumqh-CeU9NR3220wBN2Nnexilcx523W-HYOg/s4032/20231130_182311625_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2h_aVkJc604Cxky10_c1BLYH05WNQ-o7uAaKybaYJ_JT9rMKZg49EtG_4O56cYagzvsj_HY8KphPv2gWepwmDOQXFcFHaYqz8DZ4Yn_UTi937oOcliJk46DzmiZhc9Xt1GoazabbBWP20LIVdw_tU2Aumqh-CeU9NR3220wBN2Nnexilcx523W-HYOg/s320/20231130_182311625_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swedish ornaments made from straw</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-rkp2Adfk__SlnXJmi9DXE2vBKyXge4SmmVzT7L93EkTcBYB6Xr8_ZqVWGezm63V1BP7H1JVAQ8cLLavgz6nIBVzfOWb2I7ku_G9JI0j2tesq4e4Y9ffDWOtFVPJSXHtYWo1BRxDHe1qWZqdoKwnTn90nmNA8PGa8hev-KY7kbchgwYqb4JJe30_nl4/s4032/20231130_184750041_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-rkp2Adfk__SlnXJmi9DXE2vBKyXge4SmmVzT7L93EkTcBYB6Xr8_ZqVWGezm63V1BP7H1JVAQ8cLLavgz6nIBVzfOWb2I7ku_G9JI0j2tesq4e4Y9ffDWOtFVPJSXHtYWo1BRxDHe1qWZqdoKwnTn90nmNA8PGa8hev-KY7kbchgwYqb4JJe30_nl4/s320/20231130_184750041_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finnish trees with carved wood decor </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unlike the glittery baubles from Germany, Sweden and Finland's first tree ornaments were made of natural materials, the former created from straw and the latter, strips of wood, glued together to form intricate patterns and shapes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another country that created decorations from straw, called "sodai", is Lithuania. Sodai translates to "garden", but also "chandelier". Hanging a straw mobile over the dining room table was meant to ensure good crops for the following year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHNu2IObE0KQqZ8_4bh5LTIwtWS1vUsDGWqL0II-M_NXzDaXvtFQsjb5Fs7odn4pQR1VQlgK4Bvew5Z6wE9v_tbQ1sjiDUbcj_NKz2ncILkOPozhDe3H820GF0RhIPEk1S5iFoihFmsrfifLEsem3AcGLtzgu2RfuVgZP4gf-da4Mk6fJnwpKUotmVHU/s4032/20231130_191608370_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHNu2IObE0KQqZ8_4bh5LTIwtWS1vUsDGWqL0II-M_NXzDaXvtFQsjb5Fs7odn4pQR1VQlgK4Bvew5Z6wE9v_tbQ1sjiDUbcj_NKz2ncILkOPozhDe3H820GF0RhIPEk1S5iFoihFmsrfifLEsem3AcGLtzgu2RfuVgZP4gf-da4Mk6fJnwpKUotmVHU/w300-h400/20231130_191608370_iOS.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lithuanian trees also have straw ornaments.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Austrian tree was special for a few reasons. It honors the many great musicians from the country (e.g., Mozart and Schubert) as well as the little white chapel where "Silent Night" was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818. It also meant a lot on a personal level. Back in 2021, Chris, and I were in Austria with my brother and sister-in-law, as well as one of my "Sistahs" and her husband. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGfzyqiE2j1n3ZDvqCn_JHWoRvyS0FWWaWNTNYGKD8xGqSEMMtpekVKu6SRUXY-r134Hnx-4z5v3W0vxbGHLvv7gSus5q1wlw1QtT_HG8IMjMi8T7W1bZCRUUGoldWjmkl-xAPZrpeOOnQ3OJpDfX8sJuDzZ89sxPt8cnLPyktVlrIm8L5ZZnNT7VpDI/s4032/20231130_184612875_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxGfzyqiE2j1n3ZDvqCn_JHWoRvyS0FWWaWNTNYGKD8xGqSEMMtpekVKu6SRUXY-r134Hnx-4z5v3W0vxbGHLvv7gSus5q1wlw1QtT_HG8IMjMi8T7W1bZCRUUGoldWjmkl-xAPZrpeOOnQ3OJpDfX8sJuDzZ89sxPt8cnLPyktVlrIm8L5ZZnNT7VpDI/w480-h640/20231130_184612875_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austrian tree a tribute to great composers. We visited Austria with family in 2021. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As our self-guided tour continued, we learned at the Netherlands exhibit that the Christmas tree is central to the Dutch family tradition, which includes telling stories and singing Christmas carols. This particular tree was decorated with Delftware, a blue and white porcelain developed in Holland in the mid-16th century.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsPEQkblseu72Ig81TJblniVb8uHjIWoaXSZjZPLUtae1BW12JR9wn2mPV2rWMcqnWx7xG74TzNO2V5ozH8senhSOo6lMCJ-Opr6vk46CpF7saEz8DAqX95-h-lFhR0VPcy2VW8A_ZTMhmUe6iPfnSycYOCGttC0SZUHbUtLXtA9TROXCtoQ4oW8K-7M/s4032/20231130_185419899_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsPEQkblseu72Ig81TJblniVb8uHjIWoaXSZjZPLUtae1BW12JR9wn2mPV2rWMcqnWx7xG74TzNO2V5ozH8senhSOo6lMCJ-Opr6vk46CpF7saEz8DAqX95-h-lFhR0VPcy2VW8A_ZTMhmUe6iPfnSycYOCGttC0SZUHbUtLXtA9TROXCtoQ4oW8K-7M/s320/20231130_185419899_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holland tree with Delftware.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSC65tRkF4MbeELIPd7HUJBpkbxhu3sRrp0EFD7xKxsBzC-1EKgaf4ufOkpW9DiYm_jFm611u_lCNhFdOSdIvPyPh6r_x27hi2N2YDAbpX7tANG14pwsDHNxhxReojimGwN79q3n8Psk0A8UY2U3w3ZHY67h1MWwM1r8OvynqpTg0Uyzgxe2l0mPEkFYo/s4032/20231130_183801758_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSC65tRkF4MbeELIPd7HUJBpkbxhu3sRrp0EFD7xKxsBzC-1EKgaf4ufOkpW9DiYm_jFm611u_lCNhFdOSdIvPyPh6r_x27hi2N2YDAbpX7tANG14pwsDHNxhxReojimGwN79q3n8Psk0A8UY2U3w3ZHY67h1MWwM1r8OvynqpTg0Uyzgxe2l0mPEkFYo/s320/20231130_183801758_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">France display features "santons".</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not all countries, however, were represented with a tree. The holiday display for France featured "santons" or "little saints". These small figurines, which started back in the early 1800's, were made to represent villagers from the countryside who brought gifts to the manger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN78R53F3BYKKRh8EFwaQdcai76IgwDNNjFVhq5vFCUW_YrvB5ADpqBHip3aBkz9ilm1F0arHqKsEQdlUqLQjDb2TFEV5sytXvO8QVR1Bk3WkqhU6AU6LRgTWFVFgB1ubVQnhwigMdD4NhIhmWNhRR2AxjaH7g3MAeQrmsITrxqjkfWbu1M1xlWjctYDk/s4032/20231130_180942633_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN78R53F3BYKKRh8EFwaQdcai76IgwDNNjFVhq5vFCUW_YrvB5ADpqBHip3aBkz9ilm1F0arHqKsEQdlUqLQjDb2TFEV5sytXvO8QVR1Bk3WkqhU6AU6LRgTWFVFgB1ubVQnhwigMdD4NhIhmWNhRR2AxjaH7g3MAeQrmsITrxqjkfWbu1M1xlWjctYDk/w480-h640/20231130_180942633_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Iceland tree - but watch out for the Yultide Lads.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aside from decorated trees, a common theme in many of the countries' Christmas traditions was the depositing of treats in children's shoes. In Iceland, the mischievous sons of trolls, "Yuletide Lads", leave gifts in tiny tot's footwear. (If one misbehaved, one might find a potato in one's shoe.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEQ8oT4fsU85fL6glRDp1DUHz2TmP3YKbJI7JXz905xJelwCw0v4lzSoN1rFUk3-Ig_9Mc6-3bK97N41YARWzkTkKAFhAQ78jdPPAElUy40HrxiUUBzSMRrYp_XKugQP2fYnfpviAkNgmbQu5i8_ffU-PZGslvnwTExO-Gn-VQpysPKUmc-qnv8zKIVc/s4032/20231130_221923454_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEQ8oT4fsU85fL6glRDp1DUHz2TmP3YKbJI7JXz905xJelwCw0v4lzSoN1rFUk3-Ig_9Mc6-3bK97N41YARWzkTkKAFhAQ78jdPPAElUy40HrxiUUBzSMRrYp_XKugQP2fYnfpviAkNgmbQu5i8_ffU-PZGslvnwTExO-Gn-VQpysPKUmc-qnv8zKIVc/w640-h480/20231130_221923454_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sistahs enaging in their own holiday traditions, including festive feasts.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our afternoon at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, it was time to engage in our own Sistahs' Holiday Traditions. We enjoyed a few festive feasts together topped off with our annual gift exchange. It was filled with the magic of the season. And, I'm happy to report, the only potatoes we received were delicious and on our plates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tW4Mo-ktQ2PBnv03Xi0cIuYFbhk1V4U7SqKn25J1RqQDINPcXg39CnExLBWHSeQAwNLM0TRCia85saKYnk-WZ28CYBjqHHkQeK5imVn7YMuDbWu4QtS_WnhSSkSpsU5VvNsrljFd2Ukgk1ecOaBtXkPN_UEqmp7o6QJXAHArXYUg5K_DSsO_0IlIgtc/s4032/20231129_204232214_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tW4Mo-ktQ2PBnv03Xi0cIuYFbhk1V4U7SqKn25J1RqQDINPcXg39CnExLBWHSeQAwNLM0TRCia85saKYnk-WZ28CYBjqHHkQeK5imVn7YMuDbWu4QtS_WnhSSkSpsU5VvNsrljFd2Ukgk1ecOaBtXkPN_UEqmp7o6QJXAHArXYUg5K_DSsO_0IlIgtc/s320/20231129_204232214_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No potatoes in these bags!</td></tr></tbody></table>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-54037283858558245852023-11-21T11:49:00.002-05:002023-11-23T08:48:05.492-05:00Sticky Toffee Pudding, Part II: Delicious, but messy, recipe and (a new necessity?) the English Pudding Basin<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuqqq5cdXsDBHKHTv5e_vCaatePpfwFq6b2gozbTo7dNz1-wnmvkYwQikW-aI8IIzDyuQNfer-LeWY-sqdWUcf8t_00IAeQ-p9IdPmgRQR5viMP945C5W98OfPVnGS-nnvDQYYM8lzQgqoN_i7CchgzfRQ6DF2f0DZMYoXTcsFgLCDmVOo6pK9NnQK3o/s4032/20231119_225831177_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuqqq5cdXsDBHKHTv5e_vCaatePpfwFq6b2gozbTo7dNz1-wnmvkYwQikW-aI8IIzDyuQNfer-LeWY-sqdWUcf8t_00IAeQ-p9IdPmgRQR5viMP945C5W98OfPVnGS-nnvDQYYM8lzQgqoN_i7CchgzfRQ6DF2f0DZMYoXTcsFgLCDmVOo6pK9NnQK3o/w400-h300/20231119_225831177_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite the mess and a few miscalculations, our pudding was tasty!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The three words that we love to hear: <b><i>sticky toffee pudding</i></b>. </p><p>Now we can add another three words we may need to become more familiar with: <b><i>English pudding basin.</i></b></p><p>As noted in our last blog, "<a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2023/11/sticky-toffee-pudding-part-1-delicious.html">Sticky Toffee Pudding, Part I</a>", we were introduced to this tantalizing toffee concoction during our trip to the UK in October. Once a curiosity, now a passion, we wanted to create some of this sweet, syrupy sensation at home. While perusing recipes on-line, a couple of familiar names popped up: Darren McCrady, The Royal Chef and Kate Middleton. The former provides the recipes and, as for the latter, we learned, via The Royal Chef, that sticky toffee pudding is Kate's favorite holiday dessert.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2noR92r1BAhSSmvI7pKM0tXqq9E0XQg_YuLIc1hFfbt6LfUYUwPKwmxhhqsaX9gcLX8lLRn9EicR5LNHrmrN3l9Q9t-161zGwoKJpc3SH5dc7ZxGrCrWqnptiyQhHUyMqwMN27v1CNrcAb0LIt6fwkFsYURJnkyv1oYwaXX8BlfwfabfG2ggWSfC_2RI/s1600/eating%20royally%20royal%20chef%202013.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2noR92r1BAhSSmvI7pKM0tXqq9E0XQg_YuLIc1hFfbt6LfUYUwPKwmxhhqsaX9gcLX8lLRn9EicR5LNHrmrN3l9Q9t-161zGwoKJpc3SH5dc7ZxGrCrWqnptiyQhHUyMqwMN27v1CNrcAb0LIt6fwkFsYURJnkyv1oYwaXX8BlfwfabfG2ggWSfC_2RI/w281-h277/eating%20royally%20royal%20chef%202013.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Royal Chef in 2013</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsCxbluNuXEhOIxBCVLyH51ZFv0jMG5Ud6NgM1V-m4YTiLSsWXnlMlomeDu21K4Qdb8sSWUlrnEWKp3oNcS6E4TD_4XBY8VIxPMZCnRzh32apw188rAh8Wvfw4thTop3a7hgyCa_CQcMMbj-T4cn4-0UnxbVErUmbXqZmj7fgFTtHA7gPOPaMeVV4iGc/s4032/eating%20royally%20autographed.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsCxbluNuXEhOIxBCVLyH51ZFv0jMG5Ud6NgM1V-m4YTiLSsWXnlMlomeDu21K4Qdb8sSWUlrnEWKp3oNcS6E4TD_4XBY8VIxPMZCnRzh32apw188rAh8Wvfw4thTop3a7hgyCa_CQcMMbj-T4cn4-0UnxbVErUmbXqZmj7fgFTtHA7gPOPaMeVV4iGc/s320/eating%20royally%20autographed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great recipes in Eating Royally</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p>I've met Darren McGrady, interviewing him when he came to Michigan back in 2013, and I have his first cookbook, <b>Eating Royally</b>. Unfortunately, the toffee pudding recipe is in a subsequent tome not in my possession, but, most conveniently, different versions are replicated in numerous places on-line. I chose one that had the less exotic ingredients (e.g.,dark brown sugar instead of Muscovado sugar) and looked the least complicated (<a href="https://www.purewow.com/recipes/kate-middleton-sticky-toffee-pudding-recipe">Sticky Toffee Pudding, Darren McCrady, via PureWow).</a></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKc2MIM0h5w9XOELQB44hsFgG52Mrtf_XIUGlsxkgP6EnpfuTsVONS2I_iawbyecm5uedH88BvGL5WuNYUP28iPF35rGZhbqEfDFq4Xn1zEMORgBndKEYFl9g8j4RSc2XHUlclcIlL3ZuUKCTjDXrFu6IUKMvk4cViaOwZK7pLtMJE2e9UTfD4NSxfktc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKc2MIM0h5w9XOELQB44hsFgG52Mrtf_XIUGlsxkgP6EnpfuTsVONS2I_iawbyecm5uedH88BvGL5WuNYUP28iPF35rGZhbqEfDFq4Xn1zEMORgBndKEYFl9g8j4RSc2XHUlclcIlL3ZuUKCTjDXrFu6IUKMvk4cViaOwZK7pLtMJE2e9UTfD4NSxfktc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting out ingredients, swapping dark brown sugar for Muscovado</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>That is until I read the instructions to put a portion of the sauce into an <i>English pudding basin</i>. </p><p>Our kitchen is fairly well outfitted with various-sized pans and baking dishes (my husband, Chris, is the gourmet cook in the family), but it is void of any pudding basin, English or otherwise. The recommended substitute was a one-quart casserole. But was something lost in English-to-American pudding containers? The dish we had on hand seemed a bit small for the task (and, I do recall Chris saying - you can't go wrong going with a size up), but against all intuition and consultation, I chose the one-quart casserole.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf4A8k-dUo5Zfmk30ee8lNK_F-SWH7frnp7VMSCw8MWTnMnU77Gj9ljt9cOhkCn56hXEmWeO_VCApbHccjrxTdhCHY_tHahSmoo-Ta2JNlQNVyYZDqq-em1KHt5PFQBm8fAUhXapt1a53FhejLIOqzlbyXjye6fHkjcKep0PeqVIvAlIHlhFsfJfaNcU/s320/20231119_212604064_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Committing to the tiny dish</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVFQfDBiMV4qAo01WCfR2NOj6cWKY6aTdKN6Gw13NdnRWtqCCKvmGq7Tucx8Dsb7A8PstS0pqajP9Iq8b_VfvuMvjJlLetkMweVoioAkTNVLzkzkog9bcRAOUqdxxZmhI4X2ISXjeLf-dIUCw6cxzSqnjEcn2im8EpbVlKT-pwvdX1bSp1RgVjwmHh4c/s4032/20231119_212723338_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVFQfDBiMV4qAo01WCfR2NOj6cWKY6aTdKN6Gw13NdnRWtqCCKvmGq7Tucx8Dsb7A8PstS0pqajP9Iq8b_VfvuMvjJlLetkMweVoioAkTNVLzkzkog9bcRAOUqdxxZmhI4X2ISXjeLf-dIUCw6cxzSqnjEcn2im8EpbVlKT-pwvdX1bSp1RgVjwmHh4c/w373-h280/20231119_212723338_iOS.heic" width="373" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this mixture in need of a pudding basin?</td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf4A8k-dUo5Zfmk30ee8lNK_F-SWH7frnp7VMSCw8MWTnMnU77Gj9ljt9cOhkCn56hXEmWeO_VCApbHccjrxTdhCHY_tHahSmoo-Ta2JNlQNVyYZDqq-em1KHt5PFQBm8fAUhXapt1a53FhejLIOqzlbyXjye6fHkjcKep0PeqVIvAlIHlhFsfJfaNcU/s4032/20231119_212604064_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxf4A8k-dUo5Zfmk30ee8lNK_F-SWH7frnp7VMSCw8MWTnMnU77Gj9ljt9cOhkCn56hXEmWeO_VCApbHccjrxTdhCHY_tHahSmoo-Ta2JNlQNVyYZDqq-em1KHt5PFQBm8fAUhXapt1a53FhejLIOqzlbyXjye6fHkjcKep0PeqVIvAlIHlhFsfJfaNcU/s4032/20231119_212604064_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I poured the sauce, into the "replacement basin", reserving some for the final topping.</p><p>Then I made the pudding - mixing up the remaining ingredients, ladling it all into the small casserole dish and covering the dish with parchment paper and aluminum foil. I set the oven to 350 degrees, my timer to thirty minutes and took a break.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLYai13Yw9eVucOAO7UoGjaRgSkKoWXzoOTJ7Fb8iG-9tL9x_hvTUHLSYuk3oBS0Z8Uxc-NVS8lEGKda7Lt8kZDbqZLG3rDWWL43fcyIaNgR0nOIC50XaqrXWWEwT91f15mpLWiQ2wL4qWcKw2ySUgrkPuC3O6X4U6P1nkNJuf33GNrE43mPmOFvpf-8/s4032/20231119_212959890_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLYai13Yw9eVucOAO7UoGjaRgSkKoWXzoOTJ7Fb8iG-9tL9x_hvTUHLSYuk3oBS0Z8Uxc-NVS8lEGKda7Lt8kZDbqZLG3rDWWL43fcyIaNgR0nOIC50XaqrXWWEwT91f15mpLWiQ2wL4qWcKw2ySUgrkPuC3O6X4U6P1nkNJuf33GNrE43mPmOFvpf-8/w400-h300/20231119_212959890_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the oven, but neither parchment nor foil could contain the pudding</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After that half hour interval, I learned, to paraphrase the famous quote from the movie, "Jaws", that I was going to need a bigger bowl.</p><p>Much of the pudding batter had spilled out into the oven and, aside from the mess, it took another half hour of baking before I could stick a knife in the middle and bring it out clean. </p><p>Aside from the excessive spillage and the need to overcook the pudding, it didn't turn out bad at all. While it was still warm, I scooped a few cups into a bowl, and topped with remaining sauce and homemade whipped cream (which I executed flawlessly, may I add!).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZQmx0GVrDTDaK2Pb4Ofz3VpT82YzyLMtUFIY_UtC3tf5nbtQ_XMEL149BhHRrFUqdD6eBgthSbhtXRkCW_3UN8LFNdLmFcs1_dyriViInFfeMHTitxNl02jZ1-z9lveehui7xguxWK4LVnwkpF6GLKNVvdpXYiPjumNXLCk0qg8o8nP2hxdiYGLBrK4/s3664/Toffee%20sauce%20pour%20over.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2312" data-original-width="3664" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZQmx0GVrDTDaK2Pb4Ofz3VpT82YzyLMtUFIY_UtC3tf5nbtQ_XMEL149BhHRrFUqdD6eBgthSbhtXRkCW_3UN8LFNdLmFcs1_dyriViInFfeMHTitxNl02jZ1-z9lveehui7xguxWK4LVnwkpF6GLKNVvdpXYiPjumNXLCk0qg8o8nP2hxdiYGLBrK4/w310-h196/Toffee%20sauce%20pour%20over.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring sauce over pudding</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zf3lK-P1RAn3i1I7_86aNAMOzkhYWMiswiWPWohO4CQGPFEPeYoZJm6mziM0aSTh_0fYYAmUnpTmlwqsS0dQIRskLLZShxZfEBOtYiv039SfEzJSdJ1XsGSk4uH0TUQKIANA1hKhyAXQLBnd-p_U5hP73XZmUgjIbUUDq0YjUs_WyETouNynBdojRss/s3502/Toffee%20eating.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2378" data-original-width="3502" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Zf3lK-P1RAn3i1I7_86aNAMOzkhYWMiswiWPWohO4CQGPFEPeYoZJm6mziM0aSTh_0fYYAmUnpTmlwqsS0dQIRskLLZShxZfEBOtYiv039SfEzJSdJ1XsGSk4uH0TUQKIANA1hKhyAXQLBnd-p_U5hP73XZmUgjIbUUDq0YjUs_WyETouNynBdojRss/w289-h196/Toffee%20eating.jpg" width="289" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messy and overcooked, but still "yum"</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>See our video on YouTube to see the final results: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlajIDlludA">Sticky Toffee Pudding! - YouTube</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Sticky Toffee Pudding Post Mortem</u></b>:</p><p>Since this baking challenge, I have found a few items to aid in my defense of not quite" sticking the landing" of my first sticky toffee pudding.</p><p>From the<b><u> </u><i>BBC Travel article, "The contentious origins of England's famous pudding"</i></b>, it informs us that, "perfecting the recipe isn't something you pick up overnight".</p><p>Comforting words to repeat while scrubbing out a layer of baked-on pudding from the bottom of the oven.</p><p>And, what about the English pudding basin? Is there more to that story? Or, more precisely, more to the English pudding basin?</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.cooksinfo.com/pudding-basins#:~:text=She%20writes%2C%20%E2%80%9CPudding%20basins%20have%20caused,4%20%C2%BD%20inches%20%2811.5%20cm%29%20deep.%E2%80%9D&text=She%20writes%2C%20%E2%80%9CPudding%20basins,inches%20%2811.5%20cm%29%20deep.%E2%80%9D&text=%E2%80%9CPudding%20basins%20have%20caused,4%20%C2%BD%20inches%20%2811.5">Cooks Info</a>, I offer the following evidence to support my case:</p><p>"Pudding basins have caused something of a problem with regard to their size - a bit of confusion that needs to be unravelled. . .if puddings, savoury or sweet, are something you plan on adding to your bag of cooking tricks, it can be useful to have a few sizes."</p><p>Well, perhaps that's not the "smoking gun" to explain the "sticky pudding knife", but it is a cautionary tale for those who of us who plan to add more puddings to our "cooking tricks". </p><p>To continue our sticky toffee pudding endeavors, we agree, practice makes perfect. But whether to use a casserole dish or basin is still up for debate. In any event, one thing we are most certain of, the proof will be in the pudding!</p><p><br /></p><b>For more on Barb's Tea Service tea talks and other events, see: </b> <a href="https://barbsteaservice.com/">Barb's Tea Service (barbsteaservice.com)</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-14456997074366226212023-11-20T16:13:00.004-05:002023-11-21T09:07:36.605-05:00Sticky Toffee Pudding, Part I: Delicious, but messy, history - served with cream and controversy!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI67NVs6lpKyrjakyJKG7DXWi6HKvE_ajHHsalIqcoVnvZ8jeOFw3UHMeDlEdQLKAE6fENDjnewbtyKrjIiTG1EB_trjhBr0D5HUgLxqfIjYddikY38qTbSC-RfcsBrlkqo0BEulUQ7v9CYPsYPphSig77qobhknduzUxMAW5VX_IaKuhmC-XOA5rixk/s4032/20231004_182538924_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI67NVs6lpKyrjakyJKG7DXWi6HKvE_ajHHsalIqcoVnvZ8jeOFw3UHMeDlEdQLKAE6fENDjnewbtyKrjIiTG1EB_trjhBr0D5HUgLxqfIjYddikY38qTbSC-RfcsBrlkqo0BEulUQ7v9CYPsYPphSig77qobhknduzUxMAW5VX_IaKuhmC-XOA5rixk/w640-h480/20231004_182538924_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky toffee pudding, our first in Edinburgh, served with cream and controversy.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sticky toffee pudding comes served with cream and controversy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first introduction to sticky toffee pudding came last month while we were visiting northern England, and Scotland. Along with husband, Chris, and travel companions, (our favorite NY couple), Matt and Jenna, we were in for a foodies' fest, sampling local cuisine along the way and always saving room for dessert. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enter: sticky toffee pudding. We found it on almost every menu during our stay, and, after our first taste, we were smitten. Our own version of "Field of Dreams": Bake it and we will come. . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDp2hiTJrXZFxWyKbfYYCIklS5CxfC7E_cmH0jCZwLv-_Bn_rxO3ON_-qtCVaif32y4iC28Aj5_J3cHMWsHX6qSOSj4BqNm7Ivk-c50xPi0rC2tzPHJkGEmwQpTLye81ksI_ZiFNrEiXoaXtSQOZTFr0BccJKpJLW7xoRrwTLTMWYotvZBnNkrGkWgQ-Q/s4032/20231005_203933249_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDp2hiTJrXZFxWyKbfYYCIklS5CxfC7E_cmH0jCZwLv-_Bn_rxO3ON_-qtCVaif32y4iC28Aj5_J3cHMWsHX6qSOSj4BqNm7Ivk-c50xPi0rC2tzPHJkGEmwQpTLye81ksI_ZiFNrEiXoaXtSQOZTFr0BccJKpJLW7xoRrwTLTMWYotvZBnNkrGkWgQ-Q/w400-h300/20231005_203933249_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second night in Edinburgh, more toffee treats!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At Jenna's suggestion to try the scrumptious sweet, we embarked on a sampling throughout our gourmet getaway. Once home, I wanted to not only learn more about this dessert but create some in my own kitchen. An article from <a href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210715-the-contentious-origins-of-englands-famous-pudding">BBC Travel, "The contentious origins of England's famous pudding"</a> helped me with the former, and The Royal Chef assisted me with the latter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>First, the history: controversy, surprises and missed opportunities</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Specifics on where and when sticky toffee pudding started are a bit murky, but most agree, it is a more modern creation dating back only some fifty years ago (which dashed my images of it being around when "figgy pudding" was being requested in song) and in part, at least, in England. And, while there are a number of inns throughout Britain that promote themselves as the home of sticky toffee pudding, there's another country that asserts its claim to the recipe as well: our northern neighbor, Canada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the Canada/England toffee debate is, well, sticky, there are some who believe it was a collaboration between citizens of both countries. There are tales that connect English innkeepers with members of the Canadian Airforce, united in service as well as blending baked pudding with maple syrup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_3fieGXsA916LUmrWUEoGWJhlzQSnZXyPmz7iBux_xEpQb2CZ9IX1ViORuLySnT4H47R5_Z1SgzK0_BU74LJg8p1cdxGG0TuaSGFTZ_nGTD6pFpFsbCT52tJGhT2q7umY-2Byvu4lxGfplBFJtXQK6IaMdYDHCgxngxbl732QGFXlgguuqAC0DJ7dYRQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_3fieGXsA916LUmrWUEoGWJhlzQSnZXyPmz7iBux_xEpQb2CZ9IX1ViORuLySnT4H47R5_Z1SgzK0_BU74LJg8p1cdxGG0TuaSGFTZ_nGTD6pFpFsbCT52tJGhT2q7umY-2Byvu4lxGfplBFJtXQK6IaMdYDHCgxngxbl732QGFXlgguuqAC0DJ7dYRQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying sticky toffee pudding in Scotland, having just left Cartmel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wherever it began, there's one place that boasts, while it may not have invented sticky toffee pudding, it has "championed it, embraced it and pushed it forward more than anyone else". That bold statement comes from the owner of Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, in Cartmel, England. They've been baking up the confection since 1984, selling over ten million "puds". Credit for their sweet success is given to high quality ingredients, most sourced locally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, that very locale, my friends, is the source of my grand missed opportunity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Long before I knew what sticky pudding was, our travel group of four had booked an evening's dinner in Cartmel, at the Michelin 3-star restaurant, L'Enclume <i>(And, just last week, it was named a number one restaurant in the world by La Liste, as noted in <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissakravitz/2023/11/16/le-bernardin-named-best-restaurant-in-the-us-for-7th-consecutive-year/?sh=4ce58ef012c5">Forbes, November, 2023</a> - sharing it with only six other venues globally).</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uDyD5cEuvt_bQxfMYhzeYxshucp-ePkx5_yjEYXVhk0P2QxcckWncdcV-lm0-c1lBYsiXo8Lh9viDK6efmXyBff5asu5TUBQoWSVTdmFesIedZEnG1JmkjenAENl5oT0Lk4OfVnJpfuaIQSIeUM6d24KYKkW89Cc3VpyHmwCuMGYjEpza9ncizwYqOM/s4032/20231003_181446925_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uDyD5cEuvt_bQxfMYhzeYxshucp-ePkx5_yjEYXVhk0P2QxcckWncdcV-lm0-c1lBYsiXo8Lh9viDK6efmXyBff5asu5TUBQoWSVTdmFesIedZEnG1JmkjenAENl5oT0Lk4OfVnJpfuaIQSIeUM6d24KYKkW89Cc3VpyHmwCuMGYjEpza9ncizwYqOM/w301-h226/20231003_181446925_iOS.heic" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining at L'Enclume in Cartmel</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6v9nZQ88O10NARVGxKc2Cn6Nm0WS_NB8WAQrOkTA8n9qAZ2DFkCJiHqxWp_mU9qmx9lO9IzovLvlVn7_DOOX3zWVmShMO8ACpqTkGGBZVtPNZwzuo6JOzehgnketcqzhpDlHisCcmCU-qI9jlb9iRPU7R9jGIRyqjLOcfjBwF8oy0849nt3gJs_KTT0/s4032/20231003_145844855_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6v9nZQ88O10NARVGxKc2Cn6Nm0WS_NB8WAQrOkTA8n9qAZ2DFkCJiHqxWp_mU9qmx9lO9IzovLvlVn7_DOOX3zWVmShMO8ACpqTkGGBZVtPNZwzuo6JOzehgnketcqzhpDlHisCcmCU-qI9jlb9iRPU7R9jGIRyqjLOcfjBwF8oy0849nt3gJs_KTT0/w283-h212/20231003_145844855_iOS.heic" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Michelin 3-star restaurant and top in the world</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">For convenience and comfort, we stayed overnight in a charming hotel, a two minute walk from L'Enclume, and right in the heart of Cartmel. I had NO idea, it was also the home to Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding company, the head cheerleader and tour de force behind this grand dessert! We didn't start our toffee tasting until we arrived in Edinburgh the next evening, not realizing, we had bypassed another great culinary delight in Cartmel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HII3Qp5nSfyntlr31YBp9CtIcTilaqVatyoyJabwjYQv4Sjm_HhoPDXS0QMNr3pTG3IyV6bATibQE6_vGfzvrgWIP3VZEptG3n5RbWKAe2jjh_tQ8faA3cMHgajsjG9YMGuSZzmuFsLNNt0dxkZDEEtFNPUaL_Vw_qZ-46QoV3IC1EyiY0ZuQSixN-k/s4032/20231004_093410691_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HII3Qp5nSfyntlr31YBp9CtIcTilaqVatyoyJabwjYQv4Sjm_HhoPDXS0QMNr3pTG3IyV6bATibQE6_vGfzvrgWIP3VZEptG3n5RbWKAe2jjh_tQ8faA3cMHgajsjG9YMGuSZzmuFsLNNt0dxkZDEEtFNPUaL_Vw_qZ-46QoV3IC1EyiY0ZuQSixN-k/w400-h300/20231004_093410691_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cartmel inn, so close to fancy dining AND toffee pudding.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, no sad endings here. The sticky toffee puddings we had at two restaurants in Edinburgh were amazing. Warm, syrupy and topped with cream - a new passion had emerged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbtJGmGs2PoIEL6F6NHVygLUocHPOZxSczvNUp1qUYAlo6AadyD_Ag6J6PhCCOc7-n9kQ5HO002ynUm1ZJnVl4reSmSOBzfSYnTA5DRrIOtvmrNm8AZpwku0n5f6De4nzdvsR8TSec6LSm2DEUpyv5EzGr3l4FFKE5i1FVoRsD9bpc6E__oP0QOkbSM0/s4032/20231006_182301290_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbtJGmGs2PoIEL6F6NHVygLUocHPOZxSczvNUp1qUYAlo6AadyD_Ag6J6PhCCOc7-n9kQ5HO002ynUm1ZJnVl4reSmSOBzfSYnTA5DRrIOtvmrNm8AZpwku0n5f6De4nzdvsR8TSec6LSm2DEUpyv5EzGr3l4FFKE5i1FVoRsD9bpc6E__oP0QOkbSM0/w253-h190/20231006_182301290_iOS.heic" width="253" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotland hotel lounge - could there be. . .</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk4mB3y8D-txBZq4GAsaDXXR-AR_wuQ_JIwYBlVEWTTu7gogfFcDPzKpoStvHYcer0DwmyDjXL0hGMG5ud9_1K6sGFu2Nt-5ZG0tW-6IADebJjyvdLFxbcz-juMDB3ASb1GdA3im3qleHvNlW1RRMm4K-JYSn8DYz0-anitNNc7mFHbVmUZpgfF5IzeE/s4032/20231006_183733638_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk4mB3y8D-txBZq4GAsaDXXR-AR_wuQ_JIwYBlVEWTTu7gogfFcDPzKpoStvHYcer0DwmyDjXL0hGMG5ud9_1K6sGFu2Nt-5ZG0tW-6IADebJjyvdLFxbcz-juMDB3ASb1GdA3im3qleHvNlW1RRMm4K-JYSn8DYz0-anitNNc7mFHbVmUZpgfF5IzeE/s320/20231006_183733638_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sticky toffee pudding on lounge menu!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbtJGmGs2PoIEL6F6NHVygLUocHPOZxSczvNUp1qUYAlo6AadyD_Ag6J6PhCCOc7-n9kQ5HO002ynUm1ZJnVl4reSmSOBzfSYnTA5DRrIOtvmrNm8AZpwku0n5f6De4nzdvsR8TSec6LSm2DEUpyv5EzGr3l4FFKE5i1FVoRsD9bpc6E__oP0QOkbSM0/s4032/20231006_182301290_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbtJGmGs2PoIEL6F6NHVygLUocHPOZxSczvNUp1qUYAlo6AadyD_Ag6J6PhCCOc7-n9kQ5HO002ynUm1ZJnVl4reSmSOBzfSYnTA5DRrIOtvmrNm8AZpwku0n5f6De4nzdvsR8TSec6LSm2DEUpyv5EzGr3l4FFKE5i1FVoRsD9bpc6E__oP0QOkbSM0/s4032/20231006_182301290_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Suddenly, I was seeing sticky toffee pudding everywhere, including the lounge menu in our chain hotel in St. Andrews. Something so wonderful just couldn't end once back from our trip across the pond. So, I took to creating some of my own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The results were as checkered and messy as the pudding's history, but also, just as incredibly sweet and delicious. For the Sticky Toffee Pudding preparation in the BTS test kitchen, stay tuned to Sticky Toffee Pudding, Part II.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>For more on Barb's Tea Service tea talks and other events, see: </b> <a href="https://barbsteaservice.com/">Barb's Tea Service (barbsteaservice.com)</a></div><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-21123742193899005082023-11-18T20:26:00.008-05:002023-11-19T08:11:38.664-05:00Becoming Jane, Part II: Walking miles in the country like Lizzy Bennet and (being) Mr. Wickham on the BBC!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg-NXztVH9xq82g35ajJV_Xel6GzLBVizY04ymHeAs-Gv8F0N-UMPg1HacFgu-IvDcFSiFNawZbylXyqBOeVNATw2G0NUpT6HeFr1CmRwuGrr__EfHr8y4GAEkFGMr0JHe7OLUQ8d2TX7SmvExrcJXSd9sFVYOsXAUoT5bpbvMOBVoujR3HrREC97guw/s1710/Barb%20JA%20desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1710" data-original-width="1648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg-NXztVH9xq82g35ajJV_Xel6GzLBVizY04ymHeAs-Gv8F0N-UMPg1HacFgu-IvDcFSiFNawZbylXyqBOeVNATw2G0NUpT6HeFr1CmRwuGrr__EfHr8y4GAEkFGMr0JHe7OLUQ8d2TX7SmvExrcJXSd9sFVYOsXAUoT5bpbvMOBVoujR3HrREC97guw/w616-h640/Barb%20JA%20desk.jpg" width="616" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blog writing with pen and ink, no autocorrect available.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Part II: Becoming Jane, Beyond Bath</p><p>Last month, our journey to "Becoming Jane" (our favorite author, Miss Austen) began, as noted in "Becoming Jane, Part I", with three days in Bath, England, staying in the Austen home, taking tea where Jane did and even meeting her up-close and personal at her eponymous museum on Gay Street. </p><p>We didn't realize at the time, however, that once we left Bath our Jane Austen adventure wasn't quite at its conclusion. We still had some Regency-style travel ahead and, while we were becoming Jane, we had a serendipitous encounter with someone who was "being Mr. Wickham". </p><p>After we left the yellow buttercream glow of the multitude of townhomes and shops in Bath, we traveled north to Derbyshire. Here, we stayed a few nights at a lovely country home with a working sheep farm. The walk to the village (and dinner) was a little over a mile. Not typically a distance that would break a sweat, however, as alluded to in Part I, the trail through the estate was a small footpath with several paddock gates to climb over. We came upon a few random wooly friends as well as a dozen muddy puddles, all made more challenging after sunset.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy_1Pq_rVIyDkcoW7GVKMq0k0IINGH2S4nnfeWLplvHf3nGoWasL_cCroyjwKAb5wBgjfnzQ2LibSnP1dQ2bh9fFLOxoyGzQNAx98r214meTW4PKNHtYH2sM5xA2Zsebzbcp7bE2fMaSq9-Uh0y5a7IUBB7Z8Hs0F7uqp4_YdqBy3kBoBHs4AnvF98nQ/s4032/20231002_153441524_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy_1Pq_rVIyDkcoW7GVKMq0k0IINGH2S4nnfeWLplvHf3nGoWasL_cCroyjwKAb5wBgjfnzQ2LibSnP1dQ2bh9fFLOxoyGzQNAx98r214meTW4PKNHtYH2sM5xA2Zsebzbcp7bE2fMaSq9-Uh0y5a7IUBB7Z8Hs0F7uqp4_YdqBy3kBoBHs4AnvF98nQ/w640-h480/20231002_153441524_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Country estate in Derbyshire, residents are less judgy than the Bingley sisters.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>These outdoor treks were favored by Jane, and, in turn, by many of her literary ladies. So, we lit a "candle" (our iPhone flashlight) and neither cursed the darkness nor our obstacle course in the country. </p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv0I9VaOajxp11JBakrOdTlM8ItKCLlDAqhOlSDWDdHoXasqCBgMqO3icKYDoUiEforfX-bqeIsW0PzrTpVMLB5ilaU6AwuxLuAx3pZdjNYsurv2KyOsbZzZkYaHYHrxAVR2xRSytoORPW5LXCcwa3boZHR77JVV8kn9JXvPN2nO-BMinQ8ff4C6krGs/s4032/20231002_153754070_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv0I9VaOajxp11JBakrOdTlM8ItKCLlDAqhOlSDWDdHoXasqCBgMqO3icKYDoUiEforfX-bqeIsW0PzrTpVMLB5ilaU6AwuxLuAx3pZdjNYsurv2KyOsbZzZkYaHYHrxAVR2xRSytoORPW5LXCcwa3boZHR77JVV8kn9JXvPN2nO-BMinQ8ff4C6krGs/w286-h215/20231002_153754070_iOS.heic" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path to town filled with muddy puddles. . .</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhzJppkam7zpfcCxGm-wkqoSG4O8cp90ScC3MRbM0gOQvLhpeIrgOOXnyn2tV4l4XRQxnzRfrePQvWr6CvL0rEOJYwqG1iHiI2__JcHGGKQyzz8rmh43tOWMj_mu9btbszmqVvODGTLK77xP27Ssa_glNIQTiWLoAm_ZN1f36UB2NFTkX06AIEyaCDeA/s4032/20231002_153955806_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhzJppkam7zpfcCxGm-wkqoSG4O8cp90ScC3MRbM0gOQvLhpeIrgOOXnyn2tV4l4XRQxnzRfrePQvWr6CvL0rEOJYwqG1iHiI2__JcHGGKQyzz8rmh43tOWMj_mu9btbszmqVvODGTLK77xP27Ssa_glNIQTiWLoAm_ZN1f36UB2NFTkX06AIEyaCDeA/w289-h217/20231002_153955806_iOS.heic" width="289" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and wooly friends.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The hems of my garments were as dirty as Lizzy Bennet's stockings upon her three mile walk to Netherfield, but, upon our return to our country home, our hosts, unlike the Bingley sisters, did not hold contempt for anyone in our party. While my soiled attire was unbecoming, it was all part of <i>becoming</i> Jane.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDB0s4R971cH3so8IAPmsuwGTVGafTukUt0ZLZ2NSpoB3Lq0lQ1R8rJLo-slpSCE0Und6uKw_7bR0xLMnPS-IEPty0eYFB4EQnEL7lhxfZP04jkvid574dhjFp5J06cjGD9PCIPahgqMZvIrTpmpCcVX1HRH0wyGR9_ixYZ0al9funOVlnMCC7etd7QE/s4032/20231002_155136697_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDB0s4R971cH3so8IAPmsuwGTVGafTukUt0ZLZ2NSpoB3Lq0lQ1R8rJLo-slpSCE0Und6uKw_7bR0xLMnPS-IEPty0eYFB4EQnEL7lhxfZP04jkvid574dhjFp5J06cjGD9PCIPahgqMZvIrTpmpCcVX1HRH0wyGR9_ixYZ0al9funOVlnMCC7etd7QE/s320/20231002_155136697_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow path, in parts, bordered by stone walls. . .</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dS0417001rHlLdxq-G5T7bWPySIEdXg1X9c3UViPNfGPHVXKdmmBeG3O7RBQzjWAVXjvVCpd60y7YtpzXgBboAte7aRKNqylEa6icYHy7e4Vd0TcBbJf42hgnn1QUNvsoQO60ZY3CL0AQ7iTsqxgklXO7JdDom4kZaAQezheNafiRtfbjzaM99H0bko/s4032/20231002_183405138_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dS0417001rHlLdxq-G5T7bWPySIEdXg1X9c3UViPNfGPHVXKdmmBeG3O7RBQzjWAVXjvVCpd60y7YtpzXgBboAte7aRKNqylEa6icYHy7e4Vd0TcBbJf42hgnn1QUNvsoQO60ZY3CL0AQ7iTsqxgklXO7JdDom4kZaAQezheNafiRtfbjzaM99H0bko/w212-h283/20231002_183405138_iOS.heic" width="212" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">made more challenging at night!</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I was now more "Jane" than "Jeanne" than ever before. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LcAR8lCvKMma0_7zyfOvpwh_SputbTCghERw3XOme722n_ech0g86Grm087aD2IvQjutEvlkvAdiuEJd9DE3_986xXqFO-N86IIw_MlyMJmvGJ4a1p887zSLTxqfyNHdRbzZI3njUccwlj5Saoa-vjqOKjYLpOVKIbJOOlm06typuxumuSkmpE8c9_s/s4032/20231003_094927364_iOS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LcAR8lCvKMma0_7zyfOvpwh_SputbTCghERw3XOme722n_ech0g86Grm087aD2IvQjutEvlkvAdiuEJd9DE3_986xXqFO-N86IIw_MlyMJmvGJ4a1p887zSLTxqfyNHdRbzZI3njUccwlj5Saoa-vjqOKjYLpOVKIbJOOlm06typuxumuSkmpE8c9_s/w480-h640/20231003_094927364_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hems of my attire a muddy mess, but not met with contempt by our hosts</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Believing now, we had surely come to the end of our time in "Austen-land", a bit of our treasured "serendipi-tea" unfolded, giving us one more Austen nugget. At our pentultimate UK stop, before our grande finale in London, we stayed at one last charming inn in Yorkshire. Before heading down to the breakfast portion of our B & B, I turned on the television in our room to see a familiar face chatting with great ease and amusement on a British morning show. It was Mr. Wickham! </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB5crcWc8MIJM-YPOBxQj-NvJnaBRsvVj7Y8APQkc00cyF2zOzVsmDZutUL2Snj2I5rQfTzMwZ2mTZXRiKwRGRA0hMa6dorV37z1zVCEIRtLvUMIoqeeo3Znr_FBktimBTcK8qrw6eIYQ3eUWn4ZvkWO6YNnmLGsbw4-N0Yw3wcP6KZiOWBLn9hgysS8/s4032/20231008_085940851_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZB5crcWc8MIJM-YPOBxQj-NvJnaBRsvVj7Y8APQkc00cyF2zOzVsmDZutUL2Snj2I5rQfTzMwZ2mTZXRiKwRGRA0hMa6dorV37z1zVCEIRtLvUMIoqeeo3Znr_FBktimBTcK8qrw6eIYQ3eUWn4ZvkWO6YNnmLGsbw4-N0Yw3wcP6KZiOWBLn9hgysS8/w253-h190/20231008_085940851_iOS.heic" width="253" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Wickham on BBC morning show</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLrjwhihD3413pMJhJUrXNGcabMdquzFJfr9S4Gj_VZwU_fBItan8LHrPUECTWZN9Gs1FjH3glKPaZZ6t3kz4qfyfT-4giClXrxN5efm1TMf5fKo8PMFq3TKsgXwCUN6l0QuqdBqMAEnZYofA872Iulz3wL8PzSsYyykE508UnAgB1lXlnT2y66w7sx4/s4032/20231008_085942617_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLrjwhihD3413pMJhJUrXNGcabMdquzFJfr9S4Gj_VZwU_fBItan8LHrPUECTWZN9Gs1FjH3glKPaZZ6t3kz4qfyfT-4giClXrxN5efm1TMf5fKo8PMFq3TKsgXwCUN6l0QuqdBqMAEnZYofA872Iulz3wL8PzSsYyykE508UnAgB1lXlnT2y66w7sx4/w303-h227/20231008_085942617_iOS.heic" width="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Older, but still, the face of the P & P cad</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Full disclosure, it was, Adrian Lukis, the actor who played George Wickham in the 1995 BBC version of "Pride and Prejudice". And, while he had, of course, aged a bit, he was still undeniably, the same scoundrel who ran off with young and "silly" Lydia. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKHNgu7cD3demWprw4kLmZaKCkBz77XRWjNXl2ImPcUerGuqiD4IidcSt2CikDswG5PCZQNEfTk4OFjjeCdXEg5mWtur0jtgoB7lvx7KC0zaTscZRvUSw0FDyQVexogNsjUq-jpGYOXTRPwJcgo2PV6KmrPci7T-PXoMFNa1PRdyKl7ieOgEQkbzcViQ/s4032/20231008_090144617_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1-dtgVXUfD2NR5UwS0shiJwaQlm3saz_E1FvBwNceMcTwfC8n5GWuiNFHpmnZNINfTeMif2CygKtR4snSuTW22GIzZqY2DpZsrJVPYhukQCRYbYXmUOhL6SxGHx0K3nPXdk5f88ZNEmTC0Lq77YZvQeyRLyMO1xRMUYIrJeupyjnX18s_lZ-AVJy65M/s4032/20231008_085915882_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1-dtgVXUfD2NR5UwS0shiJwaQlm3saz_E1FvBwNceMcTwfC8n5GWuiNFHpmnZNINfTeMif2CygKtR4snSuTW22GIzZqY2DpZsrJVPYhukQCRYbYXmUOhL6SxGHx0K3nPXdk5f88ZNEmTC0Lq77YZvQeyRLyMO1xRMUYIrJeupyjnX18s_lZ-AVJy65M/w400-h300/20231008_085915882_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Wickham gives a better first impression to Lizzy Bennet</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Remarkably, Mr. Lukis is still making a career out of <b><i>being</i> </b>Mr. Wickham. He co-wrote and stars in "Being Wickham", an hour-long epilogue of the Pride and Prejudice cad, which includes what became of his young bride. It took me a trip to England, sadly, to find out that this comedy/drama already performed in New York this past June. (If it comes to NY again, I hope my inner Jane can attend!). </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKHNgu7cD3demWprw4kLmZaKCkBz77XRWjNXl2ImPcUerGuqiD4IidcSt2CikDswG5PCZQNEfTk4OFjjeCdXEg5mWtur0jtgoB7lvx7KC0zaTscZRvUSw0FDyQVexogNsjUq-jpGYOXTRPwJcgo2PV6KmrPci7T-PXoMFNa1PRdyKl7ieOgEQkbzcViQ/s4032/20231008_090144617_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKHNgu7cD3demWprw4kLmZaKCkBz77XRWjNXl2ImPcUerGuqiD4IidcSt2CikDswG5PCZQNEfTk4OFjjeCdXEg5mWtur0jtgoB7lvx7KC0zaTscZRvUSw0FDyQVexogNsjUq-jpGYOXTRPwJcgo2PV6KmrPci7T-PXoMFNa1PRdyKl7ieOgEQkbzcViQ/w400-h300/20231008_090144617_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's still more to the story, as told in "Being Wickham".</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Alas, like being Wickham, becoming Jane was only temporary. I am once again, Barbara Jeanne. But, when the clock struck midnight, I came home from the Jane Austen ball with more in my reticule than when I left. I'm grateful for the opportunity to dip back into the Regency period, feel a deeper connection to Jane Austen, and a very much renewed appreciation for modern sensibilities where a woman can proudly put her name to her books and, on a damp, dark evening, find comfort in a modern day iPhone lantern.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>For more on Barb's Tea Service tea talks and other events, see: </b> <a href="https://barbsteaservice.com/">Barb's Tea Service (barbsteaservice.com)</a></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-54731214694368540092023-11-16T12:40:00.006-05:002023-11-17T10:17:42.644-05:00Becoming Jane, Part I: Taking tea, living in the Austen home and meeting Mr. Darcy in Bath<p> </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgduxQEAWfpfMo6pdESO0SkMs1rE2AWhvCnC5N6iMXl0aftZKczLybcmR-BrSRP79y54BIrufG0w-6slbQkIWqN-WKe1J_uaYSn6QFqokwJrYgOglo-ztR-xw8G632RW_1Vf-QI0Zg_b9kSg2q9Hj9n59_oQ5eMt_pAqEyKB8Pk2rqRSMYFX9f0HGEZVE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgduxQEAWfpfMo6pdESO0SkMs1rE2AWhvCnC5N6iMXl0aftZKczLybcmR-BrSRP79y54BIrufG0w-6slbQkIWqN-WKe1J_uaYSn6QFqokwJrYgOglo-ztR-xw8G632RW_1Vf-QI0Zg_b9kSg2q9Hj9n59_oQ5eMt_pAqEyKB8Pk2rqRSMYFX9f0HGEZVE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Face-to-face with Jane in Bath. Even in wax form, Miss Austen was having a better hair day than me.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>My full name is Barbara Jeanne Gulley, but, for a fortnight in England, my middle name was replaced. I became Barbara Jane as I followed the path of my favorite author, Jane Austen. I lived in one of her homes, took tea where she did and, like a headstrong, obstinate character in one of Austen's novels, walked a few miles in the country through narrow gated-paths and muddy lanes when a phaeton (or uber) was unavailable. (That last endeavor found the hems of my garments as dirty as Elizabeth Bennet's when she arrived at Netherfield). So much felicity experienced in - and so much approbation given to - my Austen-immersion and surprisingly, but most suitably, it concluded with a BBC update on Mr. Wickham (Lydia, too!).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe9p1YUqgDf7S0WnwF0_h0WXgBtWK6Nv-N6F7Qq6RswiFsSerQr2N9FocRHRKLbtZYpRzsGGLCv81xEm-l2UUpma1NHCMmgr3OKfdF77NTd1nlJbSq659177UX6-4ZBwHSivRjloKvlm5oJSHms8Ep9T7MpiSTeGQ_aPQr-pFb7olb2jHLvJCCPF_8DI/s4032/20230930_133941113_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe9p1YUqgDf7S0WnwF0_h0WXgBtWK6Nv-N6F7Qq6RswiFsSerQr2N9FocRHRKLbtZYpRzsGGLCv81xEm-l2UUpma1NHCMmgr3OKfdF77NTd1nlJbSq659177UX6-4ZBwHSivRjloKvlm5oJSHms8Ep9T7MpiSTeGQ_aPQr-pFb7olb2jHLvJCCPF_8DI/s320/20230930_133941113_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No. 4 Sydney Place, now an Airbnb</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zy-oE84mtHxMBR-91pAiQ-6nB5WJoF9Qe9b45Xh64pwj0MzLEn9EMR_cDrLIzLWar3mwilHAux-Q25KtnhFnIWewc1SaVp0UfQg7SJGJHfZ8GQfEMJlk1fKWtojw6KehbD81AL_9PCw8xZL50zpGcp1uNxbtQ7RCsUgBJv7ayevpfYxOfK6Lidgzly8/s4032/20231002_095159524_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zy-oE84mtHxMBR-91pAiQ-6nB5WJoF9Qe9b45Xh64pwj0MzLEn9EMR_cDrLIzLWar3mwilHAux-Q25KtnhFnIWewc1SaVp0UfQg7SJGJHfZ8GQfEMJlk1fKWtojw6KehbD81AL_9PCw8xZL50zpGcp1uNxbtQ7RCsUgBJv7ayevpfYxOfK6Lidgzly8/s320/20231002_095159524_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Austen home in Bath, close to tea and gardens</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>With every journey across the pond over the past twenty years, we find some Austen excursion to take part in. Our first, was a brief stop in Bath and a run through the Pump Room, Other times brought us to Chawton and Winchester to more of Jane's homes, as well a sojourn to the original Twinings shop in London where the Austen family purchased their tea. Every trip brought a little more insight into Jane and her novels and, most assuredly, a lot more tea.</p>But this year, we kicked it up a notch, devoting three full days in Bath and not only visiting the Austen family's first residence in the city, but actually staying <i>in</i> it. It is now an Airbnb. I must readily inform, however, that only the lower level is open for guests. When the Austens lived there, the space was a service area that once housed a large kitchen and butler's pantry. Today, it makes a rather large and bright garden apartment with lots of windows and two small, but pretty, outside patios.<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zB93uH0CEKLlyLFdbz-U1sPGfQ6ltVvA3KsY0SY9_IiTfO50-UYVBTgrjvrltZpTpPx_mRsKtrNRYyZIHlcZZKMabeB0ydxfEqCHJjRdYaGGZaLEayBG8Q-e93QgXzhjlT74FkHQ6ZzudqH7vsr3GbL_WlJkuQvlrYvi0jtbb2c-wtQHnf31RG7kusg/s4032/20231001_124024901_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zB93uH0CEKLlyLFdbz-U1sPGfQ6ltVvA3KsY0SY9_IiTfO50-UYVBTgrjvrltZpTpPx_mRsKtrNRYyZIHlcZZKMabeB0ydxfEqCHJjRdYaGGZaLEayBG8Q-e93QgXzhjlT74FkHQ6ZzudqH7vsr3GbL_WlJkuQvlrYvi0jtbb2c-wtQHnf31RG7kusg/s320/20231001_124024901_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pump Room, Jane had tea and observed</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_QXRSQ2_lw_033O5OjSxFytR4x1PBmtxyUhT5ya_j24ndBM1k1KOswPMmgjCqgpGGOdH3GwpevW-PB1zhdOmhCxlWNiDuLqZnjoPjtFClpMbIJVCwVCiopQT3tfTRxHFtmmyz2qeMQOte0LuKep1e9MmYuXhsETqE9tYLQim6v0fac8hcfFSmVaQoRU/s4032/20231001_131341568_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_QXRSQ2_lw_033O5OjSxFytR4x1PBmtxyUhT5ya_j24ndBM1k1KOswPMmgjCqgpGGOdH3GwpevW-PB1zhdOmhCxlWNiDuLqZnjoPjtFClpMbIJVCwVCiopQT3tfTRxHFtmmyz2qeMQOte0LuKep1e9MmYuXhsETqE9tYLQim6v0fac8hcfFSmVaQoRU/s320/20231001_131341568_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came to for tea and to be seen</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div>And, while it's not quite the completely authentic experience of a Regency-style holiday home, I must be allowed to say how much I ardently admire and love the luxuriously retro-fitted bathroom, complete with daily running water.</div><div><p>That's not to say one can't go back in time with Jane. There were some great advantages to staying at No.4 Sydney Place, as the Austens did back in 1801. One can view the park across the street where Jane would stroll (though not as much to her liking as the long walks she enjoyed in her country home in Steventon). This townhouse location is also a short distance to the Pump Room - a place to see and be seen - where Jane took tea and observed the local residents. </p><p>We, too, went for tea and to be seen at the Pump Room (although, I can confirm, no one was looking).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0Q4lAVHxPa6Y5udRBh-prExlW0a8cfgSQNKUyC4kphqEAml8mz9rjWPmpj2vVRpOOML8NbIIj8a4GY5tx5dK86iAvGObpzu0xu2uyNHjH6ojrAbMi-gjUQGBk5ZR-1k_SPbCcitjwijcNiBCTOh7u-_ri9BZt7-G2KyFncWuAt-kL8JdBQgk4SA3X-k/s4032/20230930_161127084_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0Q4lAVHxPa6Y5udRBh-prExlW0a8cfgSQNKUyC4kphqEAml8mz9rjWPmpj2vVRpOOML8NbIIj8a4GY5tx5dK86iAvGObpzu0xu2uyNHjH6ojrAbMi-gjUQGBk5ZR-1k_SPbCcitjwijcNiBCTOh7u-_ri9BZt7-G2KyFncWuAt-kL8JdBQgk4SA3X-k/w480-h640/20230930_161127084_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Darcy, was his first impression of this blog writer to be saved or lost forever?</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After tea, to advance our study in "becoming Jane", we took a quick jaunt up to Gay Street, where we actually came face-to-face with Miss Austen - to clarify, one real face to one wax face. To further clarify, I was the real face and Jane's was wax, although, even in that state, she was having a better hair day than your humble blogger.</p><p>Real or faux visages, the encounter took place at the Jane Austen Center, a museum devoted to the Regency-era author. Here, I scribed with feather pen and ink and sidled up to Mr. Darcy (he, too, was wax, so I do not know if his good opinion of me was saved or lost forever).</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDvqSTm4xtuFHb-gFdUCim1XQRWWRvr6yBmMvzP5up3Gk3_FTFX2NmBPFQF662_eEbx-R8IOVyBpWMghBLb06yrl9e4PNmYw-xntcQ-_jxyIl1WFHZvoAsj0J3ZewoYiDUsYe2gCIch7wvmUOPkwks6400y58B1kHzBazXdv_p_mxqv4pU-LWz05-ziA/s4032/20231001_103406362_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDvqSTm4xtuFHb-gFdUCim1XQRWWRvr6yBmMvzP5up3Gk3_FTFX2NmBPFQF662_eEbx-R8IOVyBpWMghBLb06yrl9e4PNmYw-xntcQ-_jxyIl1WFHZvoAsj0J3ZewoYiDUsYe2gCIch7wvmUOPkwks6400y58B1kHzBazXdv_p_mxqv4pU-LWz05-ziA/w640-h480/20231001_103406362_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Bath, but not our "Becoming Jane" journey. See Part II in next BTS blog!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Although our stay in Bath was substantial to our Jane Austen immersion, it was not the end. Our literal and figural journey continued to the Peak District. Stay tuned for "Becoming Jane, Part II" this week!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>For more on Barb's Tea Service tea talks and other events, see: </b> <a href="https://barbsteaservice.com/">Barb's Tea Service (barbsteaservice.com)</a></p></div></div></div>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-179505548097755082023-11-14T08:39:00.004-05:002023-11-17T10:18:37.905-05:00Princess Di Tartan: Shopping for new plaids in Edinburgh (but are any that old?) Are you Tartan Clan Fan or a Tartanry Believer?<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC02uDy2JbTEfBz-kydj9fkBPeVaPi1GxXhOvtoNHSksprWSjFE15oIn3LXiGq3dQKTwrEL70Tic2-tTReWWaiVW4mCE1vXxcliS5sYUpDDYkKbX3oYYVGYMSjIxOgFUPCNIt5g_vwS-N11kNRMuXrKoWTIMUZlIWWj12-K3dhZmxEcPcozWEziwRWIQ/s1080/Tartan%20scarf%20Barb.jpg" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1080" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC02uDy2JbTEfBz-kydj9fkBPeVaPi1GxXhOvtoNHSksprWSjFE15oIn3LXiGq3dQKTwrEL70Tic2-tTReWWaiVW4mCE1vXxcliS5sYUpDDYkKbX3oYYVGYMSjIxOgFUPCNIt5g_vwS-N11kNRMuXrKoWTIMUZlIWWj12-K3dhZmxEcPcozWEziwRWIQ/w400-h290/Tartan%20scarf%20Barb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing my new Princess Diana Tartan. I'm a Tartan Clan Fan</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our most recent trip to Scotland with family (husband, Chris, and fav NY couple, Matt and Jenna), I treated myself to a lovely pink and blue tartan scarf - the pattern named in honor of the late Princess Diana. A relatively new plaid, it was created in 1997 by Lochcarron, the world's leading manufacturer of tartan. With this pattern only a few decades old, it's evident that tartan weaves are not static. But, based on the amount of Scottish textile shops that line Edinburgh's Royal Mile with shopkeepers eager to help you find your clan's "historic" tartan, I wondered - how far back does the custom of Scot's wearing plaid go? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, it depends if one looks to its humble beginnings as heavy cloth made to suit its local environs (at least a couple millennium) or to its more modern evolution of bold patterns that roll up to one's family identity (a mere two hundred years). <span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoD9qj275_tyUscUdXFjVRhb3vLOQ8sN_rADACqHzYdyTIw6bxvrVmwZ4921nQITgknF8nVOCpDAh7eQ-mfGYtrfIuzAtS4-2NIgzGv1GI6cBOStTnwo6EYu0YPz3xEh5ovWkho21T8YqbL6ScZEKSQS9FmnJG7_yu2HW6KoEzlDrMTFPrxa8wyDnJG8/s2929/Tartan%20kids.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2797" data-original-width="2929" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoD9qj275_tyUscUdXFjVRhb3vLOQ8sN_rADACqHzYdyTIw6bxvrVmwZ4921nQITgknF8nVOCpDAh7eQ-mfGYtrfIuzAtS4-2NIgzGv1GI6cBOStTnwo6EYu0YPz3xEh5ovWkho21T8YqbL6ScZEKSQS9FmnJG7_yu2HW6KoEzlDrMTFPrxa8wyDnJG8/w400-h383/Tartan%20kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilts and scarf brought back to the family in 2018.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>And, that can also determine where you land on the Tartan scale: are you a Tartan Clan Fan or a believer in Tartanry?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little history before you commit:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tartan's origins go back centuries to the Highlands, where strong material, made by local weavers, was worn to suit the colder climates of Scotland and, with that, regional differences in the style emerged. The unique designs could be attributed to how the color dyes were employed, but the craftsmanship of the local weaver is believed to be what really called out the clan brand. As noted in the Smithsonian Magazine (November, 2015), certain patterns would be identified with certain areas, "[similar to] how people today wear baseball caps from their hometown teams".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPytqeCe6Odw0XLrosrmGN_-s_1W7idVdpjJ1YQoUwW1RtPMnR7jHywxuVcBWKc67D8xX-SDIoqKz17h-i6HiM90acPwZ6R3ERp7n8yH1NGb1f_HLbkDZhX7ghZ_YLEh-CUA6IbxY-weVDcDtZozCuqw5YqxGvKzm1MAEFjww0q4Pu_GZMs_A0ymmgsI/s2884/Chris%20scotland%202018%20two.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2567" data-original-width="2884" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPytqeCe6Odw0XLrosrmGN_-s_1W7idVdpjJ1YQoUwW1RtPMnR7jHywxuVcBWKc67D8xX-SDIoqKz17h-i6HiM90acPwZ6R3ERp7n8yH1NGb1f_HLbkDZhX7ghZ_YLEh-CUA6IbxY-weVDcDtZozCuqw5YqxGvKzm1MAEFjww0q4Pu_GZMs_A0ymmgsI/s320/Chris%20scotland%202018%20two.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris in Edinburgh, 2018, with first plaid cap.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aside from pragmatic reasons, Tartan served other uses as it made its way through the centuries. Some patterns were designed for military use and others as a display of wealth. For the latter, if the tartan contained red it was typically worn by the gentry. The dye source was imported and therefore more expensive. (Should one want to keep up with the Jones', or the Camerons).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, credit for tartan becoming a modern day-symbol of Scotland goes to both King George IV and Sir Walter Scott. In 1822, King George IV visited Edinburgh in full Highland dress in an attempt to demonstrate unity. Sir Walter urged his fellow country folk to meet the king wearing their "true clan tartan". Many had no idea what that "true tartan" was and ran to "Wilsons of Bannockburn", a large weaving firm of the time, to seek out their heritage whether it existed or needed to be created. (National Geographic March 29, 2023)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG1GzJywja76jQfPqvApXb4vTbwyxjONtO3od6gIs78WWAvFAbh0CWLyFNNLdpRYNu4xm_ErpnfJ8LMtdpup78ZklFYskUcNwuUI0S7lWHxA3knmJTz63HbvfXQIlf21Gi3CwTaosSarEyc5RneIAlCWHdOjw9vLGR66ljQpptN8hLKt9hyphenhyphenKFzp8sMH4/s4032/20231005_103424218_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG1GzJywja76jQfPqvApXb4vTbwyxjONtO3od6gIs78WWAvFAbh0CWLyFNNLdpRYNu4xm_ErpnfJ8LMtdpup78ZklFYskUcNwuUI0S7lWHxA3knmJTz63HbvfXQIlf21Gi3CwTaosSarEyc5RneIAlCWHdOjw9vLGR66ljQpptN8hLKt9hyphenhyphenKFzp8sMH4/w400-h300/20231005_103424218_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna and Chris with new caps (Chris' looking much like his old one)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many popular tartans today were launched in that period, an era that come critics believe "sowed the seeds of 'tartanry', the excessive, kitchy use to represent an overly romanticized picture of the country". (Collector's Weekly, November 15, 2017).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMfj21eFsou0BTGPHX6IePBMAhmucRrWqxzZicPpwXFm9TXS9FgFOjj1MsbwJxUmK-ZvCIM9zqJ6oRmDYKMkxZGsx9VXfeNkw9gok626GhfQcMKyM7VUfO4yvbYVJaxAE8rp_ZjDa0TlW8ZuoRBnZOwUkqnsMdJLtdLVNA-WYyNF_tb_Nwqtmq17btyI/s4032/20231005_161716981_iOS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMfj21eFsou0BTGPHX6IePBMAhmucRrWqxzZicPpwXFm9TXS9FgFOjj1MsbwJxUmK-ZvCIM9zqJ6oRmDYKMkxZGsx9VXfeNkw9gok626GhfQcMKyM7VUfO4yvbYVJaxAE8rp_ZjDa0TlW8ZuoRBnZOwUkqnsMdJLtdLVNA-WYyNF_tb_Nwqtmq17btyI/s320/20231005_161716981_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt, 2023, new tartan jacket</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jLZBfpZVOKOjUevN0AUMHGB6TjvuQkRZ3ExGKwQ-M6wjC1cx1bSeGsfbDDah9EP4VdB5lDTn4LlQYHyv5KsN46N-0DfPYlBdfnEsb_m6g43bhklNVd-ZHee67g3g1r-Le1CPkZoCnVZlEi4VGlYKElZTvIs0UB_WTfcIMs_D_9uYvHOAQ0sVfFk3LLQ/s4032/Tartan%20Matt.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jLZBfpZVOKOjUevN0AUMHGB6TjvuQkRZ3ExGKwQ-M6wjC1cx1bSeGsfbDDah9EP4VdB5lDTn4LlQYHyv5KsN46N-0DfPYlBdfnEsb_m6g43bhklNVd-ZHee67g3g1r-Le1CPkZoCnVZlEi4VGlYKElZTvIs0UB_WTfcIMs_D_9uYvHOAQ0sVfFk3LLQ/s320/Tartan%20Matt.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt sporting the kilt, 2018</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We fall into "Tartan Clan Fan", even with its somewhat fabricated history (or, should we say, "fabric-aided"?). We've been supporters for years. Well, more specifically, for five years. In 2018, Chris and I, also walked the Royal Mile and walked away with tartan kilts for our family, red for Rachel, blue/green for Rob and Matt and even a tiny tartan scarf for our dog, Baylee. (The red no longer commands a higher price 😉). Chris had also purchased a jaunty, plaid cap, but, sadly, misplaced its whereabouts shortly after our return home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfgL3OpOGhML64tkDEi7e8cJ17S5vRJF3pCf_6T6mzOwvCRj093TcuBhYxrzoR6d_muRfU4ZbXqesDEn13FA65rDb6irnFpvtGU_DOMFXRA_VDYLxCPjCnw_5j6hnP5NMcBtOJx0JL1kQI0otIXS8DZY2QRJZANJFV6pu4uRGHEqSPDtLPfaym1EN7uM/s4032/20231005_154038381_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfgL3OpOGhML64tkDEi7e8cJ17S5vRJF3pCf_6T6mzOwvCRj093TcuBhYxrzoR6d_muRfU4ZbXqesDEn13FA65rDb6irnFpvtGU_DOMFXRA_VDYLxCPjCnw_5j6hnP5NMcBtOJx0JL1kQI0otIXS8DZY2QRJZANJFV6pu4uRGHEqSPDtLPfaym1EN7uM/w400-h300/20231005_154038381_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna, shopper extraordinaire, and Matt, owner of new tartan</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, there's a happy ending. Last month, we all treated ourselves to plaid: Jenna, a shawl, Matt, a jacket, and Chris, a new cap, almost identical to the one he lost. I, as you already know, came home with a lovely, pastel scarf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, we're not done yet. We're keeping the tartan spirit going for the holidays. We'll be hanging plaid wooly ornaments and showcasing our tartan tablescape. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuNly6V2TOMJF7H1bFAAjnotnMlT7F0zw0M-aAMwhzex35xcnzDZ0Sq0tze1foh_i4X-lItMMAnB5kxz9hOiQvwZ1BQCSIubZy21ek9V8x0ac-FjTgtD4Oh_nIRXNJCiJcMs0LYfW0RAXri2YBDlhMbipQKX_yQ5cBMvKiAwSyu7Yjdqq8YmgARb7FONc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuNly6V2TOMJF7H1bFAAjnotnMlT7F0zw0M-aAMwhzex35xcnzDZ0Sq0tze1foh_i4X-lItMMAnB5kxz9hOiQvwZ1BQCSIubZy21ek9V8x0ac-FjTgtD4Oh_nIRXNJCiJcMs0LYfW0RAXri2YBDlhMbipQKX_yQ5cBMvKiAwSyu7Yjdqq8YmgARb7FONc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tartan for the holidays!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If this be tartanry, we embrace it wholeheartedly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For our tartan tea time video, see our latest on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TwVLgJ0QYE">Tartan tea time with Princess Diana scarf. Tartan Clan Fan or Tartanry Believer? - YouTube</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>For more on Barb's Tea Service tea talks and other events, see: </b> <a href="https://barbsteaservice.com/">Barb's Tea Service (barbsteaservice.com)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>Special thanks to both Pam, for the tartan tipoff, and Jenna, for being a shopping escort extraordinaire, making sure I obtained my scarf under some crazy parking challenges in Edinburgh.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-87348065259080473842023-11-11T08:23:00.002-05:002023-11-11T12:21:23.950-05:00Serendipi-tea in Yorkshire: A visit planned to explore family ties and royalty brings us to Robert Thompson (the "mouseman") and his sought after furniture<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2fN7w1gMhF6vcqNhLJ5CSfbYTJcoY_1qDnUwzUkAh_RKSNS9xVurE3-OKKUwncCqwE5kYUrTJfUK-PknAJUhPF7A3CAb8fk2bI1s0OEUJPPefjXSerwZFYJVDG0xF7LqL9tzCyLQr2iumESaMfX1oRo0XEpoWfuajO9McrE2Nv44UBqiBmmIGuxBtIQY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2fN7w1gMhF6vcqNhLJ5CSfbYTJcoY_1qDnUwzUkAh_RKSNS9xVurE3-OKKUwncCqwE5kYUrTJfUK-PknAJUhPF7A3CAb8fk2bI1s0OEUJPPefjXSerwZFYJVDG0xF7LqL9tzCyLQr2iumESaMfX1oRo0XEpoWfuajO9McrE2Nv44UBqiBmmIGuxBtIQY=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing back a bit of Mouseman serendipi-tea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Last month, as part of our 1,400-mile road trip throughout England and Scotland, my husband, Chris, and I had selected the town of Kilburn for a two-night stay. We chose this location in Yorkshire as it was a good "home base" for our varying pursuits: Chris was looking for a connection to his ancestors, who were recorded in family accounts as living in this area a few centuries ago, and I was set on seeing the one-time home of Princess Mary, Harewood House. One criteria we didn't factor into our Kilburn inn choice, however, was its close proximity to the Mouseman's Cottage, home to Robert Thompson's finely crafted furniture. We hadn't even heard of him before. But, with travel bonuses of unexpected adventures, we had stumbled on an incredible artist community, and we were so grateful for the meet-up. Or as we like to call it here at BTS, a bit of "serendipi-tea".</span></div></div><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnASVcUy-0UofNSsX9kJOr-FjyALYW6QlJZngE9g1rdhTLtznMwvAQLLl4anB4R23kmkYFC8AaXwdFam7FQvrgxqqCBbcLEC0o0mpY9NhilP0d-YYpqdFyqnGzcBX2dsplWN0ovbpqh12EkJCtrLjkp4AKPaF__Ueg-8SRhYnqBJWrTC7dBfxKnaA9ag/s4032/20231008_154623443_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnASVcUy-0UofNSsX9kJOr-FjyALYW6QlJZngE9g1rdhTLtznMwvAQLLl4anB4R23kmkYFC8AaXwdFam7FQvrgxqqCBbcLEC0o0mpY9NhilP0d-YYpqdFyqnGzcBX2dsplWN0ovbpqh12EkJCtrLjkp4AKPaF__Ueg-8SRhYnqBJWrTC7dBfxKnaA9ag/w400-h300/20231008_154623443_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inn in Yorkshire, chosen for family and royal research/ The Mouseman - an added bonus!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Although many of the places we stayed at in our two weeks-plus visit to the UK were pre-planned and pre-booked, we allowed ourselves a few extra days here and there for "wiggle room". This allowed us to leave one location early or stretch out a visit, should we decide we wanted to move on or explore more. Our visit to Yorkshire fell into the "wiggle room" category, and although it was a desired stop, we hadn't reserved our room until the night before. While still in St. Andrews, Scotland, Chris found the Forresters Arms on-line - a full service B & B, complete with evening dining, a tearoom, a pub and all within a half hour's drive to the neighboring villages we had on our agenda. What more could one ask for? <i>How about a rendez-vous with the Mouseman!</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUC6R7ZKmHkHdroqdNFDSQvpLr5G0U0Pa3sPHtvg6rC64DAZnJDAlErkEBtk6BvEHDyBvpp07eKGl5UdhAiRqy0SA38uMiZGKlWIeuh6vHTA3iJSWngxJw7XWJduCuQWlMwTdvdA6QihH8y5zDRc269DTVQlh1hOZp9WvP1cbyU_YMFUSNtIFRKvmcK_g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUC6R7ZKmHkHdroqdNFDSQvpLr5G0U0Pa3sPHtvg6rC64DAZnJDAlErkEBtk6BvEHDyBvpp07eKGl5UdhAiRqy0SA38uMiZGKlWIeuh6vHTA3iJSWngxJw7XWJduCuQWlMwTdvdA6QihH8y5zDRc269DTVQlh1hOZp9WvP1cbyU_YMFUSNtIFRKvmcK_g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouse-shaped tea biscuits in honor of the Inn's neighbor, the Robert Thompson enterprise</td></tr></tbody></table><p><i><br /></i></p><p>Our first indication of the Robert Thompson legacy was the parking area adjacent to our inn. There were three prime spaces for "<b>Robert Thompson customers only</b>". <i>Well, okay, the public parking lot was just a few steps more. Who or what this business was, we hadn't a clue.</i></p><p>Then, up in our room, a welcoming tea and coffee tray was set out and, along with the earthenware mugs and electric kettle, there were also mouse-shaped biscuits under a glass dome. At the time, I wasn't positive they were biscuits, so I asked the innkeeper when we came down for dinner. She confirmed they were, indeed, tea cookies, and made in the shape of a mouse to pay homage to Robert Thompson. <i>The mouseman plot thickens. . . </i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCE44mHbT6e3iP0bgVCQkTF_gCyRakTLCXjYS3wPvF0aeAxzstudvFggAjByGDLtObNN1XnLzN3220sF2KHwjfouxH_DBUt3TCyr6O50Tl2bn8Jmvyzi6M16o5wL8_FJyoLjrmHH9yxG_63kr7U6dSrTrncxRAVKir8cr2THGwrp5iiHmfo6u4bO1xaE/s4032/20231009_140620977_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCE44mHbT6e3iP0bgVCQkTF_gCyRakTLCXjYS3wPvF0aeAxzstudvFggAjByGDLtObNN1XnLzN3220sF2KHwjfouxH_DBUt3TCyr6O50Tl2bn8Jmvyzi6M16o5wL8_FJyoLjrmHH9yxG_63kr7U6dSrTrncxRAVKir8cr2THGwrp5iiHmfo6u4bO1xaE/w400-h300/20231009_140620977_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Brafferton, home to ancestors and fans of the Mouseman</td></tr></tbody></table><p><i><br /></i></p><p>The next day, we headed out to the small village of Brafferton - a twenty minute drive from Kilburn. Our goal was to check out the cemeteries and churches for any evidence of the Clifford clan, ancestors of Chris' who had long ago immigrated to Canada. While we lumbered through the uneven terrain of the graveyard next to one of the town's churches, we found no recognizable surnames. In fact, some of the tombstones were so old, there was barely any legible inscriptions. After a walk through the church, we turned our heels in the direction of town, though not exactly sure what we were looking for.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2BG5NVHxaLMjgSv1NgggsSa7JwH1Ye5AQcTYDRRy_DuwsiwTCDaNENJE9eF11O_-8Anq7S-V9X5493fH9AiXzaVrgRcKft8PmCrW98FyF-AOPRdGchnNHRzn4dFe8IXYZv5JKyGycN-Yn5trnm7SEGFeHCoiQA50aLk4qr5K4gmu_1Nyc9KlCzHfXfE/s4032/20231009_142410487_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2BG5NVHxaLMjgSv1NgggsSa7JwH1Ye5AQcTYDRRy_DuwsiwTCDaNENJE9eF11O_-8Anq7S-V9X5493fH9AiXzaVrgRcKft8PmCrW98FyF-AOPRdGchnNHRzn4dFe8IXYZv5JKyGycN-Yn5trnm7SEGFeHCoiQA50aLk4qr5K4gmu_1Nyc9KlCzHfXfE/w280-h210/20231009_142410487_iOS.heic" width="280" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring the church before heading to town</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO3cyZpeyYrJ22zyIEQr-LcffS30AWXzeDzVtqO6G-ug9z_vRSsGm8BfHgL9Tx7E5JkUlxCSUkdtNwcbsO2Cl-TIIyKe_ONC5WGHkSRP6buOlYy5CstxsF61bRb_THm7Rl_CeKXGvsplLnTCxyXrvGqD6WkoNC7M67UgN19_Hbhr6F6hl29DpZzeZ-4w/s4032/20231009_141325788_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO3cyZpeyYrJ22zyIEQr-LcffS30AWXzeDzVtqO6G-ug9z_vRSsGm8BfHgL9Tx7E5JkUlxCSUkdtNwcbsO2Cl-TIIyKe_ONC5WGHkSRP6buOlYy5CstxsF61bRb_THm7Rl_CeKXGvsplLnTCxyXrvGqD6WkoNC7M67UgN19_Hbhr6F6hl29DpZzeZ-4w/s320/20231009_141325788_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No visible family ties, but this town had more to share</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>It was then, we came upon an elderly couple tending to their very British patio garden in front of their very vintage, but very posh, country home. We nodded "hello" and seeing they appeared somewhat friendly, Chris asked if they were familiar with the town's history. Without hesitation, the gentleman stated he was - and quite a bit, at that.</p><p>While, he provided us with an interesting account of Brafferton's origins as a mixed Viking and Anglo-Saxon development, he was not acquainted with any of the family we were researching. However, once he learned we were staying at Kilburn, he exclaimed, "the home of the Mouseman!" and he was off and running.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM2RMz2Ty-yPh33VCV-fPL-mG5RwPMCeexCbMWzCHvXK5ZS7mSM-stprTFNXKmFxIDbxtNqSSkdSr16F8fjQp6ryG-GHtszYV5rjJttS_tVujiO8uaFTsTcuO08D-Ebe57z4E9UDNwP4NXhLZas1jUpe9XzTWNvO6-5KIbA5tcVUoqCFfQTa-yvqmA9E/s4032/20231008_155424873_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM2RMz2Ty-yPh33VCV-fPL-mG5RwPMCeexCbMWzCHvXK5ZS7mSM-stprTFNXKmFxIDbxtNqSSkdSr16F8fjQp6ryG-GHtszYV5rjJttS_tVujiO8uaFTsTcuO08D-Ebe57z4E9UDNwP4NXhLZas1jUpe9XzTWNvO6-5KIbA5tcVUoqCFfQTa-yvqmA9E/s320/20231008_155424873_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our inn had daily tea!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwPQ1rxyYRV5ID3pnNFHMz-t0MXONYsjVYngbWHMitzA0xsgCGHy5P7XPGlx_AoqM5XGwSlHkBQ03BHKg8RbLfTGarMumY35ZeYoG2w5hw6wO8DvBoCjEvz99ys_5RBbgxkUA6XutSRR3-ZHidT4gOMWDpSD-HWXZA5rZxBIabwBThL-TkupzRcVhb6k/s4032/20231010_093453137_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwPQ1rxyYRV5ID3pnNFHMz-t0MXONYsjVYngbWHMitzA0xsgCGHy5P7XPGlx_AoqM5XGwSlHkBQ03BHKg8RbLfTGarMumY35ZeYoG2w5hw6wO8DvBoCjEvz99ys_5RBbgxkUA6XutSRR3-ZHidT4gOMWDpSD-HWXZA5rZxBIabwBThL-TkupzRcVhb6k/w279-h209/20231010_093453137_iOS.heic" width="279" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mouseman site expanded across the street</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>On this subject, the gentleman was as knowledgeable as the history of his hometown. He told us of the renowned artist and the extreme value and collectability of some of Thompson's original pieces. He told us to "hold on one minute" as he collected his Robert Thompson barometer, a cherished item that now, in addition to decorating his home, also commands a hefty price tag. The gentleman also had possession of a Robert Thompson dining room table that had the wavy top, common to many of the mouseman's furniture. Incredibly, even with all the curves of the undulating surface, he assured us, you can set a glass or cup on top without fear of anything falling over. </p><p>So, this sealed it. We must walk the few steps from our inn, after tea and scones (as the Robert Thompson tearoom was currently closed) and investigate this most conveniently located furniture mecca.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZRSdvkvMRfWCbHZWceCXIH4x-RZAGsqj5aCc1eTKz-ml348_qfUmOGPTsQCH4zKf8zwTiIdEfw5MP6Yv6rrS-9_jeH7jZoZZTvAh6nI4zSKoHu2P00ks1SWKYYNcFNYi1nM7U1x-Yl-i8ABv4LYnudJXvrvFp0eGroCClrzn3KoN4-eG8oPO8ebyegg/s4032/20231010_093543542_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZRSdvkvMRfWCbHZWceCXIH4x-RZAGsqj5aCc1eTKz-ml348_qfUmOGPTsQCH4zKf8zwTiIdEfw5MP6Yv6rrS-9_jeH7jZoZZTvAh6nI4zSKoHu2P00ks1SWKYYNcFNYi1nM7U1x-Yl-i8ABv4LYnudJXvrvFp0eGroCClrzn3KoN4-eG8oPO8ebyegg/w640-h480/20231010_093543542_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris in front of the Thompson Gallery, our inn is right next door</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>The Mouseman Cottage is now a show room/retail space - the only Robert Thompson building that was open on their craftsman campus during our stay. (Along with the tearoom, there is a museum, a gallery and a garden area). The Cottage is a restored 16th century abode and one-time home of Robert Thompson. He lived in Kilburn all his life (1876 to 1955) and followed his father's trade of crafting furniture but, literally "carved out" a unique brand for himself. Robert Thompson specialized in creating items based on 17th century designs, having taught himself how to use the traditional tools used by medieval craftsman.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcPiLNpBMX2g2Y-v4YC9vKTu5EJJIuAUPAP2Cm8pC66WBAMlxdnSkJ5cw5ZGRigjqhCBzpAU4pPA4rVcLdbuFTxkH_Wab-OjkxFxl39IMA4hPcR9XfjjgNcHggYqAgcq92yxcusOMYCCTKjNDJhG4aiO65G9bMSd0sPAND0widii1E7pJintRUs_s_z0/s4032/20231010_093639420_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcPiLNpBMX2g2Y-v4YC9vKTu5EJJIuAUPAP2Cm8pC66WBAMlxdnSkJ5cw5ZGRigjqhCBzpAU4pPA4rVcLdbuFTxkH_Wab-OjkxFxl39IMA4hPcR9XfjjgNcHggYqAgcq92yxcusOMYCCTKjNDJhG4aiO65G9bMSd0sPAND0widii1E7pJintRUs_s_z0/w400-h300/20231010_093639420_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mouseman Cottage, now a showroom/retail space</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The Robert Thompson company still continues today, using the techniques of their founder. The craftsmanship and quality is still stunning (and expensive). Not surprisingly, pieces from Robert Thompson's lifetime are especially sought after (and even more pricey).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC4oOxyrDyGD44_J9ecqMPODgdEigQ7dX8ewKbR9M1LTgbZstXA1jYlVB8xkGqcer3DaiVSqpvbpMESSbNGgCYS7k2hvbRQ9pOQ_SfPDCX3rcttLX_cYC2Zq-UcRWD-qh0nbq2b5AwYznGCmgCBGRBacQn28clSgJiLjRTXcJ9NSbTb845H4W43Yb2Hc/s4032/20231010_093146334_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC4oOxyrDyGD44_J9ecqMPODgdEigQ7dX8ewKbR9M1LTgbZstXA1jYlVB8xkGqcer3DaiVSqpvbpMESSbNGgCYS7k2hvbRQ9pOQ_SfPDCX3rcttLX_cYC2Zq-UcRWD-qh0nbq2b5AwYznGCmgCBGRBacQn28clSgJiLjRTXcJ9NSbTb845H4W43Yb2Hc/w640-h480/20231010_093146334_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cottage has original Robert Thompson carvings, including the fireplace mantel.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>So, where did the "mouseman" moniker come from? The explanation comes from a story told by Robert Thompson himself. While laboring at a local church, one of his craftsmen stated that they were all "poor as mice". Upon hearing that, Thompson carved a mouse on the roof rafter he was working on. While that particular mouse has never been found, the diminutive creature was carved on all furniture after that seminal moment, becoming the symbol of the great artist and his furniture. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBONLzi_sTI3BSY79P9yxd4AK8GHdRPL7Ugpg27xs_khRMxcqKQTvQPhmPPeNqEmLy46LGWCW12v9UlFo0gJZgwrXeS7S_Cvsy3zhWfZLtezEV3KYfogFXiYbyCmG8eioX22JYuPWnKac1E9IqPbvsPJ_qloQd5GrL8T8FD4E-T-v4dX_xy_TR75CUeU/s4032/20231010_093202631_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBONLzi_sTI3BSY79P9yxd4AK8GHdRPL7Ugpg27xs_khRMxcqKQTvQPhmPPeNqEmLy46LGWCW12v9UlFo0gJZgwrXeS7S_Cvsy3zhWfZLtezEV3KYfogFXiYbyCmG8eioX22JYuPWnKac1E9IqPbvsPJ_qloQd5GrL8T8FD4E-T-v4dX_xy_TR75CUeU/w400-h300/20231010_093202631_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The signature wavy surface remarkably keeps serving ware level</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>With all this serendipi-<i>tea</i>, one may wonder what I brought home from the Robert Thompson cottage? Well, it was, of course, <i>tea</i>-related. I was fortunate in that the one item I could afford to pack in the suitcase - and, truly, what I could afford, period - was the teapot stand. With prices reaching as high as 15,000 pounds, my teapot stand was a bargain at just under 100 pounds. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhRLjUB8kqBJvTAz-lUgHgYxJKQfqBIkKDvYdX59qWVBEM60csC0CYyskNIKFdenjeg65xcWkHux3VxO56OgUao4CieSrGFvEExgSK3ZCEYJeCtJZPQ7RiPVH305ndoV_aiulv0RUZjuciho9-5rCq6c7NRWIePUednNM6m1dtzcrV6g1_N6fat4YwEM/s4032/20231010_093152548_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhRLjUB8kqBJvTAz-lUgHgYxJKQfqBIkKDvYdX59qWVBEM60csC0CYyskNIKFdenjeg65xcWkHux3VxO56OgUao4CieSrGFvEExgSK3ZCEYJeCtJZPQ7RiPVH305ndoV_aiulv0RUZjuciho9-5rCq6c7NRWIePUednNM6m1dtzcrV6g1_N6fat4YwEM/w640-h480/20231010_093152548_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The showroom has many modern pieces for sale.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>So, while planning a journey does includes reserving hotels and restaurants in advance, we've found leaving a little wiggle room, can lead to some amazing serindipi-tea. Before last month, I had never heard of the Mouseman, and now I'm an avid collector.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_YATO4uRzfWIfr-5lhalSNJl5ahSt48XPfzzhZ56S9EPWF9ExQb-65zmHmGvFJpm56RDStNURcbfIEi3r1eoJVqMN0UzPOuEOqJw3snH1hAWVR1cT2HsuMO7LPyP611adLi_A5W2rkG0e8zZWJ3jEKgzs3jJOirFXlxE2gLP-fKlOABWngft_zfp7JI/s4032/20231010_093527519_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_YATO4uRzfWIfr-5lhalSNJl5ahSt48XPfzzhZ56S9EPWF9ExQb-65zmHmGvFJpm56RDStNURcbfIEi3r1eoJVqMN0UzPOuEOqJw3snH1hAWVR1cT2HsuMO7LPyP611adLi_A5W2rkG0e8zZWJ3jEKgzs3jJOirFXlxE2gLP-fKlOABWngft_zfp7JI/w279-h209/20231010_093527519_iOS.heic" width="279" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwPQ1rxyYRV5ID3pnNFHMz-t0MXONYsjVYngbWHMitzA0xsgCGHy5P7XPGlx_AoqM5XGwSlHkBQ03BHKg8RbLfTGarMumY35ZeYoG2w5hw6wO8DvBoCjEvz99ys_5RBbgxkUA6XutSRR3-ZHidT4gOMWDpSD-HWXZA5rZxBIabwBThL-TkupzRcVhb6k/s4032/20231010_093453137_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwPQ1rxyYRV5ID3pnNFHMz-t0MXONYsjVYngbWHMitzA0xsgCGHy5P7XPGlx_AoqM5XGwSlHkBQ03BHKg8RbLfTGarMumY35ZeYoG2w5hw6wO8DvBoCjEvz99ys_5RBbgxkUA6XutSRR3-ZHidT4gOMWDpSD-HWXZA5rZxBIabwBThL-TkupzRcVhb6k/w279-h209/20231010_093453137_iOS.heic" width="279" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Check out our most recent "Mouseman reveal" video on our YouTube channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dts89zmV40Y">Mouseman: Serendipi-tea in Yorkshire! - YouTube</a></p><p>For more information on the Mouseman, aka, Robert Thompson, see the link: <a href="http://robertthompsons.co.uk">robertthompsons.co.uk</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-16050669567344992152023-11-10T08:03:00.001-05:002023-11-10T08:15:21.571-05:00The Pink House Tearoom: 'Just Delicious' scones and more in New Baltimore<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXzTzGFCmF3-XcOchVhjai8TLWqtO-ZKDe5rA93DsvHLtWzXg7NyyPkNc7I-VLAHMiC4R1llMLl2rN43ZXu53obPESUfkFKki3FejZL80nhNqmvk7abfDcF6VID2WCPYVCyG0_p132XH-Gud6nOfOholR8jbkysCSqqoBDRc5eh4JCgAlQhRdTeI3A88/s4032/20231107_183049982_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXzTzGFCmF3-XcOchVhjai8TLWqtO-ZKDe5rA93DsvHLtWzXg7NyyPkNc7I-VLAHMiC4R1llMLl2rN43ZXu53obPESUfkFKki3FejZL80nhNqmvk7abfDcF6VID2WCPYVCyG0_p132XH-Gud6nOfOholR8jbkysCSqqoBDRc5eh4JCgAlQhRdTeI3A88/w640-h480/20231107_183049982_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb's Tea Service meets up at The Pink House</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have been fans of the "Just Delicious Scones" brand for some time, visiting their first tearoom, Royal Treat in Roseville (our most recent visit was in February, see blog story: <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2023/02/royal-treat-tearoom-still-just.html">Royal Treat Tearoom</a>), and, as noted then, we had on our agenda a visit to their newest venue, the Pink House Tearoom in New Baltimore. We did accomplish that goal this week and we are happy to report that the scones and other menu items are still "just delicious" and the new tearoom setting is <i>just</i> <i>wonderful</i>.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJg1Ipz9tJAUHj0u2gK5V41VqYgl2kF4ybdUfxR4HWBkoLbpzemjSOKkRXeHxx6tyz7_FqsgUAlzwTh2mbKp4Tqc5G0U0PA0_6KHNuozBntdsBy3HvpJ1A9Lzh_mmRirQTLtlDhfJtCx8q18brIwygswhEwZ_y-zet7Ueh5RdovZROzQ_9pD7oF8QKLY/s4032/20231107_194148763_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJg1Ipz9tJAUHj0u2gK5V41VqYgl2kF4ybdUfxR4HWBkoLbpzemjSOKkRXeHxx6tyz7_FqsgUAlzwTh2mbKp4Tqc5G0U0PA0_6KHNuozBntdsBy3HvpJ1A9Lzh_mmRirQTLtlDhfJtCx8q18brIwygswhEwZ_y-zet7Ueh5RdovZROzQ_9pD7oF8QKLY/w326-h245/20231107_194148763_iOS.heic" width="326" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pink House: dining and Airbnb</td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrOXqAj-NALErAPFt09nDDsICB3ajW7D4LkNDi9SjhyphenhyphennLQPSWyMohA4G-qmXBYm4qWonC-cWn9Z01hpwOJ1gV4G2NqP10ZGvbF6yWMKqS8-rmvLXxDjchMUpP-nuR1o1us8SSrIQ8o1KZSukoUKxfRpENTHeh4N4oV-xZWxV7iRYBVzLTyIYMc2eC-js/s4032/20231107_193658881_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrOXqAj-NALErAPFt09nDDsICB3ajW7D4LkNDi9SjhyphenhyphennLQPSWyMohA4G-qmXBYm4qWonC-cWn9Z01hpwOJ1gV4G2NqP10ZGvbF6yWMKqS8-rmvLXxDjchMUpP-nuR1o1us8SSrIQ8o1KZSukoUKxfRpENTHeh4N4oV-xZWxV7iRYBVzLTyIYMc2eC-js/w251-h188/20231107_193658881_iOS.heic" width="251" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Pink House entry</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Combining a bit of tea business and tea pleasure, Barb's Tea Service (Barb G. and Pam B.), traveled a few miles east of our own backyard to Chesterfield Township to work out last remaining details for an upcoming December program. Once we wrapped up, we drove another few miles to Anchor Bay, where the Pink House Tearoom has a front row seat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkYL4feO7sic9KCOU4eO_gmM4-vP2ESUWknLFa8hrTy11CrtCv8pXMQSisrUKzsqvbddpi9RNzRd_SSavRdKR7t9e-oS2yyhuYvST7s-fsQPIwDJQDlA0gsKtzosEW1ZcKLFZE_CG_N0rttTkvkSa3GeJR8ehXxg9nYwiVc0j9PFeG8AOuwcK4XaAzVc/s4032/20231107_193642627_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkYL4feO7sic9KCOU4eO_gmM4-vP2ESUWknLFa8hrTy11CrtCv8pXMQSisrUKzsqvbddpi9RNzRd_SSavRdKR7t9e-oS2yyhuYvST7s-fsQPIwDJQDlA0gsKtzosEW1ZcKLFZE_CG_N0rttTkvkSa3GeJR8ehXxg9nYwiVc0j9PFeG8AOuwcK4XaAzVc/w279-h210/20231107_193642627_iOS.heic" width="279" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front seating area overlooking the bay</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_yrRGkd330M1MUHVANufmvm2akevII9SmvEqAjJ4uxDx8CRAjuvPI1qBB6_CY5w6ZPt2uUzQ21ikk-CP35Acj6uWh-yjLnkKv8IvlOGW5dPBgL1hW2Ws2MDZM4XqI1sdHbQJTeXdAfAyq7DJW6ZgoKJh74oP89ghuvJ2owfHi9TdXiGHZIktTH59OXM/s4032/20231107_193635838_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_yrRGkd330M1MUHVANufmvm2akevII9SmvEqAjJ4uxDx8CRAjuvPI1qBB6_CY5w6ZPt2uUzQ21ikk-CP35Acj6uWh-yjLnkKv8IvlOGW5dPBgL1hW2Ws2MDZM4XqI1sdHbQJTeXdAfAyq7DJW6ZgoKJh74oP89ghuvJ2owfHi9TdXiGHZIktTH59OXM/w295-h221/20231107_193635838_iOS.heic" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tablecloths and gilded mirrors</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tearoom is, indeed, a pink house: a quaint and charming Victorian-style home with a restaurant on the first floor and an Airbnb on the second. The tearoom welcomes guests with a large entry filled with tables for two and a gleaming glass counter with a dazzling display of baked goods. In addition, there are two other rooms for guests to enjoy their repast. A crimson-walled dining area, also in the front, is a bit more formal, with its gilded mirrors and linen-topped tables. The back room, overlooking the backyard, has a meditative and serene vibe, its walls painted a calming greyish blue, but vintage decor still abounds. One table is a repurposed antique sewing machine with an inviting banquette alongside. There's comfort and comfortable elegance throughout.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYXyEmTRlj4vZdjCgdYcbjfPUuvuhExgUUsPxFOartg0GZYx7SzjMp5mccVGAJVNAfzw4rOkFjCTDd2oNbQYWyBEQksowBe0jNT275ELCkEHAzeHz5fAWbpAEPkuofEU_AlgzrONzfXaYx8rA6Lri8YN9jPQNrenFG8Ar-AbOTSesr8c3TKIZH4-YYjM/s4032/20231107_182656552_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYXyEmTRlj4vZdjCgdYcbjfPUuvuhExgUUsPxFOartg0GZYx7SzjMp5mccVGAJVNAfzw4rOkFjCTDd2oNbQYWyBEQksowBe0jNT275ELCkEHAzeHz5fAWbpAEPkuofEU_AlgzrONzfXaYx8rA6Lri8YN9jPQNrenFG8Ar-AbOTSesr8c3TKIZH4-YYjM/w277-h208/20231107_182656552_iOS.heic" width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back room - vintage and calm</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWTtYjPvlHqsufG2awuksVRvvoJ8gmxiv1QEnr03S7ijuTj9c8GF0qM671i0dB3Oa8XehuxhyphenhyphenG5I0HJrfiCHAkEci9nCbtJQfAIZyFOP42zDg3yFiQi21SbVV3k_i1dAuVA_zVw0jpDS0QbKpo1ySLAF9c4mDdUxj2gMJLUiNPOBHAWOkShE2vhoK_vI/s4032/20231107_193520567_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWTtYjPvlHqsufG2awuksVRvvoJ8gmxiv1QEnr03S7ijuTj9c8GF0qM671i0dB3Oa8XehuxhyphenhyphenG5I0HJrfiCHAkEci9nCbtJQfAIZyFOP42zDg3yFiQi21SbVV3k_i1dAuVA_zVw0jpDS0QbKpo1ySLAF9c4mDdUxj2gMJLUiNPOBHAWOkShE2vhoK_vI/w284-h213/20231107_193520567_iOS.heic" width="284" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repurposed sewing machine as a table</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, there's comfort food and tea, too. We opted for the chicken and artichoke quiche which was served with three scones per guest and a choice of salad or fruit plate. The quiche was remarkably light with impressive volume and flavor. The sides were fresh and tasty, but, the scones - nothing short of just delicious and, oh, so pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFASXtFJViO4dBMyw3gypmc8KLr_kk5GppgrVD8F6HOcYbSs9rlcbDVikkqP_RiaX99EYKtI-U284sW76A4Gv14Z05OvfV2kJKaU3aLbnVMJsBInSSjB1MIVKKrPzQt3gKJfzJtilobYiuW_OMGb-JuTu1Aw1jfLJcL4x_cMUlsbhwhTrv_2mcLY2vcV0/s4032/20231107_183108910_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFASXtFJViO4dBMyw3gypmc8KLr_kk5GppgrVD8F6HOcYbSs9rlcbDVikkqP_RiaX99EYKtI-U284sW76A4Gv14Z05OvfV2kJKaU3aLbnVMJsBInSSjB1MIVKKrPzQt3gKJfzJtilobYiuW_OMGb-JuTu1Aw1jfLJcL4x_cMUlsbhwhTrv_2mcLY2vcV0/s320/20231107_183108910_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great variety of scones - they are just delicious!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We each had our own pot of tea: Pam, had a hearty English Breakfast and I, no surprise, had my traditional Earl Grey. Both teas were brewed to perfection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And we were served to perfection by Rex and Leah. We learned that Rex is the son of the woman behind the scones and tearooms, Jennifer C., who we met back in 2017 (see blog story, <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2017/07/royal-treat-tea-room-is-just-delicious.html">Royal Treat Tea Room is Just Delicious</a>) It's clear, hospitality and culinary skills run in the family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3Q0cmn_3QAKP6Xjapp5YxFZEfyCok-X2bWMlgbTCDURnQLYFk24T1YaZR-5ioPwpekeyOtlrXMqFEikvEdUJx3eXavgLvPhYlmQrijS5pGncXfFuhPz5Wc13BPowHQT0f7laCxIlZWJw_N4quLQu6X2By69yQx3hDc1qZuqf5OrkI0ABEn1D2jcu6KE/s4032/20231107_194112338_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3Q0cmn_3QAKP6Xjapp5YxFZEfyCok-X2bWMlgbTCDURnQLYFk24T1YaZR-5ioPwpekeyOtlrXMqFEikvEdUJx3eXavgLvPhYlmQrijS5pGncXfFuhPz5Wc13BPowHQT0f7laCxIlZWJw_N4quLQu6X2By69yQx3hDc1qZuqf5OrkI0ABEn1D2jcu6KE/s320/20231107_194112338_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor patio - looking forward to teatime in warmer temps</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week, we're experiencing cool and breezy temps that come to Michigan in the Fall, so we couldn't take advantage of the outdoor seating, but we can easily see ourselves coming back in the summer. We'll park at one of the white wrought iron tables, order iced afternoon tea and take in the views of the water, which are just across the road of the Pink House's front lawn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were tickled pink with the Pink House and we can't wait to come back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-60901087330442112023-11-08T19:22:00.007-05:002023-11-09T08:55:24.118-05:00'Close' Encounters of a different kind! Edinburgh's Mary King's Close, a preserved 17th Century neighborhood, tells the "other side" of those who lived along the Royal Mile<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYN3mqItXcwi4ku0hYUDq9yrpCvmkIozzPhWFQi-I22-wFivW4xzfn4298zx6H2fuBCv96__KR3413qM-4BIyb-HiH4I8sQPtO3ivNUEjaM3tQNyavcTS4eH4025SY9NtOB4XOL60biSXkCUKg7eOBMzQx4l2LZr2Wa8P8ucbJ_g7bm4Kj5ZIV2DRBaE/s4032/20231108_193432842_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYN3mqItXcwi4ku0hYUDq9yrpCvmkIozzPhWFQi-I22-wFivW4xzfn4298zx6H2fuBCv96__KR3413qM-4BIyb-HiH4I8sQPtO3ivNUEjaM3tQNyavcTS4eH4025SY9NtOB4XOL60biSXkCUKg7eOBMzQx4l2LZr2Wa8P8ucbJ_g7bm4Kj5ZIV2DRBaE/w480-h640/20231108_193432842_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary King's Close, the other side of Edinburgh's past</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p>While in the UK for two weeks, we enjoyed visiting castles and grand country mansions, but, that's never the whole story. While it's a treat to tour these luxurious abodes filled with priceless treasures, it's interesting - and a reality check - to see how the non-titled and non-entitled - lived. We found such a place at Mary King's Close, a now subterranean, 17th-century neighborhood of tightly grouped dwellings miraculously preserved in time. And, though this narrow close ("close" meaning lane or alleyway) is right off Edinburgh's Royal Mile, its prior inhabitants' lives were far from those who resided in the city's two famous castles (Holyrood and Edinburgh). It was a community of poverty and illness, but, remarkably, also of achievement and caring.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UAHJ95kXUs1NfmgcKF6MbqclaBOFMyunZrPBgrcfftx5pFYu0j5mEHjvHt8fsXRGCjkUmeQ3o4AAdpCwaEUdAy2fvzzWcsxobw5jUHxlqPQ65TT-2LCRtU4fV2nPuYNGsTsQ3HxF7NM3HgIewQSLWXrtLGrc2SfGmvnkwEFObia_0NFaN_Tgd3R-G3A/s4032/20231005_211810671_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UAHJ95kXUs1NfmgcKF6MbqclaBOFMyunZrPBgrcfftx5pFYu0j5mEHjvHt8fsXRGCjkUmeQ3o4AAdpCwaEUdAy2fvzzWcsxobw5jUHxlqPQ65TT-2LCRtU4fV2nPuYNGsTsQ3HxF7NM3HgIewQSLWXrtLGrc2SfGmvnkwEFObia_0NFaN_Tgd3R-G3A/w400-h300/20231005_211810671_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to miss sign directing you to Mary King's Close</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Mary King's Close is named after an enterprising woman, born in the late 16th century in Edinburgh. In addition to being married with four children, she had her own business of sewing and selling clothes. Her husband was also a merchant as well as a representative of Edinburgh, otherwise known as a burgess. When Mary King's husband died, she and her children moved to a less prominent lane, but she continued to grow her business and, eventually, became a burgess herself - an incredible and admirable feat for that time. After her death, the narrow street she lived and prospered on was renamed Mary King's Close in her honor.</p><p>But, before we take a deeper look at the residents of this past community, a few details about its location and its uncovering - both by the city and our party of four (my husband, Chris, and I, along with NY couple, Matt and Jenna).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6YBQQeqfVATXoR0McxxXw-LB8OQ8pj55GOXx-gW1dwjU4Vg871kfrxKNlsZOtosc_sVx3VSYAwP10nG4H-Uzn3prd2x6kcEoqvb4cp9sIPwSFC10zNFlZgt_rvfk6NrrQ19olSxKVWKJ4hiVzHhsir4bdYYRoo3h5efwP9zggsgf-YSQ0yqvspc7D3s/s4032/20180504_104243591_iOS.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6YBQQeqfVATXoR0McxxXw-LB8OQ8pj55GOXx-gW1dwjU4Vg871kfrxKNlsZOtosc_sVx3VSYAwP10nG4H-Uzn3prd2x6kcEoqvb4cp9sIPwSFC10zNFlZgt_rvfk6NrrQ19olSxKVWKJ4hiVzHhsir4bdYYRoo3h5efwP9zggsgf-YSQ0yqvspc7D3s/s320/20180504_104243591_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holyrood (2018) one end of Royal Mile</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrOf5IYB-qky56-RpZGmmKZ0Bdiukczbo9q1PNmzptYQrjze7KSrk2SAicuTlOg-OqkPOsvMsZwywY1oH8FQXAOY6RSRPxx_0yv6Pf3eXXhqTw7-r4F6L0xdTwKvduCIeMo1SBjjVzCaPm8F6LuVEHaeFMcKbMUucptjBBdq4R1ohj9b3BiZJ0ZtB0uE/s4032/20231005_111144438_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrOf5IYB-qky56-RpZGmmKZ0Bdiukczbo9q1PNmzptYQrjze7KSrk2SAicuTlOg-OqkPOsvMsZwywY1oH8FQXAOY6RSRPxx_0yv6Pf3eXXhqTw7-r4F6L0xdTwKvduCIeMo1SBjjVzCaPm8F6LuVEHaeFMcKbMUucptjBBdq4R1ohj9b3BiZJ0ZtB0uE/w247-h329/20231005_111144438_iOS.heic" width="247" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh Castle (2023), the other end</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>Although Chris and I had been to Edinburgh five years ago, and traveled up and down the Royal Mile at length, we never saw the barely visible sign pointing to Mary King's Close. We had never even heard a word about it, until, while dining at our destination restaurant in England's peak district last month, our waitress, upon learning we were traveling to Edinburgh, recommended Mary King's Close as a "must see" attraction. She noted that, while most only tour the castles, Mary King's Close, shows an entirely different world of Edinburgh's past. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaclXmY_iRh2YIzrtBeIz5xCerlwoemMI-teR6F8pXglZKCdKrhfZUQSlncB-Xr7UrgkSMs0xI1Ly31FgqL_J-ZepwUM1RhKMemVaU2gvkzcgxp6ntD0h9-yZ1d56EZAYRoToy8InHwwK637zP4qvKQmKP4xjCy21jo41qr6CW5OudhYfxtDNHtErwoqY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaclXmY_iRh2YIzrtBeIz5xCerlwoemMI-teR6F8pXglZKCdKrhfZUQSlncB-Xr7UrgkSMs0xI1Ly31FgqL_J-ZepwUM1RhKMemVaU2gvkzcgxp6ntD0h9-yZ1d56EZAYRoToy8InHwwK637zP4qvKQmKP4xjCy21jo41qr6CW5OudhYfxtDNHtErwoqY" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'enclume - where we learned of Mary King's Close</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>The value, as well as the fun, of traveling is dining like royals at a Michelin 3-star restaurant one evening and, in that same week, immersing oneself in the lifestyle of the other end of society's spectrum. One gets the intangible souvenirs of historic accounts, perspective and, gratitude for not only the opportunity to momentarily live like Kings, but for our "everyday fortunes" as well, which we may often take for granted. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JFS8FeRyMFsARruJYYA0xt1SZXND80GfS_u5_tZFYXRWZRX14guza5Yn_cJVYEqLrjzqIDGL-zv5ouGBuZDlqdH7SMvbpYrTtMXhO6iOwQvXX9w1oYm6l6Vye9HabGIcpObAVl4vcGaWknVomAaiAe4rwUQioOljvaTlo85CiuvizedrbsxBeZIz6r0/s4032/20231006_120154942_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JFS8FeRyMFsARruJYYA0xt1SZXND80GfS_u5_tZFYXRWZRX14guza5Yn_cJVYEqLrjzqIDGL-zv5ouGBuZDlqdH7SMvbpYrTtMXhO6iOwQvXX9w1oYm6l6Vye9HabGIcpObAVl4vcGaWknVomAaiAe4rwUQioOljvaTlo85CiuvizedrbsxBeZIz6r0/w400-h300/20231006_120154942_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City view from the top of Edinburgh Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>So, after traveling north to Scotland, and situated in our Airbnb, just off the Royal Mile, we booked our Mary King's Close tour for the next day. Here, escorted by a docent, we learned that this neighborhood was not always underground. In the early 20th century, the lane was sealed off and new buildings were constructed on top of it. It wasn't until the 1930's that it was rediscovered during an excavation, exposing an historic enclave with many pieces still intact. It served as a bomb shelter during WW II and became a tourist attraction in 2003. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnKgdMlOEHvUXJ0gxC_y_cZ8NtaBOMFvbR4c8AjS9i_FM33wvbuEFaUzim9a6sDGSYITW6xywmEaik8yVMMmJkY_0niyb54G0a8HE60f0D1Vy630mqH-wi_UT51OOCnJ1XUGnZydmjABDGxxXOBX0EGYv19Cm-yUiDjAu8jhQm-4JUGiYNlC8IcPiFDvI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnKgdMlOEHvUXJ0gxC_y_cZ8NtaBOMFvbR4c8AjS9i_FM33wvbuEFaUzim9a6sDGSYITW6xywmEaik8yVMMmJkY_0niyb54G0a8HE60f0D1Vy630mqH-wi_UT51OOCnJ1XUGnZydmjABDGxxXOBX0EGYv19Cm-yUiDjAu8jhQm-4JUGiYNlC8IcPiFDvI=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edinburgh, 2018, missed the close</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p>On our tour we also learned that the neighborhood was a mixed grouping of the very poor and, what may now be called, working and middle class. While some dwellings consisted of one small room without a window, housing up to sixteen people, with a single "slop bucket" to be shared, other apartments consisted of up to three rooms, complete with a fireplace. There's even evidence, in the higher-end abodes, of a stenciled-on wall covering - for the time, a rather upscale wallpaper.</p><p>Sadly, with a growing population in a small, confined area and the lack of hygienic practices, illness was rampant. Many residents contracted the bubonic plague, which often lead to a painful and ugly death. However, there is also evidence of a caring community that looked out after the ill, either by taking them to a quarantined location or by delivering food and other necessities at the affected person's doorstep.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjzSpL21Ck17K2w53sSmuCD342mTbzMI0PEw2MUk3GCB4tX_h4VdJS3iV_vtDgwvb0XhjKy2_xI5dQYIGn5WEbWaYCP4omha5bNXdscMmj0oFFbJPHLWmzdK-kLqMWCTzXKbCpVnSHjP0ZopVH-sAYFknntNmkTXISGVeFA73xqsd2FtCI6txWGMKJcPM" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjzSpL21Ck17K2w53sSmuCD342mTbzMI0PEw2MUk3GCB4tX_h4VdJS3iV_vtDgwvb0XhjKy2_xI5dQYIGn5WEbWaYCP4omha5bNXdscMmj0oFFbJPHLWmzdK-kLqMWCTzXKbCpVnSHjP0ZopVH-sAYFknntNmkTXISGVeFA73xqsd2FtCI6txWGMKJcPM=w220-h293" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the gift shop with cuddly vermin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6pN1XVjaD3_WeVCnC8ey1ohbE64KgWic3w0ZFAqiC3zaCCUZ8eq7hdcenlYk4ENrnMOQUnKltSVno9N13HCqg4523jr9bAsI9PNiJlc2W7RCUb0tnTTX4TrWkEUhef4vUxDp1yc9LCuDBJpr6zIGRxLgFBbaQo8t2uIvEi70QGQsiQCRbN5xrmswEIkI" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6pN1XVjaD3_WeVCnC8ey1ohbE64KgWic3w0ZFAqiC3zaCCUZ8eq7hdcenlYk4ENrnMOQUnKltSVno9N13HCqg4523jr9bAsI9PNiJlc2W7RCUb0tnTTX4TrWkEUhef4vUxDp1yc9LCuDBJpr6zIGRxLgFBbaQo8t2uIvEi70QGQsiQCRbN5xrmswEIkI=w315-h237" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the MCK tearoom and catching up with family</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Truly a riveting tale of the "other side" of the street, but like all tourist attractions, whether high or low end, it all <b><i>ends </i></b>at the gift shop. Here at Mary King's Close, there's also an adjoining coffee and tea room.</p><p>In the gift shop, you can buy a photo of your party taken in the Close. No other photos are allowed. You can also purchase a stuffed rat, not nearly as threatening as the faux rodents on display in some of the underground apartments. Not entirely sure if the picture or the fluffy rat is in keeping with the reverence owed to this site, but we didn't leave empty-handed. While we passed on the plush vermin, we did purchase our photo in the eerie alley of Mary King's Close. (Still deciding the most appropriate place to hang that one-of-a-kind picture).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwkpT3TLEM5J26FseerSW8CMz9vri4fzVy8iZw8Il-vqMGZwXD-DqHUty8Ek4JoCdVhpnTKSvSZDnBwL7DtCAJLRZQbgjuuYiRxG3ocEW2AnMAKGCFhbZdAkZdh6dGeAzUSHehzDz2CtPE_Tf1j_D9a5R6-InWksUfxt4evJ4sra5Mx2RWeFNCiW3heE/s4032/20231005_130846947_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwkpT3TLEM5J26FseerSW8CMz9vri4fzVy8iZw8Il-vqMGZwXD-DqHUty8Ek4JoCdVhpnTKSvSZDnBwL7DtCAJLRZQbgjuuYiRxG3ocEW2AnMAKGCFhbZdAkZdh6dGeAzUSHehzDz2CtPE_Tf1j_D9a5R6-InWksUfxt4evJ4sra5Mx2RWeFNCiW3heE/s320/20231005_130846947_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left the fluffy, but took the photo</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Mary King's Close provides modern tourists with a snapshot into the world outside of Edinburgh's' castles and, though less privileged, their stories are as interesting as the royals. </p><p>We did, indeed, come away with a better understanding of history, perspective and, yes, that 5 x 7 glossy photo of a couple of U.S. tourists taken in the shadows of the 17th century lane.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSn1UuQZGv7fjMHzdli6B7WVjorCrs0LkzjQry4dyps1a2CI9juCJZ0oSNZdjC_DrhIjCFhkALDoduFuAL8rGcsNBbJy42lDtIU9Wk94gB8ZArhSqXKBUvEmUMftCX8lMA4gi3uXtrtRzjsdUDzEsixt20iYf74oVi2X1w2JGqlmxOHUHKprRDxwaDRRE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSn1UuQZGv7fjMHzdli6B7WVjorCrs0LkzjQry4dyps1a2CI9juCJZ0oSNZdjC_DrhIjCFhkALDoduFuAL8rGcsNBbJy42lDtIU9Wk94gB8ZArhSqXKBUvEmUMftCX8lMA4gi3uXtrtRzjsdUDzEsixt20iYf74oVi2X1w2JGqlmxOHUHKprRDxwaDRRE" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may be in your Christmas card this year!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-31044454204607741692023-11-06T18:57:00.003-05:002023-11-07T23:00:09.316-05:00Edinburgh Castle: Home to King James I and VI, the Stone of Scone and a picture of the Crown (and, more bad parking!)<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI-lrSNxwN5RDFy1S7SWXYGUPGcL-3X2g6-DvgL4A4fWgq2LXYl4RQNxMiMiD1ALabW7N8mDG9_VraoImBwdgu67vs7GF64pAtsWe8fYjEfRmK8W-whrbs0jPT3b5bTT5v95mfMmX69z3v790sLWfXp2CZITqn_8xx-hoENBsmWnd_EC0xHH5N7jYR2E/s4032/20231006_124852048_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioI-lrSNxwN5RDFy1S7SWXYGUPGcL-3X2g6-DvgL4A4fWgq2LXYl4RQNxMiMiD1ALabW7N8mDG9_VraoImBwdgu67vs7GF64pAtsWe8fYjEfRmK8W-whrbs0jPT3b5bTT5v95mfMmX69z3v790sLWfXp2CZITqn_8xx-hoENBsmWnd_EC0xHH5N7jYR2E/w640-h480/20231006_124852048_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb and Matt walking the grounds of Edinburgh Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Although we (my husband, Chris and I along with our favorite NY couple, Matt and Jenna) visited Edinburgh Castle last month, it seems somewhat fitting to write about it in the first week of November, as the future monarch born in this Scottish royal residence was also the survivor of an "explosive" attempt on his life by Guy Fawkes. The thwarted disaster, referred to as the "Gunpowder Plot" not only gave a boost to King James' reign, but inspired "Guy Fawkes Day", a British celebration that takes place every November 5th. (So, we're close!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmwZRv5eV5yMDSJeTOKk_T4ylJ-4V5fozAhmG-dpBdev9NkcOVQ4ZfbPNLCeafg3dTluc_QdAT-nPk2aJ61hZ4do7HaZbMogm4kZvI1yVgUZD-r3IeV37Qv02rp8gBGvNwNbD6apejGYu418YT4ZTaPS4QVXqOUpet2LJx0SWD_fb29030uE-TYnwAXY/s3254/matt%20jenna%20edin%20castle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2761" data-original-width="3254" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmwZRv5eV5yMDSJeTOKk_T4ylJ-4V5fozAhmG-dpBdev9NkcOVQ4ZfbPNLCeafg3dTluc_QdAT-nPk2aJ61hZ4do7HaZbMogm4kZvI1yVgUZD-r3IeV37Qv02rp8gBGvNwNbD6apejGYu418YT4ZTaPS4QVXqOUpet2LJx0SWD_fb29030uE-TYnwAXY/w640-h544/matt%20jenna%20edin%20castle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt and Jenna at the centuries-old castle which has served as a prison, a fortress and a royal residence</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And, although our journey to this ancient castle was not as dramatic as snuffing out a grand explosion, it was not without a few perils. But we'll get to that shortly. (<i>Any chance it involves parking? Aye, laddie, it does</i>).</div><div><br /></div><div>Edinburgh Castle sits high on its rocky terrain, a bookend to the other regal domain along the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace (which we visited in 2018, see blog story: <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2018/06/hurray-for-holyrood-edinburghs-palace.html">Hurray for Holyrood</a>). In its many centuries of existence, Edinburgh Castle has been a prison, a military fortress, and a royal residence. Our interest laid primarily with the latter and, once we had climbed to the top of the hill, we quickly headed to the section of the castle that houses the Crown Jewels.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLmbvr4lM7lM8UrTl0F3BTgCZm-Y9mGLWjeYqqUWjpFD-9qzgfhSV7mXvan0XIbe2UrDZub2cg_acmn-phiPmckFbpYVc-7RUKDOaOLN7k591n_2HyPTtTgfPYI4KbzmwKIsqD6hDZFGfMPNcd90gxKI_M0UdJIEIagstUUaqYerziF-2WgEiig3TumKY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLmbvr4lM7lM8UrTl0F3BTgCZm-Y9mGLWjeYqqUWjpFD-9qzgfhSV7mXvan0XIbe2UrDZub2cg_acmn-phiPmckFbpYVc-7RUKDOaOLN7k591n_2HyPTtTgfPYI4KbzmwKIsqD6hDZFGfMPNcd90gxKI_M0UdJIEIagstUUaqYerziF-2WgEiig3TumKY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the city from Edinburgh Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While we were expecting a line to view the royal treasures, we were surprised to be turned away from queuing up until the "technical issues" were taken care of. Not to be deterred, we, somewhat unobtrusively, hovered for a half hour at the ropes before finally being allowed entry. After all of our patience and dedication, we were disappointed to discover that <i><b>the</b></i> crown of the Crown Jewels was not on display. It had been replaced by a picture of <i><b>the</b></i> crown on a plush, velvet pillow. Ironically, the no photographs policy was still being enforced. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwDaGt1_hezrZnAA5TmB1zUcSKbLE4zGf6ettctV9mMVwKNlVpkeAiIfWBmQsucTjcuxSK9FeZ3F24OsumJpB3obeG7TU0iXwCQW0aOpfoRZAKivPrwX3aLOsOyVzgCreznhlxKaJ1Ke-puSBUxZ6CL3q7zKub5i96lqkXE3CPFd0uvDNYIm4-oR_5PQQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwDaGt1_hezrZnAA5TmB1zUcSKbLE4zGf6ettctV9mMVwKNlVpkeAiIfWBmQsucTjcuxSK9FeZ3F24OsumJpB3obeG7TU0iXwCQW0aOpfoRZAKivPrwX3aLOsOyVzgCreznhlxKaJ1Ke-puSBUxZ6CL3q7zKub5i96lqkXE3CPFd0uvDNYIm4-oR_5PQQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home of the scepter, sword and photo of <i>the</i> crown</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We did however get to see the sword and scepter, that with <b><i>the</i></b> crown, make up the total Crown Jewels package - the oldest royal regalia in the British Isles.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, we saw the Stone of Destiny. For a rather plain looking rock, it has been coveted by many, and, impressively, witnessed the coronation of monarchs in England for over seven hundred years, most recently King Charles III. (For more on the Stone of Destiny, aka the Stone of Scone, see our May blog: <a href="https://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/2023/05/coronation-week-tea-and-scones-and.html">Coronation Week: Tea and Scones and Stone of Scone</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>But, to be honest, even if they allowed pictures, I'm not sure I'd be that eager to snap one of a rather dull, large, grey, square-shaped rock, no matter its pedigree. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizBlaf9xAsCy6Y47EU2E3ei8qk-3re3mxHhxI0mNoDfFyUMCS8xnQCx00MtMhQskfE6ssE119DUjk1pQ2G3_Xfuh5skIhxLP4rmae7cMnYjT5ZF9dX91-LbzEED5Tb3Zf_1NZwDi1aoAWCJQSET5Yq7VWzWHE_FrZoz0txKw_RbnGHJHZbsCeYwiu3o2o" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizBlaf9xAsCy6Y47EU2E3ei8qk-3re3mxHhxI0mNoDfFyUMCS8xnQCx00MtMhQskfE6ssE119DUjk1pQ2G3_Xfuh5skIhxLP4rmae7cMnYjT5ZF9dX91-LbzEED5Tb3Zf_1NZwDi1aoAWCJQSET5Yq7VWzWHE_FrZoz0txKw_RbnGHJHZbsCeYwiu3o2o=w379-h284" width="379" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipn9Y7Xeg4KSfT3Ur9bPsx0ZmSAtj9wONLNMI9q2etSzmVhmdEVFG7rmTHhoj3gyCOT3BKSb-eLEg0ERRNOAu5uwPPHDzz_UXC1_vYgEJ6qASh07HykG7WnKtnScbP0RLJ2xujo8F7LQlqqeTjyIPoNR4CeRnZloVuqOvllUGNbkD_6AWYP1Em0ER8f2s" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="145" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipn9Y7Xeg4KSfT3Ur9bPsx0ZmSAtj9wONLNMI9q2etSzmVhmdEVFG7rmTHhoj3gyCOT3BKSb-eLEg0ERRNOAu5uwPPHDzz_UXC1_vYgEJ6qASh07HykG7WnKtnScbP0RLJ2xujo8F7LQlqqeTjyIPoNR4CeRnZloVuqOvllUGNbkD_6AWYP1Em0ER8f2s=w232-h309" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthplace of James VI</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from the Crown Jewels, faux and all, we also viewed the room where King James VI and I was born. He was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and ruler of both Scotland and England (he succeeded Elizabeth I). Near the noted birthplace is Laich Hall, where King James VI celebrated his golden jubilee. Over the dining area's fireplace hangs his Coat of Arms as the ruler of Great Britain and Ireland (a Scottish unicorn is joined by an English lion). Although King James never returned, his son, Charles I, stayed here before his Scottish coronation. That was the last regal visit. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg26m6qRTek7aNO6S3wFLPiDUoJ5YAnK76nWeKbW48ZlI4WGbDfn_oTT3-sjwvoKae0TTjm5XlDTbo501SMZx8psZhUy8_RwRB46oMIQVxsJX04i0WZQzRP7T2FDKFnBfLXvVsABkDJ2aAGmtoxh1Mvh3w9V2gNVJ-gV-qUd8EmoQLqcs_eVz01dE8rjUw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg26m6qRTek7aNO6S3wFLPiDUoJ5YAnK76nWeKbW48ZlI4WGbDfn_oTT3-sjwvoKae0TTjm5XlDTbo501SMZx8psZhUy8_RwRB46oMIQVxsJX04i0WZQzRP7T2FDKFnBfLXvVsABkDJ2aAGmtoxh1Mvh3w9V2gNVJ-gV-qUd8EmoQLqcs_eVz01dE8rjUw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laich Hall with James VI Coat of Arms, his son would pay last royal visit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, one in our party of four, never got a first or last visit to the top of the hill and saw neither the Stone of Destiny nor the photo of <i><b>the</b></i> Crown. Chris was slaying the modern-day version of the scary, but imaginary, fire-breathing dragon: the Edinburgh public parking app. Like the dragon, there's signs that point to it, but, alas, it doesn't really exist. At least for drivers with a non-UK phone number and without a suitcase load of change.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSp1mdVIDOjEhtFYqyRkD6PjneDuX6bOpZtRy0p-Ki27NBxEV1s0g2VvYxzDqwH0GOAcCHm8jNxTcD6nds4Bu4BFPshd3L78P4I371ea5-0zOQNWQifEPdCt5-gBwrcbJoJY66BeWQcmAyxxNRG9iP0NkrQbUv5QBwQ76aUFSehbWWgdDUMqtJkz_Sro/s4032/20231006_120249292_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhik9bZbsKLe_XOmrreQrD2PxX1igEuXsJKxVmBDj567TzpI3dd4aDBIQjfUaG3VXLNTGrk5TaU4e-nyVb3TuRmDhIyOPxdHrEEtRlhRkOECCZTmeRSVLNOg4kITndAbrd1J8kwQRA9JGLyrNQmC3tNzTdXbkV9Y8kzcBeZ76NcxfNtbePUjeogpVBpjgc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="320" height="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhik9bZbsKLe_XOmrreQrD2PxX1igEuXsJKxVmBDj567TzpI3dd4aDBIQjfUaG3VXLNTGrk5TaU4e-nyVb3TuRmDhIyOPxdHrEEtRlhRkOECCZTmeRSVLNOg4kITndAbrd1J8kwQRA9JGLyrNQmC3tNzTdXbkV9Y8kzcBeZ76NcxfNtbePUjeogpVBpjgc=w640-h593" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris had 15 minutes of parking time before he had to slay the modern-day dragon, the parking app!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSp1mdVIDOjEhtFYqyRkD6PjneDuX6bOpZtRy0p-Ki27NBxEV1s0g2VvYxzDqwH0GOAcCHm8jNxTcD6nds4Bu4BFPshd3L78P4I371ea5-0zOQNWQifEPdCt5-gBwrcbJoJY66BeWQcmAyxxNRG9iP0NkrQbUv5QBwQ76aUFSehbWWgdDUMqtJkz_Sro/s4032/20231006_120249292_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A real catch-22, the meters are fed either by change or a UK-phone-number- access to the app. No one answers the phone number listed on the meter, and, while we applaud the city's mission to operate cash-less, it also creates a shortage of change available to request from the businesses that line the Royal Mile.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyrVwWvacX-pMIL9zCTyzY9mLo--Yygd3kCsKG6nA8-CetZIitXilKW0knKPRNbww13R7puewPjpEfYaWIlLStkQ0zSKT4MYndPw3navrsDOyfHAZv9XQ7IG5RSuaXp_S52ffl5T3mAZ4Rz3z7iF5OpkDWrAOoddhmcfqzPgMO2YkXbzmbjhLNTyv5ms0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyrVwWvacX-pMIL9zCTyzY9mLo--Yygd3kCsKG6nA8-CetZIitXilKW0knKPRNbww13R7puewPjpEfYaWIlLStkQ0zSKT4MYndPw3navrsDOyfHAZv9XQ7IG5RSuaXp_S52ffl5T3mAZ4Rz3z7iF5OpkDWrAOoddhmcfqzPgMO2YkXbzmbjhLNTyv5ms0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Indeed, a Sisyphean task, public parking for US tourists is never quite within reach. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, while we did face some challenges with this castle, we still had a few good moments and a few good photos of real things. Not quite worthy of fireworks, but we'll save that for next Guy Fawkes Day. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1170554896535006050.post-83972677322663044552023-11-05T19:17:00.009-05:002023-11-06T15:45:28.344-05:00A visit to Windsor Castle and St. George's Cathedral: One thousand years of history (and one challenging parking lot) !<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg8BiI9BSZAEatEOH_dvgocwjtewDg2ZfftAjg6i5U1UO0wJXJKdIhzTHHOoPqJW4rreKt5v7uPLWnZ-q-vyGy_uDJx-WCK5hmBvyxzxgHLEwx_cAJi2QHV1SeZopitkgeYBaCMMAAp9UwUXVSpUauY6kkW1sXSpxbrLkQ0Q0qo7Hspy4gyzf9CZksLA/s4032/20230929_110507708_iOS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg8BiI9BSZAEatEOH_dvgocwjtewDg2ZfftAjg6i5U1UO0wJXJKdIhzTHHOoPqJW4rreKt5v7uPLWnZ-q-vyGy_uDJx-WCK5hmBvyxzxgHLEwx_cAJi2QHV1SeZopitkgeYBaCMMAAp9UwUXVSpUauY6kkW1sXSpxbrLkQ0Q0qo7Hspy4gyzf9CZksLA/w480-h640/20230929_110507708_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windsor Castle, another castle checked and the Queen's trilogy complete</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>With a history spanning over one thousand years, Windsor Castle has been home to numerous monarchs, the site of several expansions, remodels and restorations and the locale of many royal weddings and burials. It also received a check on my list of castle visits and, like all other previous royal homes that we have toured, it didn't disappoint.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDtFNn-bNkcvdV3qTTT60eltcl5a_SzjA5Dga3j0mCr9WNA_3345avDXAr7axTG97wrTWgfQtCWcy9zHgoxu9RD7Gbg6ovObScoMEWwZ0U6RzcYcbRs7v5iuX3qFAG7Vyu5M1_kpXrfVlPas1YeDGZ-AhrlzF7hwinXOWmfnVpo-f2xpuytnsbch7J1M/s4032/20230929_112234616_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDtFNn-bNkcvdV3qTTT60eltcl5a_SzjA5Dga3j0mCr9WNA_3345avDXAr7axTG97wrTWgfQtCWcy9zHgoxu9RD7Gbg6ovObScoMEWwZ0U6RzcYcbRs7v5iuX3qFAG7Vyu5M1_kpXrfVlPas1YeDGZ-AhrlzF7hwinXOWmfnVpo-f2xpuytnsbch7J1M/w640-h481/20230929_112234616_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris outside Windsor Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In the past, we've visited Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Buckingham Palace and Holyrood Palace. With the last two regal addresses added to Windsor Castle, we have also completed the tour of the three "official royal residences" of Queen Elizabeth II during her seventy-year-plus reign of England. </div><div><br /></div><div>Windsor is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. A great location, it's a relatively short distance from London, and, in modern times, we found it less than a twenty-minute drive from Heathrow Airport. And, although, we know that in its long, rich history, travelers to Windsor Castle have faced many challenges to reach this destination, in our experience, we found the public parking lots to be the most feared of any obstacles.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrqc-d06hnJCr7a7FQZ2cOsNKfr1olL2nHwvS8JGMchBAqmvJpIqXoKuwHc6gzMdzN7zyntXmq2_dRM5mnqTUnMayzPo-uvc3vDboB_dcpev0XbzhX28qHSlCCu9YjBbHx3WuM6sCPY_UY2WD4HQLs2q2ebYl77AbNxfe0oivqEIXmBvs9ROPJYVnyi0/s4032/20230929_121202159_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrqc-d06hnJCr7a7FQZ2cOsNKfr1olL2nHwvS8JGMchBAqmvJpIqXoKuwHc6gzMdzN7zyntXmq2_dRM5mnqTUnMayzPo-uvc3vDboB_dcpev0XbzhX28qHSlCCu9YjBbHx3WuM6sCPY_UY2WD4HQLs2q2ebYl77AbNxfe0oivqEIXmBvs9ROPJYVnyi0/w400-h300/20230929_121202159_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction happening, but charm of storefronts still in plain sight.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>However, once we parked our mid-sized rental carriage in a more-than-compact parking space, we enjoyed a lovely walk through the city streets lined with charming Tudor-styled storefronts to the castle gates. Once inside the grounds, we toured the Windsor Castle staterooms as well as St. George's Chapel. The latter has hosted jubilant celebrations such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018 as well as somber occasions, most recently Queen Elizabeth's funeral just last year.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VPzGTfETq1a7DjPxe5ypkyiYR0MZ9jSVEj8_V5tF67je-rE0JoQKx4g0KNJBHok112tVD4og0WryynvJaoNLygLSCrAiDE0PIJMVywtZmrkZvsjH9bH1uCMAhcK6LYk2GnT5_VggOq3K99CAhebuz9l1RJsh92jEDcJznYREttFNKqlauq9zyNgT1XE/s4032/20230929_114537572_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VPzGTfETq1a7DjPxe5ypkyiYR0MZ9jSVEj8_V5tF67je-rE0JoQKx4g0KNJBHok112tVD4og0WryynvJaoNLygLSCrAiDE0PIJMVywtZmrkZvsjH9bH1uCMAhcK6LYk2GnT5_VggOq3K99CAhebuz9l1RJsh92jEDcJznYREttFNKqlauq9zyNgT1XE/w480-h640/20230929_114537572_iOS.heic" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the gift shop, a display of Wedgwood (but there's one imposter!)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While no pictures all allowed inside the castle or the chapel, we did snap one interior photo on the border wall of the gift shop. Alongside the souvenirs available for purchase, there are glass cases filled with Wedgwood Jasperware. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Interesting to note, that, although all in the collection were once believed to be Wedgwood, on closer inspection, one item was found to have been made by Severes, the French porcelain manufacturer. That shows just how popular this Wedgwood white-on-blue product was.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCpJHKeCs4PCEr-XHkj0JbWp1G-MaNgeVhx6IbvYXFvsd5zgvHX9lS8L7u19z3gMU2gn9pN-Z6HbmVT8iKmUQKaMOJdAOR1RUvmNXKJPBY_6VkRyARLyD8vtpntso-FTCDz-mEAZkqqWVtJNitHsZCrBReAyhX8o7Upm8HLiqMwo0keEPg7T9oatsOzE/s4032/20230929_112315172_iOS.heic" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCpJHKeCs4PCEr-XHkj0JbWp1G-MaNgeVhx6IbvYXFvsd5zgvHX9lS8L7u19z3gMU2gn9pN-Z6HbmVT8iKmUQKaMOJdAOR1RUvmNXKJPBY_6VkRyARLyD8vtpntso-FTCDz-mEAZkqqWVtJNitHsZCrBReAyhX8o7Upm8HLiqMwo0keEPg7T9oatsOzE/w320-h240/20230929_112315172_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikY_JbRAHeJez7dfwITF3EP4XrWCq-7G3hpGCPGxu7MRwC1q3RtWFLh_ZyfHPfUuBobHi0WO1PePhQuKe3tsxghviHnzEtuyDuVmDL7SFYyl2gXpLQOEaSEaq4J2KkYudgfJlCefN-6YXMLUaa9-RWViAdmhtAxqEqS6ZcTG7wng3eTZ4kpAoHnNR84A/s4032/20230929_112438811_iOS.heic" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikY_JbRAHeJez7dfwITF3EP4XrWCq-7G3hpGCPGxu7MRwC1q3RtWFLh_ZyfHPfUuBobHi0WO1PePhQuKe3tsxghviHnzEtuyDuVmDL7SFYyl2gXpLQOEaSEaq4J2KkYudgfJlCefN-6YXMLUaa9-RWViAdmhtAxqEqS6ZcTG7wng3eTZ4kpAoHnNR84A/s320/20230929_112438811_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Windsor Castle has hosted a number of well-known English rulers, starting with its original builder, </div><div>William I, who lead the Norman conquest of 1066. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the centuries different kings and queens have changed the structure by tear down or expansion, usually to suit their own tastes and preferences. In the 1300's, Edward III, destroyed most of the royal apartments from the previous century and reconstructed the dwelling to emphasize his passion for chivalry. A man cave of epic proportions!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pajRyI71nEferWuLhp72sDyTDQAKJ4-SGLQJ46ZdfCEV9Dv9JoJlRGNVp_Ixr0J2iZGNnJous6RpAbr82YLrHdQ9N-53U951c1KaBqvBF2WjWy8DdmWRqKxUPFNttMjY9zG5uC3GzLmcrJAiHlrnoYmt4D9ieCxvNv1oZUO7aKa4j9GeXJBiuWZ5uUc/s4032/20230929_115037931_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pajRyI71nEferWuLhp72sDyTDQAKJ4-SGLQJ46ZdfCEV9Dv9JoJlRGNVp_Ixr0J2iZGNnJous6RpAbr82YLrHdQ9N-53U951c1KaBqvBF2WjWy8DdmWRqKxUPFNttMjY9zG5uC3GzLmcrJAiHlrnoYmt4D9ieCxvNv1oZUO7aKa4j9GeXJBiuWZ5uUc/w640-h480/20230929_115037931_iOS.heic" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Requisite castle selfie</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When King Henry VIII ruled, almost three hundred years later, he completed St. George's Chapel and added a gate and wooden terrace. His daughter, Elizabeth I, replaced the wooden walkway with a permanent structure where she could stroll with her ladies, no matter what the weather (as one who has walked outdoors a great deal in both England and Michigan, we applaud the Queen's improvement).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_OTKOLe5_CvRgC_BwSTsVXqnc74U-PAaIkJAFRXISGAPeltb7HNCCXnlQLrMjJIoRj10kkOgvZU4hBLAyNxg86dPs8MuPmp4KqhuaKbZERAPRowvsK0iHKgMErMnvjE6vgkX3gGPDpgPR3NVNK0g7YTdyQFb4x4pGh9tiJ0syAMwSdbUU3a2Iy_Iw1s/s4032/20230929_112249507_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_OTKOLe5_CvRgC_BwSTsVXqnc74U-PAaIkJAFRXISGAPeltb7HNCCXnlQLrMjJIoRj10kkOgvZU4hBLAyNxg86dPs8MuPmp4KqhuaKbZERAPRowvsK0iHKgMErMnvjE6vgkX3gGPDpgPR3NVNK0g7YTdyQFb4x4pGh9tiJ0syAMwSdbUU3a2Iy_Iw1s/w400-h300/20230929_112249507_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windsor Castle built over 1,000 years ago</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And, while Windsor Castle is known primarily as a royal resident, it was "repurposed" as a prison by the Parliamentarians in the 17th Century after the civil war. However, once <b>Charles</b> II was back <b>in Charge</b>, he restored it to a palace, reflecting the grand style of the new court.</div><div><br /></div><div>During the Georgian period, great collections of paintings and other art pieces were acquired, most still displayed at Windsor today. George IV is also credited with bringing opulent interior design to not only Windsor, but Buckingham Palace as well. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBn17QbNqo4Y7H-EVZvRvDODvxj4LVHcbmtZcy64G4yeylINb5wcKm5hUbLhsCZZjK5qs97-1j3PoOmMyUokp8U-mIWd3tbbH-BvAsxqSxR6UTk9zLky6Mr-HoWv0ZA_lphxYYD7pF8BLEqltKQWJ4A29iE1eiqx7lBq0ChO6pN9e5ojTPREf_51bv3Eg/s4032/20230929_121424434_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBn17QbNqo4Y7H-EVZvRvDODvxj4LVHcbmtZcy64G4yeylINb5wcKm5hUbLhsCZZjK5qs97-1j3PoOmMyUokp8U-mIWd3tbbH-BvAsxqSxR6UTk9zLky6Mr-HoWv0ZA_lphxYYD7pF8BLEqltKQWJ4A29iE1eiqx7lBq0ChO6pN9e5ojTPREf_51bv3Eg/w400-h300/20230929_121424434_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windsor Castle in Windsor, England</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was early in the Victorian era, however, when Windsor took center stage for entertaining. Queen Victoria met her future husband, Prince Albert, at Windsor and, after their marriage, they decided to make this castle their principal home. Sadly, once Prince Albert died, Queen Victoria mourned for years and not much was done to maintain the once cheerful and lively abode until her son took over.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Edward VII followed Queen Victoria, he set out to once again restore Windsor Castle. This time, the updates took the form of electric lights, central heating and modern bathrooms. <i>Yes, yes, and, oh, heck yes!</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6f-bEf5-_K4NcrBCmsCC2S0oS9MPntDua-aDMi7jxxYgYAVKcLj4IM2xfzyzSOOOzrs2RK4-Vt5qELcME5A6eWhatzVPSvnlbB268LBNmnqAoeleE6X4xBfNIeGQK9WewBul3Hrdb_EulixNHhxKzyf9AOVyHhdnQefJ_ezk6hJ8il7SFUyiDIeoNh8I" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6f-bEf5-_K4NcrBCmsCC2S0oS9MPntDua-aDMi7jxxYgYAVKcLj4IM2xfzyzSOOOzrs2RK4-Vt5qELcME5A6eWhatzVPSvnlbB268LBNmnqAoeleE6X4xBfNIeGQK9WewBul3Hrdb_EulixNHhxKzyf9AOVyHhdnQefJ_ezk6hJ8il7SFUyiDIeoNh8I=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a visit to the Windsor Castle gift shop.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't until George V took over, though, that the family took the name of this cherished ancestral home. And, by the time his granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth, became England's ruling monarch, Windsor Castle was already "home" to her for several years. Even before her father was king, she and her family lived at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, the Queen's famous "annus horbillis" of 1992, which included not only the separation of then Prince Charles and Princess Di, but also the fire which destroyed much of her longtime, well-loved home was truly devastating. Incredibly, it was restored (under budget) by 1997 and the Queen and Prince Phillip hosted a grand celebration to honor the 1,500 workers who helped put it back together.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW92j3eLZkidA7OB-NvPsw6Y7yJJ31p0r7T0MqEQZTp7YPWMtHbTMbSioJEbutC6pA3AK9nerxmVAYBg5slsTuSGzEw08kAPP5GT-mIvZSTDikgxe7wXV4hKgXHL405ha2UFUpQtQz2iUHuYQidlzuwA6z1PodKHJ1UAGNCnrDc7MjpygUDlMlkdkRc8A/s4032/20230929_115526848_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW92j3eLZkidA7OB-NvPsw6Y7yJJ31p0r7T0MqEQZTp7YPWMtHbTMbSioJEbutC6pA3AK9nerxmVAYBg5slsTuSGzEw08kAPP5GT-mIvZSTDikgxe7wXV4hKgXHL405ha2UFUpQtQz2iUHuYQidlzuwA6z1PodKHJ1UAGNCnrDc7MjpygUDlMlkdkRc8A/s320/20230929_115526848_iOS.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. George's Chapel</td></tr></tbody></table><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4d6NVGyfaTOfBrnMmg8tFbLouSY4855gDp2rC5oIxyb6RIKM5mpeZZcTlS6TMGbMOnLQBq79OLFk1fuI2LeZ6x1Y0VvBPokFQb4b0-iBlcEL4XRbY58oO7_RAMPs-Ehfre9Nj8YnArXwsf8MK8Fq1e5c9G5lqwl2aGyFGdFnIWaNZNWgcDFANSiCn6Q/s4032/20230929_115535523_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4d6NVGyfaTOfBrnMmg8tFbLouSY4855gDp2rC5oIxyb6RIKM5mpeZZcTlS6TMGbMOnLQBq79OLFk1fuI2LeZ6x1Y0VvBPokFQb4b0-iBlcEL4XRbY58oO7_RAMPs-Ehfre9Nj8YnArXwsf8MK8Fq1e5c9G5lqwl2aGyFGdFnIWaNZNWgcDFANSiCn6Q/s320/20230929_115535523_iOS.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Before we left St. George's, we walked through the King George VI Memorial Chapel. This was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1962 as a final resting place for her father. It now includes the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Prince Phillip and, as of last year, Queen Elizabeth. It's peaceful and understated, (the Queen preferred simple inlaid memorial slabs to the life-size marble effigies chosen by many previous monarchs), and a fitting reflection of this monarch's style.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWEJslZ9wgLSMNExoN8WKrldMEGVaXMACJyePnpYXrwz5nfoK4f2LDCAnBlem23hvgTXVCQmYUmTXQgC6YUgl3ldYT25pjKWCDl4SuNvuJE57_aXXpC0Zx7FaKPGyubeO1O9UsZnzWbBYBF3ngmVs6aU-3vFcPGcwhbSd53F7NsAecgRX4aPRbMnkGt0/s4032/20230929_121019613_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWEJslZ9wgLSMNExoN8WKrldMEGVaXMACJyePnpYXrwz5nfoK4f2LDCAnBlem23hvgTXVCQmYUmTXQgC6YUgl3ldYT25pjKWCDl4SuNvuJE57_aXXpC0Zx7FaKPGyubeO1O9UsZnzWbBYBF3ngmVs6aU-3vFcPGcwhbSd53F7NsAecgRX4aPRbMnkGt0/w640-h480/20230929_121019613_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris outside St. George's Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWEJslZ9wgLSMNExoN8WKrldMEGVaXMACJyePnpYXrwz5nfoK4f2LDCAnBlem23hvgTXVCQmYUmTXQgC6YUgl3ldYT25pjKWCDl4SuNvuJE57_aXXpC0Zx7FaKPGyubeO1O9UsZnzWbBYBF3ngmVs6aU-3vFcPGcwhbSd53F7NsAecgRX4aPRbMnkGt0/s4032/20230929_121019613_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps, in the future, we may see King Charles, Prince William or Prince George add their personal touch to this historic site. (We can only imagine how interesting it would be if Prince Louis has any influence on the family's choices based on his "personal brand" of style.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Windsor Castle is, indeed, as impressive as we imagined. A collection of formidable structures with equally formidable inhabitants. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIkmNp_OOsUlJtUumdWEEOyeOgG64OrhhwQ5U_Q3vhsK9n5-gCquJZfRasVrDbU_bGe6sokW1XIXHOxUCwBpwmjsk5VATlssq20pF1-P82_JHehOFMCEHJGi9IswXevVRE9fM1ziECvcj6p_CwY2lDk8lbdEd4VwvjojnQISXiHSW4KVc5xGE3peDEbc/s4032/20230929_122550364_iOS.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIkmNp_OOsUlJtUumdWEEOyeOgG64OrhhwQ5U_Q3vhsK9n5-gCquJZfRasVrDbU_bGe6sokW1XIXHOxUCwBpwmjsk5VATlssq20pF1-P82_JHehOFMCEHJGi9IswXevVRE9fM1ziECvcj6p_CwY2lDk8lbdEd4VwvjojnQISXiHSW4KVc5xGE3peDEbc/w400-h300/20230929_122550364_iOS.heic" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public parking horibillus: bring your armor!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Post script: Our only complaint, the public parking horibillus. A motor-car Jenga game with too many tiny spaces and aggressive drivers trying to put a round peg and in square hole. A suit of armor would not be uncalled for.</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p></p>Barb's Tea Shophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851319850949144510noreply@blogger.com0