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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Duke & Duchess of Cambridge (Will & Kate) leave for Canada

Here is a Daily Telegraph, UK video of the Duke & Duchess Of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine leaving for their 11 day visit to Canada:

 



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/8608379/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-leave-for-Canada-royal-tour.html

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Queen Elizabeth II's Garden Party...Now and in 2003


Today Queen Elizabeth II hosted her first of 3 annual garden parties this year. The garden parties and is one of the Queen's tools to honor folks and fulfill returns in social obligations at Buckingham Palace, London. Those invited can find themselves rubbing shoulders with about 800 heads of state, veterans of conflicts the UK has taken part in, OBEs, CBE, celebrities and politicians as well as members of the public who have distinguished themselves in a way that has brought them to the notice of those who send suggestions to the Queen's office.




This is a video from the Monarchy channel at YouTube about garden parties I found:


In 2003, my now deceased brother in law, Dennis Cox was invited because of having been a World War II veteran and distinguished himself serving in the far east (although the way he told it, the only thing he had accomplished was avoiding eating anything but fish and chips or sausages and mash for 3 years in the orient). He reported being as close as 4 feet from Queen Elizabeth and having been very touched to see her chatting from soldiers just returned from battle. The weather was mild and there was no rain.


I found this list of what was served at the garden party that year:


27,000 cups of tea
10,000 glasses of iced coffee
10,000 glasses of juice
20,000 assorted tea sandwiches
5,000 bridge rolls
9,000 savory canapes
9,000 fruit tartlets
3,000 butter cake fingers
8,000 battenburg cakes
10,000 slices chocolate-lemon cake
4,500 slices Dundee cake
5,000 iced cake slices
3,500 slices of chocolate-jam swiss roll
100 gallons vanilla and strawberry ice cream

burp!

There is an article about the garden parties on the British Monarchy Facebook page at British Monarchy Garden Party



Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Teacup, Tea Pot, Teatime Tuesday, Health Report, Indian Tree China, Will & Kate's Canadian Schedule

Thank you so much for all who have been praying for us during my husband's heart issue...I'll give a progress report below.


But...hopefully better late than never...here is my offering for Teacup Tuesday with these great blogs and others:
Teacup Tuesday






Pamela for Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday




This is a teacup and saucer in the Indian Peony or Indian Tree pattern by Collingwood, England made from 1924-1930. I love this pattern.  There are several variations of the pattern with varying names because it was made by perhaps 50-60 different potteries during it's long history, and is even still being made. A perennial favorite. 

The pattern developed and was popularized in England during the Raj period of British domination of India and was taken from Indian designs. The pattern has different colorways and slightly different design elements in it's different incarnations, but is easily distinguished as variants on the Indian 
Tree theme.





This is the Sadler, England version from the 1950-1960s.



Another Sadler Indian Tree version with a slightly different pattern and colorway.



This is Shelley, England's version which is called variously Indian Tree, Peony, Chippendale and Ovington. 

And there are so many other lovely versions by other makers! How fun is that!!!  For more info on any of the items which are in my shop, Antiques And Teacups, click on the photos.

Now for a health report on my DH. We just got back from the cardiologists where he had a nuclear imaging and stress test but we won't know anything until later this week or early next week. But he is stable, resting and I am relieved to have that phase over with. Thank you again for the prayers of my friends...it has meant so much. I will post if there is any news. Thank you again.


And for the royalists...Prince William and Catherine arrive in Canada on Thursday for their visit. Here is the reported schedule:

Thursday, June 30 — Ottawa

2 p.m. — Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, where they will be greeted according to Canadian custom and protocol.
2:35 p.m. — The couple lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa.
3:15 p.m. — Gov. Gen. David Johnston and Prime Minister Stephen Harper officially welcome couple to Canada at Rideau Hall, with full military honours and a 21-gun salute.
6 p.m. — The royals attend a Celebration of Youth barbecue.

I plan to post the schedule a few days ahead for those who are interested.  Have a great day visiting the other Teacup & Te things posts today...I plan to enjoy them all!
Cheers!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Turn Your Eyes, Atrial Fibrillation tests for my Honey

The last few days as we have been dealing with my Honey's heart issue, the words of an old...I mean old...chorus have been surfacing in my mind...even waking up with it.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth
will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

I don't know who wrote it, and it goes back 30 some odd years to when I became a Christian, but it is still a comfort in difficult time.


This is the heart of my hearts, my other half. I am praying the tests go well. He has had atrial fibrillation for about 15 years and it has been what the doctors told us it would be...a nuisance...but manageable. He would have 2-3 incidents a month...until last Wednesday when he had about 30-40. The doctors have him pretty stabilized with a beta blocker so he is down to maybe 10 a day, but they want him off them the beta blockers on Monday for a stress test & imaging on Tuesday and I am quite concerned. But, I am praying and appreciate the prayers of our friends and family. Now is when it's difficult to have family 3 states away.

So...won't be blogging much until Tuesday...hopefully with good results from the testing which will decide if he needs a pacemaker or not.

3 You, Lord, give perfect peace
      to those who keep their purpose firm
      and put their trust in you.
 4 Trust in the Lord forever;
      he will always protect us.

Isaiah 26: 3-4 Good News Translation

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Teacup Thursday but husband in hospital

Just checking in...and missing Teacup Thursday with Miss Spenser...see icon on sidebar. I won't be posting because 1) husband in emergency with heart problem (escalated atrial fibrillation) so tests today and 2) my internet & phone is out more than it's on this week. So...talk to you soon.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Teacup Tuesday, Savoring Summer With A Delightsome Life, Prince William's Birthday


I am joining Kathy from a Delightsome Life for Savoring Summer. I have had to post early, because my computer is acting up and will be having surgery tomorrow a 9am!


I want to share a few favorite things....From the June 2010 issue of Victoria:








I am a great lover of blue and white...my house has that color scheme outside and mostly inside as well. Blue and white to me is peaceful, restful and a joy to my heart! Victoria is another thing I cherish...whether the old issues from the Hearst owned publication or the new Hoffman Publishing  version. My heart loves it there!




This is the UK version of Country Living magazine which I love. This is the May 2008 issue and features the blue and white pallet as well:






This is Country Homes & Interiors, another UK magazine, again from May 2008. The photo montage below is a periwinkle blue moving into purple which is lovely as well.





And from the same issue for a summer garden with the cool purple overtones:






And from the June 2010 issue of Better Homes And Gardens, a 2 page collage of all the things summer at the coast means. We are 2 miles from the coast and I just love it!




From the same issue was a recipe for what was  a cocktail called a June Bug from North Carolina, alsotermed a "frocktail". That is a name for a non alcoholic cocktail because "they are just as fun to doll up and serve". The photo shows a rosy sunset of a drink in a condensation beaded clear glass with an orange slice garnish.
Recipe:




3 cups ginger ale
4 Tbs grenadine
4 Tbs orange juice
3 scoops orange sherbet

Blend together all ingredients and pour into ice filled glasses. To make an alcoholic version, add 1/2 cup white rum. 
Makes 4 servings.




And for a cup of tea in the garden with Teacup Tuesday, a cobalt blue French glass cups and saucers. For more info on the Cobalt Blue glass teacups at Antiques And Teacups, click on the photo. See a list of some participating Teacup Tuesday partici[pants at the bottom of this post.




Prince William, seen here with Catherine at the Order Of The Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier this month, celebrates his birthday today on June 21st. He was born in 1982. The Prince and Catherine will be arriving in Canada for their first state visit next week. That will be fun to watch!
Happy Birthday Prince William!


Teacup Tuesday





Pamela for Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Father's Day visit from Son, Hoh rain forest, Olympic National Forest, Forks

Last week our son and daughter in law came to visit as  an early Father's Day gift for my DH because they are both working today. 


We took the Bainbridge Island ferry to meet them when they came in on light rail from SeaTac airport, came back by the ferry, drove the hour home...qith a stop at our favorite Central Market in Poulsbo for provisions.


The next day we headed to the West End of the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park which is on our doorstep to a house we rented for 2 nights in Forks, of Twilight fame (haven't read the books, but...). After dropping our stuff, our first stop in the park was Rialto Beach by LaPush, a favorite of ours.









Our daughter in law has been very ill since last fall and we rejoiced that she finally felt well enough to visit and returned to work part time yesterday with JetBlue airlines. She is a doll!!!! And she makes our son so happy...so we are thrilled!!!


Next day we headed south to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park. The Hoh averages 140-200 inches of rain a year and we had dry weather and even some sun!! What a blessing!













Our DIL loved this 5 inch long immature banana slug with the little spider on it's back.  The adult banana slugs turn yellow with black spots and can be a foot long. Yep....


You can see why the Twilight books were placed in the rain forest...it is a bit spooky but so lush and green.. Nope...saw no vampires, just otter, deer, elk and eagles.

We then went to Kalaloch beach & finally to Ruby Beach...another 2 of our favorites.




We had a wonderful time and it was a special early Father's Day gift. Hope all the guys know how much they are appreciated. 

Friday, June 17, 2011

Pink Saturday Cross Stitch Design, Rhododendrons, Asian Cabbage Salad

Hello and Happy Pink Saturday with How Sweet The Sound!


We just had our son and daughter -in-law here for a week which was heaven! It reminded me, as I pottered around readying the guest room, why I chose the color scheme I did.








In 1999 I did this counted cross stitch of a verse and chorus of a favorite hymn Blessed Assurance. I had decided to put it in the guest room and proceeded to take my color scheme from the cross stitch when we moved into this house nearly 4 years ago. The patchwork quilt and shams I found were by Laura Ashley and we added aqua drapes just the color in the border. There is pink and green in the room as well. I think the room is peaceful and welcoming and the kids love it!







These are the last of the pink rhododendrons with some purple dutch iris. They always speak summer to me!


And last night I made an Asian Cabbage Salad With Peanut Dressing from a 2007 Better Homes & Gardens recipe I used as a base than messed with...as I always do! It's not is a pink bowl...I don't have one!






Asian Cabbage Salad With Peanut Dressing


5-6 cups or 1 package shredded cabbage with carrots
1 cup fresh sugar snap or chinese pea pods cut into 1 inch pieces after topping     & de-stringing
1/2 cup sliced radishes
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1/4 to 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds


Peanut butter dressing


In large bowl combine:
1/3 cup peanut butter...I used chunky
1 tsp curry powder...I prefer Sun Madras curry powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder (NOT garlic salt)
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/3 cup water
2 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs olive oil


additional almonds & chopped cilantro to garnish if desired (I don't like cilantro, so omitted this)


Whisk together until smooth, which takes a minute or 2. 
Add the cabbage/vegetable mix to the bowl and mix to distribute dressing and coat salad well. Cover and chill for at least 60 minutes. 


The recipe makes 6 servings. We had it last night aside roasted chicken and will repeat tonight. Great summer fare!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Teacup Thursday with Miss Spenser Copeland Teacup & visit to Copeland Collection

Happy Teacup Thursday with Miss Spenser!  It's always so fun to visit the blogs & teacups of the ladies who participate. I missed last week while my son & daughter in law were here visiting. Thought we were supposed to have wi-fi at the cabin we rented for 2 nights, but didn't so couldn't post.





I'm sharing a Copeland, England cup and saucer with the cutest little birds and a flower basket. The British Registry number dates it to 1918-1919. Copeland was one of the oldest china manufacturers in England dating back to the mid 18th century, and a Copeland is supposed to have been the first to make bone china. And yes, it does include bones! Copeland merged with Spode several years ago, then they basically merged into another firm, then disappeared. 


2 years ago we we were part of a group of 12 invited to tour the private Copeland China family collection at the Copeland family estate at Trellisick, Cornwall. I was so excited!




We came up the river Fal from Falmouth in Cornwall on a little river steamer ona a typical grey, misty English morning.




Trellissick through the mist on the river as we approached.






We were not allowed to photograph in the Copeland Museum, but our host, Lord Copeland allowed me to photograph him with some of the fabulous items on display just outside the museum main entrance in an ante chamber.






The china on display was absolutely incredible. I have never seen such lovely pieces, much of it one of a kind. When the family decided to create the museum at the turn of the century, they had to begin buying back pieces to display.


We then toured the grounds with the head gardener and had tea in their tea room which is open to the public with the gardens.




We were there in May and you will see bluebells in various places as well as rhododendrons and azaleas.












It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I was so blessed to be able to visit!


Have a great Teacup Thursday!