tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54635448029334030342024-03-20T04:06:02.571-07:00The Traveling TeapotAfternoon Tea Across America Traveling TeapotUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-57948988169550306822013-06-30T00:02:00.001-07:002013-06-30T11:30:34.522-07:00ATAA Sharing Tea from Sea to Shining Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Afternoon Tea Across America is an online chat group that was established in June of 2000 for those who enjoy having afternoon tea with friends either at their home or in tea rooms. In March of 2012 the group decided to host a traveling teapot and to blog its adventures. Fifteen people signed up to host the teapot. During the month that they hosted the traveling teapot, they used it as an ambassador of tea, sharing many pots of tea with family, friends, and strangers along the way. Each host spent one month blogging about their adventures with the teapot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The teapot logged more than 30,000 miles during this project and traveled to three countries. T</span><span style="font-size: large;">he Traveling Teapot blog has 200 published posts and 908 comments by readers. It has been viewed more than 29,000 times by people in ten different countries. It was admitted into membership of the Association of Tea Bloggers, a resource for the exchange of ideas and information within the tea community, soon after the project began.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Afternoon Tea Across America allows individuals who enjoy the tea experience to share ideas for afternoon tea menus, table decor, etiquette, recipes, preparation and service of the tea beverage, and other aspects of tea hospitality. It is also a place to share about tea room experiences and offer reviews of those experiences. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are not a member of our tea community and would like to be, you can subscribe to Afternoon Tea Across America by sending a request using the subscribe box on the sidebar of this blog. We can also be found on Facebook. We would love to have you join and share with us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Members of Afternoon Tea Across America love the tea experience! Below are photos that they have shared for this last post of the traveling teapot blog. Each picture illustrates something about the pleasure that the individuals of this group garner from the tea experience. Friendships have been formed that will be treasured for a lifetime. We have enjoyed afternoon tea with one another, with our parents, spouses, siblings, and children. And we've shared with the next door neighbor, classmates, and strangers. We share tea casually or for celebration. It is the tie that binds us together in a world that frequently pulls humanity apart. Thank you, ATAA members, for so generously sharing photos of meaningful experiences in your lives. I believe that this generosity exemplifies the genuine love you share from your hearts.</span></div>
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When asked "what does the opportunity to take tea with family and friends mean to you?", ATAA members responded with these words:<br />
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Linda K *Priceless.<br />
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Joa Jane *It means a chance to sit and just breathe...to enjoy the beautiful tea table and to have that rare moment to look a friend or loved one in the eyes and actually converse, share and just live in the moment. Ahhh, bliss.<br />
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Lee *My family all live in different states, so getting together is always so special. We are all tea drinkers, from the youngest to the oldest, so sitting down to have tea together is especially wonderful, so we make a party of it and break out the nice china and make coconut cake and scones with freshly made jam.<br />
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Karen D *Taking the time to share tea is giving and sharing time. The time planing and preparing tea is a gift of love and a time to be creative. Setting the tea table a time to share cherished things with your guest. The act of sitting for tea is giving of yourself and taking care of yourself. A bit of respite from cares and responsibilities. You can choose to leave your cares far away from the table or invite comforting conversation to console a friend or family member. It can be a celebration, a magical escape or a warm hug. When the kettle sings it's music to my ears and my heart.<br />
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Rose *Taking tea with my family or friends is a precious gift to me.<br />
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Karen P *No gatherings give me greater joy than those that involve a good pot of tea, fresh scones and close friends.<br />
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Val *Just being together with my friends and being there for them.<br />
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Barbara *One of my favorite times of "Serving Tea & Making Memories" is when I put my first tea party together. I gave it to my only granddaughter! It all started with her; the love of my life, when she was 10 years old. Out of the blue (I later realized it was the Lord tapping me on the shoulder) I asked her if she would like to have a tea party with all her best friends (8). She went for the idea, so quickly I went on the Internet and starting reading and reading...and found lots of "first time tea party" information so I could discuss it with the girls. We had a wonderful time together, giggling, even to the point of tears in our eyes! Loved making the scones, desserts and tiny heart shaped cherry tea sandwiches! What an eye opener for those girls finding out you are supposed to ask permission first before getting up from the table! They couldn't believe that one, a lost art, one art I wanted to bring back at a real tea! Since then I have given my granddaughter and the same friends a birthday tea, a high school graduation tea, a bachelor party tea, and a going away to college tea! Every tea time they talk about that first tea party at grandmothers. My heart is so happy to hear how much they love their tea times at my house. You think THEY got a lot out of it? NO! "I" am the one getting so much out of this tea party presentations, especially for these girls. All because one day the Lord Jesus tapped me on the shoulder! His idea!<br />
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And when asked "if you were given the opportunity to thank a tea picker for the hard work they do so that you can enjoy your pots of tea, what would you say?" they responded in this way:<br />
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Linda K * Your gift is a blessing to many.<br />
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Dianne * You're not just picking tea, you're giving happiness to many and making the world a better and kinder place.<br />
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Lee * The work you do blesses us each everyday.<br />
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Angela * Your hard labor is lifting the spirits of people all over the world.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, blog reader, for joining us on this journey. It has been our pleasure to have you follow us as we have shared so many adventures with the little plum teapot. If you choose, please leave a comment with this post, expressing a way that the traveling teapot has inspired or influenced you. I know that the blog authors would love to hear your feedback. Thank you for cheering us on as we have shared along the way.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-20942319778897693832013-06-29T13:40:00.002-07:002013-06-29T13:40:05.304-07:00A Storybook Lavender Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although the Traveling Teapot blog is a project of an online chat group called Afternoon Tea Across America, there are many others who have been following along with the adventures of the traveling teapot. They have commented and expressed interest in the teapot's adventures. Some have even offered things to share. Which brings me to the story of Clarice and her lavender tea. The <a href="http://www.rosannainc.com/teapots-pitchers/">Rosanna Kings Road teapot</a> in the picture, posing with our little plum teapot, has a connection to Clarice, as you will see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A road trip across the state on a summer day several years past took me to visit Clarice. Of course I had to stop along the way and this little gas station called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teapot_Dome_Service_Station">Teapot Dome Service Station</a> was an interesting place to stop to stretch awhile. Isn't it cute?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Clarice blogs at <a href="http://www.storybookwoods.typepad.com/">Storybook Woods</a>. She is a creative homemaker, gourmet cook, and the author of a book called <i>Wren Bay</i>. She is friendly and warm, setting one immediately at ease when in her presence. And she invited me to tea! Knowing I loved lavender, she planned a menu of delicious lavender foods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had lavender scones, lavender honey, lavender jam, and lavender mousse....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the most delicious espresso hazelnut cookies. In the crown teapot (like mine) she served a most fragrant pot of Summer Hill tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The table was beautifully set with a vintage tablecloth, hankies, and an assortment of pretty pieces of china and silver. It was such a pleasant time and I enjoyed visiting with Clarice and her fun and creative daughters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The time flew by and Clarice's Lavender Tea is still high on my list of "favorite tea times". Clarice has been following the little plum teapot on its adventures, and when the lavender theme became evident here, she offered one of the special lavender recipes that she developed so it could be shared with traveling teapot blog readers. Here she shares a recipe for Lavender Honey Drop Cookies. Her recipe is perfect for anyone and especially for those who eat gluten-free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lavender Honey Drop Cookies</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup lavender honey</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 Tbsp. unsalted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp. vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/8 tsp. sea salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 tsp. baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 cups almond flour</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. In a saucepan, melt the butter and honey together. Combine with dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. The dough will come together like play-dough. If the dough seems a bit too wet, add more flour until you achieve the desired consistency. Roll dough into small balls of dough. Place on parchment paper or greased baking sheet. With three fingers, flatten each cookie a bit. Bake for 15 minutes. Lower the temperature of the oven to 175 degrees F. Bake the cookies for another ten minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check the side-bar of Clarice's blog for other inventive recipes that she has developed.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bK9pbvNBzIM/Uc4jE8OHMtI/AAAAAAAAay4/v9VVyomnn5o/s800/1-IMG_4202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bK9pbvNBzIM/Uc4jE8OHMtI/AAAAAAAAay4/v9VVyomnn5o/s320/1-IMG_4202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since returning home from visiting Clarice, I've found a matching Kings Road teapot in a local shop. I purchased it as a reminder of a wonderful day with Clarice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can read about Clarice's view of our tea party <a href="http://storybookwoods.typepad.com/storybook_woods/2007/09/lavender-tea.html">here</a>. She shares the lavender mousse recipe in the post. And, you can read my review of our tea <a href="http://www.gracioushospitality.com/2011/03/clarices-wren-bay.html">here</a> along with a review of Clarice's novel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please check back tomorrow for the last post about the little plum teapot who's traveled far and near.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-86385607346216837182013-06-29T12:38:00.000-07:002013-06-29T16:23:39.384-07:00The Teapot & Lavender Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXxIg1bvJvCJwE3vwUhi1Vc0NTlaiEQY1rb0V4Nve7t4eMzs5my8PauJoLgu0QwqLo9pfQ9OWCX5GcAzbLNrVciEdcBU0EMw8KLVOGNyDTsBFuFlvywvn66HQsXFfJNW49PJTsFunx-k/s800/1-IMG_4072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXxIg1bvJvCJwE3vwUhi1Vc0NTlaiEQY1rb0V4Nve7t4eMzs5my8PauJoLgu0QwqLo9pfQ9OWCX5GcAzbLNrVciEdcBU0EMw8KLVOGNyDTsBFuFlvywvn66HQsXFfJNW49PJTsFunx-k/s320/1-IMG_4072.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot could not complete her journey without visiting one more lavender farm. She saved the best for last! Not far from the host home is a pretty little lavender farm that's nestled in rolling hills next to a large wheat field. The lavender farmers are a husband and wife team. Formerly from France, they moved to America sixteen years ago and bought ten acres where they could cultivate a dream of rural living. During the school year, he is a university French professor. But during the summertime, they farm their land together, growing 25 varieties of lavender that they market locally and abroad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Karen invited us into her gift shop and looked so charming modeling with the little plum teapot! Many of the items in the gift shop have been crafted and made by Karen and her mother. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot was back at her posing adventures again. She has had a lot of practice in posing on her journey's across America. She's quite a pro by now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here the plum teapot poses with succulent gardens, stamped flatware, and a pretty table runner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lavender sachets in all shapes, styles, and colors can be found throughout the gift shop. In one area there's a large bin of lavender bud with a sign that says "feel free to touch". The fragrance is serene!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Karen sells lavender bud, lavender sugar, and a variety of mixes for recipes that she has developed using their lavender.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And she creates beautiful lavender arrangements and wreaths! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A variety of lavender books and cookbooks are available too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a hot afternoon, so the little plum teapot started out in shade. Tables for classes in lavender weaving and wreath making are set on a shady porch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A lavender cutting center is set up under an awning in the lawn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After chatting for awhile Karen offered the opportunity to go out into the fields and harvest some lavender for the teapot --- 'on the house'. What a thoughtful gesture. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The lavender fields are open for those who love to wander. This gracious pair of lavender-people greet visitors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Blue Mountains and rolling fields of alfalfa and other crops can be seen in the distance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Blue Mountain Lavender Farm grows complementary flowers that are interspersed with rows of many varieties of lavender. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Row upon row of beautiful blooming flowers are a feast to all one's senses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot felt right at home in such a pretty place. Karleen, always a good sport, agreed to hold the teapot for another picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lavender was cut and placed in the traveling teapot for a few more photos. We loved the sign! Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free kitten! Love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before we left, the traveling teapot just had to pose with these teacups filled with succulents. Then, it was carefully tucked into the trunk of the car, lavender and all, to journey home where the lavender is drying in the teapot. It was a pleasant adventure to the <a href="http://www.bluemountainlavender.com/index.html">Blue Mountain Lavender Farm</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-33887397429561772932013-06-28T06:30:00.000-07:002013-06-28T06:30:02.311-07:00The Teapot Quilt Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a beautiful, sunny day! After days of torrential rain, it was wonderful to see blue skies. Karleen invited me to drive to take a day trip with her to a lovely town in the midst of wheat and wine country. She was running a simple errand; taking a quilt to a shop for machine quilting. She asked if I would like to ride along, and of course that meant the teapot too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Karleen's quilt is vibrant and colorful! Blue, yellow, pink, and green create a kaleidoscope effect in fabric.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was a Sunbonnet Sue quilt on the quilting machine, but they spread Karleen's quilt on the edge where it perched all pretty-like. There it was measured and much figuring was done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took awhile to figure out which pantograph design to use for the quilting. The little traveling teapot was stuck in a bag, just waiting for permission to peek out and see all the action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally the time was right and the teapot made her appearance. She posed so beautifully on that colorful quilt. And she waited patiently while the ladies went through a bin of thread colors as they tried to find just the right thread for the machine quilting that would stitch the fabric sandwiching the cotton batting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A choice was made and it was time to move along. We decided to go to lunch, but discovered another little quilt shop along the way. Of course we dropped in!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The traveling teapot was dutifully introduced and a student learning to sew quilts perked up her ears and said "I'm a tea lady" and gave a happy smile. Her name is Elizabeth and she has a collection of more than 100 teacups. She shared about a recent afternoon tea that she enjoyed in the Bahamas and talked about how much she enjoyed tea at The Empress in Victoria as well. She was so much fun to talk to!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The shop owner joined right in, telling about a wonderful tea event she attended in Indonesia. She loved the tea and the sugar cubes they served with the tea so much that she stocked up and brought packages of it home with her. It's amazing how "tea" influences so many and how the little plum teapot becomes the impetus for sharing and discovery of common bonds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually we arrived at our lunch destination. Amber, immediately after being presented with the traveling teapot, offered to take the teapot to the kitchen and fill it with tea for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She was quite interested that the house teapots were exactly the same as the traveling teapot except smaller in size. She brought one out to pose with our little plum teapot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After lunch and tea...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ...we decided to hit one last quilt shop before heading home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This shop was a busy place with all the latest trends in fabrics and patterns. After introduction, the plum teapot was given permission to pose wherever she wanted. She was very serious about her task as ambassador of tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While the shop keepers worked...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">...and serious quilters sewed</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">...the little plum teapot was finding places to perch and preen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually the plum teapot found her comfort zone on a stack of Moda charm packs and next to a delightful quilt design book called "Tea Party". Quite appropriate, don't you think?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was such a relaxing day. Textiles provide beautiful colors and amazing textures. They inspire and help one create so many pretty things. The little plum teapot enjoyed serving tea and listening to conversation all along the way. Teapot decided that going on a quilt hop made for an interesting day.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-40074381914784234112013-06-27T07:23:00.000-07:002013-06-27T07:23:59.060-07:00Tea Pairing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: start;">The teapot's March hostess, Teresa, shared a very </span><a href="http://ataatravelingteapot.blogspot.com/2013/03/tea-and-chocolate-tasting.html" style="text-align: start;">educational and interesting post</a><span style="text-align: start;"> about pairing tea with chocolate. Do you remember it? </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">It wasn't long afterwards that I received a package in the mail. It was from Teresa and it was sent with a lovely note from her in which she expressed thankfulness for being able to participate in the traveling teapot project. The package also contained all the same teas and chocolates that she had tasted during her tea pairing party. Everything was so nicely organized and thoughtfully put together. I decided to set it aside to enjoy when the little plum teapot caught up with the package and arrived at my house. It's now time to enjoy pairing tea and chocolate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tea selections are unique and varied; a real delight. Teresa has labeled each one after individually packaging them in tea sacs. The teas are Victorian Earl Grey, Strawberry Mint Lavender, Shu Puerh Vanilla Mint, Pai Mu Tan, Vanilla Black, Maple Delight, O'Connoer's Cream, Bossa Nova, Kaluna Lime, Red Robe Oolong, and Darjeeling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The chocolates are Lavender Chocolate, Mint Tea Truffle, Birch Cream Caramel, Honey Cinnamon Truffle, and Key Lime White Chocolate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pretty little menus which instruct of the pairings were included. So was a worksheet that charts the teas and chocolates and can be marked as tastings occur.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The teacup is ready. It's time to begin. A perfect way to start the day. Can it get any better than tea and chocolate?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The teapot and I feel most honored and thankful. Much appreciation goes to Teresa! Let the tasting begin!</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-63688716793692571092013-06-26T11:29:00.001-07:002013-06-26T11:29:05.249-07:00Traveling Teapot Pours Kombucha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot has made some amazing discoveries this month! Although it has poured many cups of tea, its discovered that there's some very non-traditional tea activity around this house. The plum teapot has bravely tried a few new things, like kombucha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It appears that earlier this spring the hosts took a class at the local co-operative market in brewing tea. And this kind of brewing was not in a teapot! Instead, tea was prepared in quantities, cooled, and placed in jars with something called a SCOBY and sugar and then was left to sit for a week while bacteria and yeasts did their job. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to the class instructors, kombucha is a fermented tea that is generally considered to be a health tonic. Some claim it improves digestion, increases energy, and can aid in clearing the mind. It is naturally rich in B vitamins and glucuronic acid, which helps with natural detoxification. It produces beneficial enzymes and is said to promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Nutritionists claim it to be a great source of antioxidants, poly phenols and probiotics. The history of kombucha goes back thousands of years with origin in China and Russia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">SCOBY = symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shFJC67pt0w/UcNHBV0ipfI/AAAAAAAAaQk/LbT0V93YrGI/s1600/1-IMG_3953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shFJC67pt0w/UcNHBV0ipfI/AAAAAAAAaQk/LbT0V93YrGI/s320/1-IMG_3953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the first brew, fresh juice or dried fruits [ginger, raisins, cherries], or herbs [thyme, mint, rosemary] were added for a period of secondary brewing. The result was a unique, fizzy, and delicious drink! It is alcohol free and unique in flavor. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxExUXRHZmo/UcNHCBQUP1I/AAAAAAAAaQw/tBRTz7wxRQA/s1600/1-IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxExUXRHZmo/UcNHCBQUP1I/AAAAAAAAaQw/tBRTz7wxRQA/s320/1-IMG_3962.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend, Tari, also took the kombucha class. We had fun trying out different flavors of twice-brewed kombucha. The apple, cherry, and grape flavors were our fav's. We each left the class with instructions, a SCOBY, and starter in a jar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One small SCOBY and a jar of kombucha started a chain reaction and it has grown from there. The 20-something-year-old in the family became the official kombucha brewer and he's refined the system for the family.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNzdUsfut3A/Ucslj3-mIsI/AAAAAAAAang/Leg_IpzJZ0c/s1600/1-IMG_3791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNzdUsfut3A/Ucslj3-mIsI/AAAAAAAAang/Leg_IpzJZ0c/s320/1-IMG_3791.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9w5pcG_OIo/Ucslj_HkOzI/AAAAAAAAano/yeQvNXJsUlI/s1600/1-IMG_3795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9w5pcG_OIo/Ucslj_HkOzI/AAAAAAAAano/yeQvNXJsUlI/s320/1-IMG_3795.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes tea is brewed in teapots or the Breville tea maker, but because of the quantities of tea being produced and consumed, a large stainless steel pot seems to work best. The brewed tea is made strong and then transferred to crocks. Sugar and a SCOBY are added to each crock and they are covered and set in a warm place for 7 - 10 days.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXtn0xOrdVo/UcNIEKVYcwI/AAAAAAAAaRU/L5I-hoEicL0/s1600/1-20-IMG_6661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RXtn0xOrdVo/UcNIEKVYcwI/AAAAAAAAaRU/L5I-hoEicL0/s320/1-20-IMG_6661.JPG" width="254" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's an example of a healthy, growing SCOBY that's floating at the top of some brewing tea.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wbBeD33pj8/UcNpm3fDG7I/AAAAAAAAaSQ/IUbNhKYtSJ0/s1600/3-kombucha1002420_529179469801_428850850_n.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8wbBeD33pj8/UcNpm3fDG7I/AAAAAAAAaSQ/IUbNhKYtSJ0/s320/3-kombucha1002420_529179469801_428850850_n.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The secondary brew takes place in glass carboys. A one-way vent is placed at the top of each to "burp" the kombucha as it works and to prevent unwanted bacteria from entering the containers.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkM3mhsTtjk/UcsltRC1x6I/AAAAAAAAan8/1zP-obwQHGc/s1600/1-IMG_3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkM3mhsTtjk/UcsltRC1x6I/AAAAAAAAan8/1zP-obwQHGc/s320/1-IMG_3801.JPG" width="269" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the secondary brewing, the kombucha is checked with a hydrometer to make sure that the sugar content is very low and that no alcohol is present. If either exists, more brewing time is required. Although sugar is added for the brewing process, the finished beverage is low-carb and "dry".</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JEBYWCW-2E/UcNHAifhsUI/AAAAAAAAaQQ/y68SoCdJCsY/s1600/1-1-IMG_6768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_JEBYWCW-2E/UcNHAifhsUI/AAAAAAAAaQQ/y68SoCdJCsY/s320/1-1-IMG_6768.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The brewer did his research and decided to build a cooler for his kombucha. He altered a chest-size freezer into a refrigerator, added faucets, shelves for kegs and CO2 containers, and lots of dials to keep track of temperature and pressure. Although kombucha is naturally fizzy, this method adds more C02 to the beverage and it comes out very fizzy "on tap".</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCrJp_MX4wY/UcNHCSfogII/AAAAAAAAaRE/hYEP_lEpSDY/s1600/1-IMG_6774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCrJp_MX4wY/UcNHCSfogII/AAAAAAAAaRE/hYEP_lEpSDY/s320/1-IMG_6774.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The finished cooler has three faucets with small "chalk" markers that serve as handles. The name of the type of kombucha in each keg is labeled. How does fresh peach sound? Or lemon-thyme? Or ginger? Or huckleberry? Or raisin? Each one is unique and delicious!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjdKJoIzFlQ/UcS6im2Co5I/AAAAAAAAaec/ZnP4kQwg2Ks/s1600/1-IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjdKJoIzFlQ/UcS6im2Co5I/AAAAAAAAaec/ZnP4kQwg2Ks/s320/1-IMG_3450.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot pours peach kombucha. Fresh peaches were juiced to add to kombucha for the second brew. It makes a very refreshing beverage!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1GbR1B-qTM/UcNptdASjwI/AAAAAAAAaSY/GDav9OR7tgc/s1600/3-kombuchaIMAG0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1GbR1B-qTM/UcNptdASjwI/AAAAAAAAaSY/GDav9OR7tgc/s320/3-kombuchaIMAG0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recipe for Kombucha</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 small tea bags (or 5 tsp. loose leaf tea - preferred)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup starter liquid (kombucha from a previous batch)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">purified water</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">tea kettle</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">brewing vessel</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">cloth cover or paper towel</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and pour over tea in teapot or jar. Steep for ten minutes. Remove the tea and add sugar to dissolve. Fill kombucha brewing vessel 3/4 full of water. Add sweet tea. After tea/water mixture is completely cool, add starter liquid. Add the SCOBY. Cover with paper towel or dish towel. Place in warm location (out of direct sunlight) for 7 days. Test for done (indicated by lack of sweetness). Drink or prepare for second brew with flavors or juices of your choice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember Amish Friendship Bread made from starter? The starter was passed from friend to friend along with instructions for making quick breads and sourdough with it. Kombucha works in a similar manner. The SCOBY keeps growing and reproducing. Kombucha makers keep "SCOBY Hotels" and willingly share extra SCOBY with those who want to make kombucha. But, for those who don't know anyone with a SCOBY to share, Amazon.com has them available for sale commercially.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMFWD-3o5s4/UcNptjTEN_I/AAAAAAAAaSc/_2Ulaxq75XE/s1600/3-kombuchaIMAG0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMFWD-3o5s4/UcNptjTEN_I/AAAAAAAAaSc/_2Ulaxq75XE/s320/3-kombuchaIMAG0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tomorrow the little plum teapot will report on more traditional tea-making events.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-19722127039751905712013-06-25T14:05:00.002-07:002013-06-25T18:29:16.928-07:00The Teapot Loves Tea Soap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBWqvznHiz4/UcS61dj_VwI/AAAAAAAAaeo/o-LWPrr0HoY/s1600/1-IMG_3441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBWqvznHiz4/UcS61dj_VwI/AAAAAAAAaeo/o-LWPrr0HoY/s320/1-IMG_3441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot has had many adventures as it has traveled from host to host over the past year and more. It has now landed in a house where some unusual tea-related things are going on. The 20-something-year-old in the household is making soap! Tea soap! Most of the soaps are very masculine in appearance and scent. He loves to make soaps in dark colors with strong, earthy fragrances. The hostess of the house had to specially request lavender scented soap! The little plum teapot has mostly sat the process out, while supplying tea to the soap makers to sip on while they work! The little teapot has expressed some un-ease, as it remembers a spa day in the past when one hostess bathed it in bubbles! Might that happen again?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bhMKmAjN8E/UcVyIbPc5BI/AAAAAAAAagE/20zdkPg3uPQ/s1600/1-IMG_3142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bhMKmAjN8E/UcVyIbPc5BI/AAAAAAAAagE/20zdkPg3uPQ/s320/1-IMG_3142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like I said, the soaps are not the traditional rose, violet, or baby powder varieties. Instead they have unusual scents like mahogany, lettuce, myrrh, bay rum, cedar, saffron, white bamboo, and sweet tea.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw1R9pv1Xhs/UcVyIvCzlNI/AAAAAAAAagA/PnBgkPqmNXs/s1600/1-IMG_3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw1R9pv1Xhs/UcVyIvCzlNI/AAAAAAAAagA/PnBgkPqmNXs/s320/1-IMG_3148.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The soap maker wears special gloves and goggles, making the scene look like a chemistry lab in the kitchen. Safety is very important when using materials that are very toxic before neutralizing. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntW8ujtsJyg/UcpD3t6syyI/AAAAAAAAanQ/dQTGfOUKcDU/s1600/1-IMG_3152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntW8ujtsJyg/UcpD3t6syyI/AAAAAAAAanQ/dQTGfOUKcDU/s320/1-IMG_3152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Natural scents and natural colors come from the products used. Exfoliating materials like bamboo extract, tea leaves, and ground pumice stone add texture and usefulness.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JH49ca7Q8hE/UcVyI5JVRNI/AAAAAAAAagI/YKC9PYeymd0/s1600/1-IMG_3163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JH49ca7Q8hE/UcVyI5JVRNI/AAAAAAAAagI/YKC9PYeymd0/s320/1-IMG_3163.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The oils are pleasant and exotic. Coconut oil. Rice Bran oil. Castor oil. Avocado butter. Coco butter. Olive oil. And hemp seed oil.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuHmZOfaTns/UcVyJIV4WkI/AAAAAAAAagk/xbdGXEcm3cQ/s1600/1-IMG_3167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuHmZOfaTns/UcVyJIV4WkI/AAAAAAAAagk/xbdGXEcm3cQ/s320/1-IMG_3167.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The experience is fun and interesting. The soap recipes created are carefully formulated and thought out by the soap-maker before he begins the first step. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHtVDR0Drd0/UcVyJDLxHWI/AAAAAAAAagY/6SZjy3uiIZw/s1600/1-IMG_3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHtVDR0Drd0/UcVyJDLxHWI/AAAAAAAAagY/6SZjy3uiIZw/s320/1-IMG_3182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a nutshell, soap-making involves some basic steps. Melt and combine the oils. Measure water into another container and add lye. Combine and allow to cool. Pour the oils and water/lye mixture together. Mix with hand blender until it reaches a light "trace". Add special effects like scent oils and additives like herbs, flowers, tea leaves. Pour into mold. Allow to cure. Insulate for 24 hours. Remove from mold. Allow for several more days of curing. Bevel and trim edges.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIaofWy50C4/UcVyJXdBVVI/AAAAAAAAagg/IWPMDfRSfC8/s1600/1-IMG_3439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIaofWy50C4/UcVyJXdBVVI/AAAAAAAAagg/IWPMDfRSfC8/s320/1-IMG_3439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful natural soaps, some which involve the true tea leaf, are nestled here among fresh, green tea leaves. Lavender with Lavender Bud. Black Tea with Tea Leaves. Smoky Coffee. Rosemary. Citrus Mate'. Mahogany with Black Tea. Balsam Fir with Juniper Berries. The fragrance is heavenly! The experience is fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot is happy. Now, it's time for a teapot spa experience. Turn the tea kettle on!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-55167988072412798362013-06-24T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-24T07:00:10.686-07:00Alone with Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Have you ever heard the wonderful silence just before the dawn? Or the quiet and calm just as a storm ends? Or perhaps you know the silence when you haven't the answer to a question you've been asked, or the hush of a country road at night, or the expectant pause of a room full of people when someone is just about to speak, or, most beautiful of all, the moment after the door closes and you're alone in the whole house? Each one is different, you know, and all very beautiful if you listen carefully.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea for one during a quiet time of the day can provide respite in the midst of busy days. A quality tea with milk and sweetener feels so good as it slides down one's throat. Adding a sweet or savory treat to nibble on adds to the moment. It's amazing how these quiet moments can provide refreshment and renewed energy to face the daily scenes of life. Alone time at the tea table can be a wonderful way to start the day. The little plum teapot seems to enjoy the ritual.</span><br />
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Madeleines a' la Lavende<br />
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Madeleines are small, shell-shaped tea cakes made from genoise cake batter. Scented with lavender and with sweet glaze and a flower to embellish, they are a perfect combination of deliciousness!<br />
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3/4 cup sugar<br />
1 Tbsp. dried or 2 Tbsp. fresh lavender flowers<br />
2 Tbsp. plus 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled<br />
2 large eggs, room temperature<br />
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla<br />
1 cup unsifted all purpose flour<br />
Confectioners' sugar<br />
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In a food processor with chopping blade, process granulated sugar and flowers until flowers are finely chopped.<br />
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Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush 36 madeleine-pan molds with 2 Tbsp. of the melted butter.<br />
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In a large bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat eggs with lavender-sugar mixture and vanilla until light and fluffy, about five minutes. At medium speed, gradually beat in remaining 3/4 cup melted butter.<br />
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With wire whisk, fold in flour. Spoon a scant 1 tablespoon batter into each mold. Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from pan. Cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container. Just before serving, dust curved bottom side with confectioners' sugar.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The teapot is filled with the tea for the day; Earl Grey Lavender from Adagio Teas. Its sweet, floral fragrance is notably soothing, invoking relaxation. It's perfect for a tranquil tea alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bill Watterson</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Calvin and Hobbes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lam 3:23</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">" Cause me to hear thy </span><span class="criteria" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">lovingkindness</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> in the </span><span class="criteria" style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">morning</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">Psalm 143:8</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m8kwBbo60V5RtHnL9uGeNHsolHMEFmFapjMEvouiXu3nU5x74jiESJSihJCeGlao8QmN-cwVRzjhgbEcVOUY3f1wTlvY7_mH2rmGaopdhRp9dS-lOrQlcWkpILLb6beMCxiy45CgiA4/s1600/1-IMG_3577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m8kwBbo60V5RtHnL9uGeNHsolHMEFmFapjMEvouiXu3nU5x74jiESJSihJCeGlao8QmN-cwVRzjhgbEcVOUY3f1wTlvY7_mH2rmGaopdhRp9dS-lOrQlcWkpILLb6beMCxiy45CgiA4/s320/1-IMG_3577.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since the lavender bud teapot was displaced by the little plum teapot it filled another role. Instead of standing by without purpose, it holds a generous bouquet of fresh lavender. With no water in the pot, the lavender will dry in the shape it holds and will look beautiful and smell fragrant for months ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, go. Take on the day!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-12908366110718908622013-06-22T10:35:00.001-07:002013-06-22T13:29:05.338-07:00Teapot Joins in Family Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QdmtRaKgvA8/UcYI9LSZAoI/AAAAAAAAahQ/XbJyb9X2A0w/s1600/1-IMG_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QdmtRaKgvA8/UcYI9LSZAoI/AAAAAAAAahQ/XbJyb9X2A0w/s320/1-IMG_2931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hot summer days are perfect days for family recreation. During the winter months the nearby park is closed except for the boat loading docks for fishermen and locals who know the way for long walks. But once summer hits, the park is open for camping, swimming, boating, and picnics! There's even a pavilion that gets rented out for weddings, quinceaneras, </span><span style="font-size: large;">family reunions, and picnics. [I wonder about a tea party in the pavilion and how that would go over with the crowds!]</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlbzi6-XIKg/UcVwJcOnU7I/AAAAAAAAafE/B6omfdnq86M/s1600/1-IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlbzi6-XIKg/UcVwJcOnU7I/AAAAAAAAafE/B6omfdnq86M/s320/1-IMG_2875.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our nearby park is a place that holds and harbors many moments in personal history. A walk to the park can serve as a reminder of when our children were toddlers and went sliding or swinging on the park playground equipment or climbed trees by the riverbank. It has served as a meeting place for a piano party for the kids [have keyboard, will travel] and as a place to work on craft projects in the shade. It speaks of friendship and long walks with friends. For some, like a friend in the community, it serves as the place of their beautiful wedding. In the winter when the park is closed, we take our dogs and they run to their hearts content. In the summertime, when so many people are there, our dogs become properly civil in harnesses and walk with leashes. Bald eagles inhabit the park during the winter months, soaring overhead as we walk. In the summer they are replaced by gaggles of Canadian geese and their young. There is always something happening at the park!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NaRxUP3J6xA/UcVwJZU9cUI/AAAAAAAAae8/4_nkmUFRMi0/s1600/1-IMG_2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NaRxUP3J6xA/UcVwJZU9cUI/AAAAAAAAae8/4_nkmUFRMi0/s320/1-IMG_2878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a place to meet new people and chat. Or to observe the interesting things that people do.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71DHorFcJgc/UcVwJ8Qw1-I/AAAAAAAAafM/gYe2HyfRUbA/s1600/1-IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-71DHorFcJgc/UcVwJ8Qw1-I/AAAAAAAAafM/gYe2HyfRUbA/s320/1-IMG_2899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right now it's filled with campers galore. Walking through the campground is as interesting as can be! Beautiful diesel pushers with tip-outs and every luxury are parked next to trailers and campers of all sorts. Tents dot the scenery as families and scout troupes share nearby spaces. Cherry season is in full swing, and transient laborers have camps set up as temporary homes among the recreational campers. But what does this have to do with the traveling teapot?</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTGUO-MM-Dk/UcVwKeOBO5I/AAAAAAAAafw/WIKPgVIHrNY/s1600/1-IMG_2945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTGUO-MM-Dk/UcVwKeOBO5I/AAAAAAAAafw/WIKPgVIHrNY/s320/1-IMG_2945.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The traveling teapot is an object that has joined in with our normal family events during this month of June. Making tea a part of daily life, one sip at a time, is a concept we embrace and have for many years. The little plum teapot has been added to our traveling tea basket and has become a part of our tea ritual. We are a family who enjoys hot tea rather than iced, so even during the dog days of summer, the tea kettle is on. On a hot summer day at the park, the teapot graces a picnic table. We enjoy chocolate oolong and fortune cookies in the shade! Together we share tea, pleasant conversation, observation of the world around us, and a relaxed time. It is always good to stop one's busy life pace to enjoy a moment or a day. Having a traveling tea basket packed and ready to go makes it happen. Just add a thermos of hot water, grab some fresh cookies or scones, and you'll find you are set to go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a traveling tea basket? What does it contain? Do you have special tips or ideas that you can share with others so that they can be inspired to make their own?</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-43977898470741227052013-06-21T17:00:00.000-07:002013-06-21T17:00:02.505-07:00Angel Food, Strawberries, & Cream<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">After our delightful luncheon by the front window, Karleen served dessert by the pool. The little plum teapot is quite a charming little model, and posed beautifully on the diving board with a plate of angel food cake with strawberries and cream.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">"It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">words but rather short, easy words like "What about <strike>lunch</strike> tea?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, we had to say "enough posing, little teapot!" It was time to eat and enjoy some tea in the garden.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~ Marcel Proust ~</span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-5105195203057042362013-06-21T06:30:00.000-07:002013-06-21T11:25:41.515-07:00Teapot Visits the Neighbor<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzuwJfANsciOXlUV4Yl8k98pqHtXG4uTKdI5i2fkKtYug6thXgwFtDlVqpJrV2DcrmGYNPzP_bOoTorgAJGuEJzG8GZXqV4c5pZtL6QJwKeaC-NuwJHoGXTCG8jsZxDCVIkHRFdKbFOk/s1600/3-IMG_3145.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzuwJfANsciOXlUV4Yl8k98pqHtXG4uTKdI5i2fkKtYug6thXgwFtDlVqpJrV2DcrmGYNPzP_bOoTorgAJGuEJzG8GZXqV4c5pZtL6QJwKeaC-NuwJHoGXTCG8jsZxDCVIkHRFdKbFOk/s400/3-IMG_3145.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not uncommon for someone who enjoys the experience of afternoon tea to have a buddy to share the experience with. I feel so blessed that my friend and neighbor, Karleen, enjoys sharing tea times with me. When she heard that the traveling teapot was at my house this month, she invited us to come by for a luncheon tea party. Her invitation said to just "bring yourself and the tea pot". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our style is to enjoy the entire process. When the teapot and I arrived, Karleen set me to work arranging a bouquet of flowers. We walked in her garden, selecting blossoms we thought would look pretty on the tea table.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOByZsCC26MR9hWjVE9JsP3JDGSR50lxUJ3YNZZA2iuhOJM3topduq7xzuCzqneABUydC47kDCwIg5CKeR9sD2doKDWJwekvKdxA4Nz8BljpUnMkLoI3wtpCa0CB5utHHDyNJI9GJB4Bg/s1600/3-IMG_3046.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOByZsCC26MR9hWjVE9JsP3JDGSR50lxUJ3YNZZA2iuhOJM3topduq7xzuCzqneABUydC47kDCwIg5CKeR9sD2doKDWJwekvKdxA4Nz8BljpUnMkLoI3wtpCa0CB5utHHDyNJI9GJB4Bg/s400/3-IMG_3046.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Karleen lives along the river and there's a beautiful view from her living room. So that's where she moved a table and chairs. A quilt, an heirloom from a grandmother, made a pretty tablecloth. Another grandmother's china was set on the table along with some muslin napkins that Karleen had stitched. The floral bouquet and some vintage postcards set the scene for our tea luncheon.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TE3eFEODpmwpEpu7od-Q2kXY3q7t0yRW2d0blEjGOTPcfJB2NFyWQIDFliBr6te8oecTsceTqwE6k2oD4IwjNh2OliOSBdHyMPRoND_t88w6395BXUNa0_VOsxwvqh0vTnboYssLsPk/s1600/3-IMG_3074.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TE3eFEODpmwpEpu7od-Q2kXY3q7t0yRW2d0blEjGOTPcfJB2NFyWQIDFliBr6te8oecTsceTqwE6k2oD4IwjNh2OliOSBdHyMPRoND_t88w6395BXUNa0_VOsxwvqh0vTnboYssLsPk/s400/3-IMG_3074.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Karleen had prepared a lovely menu of delicious, fresh foods.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NcCzppfTdmTEv0ZrAQUiyCZHLBknoBa0P0ruLbf5BIb992LaO7sWU5ZGZYw9Cn3jUkuBAp98oldb-Lo-tQJlDMnLXlqAnuAtFZRT9lwi6fco7ttL0kW5G2B9YM47_tMUWf7xrcmMGJc/s1600/3-IMG_3075.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NcCzppfTdmTEv0ZrAQUiyCZHLBknoBa0P0ruLbf5BIb992LaO7sWU5ZGZYw9Cn3jUkuBAp98oldb-Lo-tQJlDMnLXlqAnuAtFZRT9lwi6fco7ttL0kW5G2B9YM47_tMUWf7xrcmMGJc/s400/3-IMG_3075.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A cheese and crackers platter was arranged with springs of tarragon, rosemary, lavender, and purple grapes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMelh4FIiHF0YAt8Dkd13q5PMSdITKR9pvsEYCvuIq5JFH17gUB4iIZLi-dF3RaWPEyadjlrnGu4YFu8NHVf-hBhJjmMJ_cEhw9FHOWsjGEqMRC1JbnwwE6V0XJQYazoDD_7MFZVKfKs4/s1600/3-IMG_3078.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMelh4FIiHF0YAt8Dkd13q5PMSdITKR9pvsEYCvuIq5JFH17gUB4iIZLi-dF3RaWPEyadjlrnGu4YFu8NHVf-hBhJjmMJ_cEhw9FHOWsjGEqMRC1JbnwwE6V0XJQYazoDD_7MFZVKfKs4/s400/3-IMG_3078.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A colorful "chopped salad" featured toasted pecans and a light vinaigrette. It was delicious!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7I9t0knz35TndPqRhFupTDbzR-HpHm-vMpnEGDiLdIBTvxDhD2a9a4AA_AhfMoSC2HMSFdm6id9eG1aI3lbWCPsvn6Cw0XFfPngMuGKa9O4kAmfSPckEXeY5Y06r5rJRErtQgV4mddE/s1600/3-IMG_3079.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7I9t0knz35TndPqRhFupTDbzR-HpHm-vMpnEGDiLdIBTvxDhD2a9a4AA_AhfMoSC2HMSFdm6id9eG1aI3lbWCPsvn6Cw0XFfPngMuGKa9O4kAmfSPckEXeY5Y06r5rJRErtQgV4mddE/s400/3-IMG_3079.JPG" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Deviled eggs were beautifully presented on a tray with a sprig of lavender from the garden.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAedK4fF6BXxMIlbAMZxSZqUnpJUdlEAghoG4K-wveoGkyWS6PzeppIGVg1zU-AVNgM_kMurwG2FWkeEbJlljPhMp1rpNTbti4Df_5oMgvIa_jQ8TcK_vf65ppC_OxVEjdwedLFSkpqSo/s1600/3-IMG_3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAedK4fF6BXxMIlbAMZxSZqUnpJUdlEAghoG4K-wveoGkyWS6PzeppIGVg1zU-AVNgM_kMurwG2FWkeEbJlljPhMp1rpNTbti4Df_5oMgvIa_jQ8TcK_vf65ppC_OxVEjdwedLFSkpqSo/s320/3-IMG_3054.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fruit kabobs of strawberries, grapes, kiwi, and pineapple were vibrant! Additionally, Karleen served a bowl of cubed watermelon.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jc3STutkBHEvJpLzwKk3Frl-Hi_lTJR20GXJZ05aIIbvV6HphRIQhRDdt3GEE6b8vaSzc_u1vRusK_6NkYKgJ9y6FbWZO78C-NLjGOdrlYMshi7QRA7xJCFMVzh28edf1LyNQEfgido/s1600/3-IMG_3091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jc3STutkBHEvJpLzwKk3Frl-Hi_lTJR20GXJZ05aIIbvV6HphRIQhRDdt3GEE6b8vaSzc_u1vRusK_6NkYKgJ9y6FbWZO78C-NLjGOdrlYMshi7QRA7xJCFMVzh28edf1LyNQEfgido/s320/3-IMG_3091.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you see the teapot shaped cheese? Yummy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUNIvm68Gv_Ulqq8Qqgq4QD0bdpMg-3lLB110gfQOp-GcWOa3F5zOchQSAPOYAZ5Cj1uop7m6q1fX6kx1eLnPGwWXrHAwItyZQNy3fN1l5jOK21ZJ9ZG5meuWcAgFbLzylJEtkTwN-6M/s1600/3-IMG_3092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUNIvm68Gv_Ulqq8Qqgq4QD0bdpMg-3lLB110gfQOp-GcWOa3F5zOchQSAPOYAZ5Cj1uop7m6q1fX6kx1eLnPGwWXrHAwItyZQNy3fN1l5jOK21ZJ9ZG5meuWcAgFbLzylJEtkTwN-6M/s320/3-IMG_3092.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjiBzE7MuL5HrRw8vo3Wbu4XPdBFJKXBrNax33srKsvASVOwLipCkg1BrAEmAXwPar6n2NWuF3Bi11PHytic7BnZAkeEcBQkWokhCav7A3Rr3IszRrcHAVpNjs8y0FkzZcIn7Z-C4Ce4/s1600/3-IMG_3097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjiBzE7MuL5HrRw8vo3Wbu4XPdBFJKXBrNax33srKsvASVOwLipCkg1BrAEmAXwPar6n2NWuF3Bi11PHytic7BnZAkeEcBQkWokhCav7A3Rr3IszRrcHAVpNjs8y0FkzZcIn7Z-C4Ce4/s320/3-IMG_3097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vintage postcards from Karleen's collection added a personal touch to the table.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHM0SKXSv6TwUCQvOYkskRAggYq0KDeAKi2Ez2WrsrV9bMB589rDv4c3lN8qvC_r4EAuJMEyHe73tfy4Ac7LumJN_Plbj9zIzzX4rBRCWW0pk1VM7Mk0wO7RSYtNYrHH1j8-6qa9Wjf8/s1600/3-IMG_3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHM0SKXSv6TwUCQvOYkskRAggYq0KDeAKi2Ez2WrsrV9bMB589rDv4c3lN8qvC_r4EAuJMEyHe73tfy4Ac7LumJN_Plbj9zIzzX4rBRCWW0pk1VM7Mk0wO7RSYtNYrHH1j8-6qa9Wjf8/s320/3-IMG_3100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhKUlnly4OskSZhhyphenhyphen6mWU_c1QZldiWm1VVIdk7OEG1nnej0i_Z8szKJ3VJH0Rs6txgg-INFOZ5HgDM7_UJiLJpvpwtVY-BNS5KJp5THY_chWX2gMRcPij4rRiSGY6ujKupcDQ_JfxK3g/s1600/3-IMG_3103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhKUlnly4OskSZhhyphenhyphen6mWU_c1QZldiWm1VVIdk7OEG1nnej0i_Z8szKJ3VJH0Rs6txgg-INFOZ5HgDM7_UJiLJpvpwtVY-BNS5KJp5THY_chWX2gMRcPij4rRiSGY6ujKupcDQ_JfxK3g/s320/3-IMG_3103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everything was so inviting, beautiful, and delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The teapot was set last and took center stage on the beautiful table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our tea choice was Buckingham Palace English Afternoon Tea. It was a gift to me from Karleen after her recent trip to London. How fun it was to sip on tea in Karleen's living room that she had purchased at the Queen of England's palace!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dessert was served in the garden and will be shared with readers at a later time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Karleen, for inviting the traveling teapot and me over for a relaxing luncheon tea. Your warm hospitality and friendship is a treasure and a blessing! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-52262063541407509782013-06-20T06:30:00.000-07:002013-06-20T06:30:03.132-07:00Victorian Garden & the Little Plum Teapot<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e256m8eM7E0/UcKL7Uggs7I/AAAAAAAAaL4/4ftQ_B6pa0Q/s1600/1-1-Tea%2BGifts-3.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e256m8eM7E0/UcKL7Uggs7I/AAAAAAAAaL4/4ftQ_B6pa0Q/s400/1-1-Tea%2BGifts-3.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot has visited many beautiful tea rooms on its travels. There are some parts of America where there are several nice tea rooms within an hours drive. Unfortunately, that is not so in the rural area where the traveling teapot is visiting this month. There is only one tea room within a 50 mile radius, and it is not open on a daily basis. It is nice, though, to have a place to go for afternoon tea with a friend when plans can be made in advance. The ambiance is pleasant. Online reviews mostly mention that the food service could be improved. Servings are always very small.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lNUVWZxwKs/UcKL7kzTKOI/AAAAAAAAaME/bn9cNmoDx_4/s1600/1-Tea%2BGifts-9.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lNUVWZxwKs/UcKL7kzTKOI/AAAAAAAAaME/bn9cNmoDx_4/s400/1-Tea%2BGifts-9.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Victorian Garden is a pretty little tea room. It has all the perfect necessities for a tranquil experience. Lemon yellow walls, pretty art, tapestries, ribbons and lace, and pretty tables and chair set the scene. A small entry by the front door has shelves that contain some gift items, tea books, and loose tea for sale.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2VpkrfadFI/UcKL75-EWKI/AAAAAAAAaMQ/TjgY9lzjlqw/s1600/1-Tea%2BGifts-8.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2VpkrfadFI/UcKL75-EWKI/AAAAAAAAaMQ/TjgY9lzjlqw/s400/1-Tea%2BGifts-8.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDFyx99IjrM/UcKL8d036QI/AAAAAAAAaMc/PgyV7-pd7r8/s1600/1-Tea%2BGifts-17.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDFyx99IjrM/UcKL8d036QI/AAAAAAAAaMc/PgyV7-pd7r8/s400/1-Tea%2BGifts-17.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea is brought to the table in the teapot and the customer decants their own tea with a teacup tea strainer. The waiter will refill the teapot with hot water for a second decant. The tea is floating loose in the pot. The tables are pretty with small dried flower arrangements, mis-matched vintage silver and china, and pretty pictures that are set on the tablecloth and are protected by a sheet of glass.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj31VLcoHm4/UcKL8kJY61I/AAAAAAAAaMo/53ghYTCRlno/s1600/1-Tea%2BGifts-019.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj31VLcoHm4/UcKL8kJY61I/AAAAAAAAaMo/53ghYTCRlno/s400/1-Tea%2BGifts-019.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea is brought first so that it can be enjoyed while visiting with companions and as one waits for their food.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNxpiix7v_k/UcKL8yW8VCI/AAAAAAAAaMw/S0yDF9OPuFk/s1600/1-Tea%2BGifts-22.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNxpiix7v_k/UcKL8yW8VCI/AAAAAAAAaMw/S0yDF9OPuFk/s400/1-Tea%2BGifts-22.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The scones are small (made in a mini-muffin tin) and are served on a three-tiered tray. A luncheon plate is set on the cover of each individual. Each person is given a small dish that contains butter, strawberry jam, and a dab of clotted cream. An orange slice and a bunch of grapes compliment the scones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sandwich tier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dessert tier. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Bread pudding, Red Velvet cake, and a cupcake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Savory selections can include a sausage roll, mini quiche from a muffin tin, and biscuits. The menu sometimes changes with the season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The setting is pretty and relaxing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hats for dress-up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A copy of Pearl Dexter's book of tea poetry is on display.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Old Victoria magazines are set in a basket for reading if you choose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot had a good day!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-27049466756135164132013-06-19T06:30:00.000-07:002013-06-19T09:21:30.022-07:00The Teaching Teapot: Lavender Weaving 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">These last days of spring are so pleasant. Sitting out on the porch is relaxing, especially with a cup of tea, an interesting book, or my laptop computer. It's also a fun place to work on crafts, especially if they are messy ones! The lavender is blooming, making this a perfect time to cut long stems of this fragrant herb and make something out of it. The back porch is the place to make it happen! Often I lay rows of cut lavender out on sheets on the back porch to dry. But I can never resist taking some time to weave as well. Lavender weaving is something I first learned how to do from my children's piano teacher. I thought wands were beautiful, but they looked so complicated and difficult. I was pleasantly surprised that they are simple to make. So, today the little plum teapot is turning into the little plum professor as it teaches "Lavender Weaving 101".</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Teaching Teapot with a Lavender Basket</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you imagine the little plum teapot tapping on the lectern and calling the class to order? "May I have your attention, please? It's time to grab a cup of tea, then find your seat as we start our class."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lavender wands require a bundle of fresh, cut lavender. Twenty to thirty stems work well. Long stems are desirable. They should be trimmed so that the stems are an even length. Hold them in your hand so that the base of the flowering parts are even. Then, tie a string or ribbon tightly at the base of the blossoms. A rubber band will work as well, although it is tricky to fasten it tight enough over the blossoms. Secure very well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, gently fold each of the stems upwards so that they cover the lavender buds. The stems will break on one side but will be attached on one side. Bend them upwards individually --- one by one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tuck a piece of ribbon into the folded stems. This should be as close to the base as possible. Then, start weaving the ribbon in and out of the stems. I prefer to do two at a time. Two stems under, then two stems over. This is shown in the picture. As each row is completed, push the ribbon downwards so that it fits snugly against the row next to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Continue doing this until all the lavender bud is enclosed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Continue weaving past the bud portion for several more rounds. This creates a stable base.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, wind the ribbon around the stems, criss-crossing them for a pretty effect. Secure where the bulb portion and base portion meet. Hot glue can be used, but I prefer a needle and thread.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Make a pretty bow and attach with hot glue or needle and thread.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All done! Set it somewhere that is dry and out of direct sunlight to dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other things can be made from stems of lavender as well. Lavender bottles are formed the same way as lavender wands, but are left open rather than woven with ribbon. Lavender bud and flowers poke through the stems and the fragrance of the lavender is evident. Lavender bottles are made to be used in linen and lingerie drawers. The dried blossoms may fall off as time goes on and fill you drawer, but if you are like me you won't mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mussie Tussies are bundles of lavender that are secured at the base of the blossoms and tied with ribbon up and down the stems in a criss-cross pattern. They are pretty because the blossoms are in the open and look pretty. Lavender dries very well, so this makes a pretty bundle that you can leave on a shelf or put in a base to enjoy for years to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, my favorite of all are the lavender baskets. To make a lavender basket, secure a bundle of lavender as though you were making a wand. Continue by folding back the stems. Weave until the stems are woven about half way up the flowers. This creates the "basket". Use a pair of scissors to cut the stems evenly. Secure the ribbon (needle and thread or hot glue). Add a bow if you'd like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you would like a handle on the basket, select 3 or 4 stems on opposing sides of the basket. Do not cut them. Fold them so they overlap at the top of the basket. Hold them together by criss-crossing ribbon, thus creating a handle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other kinds of dried flowers can be tucked into the basket for variety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made this basket with a solid handle. For some reason it seemed prettier than a criss-cross pattern, but it is up to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These baskets were some I made without handles. They sit beautifully on potpourri in a pretty plate. Sometimes I glue a craft magnet on the back of a lavender basket so that it can be stuck on a fridge. It's a pretty fridge ornament. Hangers could be added on the back of baskets as well so they can be used as ornaments on a tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you don't have lavender in your garden, check to see if there is a lavender farm nearby that sells lavender by the bundle. Most lavender farms have u-pick areas. If not, check with a florist and see if they can order some fresh lavender for you. Then, have fun and enjoy.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-69869128727733052432013-06-18T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-18T17:22:41.754-07:00Lavender-Coconut Macroons and Continuing the Lavender Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot and I continue exploring the world of lavender as we make plans for the week. A pot of hot tea with some of Sally's Coconut Macaroons helps to set the stage for our research. Today we'll look at a few more lavender farms in Sequim, Washington. But first, Sally has graciously agreed to share her delicious recipe. By the way, it is great for those who have special dietary needs. It is gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sally's Lavender-Coconut Macaroons</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 cups coconut, shredded, unsweetened</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Tbsp. coconut flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 tsp. lavender bud</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/8 tsp. sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 Tbsp. coconut oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 tsp. stevia powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Tbsp. pure vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Combine shredded coconut, lavender bud, and coconut flour. Pulse in food processer. Add salt, coconut oil, stevia, and vanilla. Combine well. Using a small ice cream scoop, form small balls and place each in miniature cupcake papers that are placed in a miniature muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 6 to 7 minutes. Cool and enjoy with tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Sally added orange juice and orange zest as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now...back to the lavender farms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those shared today are all in Sequim, Washington</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu_72V7wdb4/Ub9WLMky3dI/AAAAAAAAaFM/ITEjvMpTDl0/s1600/1-IMG_3418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu_72V7wdb4/Ub9WLMky3dI/AAAAAAAAaFM/ITEjvMpTDl0/s320/1-IMG_3418.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red geraniums and lots of lavender at Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAlJd3Q9JxY/Ub9WLzlNMnI/AAAAAAAAaFY/IpX5gEdGOZM/s1600/1-IMG_3424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAlJd3Q9JxY/Ub9WLzlNMnI/AAAAAAAAaFY/IpX5gEdGOZM/s320/1-IMG_3424.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflowers, pruned lavender shrubs, and lavender blossoms at Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVSndVtb4Ls/Ub9WMnrG9pI/AAAAAAAAaFw/0IMwT5LMHo4/s1600/1-IMG_3432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tVSndVtb4Ls/Ub9WMnrG9pI/AAAAAAAAaFw/0IMwT5LMHo4/s320/1-IMG_3432.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lavender still at Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVxpj0kRxaU/Ub9WN6WyyqI/AAAAAAAAaGI/dGaWi2GbuHY/s1600/1-IMG_3478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVxpj0kRxaU/Ub9WN6WyyqI/AAAAAAAAaGI/dGaWi2GbuHY/s320/1-IMG_3478.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A demonstration of how to distill lavender. It takes a lot of lavender to make a small bottle of lavender oil.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8y-20Atq9Qs/Ub9WIAzO_RI/AAAAAAAAaD0/BQ6cNdaI5zU/s1600/1-DSC05956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8y-20Atq9Qs/Ub9WIAzO_RI/AAAAAAAAaD0/BQ6cNdaI5zU/s320/1-DSC05956.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Williams Lavender Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diBn7dhDo1Q/Ub9WIQW97KI/AAAAAAAAaD8/Dzuglls5KoI/s1600/1-DSC05959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diBn7dhDo1Q/Ub9WIQW97KI/AAAAAAAAaD8/Dzuglls5KoI/s320/1-DSC05959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty bench at Port Williams Lavender Farm. Corn fields nearby create such a vibrant backdrop for the purple blossoms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpZX_vSRZVE/Ub9WIfvA3JI/AAAAAAAAaD4/_E2zjPbiAk8/s1600/1-DSC05960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpZX_vSRZVE/Ub9WIfvA3JI/AAAAAAAAaD4/_E2zjPbiAk8/s320/1-DSC05960.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain and lilies at Port Williams Lavender Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DlWE351x0B8/Ub9WI6F2WXI/AAAAAAAAaEE/mBj8rTvgLTU/s1600/1-DSC05962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DlWE351x0B8/Ub9WI6F2WXI/AAAAAAAAaEE/mBj8rTvgLTU/s320/1-DSC05962.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Williams Lavender Farm ~ one row pruned and the next in bloom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MU6IAkmjFhs/Ub9WJLfDLiI/AAAAAAAAaEU/IRRIadWrw-o/s1600/1-DSC05988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MU6IAkmjFhs/Ub9WJLfDLiI/AAAAAAAAaEU/IRRIadWrw-o/s320/1-DSC05988.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fence, trellis, fountain, and flowers at Port Williams Lavender Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01cvGarWHhk/Ub9WJnlT-vI/AAAAAAAAaEY/M6hMShaWAo0/s1600/1-DSC05990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01cvGarWHhk/Ub9WJnlT-vI/AAAAAAAAaEY/M6hMShaWAo0/s320/1-DSC05990.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is unusual to find quantities of Spanish Lavender at most lavender farms. Called Lavender stoeches, it is used for landscape hedges and fresh, cut flowers. This variety does not dry well. Nor is it used for culinary purposes. It is beautiful and usually blooms before other kinds of lavender.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82yMbJ5nndI/Ub9WJ_AuNiI/AAAAAAAAaEg/iqXA6O6ta2Q/s1600/1-DSC06012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82yMbJ5nndI/Ub9WJ_AuNiI/AAAAAAAAaEg/iqXA6O6ta2Q/s320/1-DSC06012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine Lavender Farm. Seen are rows of Lavandula Angustifolia, also called True Lavender, which is used for oil, fresh cut, drying, sachets, crafting, and culinary use.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbCprm2yFvk/Ub9WKNo7fKI/AAAAAAAAaEo/W_GWaXKWAZc/s1600/1-DSC06013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbCprm2yFvk/Ub9WKNo7fKI/AAAAAAAAaEo/W_GWaXKWAZc/s320/1-DSC06013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each farm has their own sense of style. Hand painted signs are common and usually have the purple paint on them somewhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2cPnwOetBw/Ub9WKbpDmoI/AAAAAAAAaE4/8c6CzR_qYZY/s1600/1-DSC06017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2cPnwOetBw/Ub9WKbpDmoI/AAAAAAAAaE4/8c6CzR_qYZY/s320/1-DSC06017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's time to sit a spell. Do you have a cup of tea nearby?</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-90692262060159472402013-06-17T06:00:00.000-07:002013-06-18T17:23:22.996-07:00Lavender Farms & the Teapot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qpLc_8ci5w/Ub5fI6FUuAI/AAAAAAAAaB0/LVvAXa1jLKQ/s1600/1-IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qpLc_8ci5w/Ub5fI6FUuAI/AAAAAAAAaB0/LVvAXa1jLKQ/s320/1-IMG_2805.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot arrived in Washington state just in time for lavender season. Right now it is steeping a pot of black tea with a touch of lavender bud. Just one-half teaspoon of crushed lavender bud added to steeping black tea in the pot makes a fragrant and delicious beverage. Today the teapot and I are planning activities for this week. In the process, I'm taking time to reminisce about lavender farms in Washington state. You may take that as a clue of things to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Would you like to see photos of some of the Washington state lavender farms along with me? We'll visit some on the west side of the state.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4PBWU8vOfA/Ub5cspLryrI/AAAAAAAAZ6k/dcQReuMTgK8/s1600/1-1147899696717732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h4PBWU8vOfA/Ub5cspLryrI/AAAAAAAAZ6k/dcQReuMTgK8/s320/1-1147899696717732.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm, Sequim, Washington.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gw8KrhzDU4/Ub5cszjgWOI/AAAAAAAAZ6o/fenAsZfh5Hk/s1600/1-1147900114733344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9gw8KrhzDU4/Ub5cszjgWOI/AAAAAAAAZ6o/fenAsZfh5Hk/s320/1-1147900114733344.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardin du Soleil gardens encourage visitors to walk and enjoy the blossoms.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">San Juan Island, Washington</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCMqjNAiusw/Ub5c_x09KrI/AAAAAAAAZ8k/9TO214uLOtI/s1600/1-IMG_2154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCMqjNAiusw/Ub5c_x09KrI/AAAAAAAAZ8k/9TO214uLOtI/s320/1-IMG_2154.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelindaba Lavender Farm, San Juan Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift shop at Pelindaba Lavender Farm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2gToEHSiNA/Ub5dAVTWElI/AAAAAAAAZ88/ElyYLqfV1Aw/s1600/1-IMG_2171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2gToEHSiNA/Ub5dAVTWElI/AAAAAAAAZ88/ElyYLqfV1Aw/s320/1-IMG_2171.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors are encouraged to walk the fields at Pelindaba Lavender Farm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLa1EIO6B00/Ub5dRjJVZVI/AAAAAAAAZ9E/gR0uI6NHy-M/s1600/1-IMG_2182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLa1EIO6B00/Ub5dRjJVZVI/AAAAAAAAZ9E/gR0uI6NHy-M/s320/1-IMG_2182.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelindaba Lavender Farm with rows of trimmed lavender amid lavender waiting to be cut. Pelindaba Lavender Farm has a second gift shop in downtown Friday Harbor. A bakery in the shop features lavender infused pastries and delicious lavender-chocolate ice cream!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Orcas Island, Washington</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-HFTTIE94o/Ub5dSPjYPVI/AAAAAAAAZ9Q/5Te63sFrW2o/s1600/1-IMG_2501-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-HFTTIE94o/Ub5dSPjYPVI/AAAAAAAAZ9Q/5Te63sFrW2o/s320/1-IMG_2501-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orcas Hotel with an abundance of lavender in their gardens. There is at least one dedicated lavender farm on this small island as well.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Whidbey Island, Washington</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_tEqOb4ssU/Ub5dSx_3LcI/AAAAAAAAZ90/v8_K05SRWn8/s1600/1-IMG_2731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_tEqOb4ssU/Ub5dSx_3LcI/AAAAAAAAZ90/v8_K05SRWn8/s320/1-IMG_2731.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Wind Farm is located on Whidby Island, not far from the ferry landing which connects with Port Townsend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GrfEwb-baI/Ub5dSrt76HI/AAAAAAAAZ9o/jeJ5X20E-HY/s1600/1-IMG_2757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GrfEwb-baI/Ub5dSrt76HI/AAAAAAAAZ9o/jeJ5X20E-HY/s320/1-IMG_2757.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alma is enjoying walking through the lavender fields. It is common for lavender farms to plant other colorful blooming flowers to compliment the lavender. Red and orange is popular.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxmwvc4_220/Ub5dS6aLyrI/AAAAAAAAZ9w/t89NTeqX7ls/s1600/1-IMG_2772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxmwvc4_220/Ub5dS6aLyrI/AAAAAAAAZ9w/t89NTeqX7ls/s320/1-IMG_2772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gift shop and workshop at Lavender Wind Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fPgfs50bLs/Ub5dTJw32zI/AAAAAAAAZ-A/6l50W0UVBLs/s1600/1-IMG_2779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fPgfs50bLs/Ub5dTJw32zI/AAAAAAAAZ-A/6l50W0UVBLs/s320/1-IMG_2779.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The labyrinth of lavender at Lavender Wind Farm invites visitors to walk the tranquil path.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyvMmnJXGgg/Ub5dTZiT-xI/AAAAAAAAZ-I/nD6SmYPERhU/s1600/1-IMG_2805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyvMmnJXGgg/Ub5dTZiT-xI/AAAAAAAAZ-I/nD6SmYPERhU/s320/1-IMG_2805.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Wind Farm incorporates many rows of tall sunflower plants. They create contrast and beauty.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sequim, Washington</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wUIqJs2Gtk/Ub5dU4k2QiI/AAAAAAAAZ-s/oIaq87vBUBc/s1600/1-IMG_3186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wUIqJs2Gtk/Ub5dU4k2QiI/AAAAAAAAZ-s/oIaq87vBUBc/s320/1-IMG_3186.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Moon Lavender in the early morning mist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-732HYgRo0wg/Ub5dTsFO9hI/AAAAAAAAZ-Q/jTybP61_b5A/s1600/1-IMG_3193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-732HYgRo0wg/Ub5dTsFO9hI/AAAAAAAAZ-Q/jTybP61_b5A/s320/1-IMG_3193.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Moon Lavender.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTwgMiVfils/Ub5dUO7WBUI/AAAAAAAAZ-Y/ReBewtTdHYU/s1600/1-IMG_3201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTwgMiVfils/Ub5dUO7WBUI/AAAAAAAAZ-Y/ReBewtTdHYU/s320/1-IMG_3201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Lane at Cedarbrook Lavender Farm and Herb Garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EU6Fi8EEmU4/Ub5dUuQBxdI/AAAAAAAAZ-k/hqa-M6mkwpQ/s1600/1-IMG_3208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EU6Fi8EEmU4/Ub5dUuQBxdI/AAAAAAAAZ-k/hqa-M6mkwpQ/s320/1-IMG_3208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A contrast of lavender varieties at Cedarbrook Lavender and Herb Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfTbOdJrpmU/Ub5dU6IGtlI/AAAAAAAAZ-o/80sKZoGZ438/s1600/1-IMG_3217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfTbOdJrpmU/Ub5dU6IGtlI/AAAAAAAAZ-o/80sKZoGZ438/s320/1-IMG_3217.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many herb farms feature enclosed herb gardens. They are beautiful and filled with colorful blooming plants. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WVAZC4EO1Io/Ub5dVfgOQMI/AAAAAAAAZ-4/WF2ehNHQUbI/s1600/1-IMG_3220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WVAZC4EO1Io/Ub5dVfgOQMI/AAAAAAAAZ-4/WF2ehNHQUbI/s320/1-IMG_3220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house at Cedarbrook features an interesting gift shop. A lavender scarecrow pair greets guest from the front porch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2ZLd8TUfgc/Ub5d0E_x-PI/AAAAAAAAZ_0/pKv_5rf8zi8/s1600/1-IMG_3300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2ZLd8TUfgc/Ub5d0E_x-PI/AAAAAAAAZ_0/pKv_5rf8zi8/s320/1-IMG_3300.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gift shop at Purple Haze Lavender is charming with a dark red roof. Lavender ice cream is sold from the small building beside the gift shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkUtdiIhxkQ/Ub5d0ZXiTPI/AAAAAAAAaAA/KT7LZUoxzwQ/s1600/1-IMG_3308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkUtdiIhxkQ/Ub5d0ZXiTPI/AAAAAAAAaAA/KT7LZUoxzwQ/s320/1-IMG_3308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Haze Lavender Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFJl0g7QOXE/Ub5d0pbKFNI/AAAAAAAAaAI/8G1dwFL25aA/s1600/1-IMG_3331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFJl0g7QOXE/Ub5d0pbKFNI/AAAAAAAAaAI/8G1dwFL25aA/s320/1-IMG_3331.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workers at Purple Haze Lavender Farm are preparing lavender bundles for sale. Some are shipped and others go into the gift shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUAP1KIcHJQ/Ub5d1WXhN2I/AAAAAAAAaAU/PidZbsl6wsM/s1600/1-IMG_3383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUAP1KIcHJQ/Ub5d1WXhN2I/AAAAAAAAaAU/PidZbsl6wsM/s320/1-IMG_3383.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Haze Lavender Farm has much charm and row upon row of lavender in bloom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3WzNUiod6U/Ub5d1sPhyWI/AAAAAAAAaAY/I22i6y-3ibg/s1600/1-IMG_3498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3WzNUiod6U/Ub5d1sPhyWI/AAAAAAAAaAY/I22i6y-3ibg/s320/1-IMG_3498.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jardin du Soleil is a wonderful place to visit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpzp-6aW7pY/Ub5d10LW1SI/AAAAAAAAaAo/32pyKsn3W-k/s1600/1-IMG_3504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpzp-6aW7pY/Ub5d10LW1SI/AAAAAAAAaAo/32pyKsn3W-k/s320/1-IMG_3504.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gift shop at Jardin du Soleil is filled with beautiful handmade lavender product and more.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ooQ-7Cw-zp8/Ub5d2Hg5etI/AAAAAAAAaAs/uGOQh9Um7eM/s1600/1-IMG_3518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ooQ-7Cw-zp8/Ub5d2Hg5etI/AAAAAAAAaAs/uGOQh9Um7eM/s320/1-IMG_3518.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workers at the Olympic Lavender Farm chat as they bundle lavender for sale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j47j3bNwSgM/Ub5d2fbOhSI/AAAAAAAAaA0/_qFzt5gnDNs/s1600/1-IMG_3528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j47j3bNwSgM/Ub5d2fbOhSI/AAAAAAAAaA0/_qFzt5gnDNs/s320/1-IMG_3528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympic Lavender Farm also features a fenced flower garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIcDtyQdk4Q/Ub5d2XoQqbI/AAAAAAAAaBA/4nug0-_4LAc/s1600/1-IMG_3536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIcDtyQdk4Q/Ub5d2XoQqbI/AAAAAAAAaBA/4nug0-_4LAc/s320/1-IMG_3536.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympic Lavender Farm.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Ilwaco, Washington</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vijiJpcF30U/Ub5cuzUlYKI/AAAAAAAAZ7s/-CsPSeDAYd0/s1600/1-DSC06359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vijiJpcF30U/Ub5cuzUlYKI/AAAAAAAAZ7s/-CsPSeDAYd0/s320/1-DSC06359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Painted Lady Lavender Farm is located in southwestern Washington at the mouth of the Columbia River.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaxzEL6MlrA/Ub5d3YjbyOI/AAAAAAAAaBg/-TzJhYyYyso/s1600/1-IMG_3611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NaxzEL6MlrA/Ub5d3YjbyOI/AAAAAAAAaBg/-TzJhYyYyso/s320/1-IMG_3611.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Painted Lady Lavender Farm's marketing style is whimsical.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFkxPoUWPUQ/Ub5fnOG8ZjI/AAAAAAAAaCE/t4XzKdvdd0U/s1600/1-IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFkxPoUWPUQ/Ub5fnOG8ZjI/AAAAAAAAaCE/t4XzKdvdd0U/s320/1-IMG_2796.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little plum teapot enjoys lavender in bloom at her host's home and garden.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is something tranquil and exotic about a lavender farm. Tourists flock to the fields to enjoy the sweet fragrance, cut bundles of lavender, and to purchase lavender product. Each lavender farm has carefully thought-out characteristics. No two lavender farms are alike. In addition to lavender plants, lavender bundles, and other products, many lavender farms feature foods made with this fragrant herb. Some serve lavender lemonade or lavender ice cream. Others sell jams, jellies, and curds made from lavender. An excursion to a lavender farm always features something interesting to see! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lavender is one of my favorite additions to afternoon tea fare. Here's a recipe that you might enjoy as an addition to your tea table.</span></div>
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<b><i>Lavender Lemon Curd</i></b></div>
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<b><i>1/2 cup butter</i></b></div>
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<b><i>1 1/4 cups sugar</i></b></div>
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<b><i>2 lemons, juice and rind (about 1/2 cup)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>4 eggs, well beaten</i></b></div>
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<b><i>pinch of salt</i></b></div>
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<b><i>3 Tbsp. lavender bud, fresh OR 1 Tbsp. dried</i></b></div>
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<b><i>6 lemon verbena leaves OR 1 Tbsp. dried (optional)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Use a double boiler. Fill base with an appropriate amount of water. Bring to a gentle boil. In top saucepan, place butter, sugar, lemon, and salt. Slowly whisk in the beaten eggs. Add the lavender bud and lemon verbena leaves. Cook mixture for five minutes. When done, strain through a sieve. Place in a jar and cool. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Makes 2 1/2 cups.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>For a special tea-time treat, whip 1 cup of heavy cream. Gently fold in a cup (or more) of lavender lemon curd. Use this as frosting for a two layer cake or to top an angel food cake. Add fresh fruit if desired. Enjoy!</i></b></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-39204107421345339142013-06-16T07:00:00.000-07:002013-06-16T07:00:00.403-07:00All Dolled Up<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fewhf9PC08c/Ub0xnNyPClI/AAAAAAAAZ44/ZaFAKZgvKhc/s1600/1-IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fewhf9PC08c/Ub0xnNyPClI/AAAAAAAAZ44/ZaFAKZgvKhc/s320/1-IMG_2970.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">June is such a beautiful month in the Pacific Northwest. The flowers have been especially lovely this season. I've enjoyed being able to pair tea events for the little plum teapot with flowers from my garden during my month of hosting the traveling teapot.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-caEFb1XuQJ4/Ub0xdmYGTJI/AAAAAAAAZ4A/KSMaoHzlklY/s1600/1-Doll1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-caEFb1XuQJ4/Ub0xdmYGTJI/AAAAAAAAZ4A/KSMaoHzlklY/s320/1-Doll1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today we spent some time crafting. The little plum teapot served as a water vessel and I trimmed, clipped, and pinned blossoms together to create...flower blossom dolls!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5892ZFyWD5w/Ub0xd1_xTFI/AAAAAAAAZ4U/kqKkoA9f6fM/s1600/1-Doll2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5892ZFyWD5w/Ub0xd1_xTFI/AAAAAAAAZ4U/kqKkoA9f6fM/s320/1-Doll2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A variety of blossoms were gathered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lavender.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hollyhock.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pansy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chive.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRzSH7sP8pk/Ub0xnFyc_KI/AAAAAAAAZ48/Mkj0fvK2XUs/s1600/1-IMG_2975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QRzSH7sP8pk/Ub0xnFyc_KI/AAAAAAAAZ48/Mkj0fvK2XUs/s320/1-IMG_2975.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pinks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Roses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Violas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Carnations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunflowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grape Leaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lady's Mantle Leaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bee Balm Leaves</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh9hLx73CLY/Ub0zAzdyWcI/AAAAAAAAZ6E/un1Al7Vu2HI/s1600/1-1-IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dh9hLx73CLY/Ub0zAzdyWcI/AAAAAAAAZ6E/un1Al7Vu2HI/s320/1-1-IMG_2991.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Creating flower blossom dolls is somewhat like being a fashion designer. Imagine this ruffled model walking down the catwalk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Here we have a southern belle who is wearing a ruffled red gown made of double-hollyhock blossoms. Two are stacked and fastened together with a quilters pin. A red rose blossom creates a lovely bodice. Snow-on-the-mountain blossoms make lacy sleeves and a grape leaf accents the ensemble. A sweet pansy is the face of the model wearing this elegant gown."</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zlJmtYyGHc/Ub0zA4WJwfI/AAAAAAAAZ6I/8KTSiDAWdP0/s1600/1-1-IMG_2993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zlJmtYyGHc/Ub0zA4WJwfI/AAAAAAAAZ6I/8KTSiDAWdP0/s320/1-1-IMG_2993.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Here is a model wearing the gypsy look. A colorful multi-level skirt is features a pale pink hollyhock flower with a rose-colored cosmos blossom set atop. A purple and yellow striped petunia forms the bodice and fragrant lavender blossoms create feathery sleeves. This model is very blond in with yellow rose bud hair. She is wearing a petunia blossom hat with leaves for flair."</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORpDZ34wzUo/Ub0zQk-LUqI/AAAAAAAAZ6U/KMYzEmpCzJE/s1600/1-1-IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORpDZ34wzUo/Ub0zQk-LUqI/AAAAAAAAZ6U/KMYzEmpCzJE/s320/1-1-IMG_2996.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"A pink rose blossom skirt is topped with a lady's mantle leaf pinafore. Lavender stems create graceful arms and a pink rose bud the bodice. A ruffled purple and yellow petunia makes a ruff-collar that accents the dainty pansy face so well."</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5nh4O-GrbU/Ub0xl5XaRpI/AAAAAAAAZ5E/F2LwXw6q5yQ/s1600/1-Doll11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5nh4O-GrbU/Ub0xl5XaRpI/AAAAAAAAZ5E/F2LwXw6q5yQ/s320/1-Doll11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Flowers can even take on masculine features. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Here we have Mr. Farmer, who is wearing sunflower overalls and a white blossom hat."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Silly. But fun, just the same.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sryWC0-ZXm0/Ub0yIk_5vWI/AAAAAAAAZ5M/KiHS3wTr-J0/s1600/1-IMG_3001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sryWC0-ZXm0/Ub0yIk_5vWI/AAAAAAAAZ5M/KiHS3wTr-J0/s320/1-IMG_3001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQb7GT78XKg/Ub0yIpBgoBI/AAAAAAAAZ5Q/-XHzifu5mr8/s1600/1-IMG_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQb7GT78XKg/Ub0yIpBgoBI/AAAAAAAAZ5Q/-XHzifu5mr8/s320/1-IMG_3018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cxn0LMSOc8/Ub0yIpUjRDI/AAAAAAAAZ5I/PZaCbDno_oc/s1600/1-IMG_3023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cxn0LMSOc8/Ub0yIpUjRDI/AAAAAAAAZ5I/PZaCbDno_oc/s320/1-IMG_3023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Flower blossom dolls are easy to make. Find the blossoms you have available and clip them with short stems. I like to use quilters pins for fastening because they are longer than regular sewing pins. Pin through the center or strongest part of the blossom. Do this blossom by blossom. Don't be afraid to turn blossoms upside down or backwards to get the effect you wish to create.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Flower blossom dolls would be fun to make as a craft at a children's tea party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or as part of a fairy themed afternoon tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They'd also be pretty on a tea tray for one.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rI4fZzHNKV4/Ub0xOcjM0lI/AAAAAAAAZ3w/jW3ylg--LWQ/s1600/Recently%2BUpdated.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rI4fZzHNKV4/Ub0xOcjM0lI/AAAAAAAAZ3w/jW3ylg--LWQ/s400/Recently%2BUpdated.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click on the collage to enlarge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About.com has <a href="http://tinyurl.com/lshwt8p">step-by-step instructions</a> for making Hollyhock Dolls.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-86701885151830655372013-06-15T04:00:00.000-07:002013-06-19T23:00:21.384-07:00Hudson's Bay Tea Brick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoQjo7uYUJc/Ubt3jYpPdwI/AAAAAAAAZ3I/Czwr7VNo8nQ/s1600/1-1-IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoQjo7uYUJc/Ubt3jYpPdwI/AAAAAAAAZ3I/Czwr7VNo8nQ/s320/1-1-IMG_2832.JPG" width="320" /></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The traveling teapot is an ambassador of tea. But, I like to think of it as an ambassador of beautiful places across America as well. Exploring an interesting place in Washington state seems like an appropriate post for today. This traveling teapot post will give you an armchair tour of a historical site that is miles down the river from Sacajawea State Park (which we explored earlier this week). Fort Vancouver is on the north side of the Columbia River not far from Portland, Oregon.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDIwkKvPRUg/Ubt3iP5i7hI/AAAAAAAAZ2I/QBTrCtEcbWk/s1600/1-1-Fort1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDIwkKvPRUg/Ubt3iP5i7hI/AAAAAAAAZ2I/QBTrCtEcbWk/s320/1-1-Fort1.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Fort Vancouver was a 19th-century outpost for fur trading. It served as the headquarters for the Hudson's Bay Company and its territory covered the entire region of what was known as Oregon Country. <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/202521314466256258/">This region encompassed</a> the current states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho as well as parts of Wyoming and Montana. Originally it included a part of British Columbia as well. The for was named for Captain George Vancouver. He was an English officer of the British Royal Navy and is best known for an expedition which explored and charted North America's northwestern Pacific coast regions, including the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. That expedition took place between 1791 and 1795.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zpBKFFY7b8/Ubt3iEYISAI/AAAAAAAAZ2A/xkExX_3dKA4/s1600/1-1-Fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zpBKFFY7b8/Ubt3iEYISAI/AAAAAAAAZ2A/xkExX_3dKA4/s320/1-1-Fort.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;">Established by the British Hudson's Bay Company in 1825, Fort Vancouver operated farms to supply food to its men. Flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs all had their purpose and were planted on a seven-acre "herb garden" plot. Today, gardener's dressed in period attire tend to the garden that has been re-created with care and authenticity. All the vegetables in this garden are heirlooms, including the soldier beans, citron, yellow pear tomatoes, and dozens more. Fortunate visitors to the fort are given free seed packets of heirloom plants for their gardens at home. This herb garden is absolutely delightful and a pleasure to visit. The garden is plotted or divided into sections. Each section contains two or three varieties of plants, carefully planned and planted in groupings of like-kind. A mixture of herb, flower, fruit, or vegetable is scattered throughout the garden, creating beauty and interest. There is nothing boring about this garden! Pathways lead the visitor from plot to plot, allowing for ease in walking and viewing. It is fun to identify the plants and try to imagine how they were used. I am sure many of the herbs were used to make tisanes for pleasure or medicine and were used as well for flavoring foods.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1N5hu1wznC0/Ubt3iAulacI/AAAAAAAAZ2E/YWIn4oelMBY/s1600/1-1-Fort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1N5hu1wznC0/Ubt3iAulacI/AAAAAAAAZ2E/YWIn4oelMBY/s320/1-1-Fort3.jpg" width="240" /></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The fort was (and is) substantial. At one time the palisades protected forty buildings which included homes, warehouses, a school, a library, a pharmacy, a chapel, a blacksmith shop, and a manufacturing facility. Outside the walls, additional housing, gardens and orchard, a shipyard, a distillery, a tannery, a sawmill, and a dairy were established. Fort Vancouver was the largest settlement of non-natives west of the Great Plains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">The officers homes inside the palisades give one an idea of the level of comfort that was afforded those in residence at the fort. A lovely porch is graced with comfortable chairs painted a shiny barn red. A roof keeps away the common rains and vines climb up the railing to add shade. It is a perfect place to drink a spot of tea with a friend (although in all truthfulness, this spot was more likely the meeting place for military men and fur traders to share conversation together).</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EMmgtnJbpU/Ubt3idg-eiI/AAAAAAAAZ2g/-gOiNnR-Aho/s1600/1-1-Fort4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EMmgtnJbpU/Ubt3idg-eiI/AAAAAAAAZ2g/-gOiNnR-Aho/s320/1-1-Fort4.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Inside an officers house, a tea table is set with precious antique Spode china. Perfection is achieved by the careful placement of each item as it sits, awaiting after-dinner tea service. The teapot, set upon a metal base, is large and stately.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMqHWUzf4P0/Ubt3ioPNdXI/AAAAAAAAZ2s/GmorBl84eeY/s1600/1-1-Fort7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMqHWUzf4P0/Ubt3ioPNdXI/AAAAAAAAZ2s/GmorBl84eeY/s320/1-1-Fort7.JPG" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the 1830's the Hudson Bay Company commissioned the Spode and Copeland company of Staffordshire, England to be their official supplier of china. At many outlets throughout North America, a variety of their transfer-print designs are offered for sale to shoe who helped to develop the frontier. Fort Vancouver and other sites in the Pacific Northwest show samples of some of the china pieces that have been excavated at their sites. The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site curates the world's largest archeological collection of Spode ceramics.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qT9k2ezPFk/Ubt3iXWqrFI/AAAAAAAAZ2Y/8IiuTghyDGQ/s1600/1-1-Fort5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qT9k2ezPFk/Ubt3iXWqrFI/AAAAAAAAZ2Y/8IiuTghyDGQ/s320/1-1-Fort5.JPG" width="320" /></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Shall we peek into the kitchen? It is simple, yet serviceable. It is where the tea kettle was heated for a strong tea in the grand dining room of the fort headquarters. The herb garden is right outside the kitchen door, giving the cooks and hosts ample access to peppermint, chamomile, sage, thyme, and more. Each would make a comforting pot of herbal tisane. Large blocks of red tea from China are also visible and available for those who desire a more stimulating cup.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSJNwB3Ek-M/Ubt3jPPVUKI/AAAAAAAAZ2o/_Cp22EqfO9s/s1600/1-1-IMG_2824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSJNwB3Ek-M/Ubt3jPPVUKI/AAAAAAAAZ2o/_Cp22EqfO9s/s320/1-1-IMG_2824.JPG" width="257" /></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tea at the fort was made from large bricks or blocks of red tea. They are most interesting! Their compact nature makes them a sensible approach as a tea resource. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoQjo7uYUJc/Ubt3jYpPdwI/AAAAAAAAZ28/EaGACXNz_I8/s1600/1-1-IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoQjo7uYUJc/Ubt3jYpPdwI/AAAAAAAAZ28/EaGACXNz_I8/s320/1-1-IMG_2832.JPG" width="320" /></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">One block of tea nearly fills my tea tray. And it makes a substantial platform for the little plum teapot.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuSz5xTaT7E/Ubt3jvSLdJI/AAAAAAAAZ24/gaU4ASjXvow/s1600/1-1-IMG_2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuSz5xTaT7E/Ubt3jvSLdJI/AAAAAAAAZ24/gaU4ASjXvow/s320/1-1-IMG_2836.JPG" width="257" /></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Because I want to preserve my large block of tea, I made sure to purchase some small pieces as well. That way I could make some of the tea! The little plum teapot seemed eager to steep a pot of this historic Chinese tea.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnJeCKbc4rQ/Ubt3i36wf2I/AAAAAAAAZ3A/CvAUUTsSQXU/s1600/1-1-IMG_2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnJeCKbc4rQ/Ubt3i36wf2I/AAAAAAAAZ3A/CvAUUTsSQXU/s320/1-1-IMG_2808.JPG" width="240" /></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">If only you could smell this brick of tea! It is so fragrant and lovely! It is also very heavy, and when I lift it, my fingers get black, as though they are touching charcoal. The back side is scored, so that it can be broken into blocks and used as a tea beverage. This type of "tea" was popular and common not only in China, but with the explorers, pioneers, and military men who first came west.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This brick of tea was purchased at the Fort Vancouver Historical Reserve Visitor's Center. Along with the brick came a type-written copy of information telling about "brick tea". It reads as below:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqxClAGMjTw/UbuGu5151BI/AAAAAAAAZ3U/SlLbOKSczt4/s1600/1-IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqxClAGMjTw/UbuGu5151BI/AAAAAAAAZ3U/SlLbOKSczt4/s320/1-IMG_2851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">This brick tea is made by the same Chinese company that produced and shipped it to the Hudson Bay Company of London in 1845. It is still popular in China today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was popular with the fur trappers because it was so concentrated that only a small amount scraped into a cup of boiling water would make a warming drink. If kept wrapped (in animal hides, brown paper or zip-lock bags), it keeps very well. Use a vegetable scraper or knife to scrape the desired amount of tea into your cup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tea is processed into a 6" x 10" brick that has scoring on the back side so it can easily be divided into smaller sections. The front side has an Oriental scene and the following inscription in Old Chinese:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">China Tea Company Manufactured by Zhao Li Bridge Brick Tea Factory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brick tea is not green tea or black tea (called red tea in China). It is a specific combination of several teas that is recognized as "brick" tea. "Brick" refers to the way of processing tea into the distinctive compressed rectangle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This information came from a young Chinese woman and her parents who were excited to find the tea at the Visitor's Center at Fort Vancouver Historical Reserve. Old Chinese is no longer commonly used in China but everyone is required to take classes so they can read and translate Old Chinese. It is read from right to left; and one, two or even three characters often form ideas rather than a specific word. Zhao and Li are very common surnames in China, similar to Smith and Jones in the United States.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94MTY37cfbs/UbuGuzIHPII/AAAAAAAAZ3Y/V27Dqtqc8yQ/s1600/1-IMG_2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94MTY37cfbs/UbuGuzIHPII/AAAAAAAAZ3Y/V27Dqtqc8yQ/s320/1-IMG_2862.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I hope you've enjoyed your armchair tour of a beautiful part of Washington state. I'm sitting in my armchair too, sipping on the first cup of tea that I've made from the Fort Vancouver brick. It is very good!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Comment from blog reader: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24.44444465637207px; text-align: start;">I wonder about the documentation that brick tea was imported to Fort Vancouver. From my research, this type of tea was invented specifically for the (camel caravan) trade between China and Tibet, Mongolia and Siberia, and wasn't known outside those areas until well into the 20th century ... I'd be interested to see a period source that proves differently!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-5437776078583574802013-06-14T05:00:00.000-07:002013-06-14T05:00:00.579-07:00Tea Party in Your Cupboard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNgA3IpUSuE/UblmIgA6tJI/AAAAAAAAZwQ/k3Qvs_jLbrE/s1600/1-IMG_2753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNgA3IpUSuE/UblmIgA6tJI/AAAAAAAAZwQ/k3Qvs_jLbrE/s320/1-IMG_2753.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love Marilyn Miller's concept of planning a tea party from things in your cupboard. She's written a book called "<i>Tea Party in your Cupboard</i>" and it is filled with ideas for implementing this helpful approach. Her idea is that simple tea parties can be impromptu and simple to prepare. She encourages them for individuals or groups of two or more. A piece of toast with tea or a more elaborate meal with sandwiches, scones, and sweets can be easy to put together in a few minutes using her ideas and recipes. Marilyn includes suggestions for enhancing the tea experience by including flowers from the garden, a pretty piece of china from the cupboard, and heirlooms linens from a drawer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The concept of impromptu teas has been one I've enjoyed adopting. I've found that friends appreciate a few hours of reprieve from the stresses of daily life. Whether they simply drop by or call ahead to say "I'm going to be in your town. Can I stop by?" --- the tea party in a cupboard makes special times of afternoon tea easy and lacking in stress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend, Tari, called to see if I'd be home. She was taking a niece to the airport and said she'd be in my town and would like to stop by. Of course I said "yes, please, stop by"! Since it was last minute, I thought I'd simply serve tea from the traveling teapot. But as I started to think of foods on hand in my refrigerator and cupboard, a tea party resulted. First, the flowers. A walk around the garden resulted in a simple bouquet of roses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I set the bouquet on the countertop along with the little plum teapot, a tea tray, teacups, plates, napkins, and silverware. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the time Tari arrived, an impromptu tea party was prepared and ready to carry out to the pergola for afternoon tea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our three tiered tray had sandwiches, fruits, and desserts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first course was chilled broccoli & cashew soup with dill. It was a refrigerator find and made from scratch the day before for supper. Although it was originally served hot, we found it was quite delicious served cold. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The fruit layer was simple, but added color and texture to our meal. A Bosc pear, Fuji apple, and </span><span style="font-size: large;">cold red and green grapes provided crunch and juiciness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our sandwich layer was simple. We had tomato sandwiches on sourdough...so yummy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And tortilla pinwheels filled with vegan cream cheese, chopped raw broccoli, chopped walnuts, fresh thyme and dill. Since there wasn't time to prepare and chill in the fridge for a few hours, I rolled the tortilla with fillings, covered and twisted it with plastic wrap, and placed it in the freezer for 30 minutes. That was enough to help it hold its shape and it sliced nicely. The tiny purple flowers on the thyme were pretty in the pinwheel and the fresh dill added just the right accent to the raw broccoli.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rachel Ray has me thinking about sliders these days, and so I decided to try them for tea. Oat and walnut patties were in the fridge, so I made them into bite-size sliders. A layer of fresh pea greens in chiffonade topped the patties and were placed on sourdough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cashew butter and blueberry-lavender jam on whole wheat completed our sandwich selection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The household is eating low-carb these days, so the dessert layer was a bit more difficult to put together on short order. We simply had no fresh-baked desserts in the house. Fortunately, there were some packaged desserts in the emergency drawer in the cupboard. A variety of mochi and wafer cookies were found and packages opened and prepared for the tea tray. Mochi are a traditional Japanese confectionary; a little cake made from glutinous rice. We had a variety of flavors including some coated with pretty black sesame seeds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The teapot was brimming with Bai Hao Oolong, full leaf tea, by Steven Smith Teamaker. It is a Chinese oolong that is harvested mid-summer. The large, tightly-twisted leaves have an abundance of silver tips. This oolong is fermented more than many, bringing lovely peachy tones and a light color and aroma. Just lovely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mismatched, vintage cream and sugar pieces that complemented the little plum teapot were selected for the tea table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed casual conversation, yummy food, and a pot filled with tea. The "Tea Party in your Cupboard" concept gave me the ability to sit, relax, chat, and enjoy, as it really is a low-stress way to serve afternoon tea. I'm so glad Tari dropped by for a visit! Thank you, little plum teapot, for being a starting point for such a lovely time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Marilyn Miller's book, she has contact information posted on the <a href="http://heartsdelights.blogspot.com/">right column of her blog</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-22485663074451804112013-06-13T05:00:00.000-07:002013-06-13T07:02:56.622-07:00Afternoon Tea Across America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some readers might be wondering how the little plum teapot started its travels across America. Who are the hosts who've so carefully tended to their roles? The traveling teapot is a project of Afternoon Tea Across America. It's purpose is to promote the enjoyment of afternoon tea and friendship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Afternoon Tea Across America is an online group that was established in June of 2000 for those who enjoy having afternoon tea with friends either at their home or in tea rooms. Afternoon Tea Across America allows individuals who enjoy the tea experience to share ideas for afternoon tea menus, table decor, etiquette, recipes, preparation and service of the tea beverage, and other aspects of tea hospitality. It is also a place to share about tea room experiences and offer reviews of those experiences. Tea room information from all parts of America is shared along with information that will assist others in visiting a wide variety of tea rooms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The online group was founded by Shirley Collins in June of 2000. She wrote a book called <i>Afternoon Tea Across America</i> which was a directory containing listings of tea rooms, hotels, bed & breakfast inns and other locations, from coast to coast, who served afternoon tea. The online chat room was a supplemental element. The book is long out of print, and Shirley Collins has moved on to other interests in life, but the online group still actively remains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was fortunate enough to find a used copy of the <i>Afternoon Tea Across America</i> directory on Amazon. It's a pretty little book, although I suspect that the fluid nature of tea rooms mean that most of the listings are obsolete and have been replaced by other options.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The description of Afternoon Tea Across America still aptly applies. Members of the Afternoon Tea Across America online group still love to sip tea, sample delicate tea sandwiches, scones, and assorted cakes! And many individuals in the group have gone far beyond sampling tea in beautiful tea rooms. The group includes magazine editors, book authors, gourmet cooks, tea sommeliers, tea room owners, vendors of fine teas, and many who have obtained tea certification status. Additionally, there is a wealth of energetic, creative individuals who enjoy sharing about serving afternoon tea parties in their homes or in the homes of friends. Afternoon Tea Across America is a melting pot of like-minded individuals who graciously share thoughts and ideas about the service of afternoon tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Afternoon Tea Across America is always happy to welcome new members! If you enjoy afternoon tea, please consider joining us! In addition to our Traveling Teapot blog, we can be found on <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AfternoonTeaAcrossAmerica/">Yahoo Groups</a> and on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/AfternoonTeaAcrossAmerica/">Facebook</a>. You are invited!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In March of 2012, a plum teapot was purchased at a gift shop on the Oregon coast. Thus began the journeys of our traveling teapot. It has served as ambassador of tea, sharing the tea experience with a variety of hosts and many guests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It has helped many to enjoy the pleasure and atmosphere of afternoon tea across America!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After more than 32,000 miles of travel, it is still happily pouring tea.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-58168945837292155952013-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:002013-06-12T06:00:02.488-07:00Sally's Cheesecake & the Teapot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Someone turned 25 at our house this week, and daughter-by-marriage, Sally, prepared a dense, low carb, gluten free, and delicious cheesecake so we could celebrate. Fresh, seasonable strawberries provided a delicious topper for the cake. The little plum teapot was filled with hot tea and it was poured into tea mugs for all to enjoy. Birthday cheesecake and hot tea. A perfect combination! Sally is graciously sharing her recipe with you!<br />
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Sally's Cheesecake<br />
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Dense, gluten-free, low-carb and great with seasonable strawberries!<br />
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3 - 1/2 lb. packages cream cheese, warmed to room temperature<br />
4 eggs, room temperature<br />
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 1/2 fresh lemon juice<br />
stevia equivalent to 1 1/3 cups sugar (or artificial sweetener of choice)<br />
1/4 cup sour cream<br />
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Crust:<br />
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1 cup walnuts, crushed<br />
2 Tbsp. butter, melted<br />
stevia equivalent to 2 Tbsp. sugar<br />
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Topping:<br />
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1/4 cup sour cream<br />
stevia equivalent to 2 Tbsp. sugar or to taste<br />
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Set out springform pan.<br />
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Combine walnuts, butter, and sugar equivalent for crust. Press into the base of the springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from heat.<br />
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Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F.<br />
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Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Mix until creamy. Slowly add other ingredients, scraping the bowl between each increase so that each ingredient is fully incorporated. Continue mixing for one more minute.<br />
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Pour cream mixture over the cooled nut crust.<br />
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Place cheesecake into 400 degree F. oven and close door. Immediately turn heat down to 325 degrees Fl. Bake for 60 minutes, then check for doneness. The cheesecake should be firm to the touch, but somewhat soft in the center. When done, gently spread topping on the cheesecake (while still on oven rack) and turn oven off. Open the oven door, placing a wooden spoon in the door to prop it open. Allow cheesecake to cool in the oven. When cooled, remove from oven and chill completely in fridge.<br />
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When ready to serve, unhinge springform pan latch and place cheesecake on serving platter. Garnish with sliced strawberries.<br />
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*For a dainty tea-time treat, prepare in muffin cups (with papers) instead of a springform pan. This recipe is acceptable for those who are on special diets (low-carb, celiac, gluten intolerant, etc.).<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-72648537282686766202013-06-11T05:30:00.000-07:002013-06-11T05:30:02.130-07:00Steeped in History<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The traveling teapot spent a day exploring local history. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It visited Sacajawea State Park which is located at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. The location is famous for being a site where the explorers Lewis and Clark set up camp on their overland exploration to find a route from coast to coast.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TubBxdo7X7U/UbPuzJZVCrI/AAAAAAAAZgM/UOFOqQyo3qE/s1600/1-IMG_1561.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TubBxdo7X7U/UbPuzJZVCrI/AAAAAAAAZgM/UOFOqQyo3qE/s400/1-IMG_1561.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lewis and Clark were accompanied by a Lemhi Shoshone guide and interpreter named Sacajawea. She traveled thousands of miles with them in their exploration of the American west between 1804 and 1806. She captured the imagination of Americans and has become legend. In the early twentieth century the National American Woman Suffrage Association made her their symbol of a woman's worth and independence. Many statues, plaques, and sites have been established in her honor.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWsKJBzEc4c/UbPuzp9MB5I/AAAAAAAAZgU/iJB4c7oHnp4/s1600/1-IMG_1559.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWsKJBzEc4c/UbPuzp9MB5I/AAAAAAAAZgU/iJB4c7oHnp4/s400/1-IMG_1559.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The traveling teapot visited the state park on a very busy day! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37CgC7Ia8PQ/UbZl-1qoUoI/AAAAAAAAZrQ/2dTpWjJTxHI/s1600/1-IMG_2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37CgC7Ia8PQ/UbZl-1qoUoI/AAAAAAAAZrQ/2dTpWjJTxHI/s320/1-IMG_2256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Lady Washington (official ship of Washington state) and the Hawaiian Chieftain were sailing in the waters near the park. The brig, Lady Washington, is a replica of the original that sailed in the late 1700's and early 1800's. She is an embodiment of American maritime history. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9sNfWlfRP4/UbPuz1UaSUI/AAAAAAAAZgg/FfCspRgmMDU/s1600/1-IMG_2305.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--9sNfWlfRP4/UbPuz1UaSUI/AAAAAAAAZgg/FfCspRgmMDU/s400/1-IMG_2305.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEFenET6QLw/UbPu0BAlHaI/AAAAAAAAZgs/W2_wiHzsyVY/s1600/1-IMG_2189.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEFenET6QLw/UbPu0BAlHaI/AAAAAAAAZgs/W2_wiHzsyVY/s400/1-IMG_2189.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful music filled the park, as the 10th annual Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival was going on. Fiddlers, banjoists, and guitar players gathered from all over the Pacific Northwest. They camped the week-end at the park and seemed to enjoy a relaxing and wonderful time.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BvgH9gCXdXg/UbPu0fNFe5I/AAAAAAAAZg4/tob8K-hbeqs/s1600/1-IMG_2372.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BvgH9gCXdXg/UbPu0fNFe5I/AAAAAAAAZg4/tob8K-hbeqs/s400/1-IMG_2372.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The traveling teapot did her duties as an ambassador, meeting people who might be interested in her travels. Here she is posing with one of the park rangers who works at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTD7CNKesrw/UbZpneFXm1I/AAAAAAAAZrk/hGP2OnTO5fg/s1600/1-IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTD7CNKesrw/UbZpneFXm1I/AAAAAAAAZrk/hGP2OnTO5fg/s320/1-IMG_1083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A quaint pavilion along the river's shore provided a quiet place to enjoy a cup of tea. The pavilion is called Vista House and was built in 1927 as a project of the Daughters of Pioneers of Washington.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMOBevrKf60/UbPu0m2MEcI/AAAAAAAAZhA/wqpLAVuwW2c/s1600/1-IMG_2335.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMOBevrKf60/UbPu0m2MEcI/AAAAAAAAZhA/wqpLAVuwW2c/s400/1-IMG_2335.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The plum teapot seemed right at home as she poured cups of fragrant oolong tea. The teacups for the day were carefully selected because they seemed appropriate for the historical time being studied. They are Haviland & Co., Limoges, France.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7PnjgvN3gg/UbPu07xh_SI/AAAAAAAAZhI/yiK5Id77WtI/s1600/1-IMG_2355.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7PnjgvN3gg/UbPu07xh_SI/AAAAAAAAZhI/yiK5Id77WtI/s400/1-IMG_2355.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27vObn7ycsE/UbPu1KvMkgI/AAAAAAAAZhU/JX-J9Yy7oAI/s1600/1-IMG_2362-001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27vObn7ycsE/UbPu1KvMkgI/AAAAAAAAZhU/JX-J9Yy7oAI/s400/1-IMG_2362-001.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iS-0fxDrRes/UbPu1pbC7-I/AAAAAAAAZhc/wTdr8wDZL1k/s1600/1-IMG_2366.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iS-0fxDrRes/UbPu1pbC7-I/AAAAAAAAZhc/wTdr8wDZL1k/s400/1-IMG_2366.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KIb2aQ6bO4/UbPu1-Kd3gI/AAAAAAAAZho/CT18TMngZtU/s1600/1-IMG_2387.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KIb2aQ6bO4/UbPu1-Kd3gI/AAAAAAAAZho/CT18TMngZtU/s400/1-IMG_2387.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The day was pleasant and relaxing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eC3iRuzpWs/UbPu2ESEP-I/AAAAAAAAZhw/6EyAYW4foKY/s1600/1-IMG_2388.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eC3iRuzpWs/UbPu2ESEP-I/AAAAAAAAZhw/6EyAYW4foKY/s400/1-IMG_2388.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's something quite tranquil about water, grassy areas, shade trees, and interesting things to see. The teapot was not the only one who enjoyed the day!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-54285282591049825582013-06-10T05:00:00.000-07:002013-06-10T05:00:12.193-07:00Plum Teapots New Habits<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It seems that the little plum teapot has picked up some new habits during her travels. Do you remember how she went <a href="http://ataatravelingteapot.blogspot.com/2013/04/pink-cherry-blossom-depression-glass.html">"estate sale shopping"</a> while she was visiting Karen last April? If you recall, she helped pick up three pretty pink depression glass plates. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oG9u50KN3Wk/UbPxEFp6T8I/AAAAAAAAZiw/qxbr61bCarY/s1600/15-IMG_2117.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oG9u50KN3Wk/UbPxEFp6T8I/AAAAAAAAZiw/qxbr61bCarY/s400/15-IMG_2117.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It seems she has not forgotten the fun of the hunt, and when we were on our way to the farm market we saw a sign for a yard sale just a few doors down the road. The plum teapot seemed to say "Stop! There might be something that we really need!" I suppose the "need" part of the statement could be debated, but there were some wonderful bargains there for anyone who loves afternoon tea.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTn9AM4wWu4/UbUwgcUxT0I/AAAAAAAAZm0/8JWzLWK_Dx8/s1600/1-IMG_2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTn9AM4wWu4/UbUwgcUxT0I/AAAAAAAAZm0/8JWzLWK_Dx8/s320/1-IMG_2498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Little plum teapot happily shared the back seat of the car with some new tea-time treasures.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2OB5ybux38/UbUwgRHeB0I/AAAAAAAAZms/g2wU41ZPvHg/s1600/1-IMG_2500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2OB5ybux38/UbUwgRHeB0I/AAAAAAAAZms/g2wU41ZPvHg/s320/1-IMG_2500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, an elegant teapot caught her eye. Having a beautiful BFF to help her pour tea sounded like so much fun! This <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Ellgreave+Burslem+England+teapot&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=5zK1UcmyJ6aSiQLmjICYDQ&ved=0CG0QsAQ&biw=1024&bih=505">Ellgreave Burslem, England</a> teapot appears to be vintage 1930. Ten dollars later it was added to the tea collection. It has a pretty square shape and the roses and gold embellishments make it appear so cheerful and happy to pour. Each of the teacups were offered for $5.00 each. It was so hard to choose! Only a few were left behind. Take a look and you'll see why.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMzVbqmHlWo/UbUwgXKwxfI/AAAAAAAAZmw/a0oVWHtOtJU/s1600/1-IMG_2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMzVbqmHlWo/UbUwgXKwxfI/AAAAAAAAZmw/a0oVWHtOtJU/s320/1-IMG_2503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas Rose</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Foley Bone China</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Made in England</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8bA9Z4rxVI/UbUwg7o15WI/AAAAAAAAZm8/frvWb1aQ-G4/s1600/1-IMG_2506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8bA9Z4rxVI/UbUwg7o15WI/AAAAAAAAZm8/frvWb1aQ-G4/s320/1-IMG_2506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Royal Grafton</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fine Bone China</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Made in England</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DX6IYrISLPA/UbUwgy-RG9I/AAAAAAAAZnU/owD04pBgfxg/s1600/1-IMG_2507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DX6IYrISLPA/UbUwgy-RG9I/AAAAAAAAZnU/owD04pBgfxg/s320/1-IMG_2507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the trio of violets teacups.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCw537aYUC4/UbUwhE9ISzI/AAAAAAAAZnI/Q9Za2YAXNTs/s1600/1-IMG_2511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCw537aYUC4/UbUwhE9ISzI/AAAAAAAAZnI/Q9Za2YAXNTs/s320/1-IMG_2511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jennie</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dainty Dina Series</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Royal Albert Bone China</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Made in England</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEfM13SWURg/UbUwhR8ibtI/AAAAAAAAZnQ/zZVOxqWX6Z8/s1600/1-IMG_2512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEfM13SWURg/UbUwhR8ibtI/AAAAAAAAZnQ/zZVOxqWX6Z8/s320/1-IMG_2512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adderley</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fine Bone China</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Made in England</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XddpcgygQ4/UbUwhv8ImYI/AAAAAAAAZnY/SJteLH2JZqc/s1600/1-IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XddpcgygQ4/UbUwhv8ImYI/AAAAAAAAZnY/SJteLH2JZqc/s320/1-IMG_2514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Royal Standard</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fine Bone China</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Made in England</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pretty vessels with which to sip tea are important to any tea drinker. Some like English bone china while others prefer a bowl or gaiwan. But, whatever the vessel, it holds importance and distinction in the service of afternoon tea. I'm glad that the little plum teapot learned to stop and enjoy a good yard & estate sale! Thanks, Karen!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-38001355817183017052013-06-09T01:48:00.001-07:002013-06-09T01:50:55.120-07:00Visiting a Farm Market<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCE0SHohBho/UbPyFJH90zI/AAAAAAAAZjM/HnRI1Mwa8NQ/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCE0SHohBho/UbPyFJH90zI/AAAAAAAAZjM/HnRI1Mwa8NQ/s400/IMG_2120.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The plum teapot is of the helpful sort. She cheerfully tagged along on a trip to the market where she played an active role in promoting tea and friendship. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_SctkoJ9Jk/UbPyFpjk1CI/AAAAAAAAZjU/471DGMkPvLE/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_SctkoJ9Jk/UbPyFpjk1CI/AAAAAAAAZjU/471DGMkPvLE/s400/IMG_2125.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's discovered that she is visiting wide open spaces in the midst of agricultural country. Her stopping spot is in a place where the corners of three counties meet. Altogether those three contain counties more than 3,450 commercial farms that produce food for the nation. Washington state may not get the attention for agriculture that some other US states do, but it does its share in producing. It is first in the nation for growing apples and pears. And the traveling teapot has discovered that she is staying right down the road from the largest apple orchard in the state (6,000 acres). This orchard is known for having the largest contiguous orchard in the United States, covering more than 4,300 acres that stretch for nearly 10 miles along the Snake River with several smaller orchards not far away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Traveling teapot is also amidst vast fields that produce wheat, potatoes, hay, cherries, asparagus and grapes. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGSjkJY0tDo/UbPyFyHucCI/AAAAAAAAZjc/k7x7EWmVwaI/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGSjkJY0tDo/UbPyFyHucCI/AAAAAAAAZjc/k7x7EWmVwaI/s400/IMG_2127.JPG" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">June is the month when crops are starting to produce and Farmer's Markets are open for service. Bins of asparagus provide colorful contrast for the traveling teapot as she models her gracious spout.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5XAnlXCci4/UbPyGS7hSKI/AAAAAAAAZjk/9HeC_rjxM0M/s1600/IMG_2129.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5XAnlXCci4/UbPyGS7hSKI/AAAAAAAAZjk/9HeC_rjxM0M/s400/IMG_2129.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_644272871"></span><span id="goog_644272872"></span>Local strawberries are ripe and ready for short-cake!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CBVyMdtb8c/UbQ6L17GI5I/AAAAAAAAZmM/Q2Lxtd7_pjA/s1600/1-IMG_2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CBVyMdtb8c/UbQ6L17GI5I/AAAAAAAAZmM/Q2Lxtd7_pjA/s320/1-IMG_2131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Washington state is known for growing 7,500 varieties of apples and they are shipped worldwide. Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Red and Gold Delicious, Braeburn, Cripps Pink, and Cameo are the top nine varieties grown in the state.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-levGmdRKaxo/UbQ6LvC93OI/AAAAAAAAZmE/2t-B3pzzTzg/s1600/1-IMG_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-levGmdRKaxo/UbQ6LvC93OI/AAAAAAAAZmE/2t-B3pzzTzg/s320/1-IMG_2142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is common to find Tazo as the tea choice for packaged teas in markets and restaurants in our locale. I am sure its partially because it's the neighborly thing to do, as Tazo was manufactured and developed by a tea guru in Oregon. Tazo was recently sold to a famous coffee company and is now a Washington state brand of tea. The traveling teapot seemed right at home on the tea shelf.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-587GpfidPSM/UbQ6MJCG3rI/AAAAAAAAZmU/MuWljgHdOsk/s1600/1-IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-587GpfidPSM/UbQ6MJCG3rI/AAAAAAAAZmU/MuWljgHdOsk/s320/1-IMG_2147.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've discovered that the traveling teapot has a real sweet tooth! </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9e0tF61bXM/UbPyG3CzuDI/AAAAAAAAZjs/Yn-U8_w4TZo/s1600/IMG_2132.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9e0tF61bXM/UbPyG3CzuDI/AAAAAAAAZjs/Yn-U8_w4TZo/s400/IMG_2132.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here she is, posing at the fudge counter!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac9Lo9njfrg/UbPyHAVaJkI/AAAAAAAAZj8/z3lKB-a8jWk/s1600/IMG_2136.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac9Lo9njfrg/UbPyHAVaJkI/AAAAAAAAZj8/z3lKB-a8jWk/s400/IMG_2136.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And among some of those beautiful Washington state apples made into gourmet candied apples with caramel, chocolate, and nuts!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFluKtyiJt0/UbPyH38MGjI/AAAAAAAAZkE/IU2bVkPtDIw/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFluKtyiJt0/UbPyH38MGjI/AAAAAAAAZkE/IU2bVkPtDIw/s400/IMG_2138.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A friendly candy-maker made sure we saw the display of truffles...as she thought they would be a great addition to afternoon tea.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMj3SKOXNko/UbPyIL1O0kI/AAAAAAAAZkM/KTMrJPRMlCU/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMj3SKOXNko/UbPyIL1O0kI/AAAAAAAAZkM/KTMrJPRMlCU/s400/IMG_2140.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> And traveling teapot was allowed to sit at the sample table for awhile. Yummy!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDnJzeECPGg/UbPyIyweZYI/AAAAAAAAZkk/NPpaLWOUfeM/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rDnJzeECPGg/UbPyIyweZYI/AAAAAAAAZkk/NPpaLWOUfeM/s400/IMG_2150.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the prepared foods section of the market a stranger came up to us and said "Is that a traveling teapot?" Interesting, how she seemed to sense it was so. The teapot seems to open doors to conversation and friendship so easily!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWTccl85dv4/UbPyJUqXT0I/AAAAAAAAZks/SdCNpl6PHzc/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWTccl85dv4/UbPyJUqXT0I/AAAAAAAAZks/SdCNpl6PHzc/s400/IMG_2156.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A side-trip to the gift area was fun and the teapot seemed to fit perfectly into every display!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFUneoG79CI/UbPyJhDrxsI/AAAAAAAAZk0/9bauN2sqqX0/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFUneoG79CI/UbPyJhDrxsI/AAAAAAAAZk0/9bauN2sqqX0/s400/IMG_2158.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here she is, resting on a decorative bench.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7vqUDRNUX0/UbPyJ3rF5rI/AAAAAAAAZlA/GmoWn8Dfkfk/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7vqUDRNUX0/UbPyJ3rF5rI/AAAAAAAAZlA/GmoWn8Dfkfk/s400/IMG_2160.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And look! She found a teacup that is larger than she is! She is a very good model.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQBG5sMoJvk/UbPyKPB3IdI/AAAAAAAAZlM/-yh2YuOIQmo/s1600/IMG_2163.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQBG5sMoJvk/UbPyKPB3IdI/AAAAAAAAZlM/-yh2YuOIQmo/s400/IMG_2163.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's enjoying her adventures and is keeping up with them much more efficiently than her hostess is in writing about them! Please check back another day for more details of her visit.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-53230314345870438882013-06-06T19:54:00.002-07:002013-06-06T19:54:46.696-07:00She's Been Everywhere!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The traveling teapot was granted a passport during its month at the Amherst Rose. I contained pages and spaces for each hostess to share about its journey.<br />
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As you probably know by now, the traveling teapot has been a project of an online group called Afternoon Tea Across America. It is a place where nearly 400 who enjoy afternoon tea can share ideas, menus, recipes, and other topics related to tea and its service. The traveling teapot project provided group members with an opportunity to share their love of "all things tea" with others. In a way, the traveling teapot has been the ATAA ambassador of tea. It has opened doors to conversation and friendship. Many cups of tea have been shared from it's hospitable spout.<br />
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The ATAA traveling teapot could rightly sing the song "I've Been Everywhere". Hank Snow made this song a number one hit in Country Music back in 1962. A plethora of other famous singers made this song a part of their musical repertoire as the years went by. Artists like Johnny Cash, Lynn Anderson, and the Statler Brothers used the lilting melody and hypnotic lyrics to entertain faithful fans. Originally a truck driving song, it expresses the singer's enchantment with the open road.<br />
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I was totin' my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road,<br />
When along came a semi with a high an' canvas-covered load.<br />
"If you're goin' to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride."<br />
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside.<br />
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand.<br />
And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land!"<br />
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The song was written by Geoff Mack in 1959 and was made popular in the original Australian version by singer Lucky Starr. Later it was adapted by the composer for American audiences. Since then a version for New Zealand has been written, along with one specific to the United Kingdom.<br />
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The words we are most familiar with in the American version take the listener to places like Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma, Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo, Tocopilla, Barranquilla, and Padilla. Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana, Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana, Monterey, Ferriday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa, Glen Rock, Black rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa, Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee Spirit Lake, Grand Lake, Devil's Lake, Crater Lake. Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika, Shefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica, Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport, Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond Du Lac, Davenport, Idaho, Jellicoe, Argentina, Diamontina, Pasadena, Catalina. Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravellburg, Colorado, Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, El Dorado, Larrimore, Atmore, Haverstraw Chattanika, Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika, Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City, Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City.<br />
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Can you catch the rhythm of the song?<br />
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I've been everywhere, man<br />
I've been everywhere, man<br />
Across the deserts bare, man<br />
I've breathed the mountain air, man<br />
Of travel I've had my share, man<br />
I've been everywhere.<br />
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It's possible that the little plum teapot's version could sound like this ~<br />
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I was packin' my teapot along in my pretty pink mini-van,<br />
When along came an airliner with USPS delivery.<br />
"If you're goin' to Wapakonetta, Priscilla, with me you can fly."<br />
And so I handed o'er the teapot and she settled down inside.<br />
He asked her if she'd seen the skies with so much tea-dust. And she said, "Listen, I've flown all over in this here land!"<br />
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Then she said:<br />
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"I've been everywhere, tea ladies. I've been everywhere. I've been to Chester, Niagara Falls, Strongsville, Medina, Lake Couchiching,Washington, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Tonky, Barbourville, Corbin, Stanford, Renfro Valley, Nashville, Bowling Green, St. Charles, Palm Beach, San Francisco, Wapakonetta, Sylvania, Findlay, Waterloo, Des Moines, New Virginia, Frankfort, East Moline, Ann Arbor, Adrian, Defiance, Bryan, Archbold, Pettisville, Altadena, Issy, Burbank, Nevada City, El Cerrito, Markham, Temecula, Berea, Broadview Heights, Portland, Laguna Hills, St. Louis, Massillon, Napoleon, Pensacola."<br />
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And it is true! The traveling teapot seems to have been everywhere!<br />
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It has criss-crossed throughout America, visiting 15 different hosts in 7 different states and three countries. Many of these hosts took the teapot with them on travel adventures to other nearby states. Altogether more than 32,000 miles were logged by the little plum teapot.<br />
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Each host has been a wonderful care-taker of our teapot. Over the miles it has poured cups and cups of tea. An ambassador of tea. For sure! She's been everywhere!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5463544802933403034.post-6591647336545808962013-06-04T21:59:00.000-07:002013-06-04T21:59:09.037-07:00A Woodsy Tea Time<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The little plum teapot has been enjoying some elegant tea events on its travels across America. But, being a versatile little teapot, she adapted quite well to roughing it in the mountains! Clad in her warm cozy, she traveled to an elevation of 4,500 feet to enjoy some of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Sunshine and rain, meadows of flowers with patches of snow, and the warmth of a cozy cabin greeted her. She graciously posed for her picture with a bouquet of alpine shooting stars, Columbia windflowers, and squiggly white lupines. Then, it was time to get ready for <i>tea</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A hollow log sits at the point overlooking beautiful vistas. From this log, many wild animals have been observed. Here live elk, bear, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, wolves, snowshoe hares, hummingbirds, squirrels, wild turkeys and more. Much care is taken by the human occupants not to disturb the natural environment of the wildlife. Peaceful cohabitation results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On this day, the log was spread with a brown linen tablecloth. This covering set the stage for afternoon tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cabin china, napkins, and flatware was set. The wildflowers became a centerpiece. And the tiered tray became the serving stage for tea-for-two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teatime at the cabin is a frequent occurrence. It's not a fussy time, as the cabin's hostess believes in making tea a part of a daily routine. This was a tea party from the pantry type-of-meal. An ice chest was brought from home, filled with food preparation staples like vegetables, spreads, and fresh fruit. A box with a loaf of bread, crackers, and store-bought cookies was packed as well. The cabin cupboards contained a variety of canned and packaged foods that would supplement too. When it came time to prepare tea, the menu was planned as the meal was prepared. Effort was made to chop, stir, and combine with tea-time presentation in mind.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiekVU8VrGzWu633jOyOaByNgPADgeUQczX6CvTR1t2r1GPpZziMuCQnYBgseWLMrj4F1Mm5hgR4ddGvkbXAXxip8bgvpQXTgmdp_bkHLLh48EaxEPwMWv2ixsdBqbzljhoymSUS2WeY/s1600/1-IMG_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiekVU8VrGzWu633jOyOaByNgPADgeUQczX6CvTR1t2r1GPpZziMuCQnYBgseWLMrj4F1Mm5hgR4ddGvkbXAXxip8bgvpQXTgmdp_bkHLLh48EaxEPwMWv2ixsdBqbzljhoymSUS2WeY/s320/1-IMG_1508.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life is not without additional challenges, and the little plum teapot soon learned that this meal had to be completely gluten-free and using plant-based foods. Sigh. But plum teapot quickly stepped up to the plate.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCSoFd0BviBSQ9BENa5nCeonywl5fVv2aG37Vjsm10KpXtzcxVKRfBsA4AarF954LA9hJcorqQpKXQT7uM7AZBAsXnZwgD7HwKZ6CcJqAv52ZowOPqcrSiVlHaSDFTjBVcciBFRdNehE/s1600/1-IMG_1505.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCSoFd0BviBSQ9BENa5nCeonywl5fVv2aG37Vjsm10KpXtzcxVKRfBsA4AarF954LA9hJcorqQpKXQT7uM7AZBAsXnZwgD7HwKZ6CcJqAv52ZowOPqcrSiVlHaSDFTjBVcciBFRdNehE/s400/1-IMG_1505.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLeFuBG2c_6Lzm0T6VY3pDQ_jolEx4AdYb3tBnZpSWErbViMkUEDG666rN3LKXq7d-1J6WcWiK_771LCeJ31jQmlPGnsum8Y-nzJCiJGTYlws5n_2RbvCopDOYl2X1XHyj1mBnZtt2Ac/s1600/1-IMG_1511.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLeFuBG2c_6Lzm0T6VY3pDQ_jolEx4AdYb3tBnZpSWErbViMkUEDG666rN3LKXq7d-1J6WcWiK_771LCeJ31jQmlPGnsum8Y-nzJCiJGTYlws5n_2RbvCopDOYl2X1XHyj1mBnZtt2Ac/s400/1-IMG_1511.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsm0RHNSKit5mr_rDrhu6GiI1m0jKpm9V9Umfis8zvLr9KZRaq12gnxsxgtyFD9B53IM2uATnj-D1c4BFRe1IPLSjPjjeXfvQM-PfmWDXUDPDEbCayhPeXksMtFPaokwLpymH1tLV2JY/s1600/1-IMG_1515.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsm0RHNSKit5mr_rDrhu6GiI1m0jKpm9V9Umfis8zvLr9KZRaq12gnxsxgtyFD9B53IM2uATnj-D1c4BFRe1IPLSjPjjeXfvQM-PfmWDXUDPDEbCayhPeXksMtFPaokwLpymH1tLV2JY/s400/1-IMG_1515.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The menu:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Seed Bread ~ gluten free from Costco</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Rice crackers</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Olive spread ~ made from chopped olives, red chili paste, and Tofutti non-dairy cream cheese ~ for open-faced sandwiches</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vegannaise with spring radishes ~ for open-faced sandwiches</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peppery spring greens chiffonade with sea salt, green onion and Vegannaise ~ for finger sandwiches</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Celery boats with Tofutti non-dairy cream cheese and soy Baco-bits</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Radishes and spring greens</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSS9rD-J4qM1YsA7MQswSI6udpBTAMiDXeUxfX-3R05LlU_MihsbahXhbJqusQqOoUUvKXzE3ZTS6mO2qEe1ZJ2yo5WYOO4mfY_G7tr4MmMZa1_C19ImZQcViVxKpEMQ9ORRVWZpv58I/s1600/1-IMG_1520.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSS9rD-J4qM1YsA7MQswSI6udpBTAMiDXeUxfX-3R05LlU_MihsbahXhbJqusQqOoUUvKXzE3ZTS6mO2qEe1ZJ2yo5WYOO4mfY_G7tr4MmMZa1_C19ImZQcViVxKpEMQ9ORRVWZpv58I/s400/1-IMG_1520.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Banana circles with cinnamon and a chocolate chip</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cookies from the Asian market ~ made from tapioca flour ~ coconut and cashew</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pirouette cookies ~ from the cupboard and for the hostess; not gluten-free</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oolong tea from the Asian market ~ delicious!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4yNu7tl8zCjVsPgr9khc1Fhmhou2Byx7pavKCiJq4WpxwqVhUqZ5YPS73fTNNLXMM4iiMreO38EARlrzh-uDUrISzY4cmrm2l9H1U7-T6cIc-kYCJnWR5Npav_NGHXZvJZn-oNgmRV8/s1600/1-IMG_1522.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4yNu7tl8zCjVsPgr9khc1Fhmhou2Byx7pavKCiJq4WpxwqVhUqZ5YPS73fTNNLXMM4iiMreO38EARlrzh-uDUrISzY4cmrm2l9H1U7-T6cIc-kYCJnWR5Npav_NGHXZvJZn-oNgmRV8/s400/1-IMG_1522.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruQmkdmMtUKbXx63oKn6XFxFImVYiTPtgEO19JEmZi4nW-b9ubXrkFYYCtv7jVIJ5ii2Iqyajnoewvg6DbOB7WXONMWwMAX8WTVk4Rpqh1yhoBvD45NRI7WmM2LmZiCZiHT7J3NYHWBk/s1600/1-IMG_1532.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruQmkdmMtUKbXx63oKn6XFxFImVYiTPtgEO19JEmZi4nW-b9ubXrkFYYCtv7jVIJ5ii2Iqyajnoewvg6DbOB7WXONMWwMAX8WTVk4Rpqh1yhoBvD45NRI7WmM2LmZiCZiHT7J3NYHWBk/s400/1-IMG_1532.JPG" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHxYZ_Z6d5KT6glmOyXRFA4JIqBwYV2WbzpT_7MAVjp8M5vZVPAFVZ1tPtEDPYn0V-22butzz6raRGgXP1I3vaQTiIXmzgeE3k7rYs_pxmaDg6GDdbDEnNzpGpViIlVxCGjl21gdtzuM/s1600/1-IMG_1537.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHxYZ_Z6d5KT6glmOyXRFA4JIqBwYV2WbzpT_7MAVjp8M5vZVPAFVZ1tPtEDPYn0V-22butzz6raRGgXP1I3vaQTiIXmzgeE3k7rYs_pxmaDg6GDdbDEnNzpGpViIlVxCGjl21gdtzuM/s400/1-IMG_1537.JPG" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea time was so pleasant. We moved the lawn chairs from around the fire circle to the point where we could sit and view our surroundings. Huge puffy clouds worked their way across the sky at a steady pace. A bear was thought to be seen on a nearby ridge, but once seen through binoculars, it ended up being a stump! Then darkness could be seen off to the left of us. Rain clouds! They worked their way to the point just as we were finishing our afternoon tea. We cleared things up and headed inside the cabin to finish our cookies and tea by the warmth of the wood stove. Rain fell in torrents, streaming off the eves and making patterning sounds on the metal roof. Such meditative sounds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Little plum teapot seemed to enjoy kicking back and relaxing on this day. Such an accommodating little teapot she is!</span><br />
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