Faith Family Friends

Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Monday 21 January 2013

A Tea of Roses for Tea Time Tuesday

  

 
Happy Birthday Tea Time Tuesday!

"Another fresh new year is here...
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt and fear,
To love and laugh and give!" 
~ William Arthur Ward - Victoria magazine


Welcome dear friends to Tea Time Tuesday's 3rd Birthday Party! 
I am so happy you are here to help me celebrate!  I have been blogging for a few years now and for three of those years, I have been hosting tea parties.



Some of you lovely ladies have been with me from the very beginning and I want to say a special Thank you to you for your dedication and support. Thank you to Bernideen, Beth, Carolyn, Debbie, Diann,  JohannaJudith, Kathy, and Sherry.

Since those early days, many more of you have joined me and I want to thank you too. We all have special people in our lives who encourage us and stand with us no matter what and you all bless me every week with your visits, comments, and friendship. I always feel like I'm getting a big hug. God bless you all!

Tea~ is a hug in a cup. ~ Patrick Jane- "The Mentalist"


"Make new friends and keep the old,

One is silver and the other gold." ~ Old Rhyme

I look forward to serving up tea every week and it is for me, one of the highlights of my blogging week.



This tea party today is not just a celebration of three years of tea parties; it is a celebration of you, my blogging friends. My tea party brings us together every week and it is wonderful getting to know friends from all around the world. I'm so glad you're all a part of my life here at Rose Chintz Cottage!

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." ~ Henry James

Today I have a special tea to share with you, a Tea of Roses, so please do come in and make yourselves at home. This is a long post, so pour yourselves a nice cuppa.

I hear that January is National Hot Tea Month in the States so I am happy to be sipping some nice hot tea today. I have Earl Grey is steeping in the teapot and I am enjoying a cup of Bigelow's Eggnogg'n Tea  which Kitty sent me.


It is delicious and a real treat this time of year. Thank you Kitty!


"Come let us have tea and continue to talk about happy things." ~ Chaim Potok

For a tea of roses, one must have roses on the table and roses on the china.

Some of you may remember, my father had a favourite china pattern; Royal Albert Old Country Roses, which is one of the most famous china patterns in the world.
He however never indulged in it because I had started another pattern for my mother and he didn't want to infringe on the joy it brought me to do that for her.
He did however, purchase a couple little pieces and when he passed away, my mother gave them to me....

This little china basket is useful for holding spoons at tea time. Like the china pattern, it is adorned with red, pink, and yellow roses, as well as lots of gilding.



This adorable little boot comes in handy for many things. I have served jam in it as well as whipped cream and Devonshire cream. Today it is holding the sugar.


I have always yearned for a teacup in the OCR pattern to remember him by and last Summer, on my father's birthday, my sweet hubby gifted me with one in memory of my Daddy and I cherish it.




Then, while I was away in Vancouver visiting some of my family over the Christmas holidays, I celebrated a birthday. To my very great surprise and delight, my family chipped in on a teapot for me; Old Country Roses.


The nice thing about all this is that Hubby had forgotten it was this pattern which was my Daddy's favourite. So you can imagine my surprise when I opened the box! I couldn't believe my eyes!
So this is how I came to have this beautiful set. My family is such a blessing to me! I was concerned about how I was going to get it back home in one piece, but I managed!

Old Country Roses and my father's violin.


"There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson



I chose two teacups for our tea, one for you and one for me.

This one is Royal Albert Tea Rose. It is a beautiful cup with luscious yellow roses and sponged on gold trim. Some of the roses are slightly kissed with pink.


"You're my cup of tea."



And of course, my Royal Albert Old Country Roses.


As you know both were made in England and they were both found in antique shops last Summer.



Now how about a tea treat?


I made Baby Cheesecakes for our party today. These are just little morsels of sweetness covered in your choice of toppings.
 

I topped them with cherries, lemon and blueberries, and whipped cream and strawberries. There are also little bars of Swiss chocolate. Which would you like?


I will share the recipe for the Baby Cheesescakes at my HOME party on Wednesday.




If you are a Follower, do not forget to enter my Giveaway which you can find on last week's tea post here. I will draw a winner tomorrow evening, January 22, and I will make the announcement on this post. So check back to see who the winner is. 

UPDATE~
I have a winner for my Giveaway....... Jen @ A Garden of Threads. Congratulations, Jen! Please email me your address and I will get your package in the mail.
Thank you everyone for entering.


Thank you for visiting; you have made my day!

"I do not cease to give thanks for you." ~ Ephesians 1:16


I am joining the following parties as well~

Home Making Link Up Weekend~ http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/
A Return to Loveliness ~ http://adelightsomelife.blogspot.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday ~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea~ http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/
Friends Sharing Tea ~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/
Share Your Cup Thursday~ http://jannolson.blogspot.com/
Cottage Style Linky Party~ http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/




Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

63 comments :

  1. Happy Blogiversary Sandi. Such a beautiful setting for Tea. I love Old Country Roses. Thank you for your wonderful tea parties every week!

    Blessings,
    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  2. How wonderful that it's been three years for your Tea Time Tuesday :) It's always a pleasure visiting and joing your Tea Time.

    I hope you have a splendid week!

    Blessings and hugs,
    Stephanie

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  3. Although I dont host tea parties..
    I would love to join you in a hot cup of earl grey, in your beautiful new cup..
    My choice of cake is whipped cream with strawberries. Oh.. gosh! what a delightful post Sandi.
    I myself will have been blogging for just over 2 years next month..
    Have a wonderful day.. enjoy your guests.):
    val

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  4. It has been a wonderful 3 years....still can't believe that!!! Happy birthday! Old Country Roses is a treasure always, but with the special family associations it is even more precious! May it joyfully continue pass through your family to be loved and cherished with each subsequent layer of memories....
    Ruth

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  5. Congratulations on your blogaversary!It has always been so interesting to see all the lovely postings on your blog on Tuesdays. Sorry I can't participate today...flu still hanging on.

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  6. Happy 3rd! This is a beautiful post! "Old Country Roses" is my favorite Tea Set!

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  7. What a lovely Tea Party Sandi!
    Thank you so much!
    How do I join in on your Tea Time Tuesday? I would love to be a part of the weekly party, if you don't mind :)
    Happy Sipping & God Bless,
    Danette

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  8. Sandi, what a beautiful post! Full of special memories for you. Amazing that it has been three years. Raising my cup for many more! Thank you so much for hosting.

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  9. Happy Anniversary to Tea Time Tuesday !!! It is an absolute pleasure to visit and participate in TTT. Thank you for hosting each week a place where one can be inspired and inspire others. To many more wonderful and blessed teas shared together!! Hugs and blessings, C. (HHL)

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  10. Hi Sandi, So nice you received the new OCR teapot. I also have an OCR teapot, but mine is different from yours. I originally purchased one like yours on ebay but it arrived with a broken lid, so I returned it and got the other one. Your cheesecakes look great! I'd like a cherry one, please. I adore Tea Time Tuesday and have had so much fun participating! Thanks for mentioning me which was so sweet of you. God bless you and your family and enjoy those gorgeous roses!
    Love, Beth

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  11. Congratulations on your three years of tea! Your china is wonderful and photos so nice to see!

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  12. Happy Anniversary, Sandi !
    It has been such a pleasure to come here and read your pretty thoughts and see your lovely things. I love today's story and how you are keeping your father close. I am so impressed that it was he who had a favorite china pattern. That says a lot about him right there. Perhaps a case of the apple not falling far from the tree with you.
    Here's to many, many more happy posts,
    Ruthie

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  13. "Old Country Roses" is my favorite china pattern. Your pictures are so pretty. I will take a strawberry cheesecake thank you :) Hope you have a wonderful day!

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  14. Happy 3 rd year Blogging Anniversary, dear Sandi! I'm so glad you like the tea. Cheers to you as we sip some tea! xo

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  15. Happy 3rd Anniversary to Tea Time Tuesday. Thank you for your labor of love and beauty. Wishing you many more anniversaries! ~ Phyllis

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  16. I love "Old Country Roses", too! This Christmas my husband and little boys gave me a serving tray and pie/cake server in that pattern. :-) I don't have any teacups, saucers, etc in the pattern yet, but I hope to some day.

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  17. Congratulations on your anniversary, Sandi! And your photos in this post just leave me sighing over their exquisite beauty. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous, loving blog. Bess

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  18. Sandi, I am so happy that you are celebrating your 3rd year of Tea Time Tuesday. I have really enjoyed meeting you on your blog and all your beautiful tea time tables. I love your new teapot. How sweet of your family to give it to you. The yellow roses teacup is really pretty. I will be linking up soon. Blessings to you for many more tea times. Warm hugs, Pam

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  19. yes indeed, Happy Blogiversary Sandy!! You were one of my very first blogs to read and follow back in 2008. I didn't know exactly the direction I was going except I knew I loved a tea party. My favorite pattern in all the world is Old Country Roses and I have a complete set simply by hunting thrift stores, antique stores, marshall's, T.J. Maxx, and family gifts. I haven't paid full price for any one item. One Christmas My daughter and SIL bought me the tea pot and it has been a prized possession ever since. I do not have some of the little accessories that pop up every now and then such as your little shoe, etc.. I will have to look out for that one. I do love your blog and your tea party although I went more in a quilting direction, I still enjoy a cuppa tea in a pretty tea-cup. In fat, a cuppa tea sounds like just what I need about now!
    Blessings and Keep Blogging...Don't quit!! There are too many lovely tea parties left in you.
    Gmama Jane

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  20. Happy Birthday to Tea Time Tuesday - so much loveliness shared over the years - looking for to much more! LOVE the roses! Perfect. I appreciate you sharing and hosting,
    Kathy

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  21. Hello Sandi
    I'm glad I was able to attend this 3rd anniversary celebration tea for a special lady. From just a handful of women in the beginning, your weekly gathering has grown to include even more friends.
    A belated happy birthday and to finally receive an OCR teapot was a special gift from your family.
    Thank you for hosting and your friendship these last three years.
    Hugs,
    Judith

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  22. A SPECIAL DAY and congratulations for a job well done! You have brought so much joy to blog land!

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  23. A SPECIAL DAY and congratulations for a job well done! You have brought so much joy to blog land!

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  24. Hi Sandi,
    Good for you,hosting tea parties for 3 years!
    That is a beautiful new teapot-it reminds me of my mother in law as she treasured hers and had a large collection of Old Country Rose china.
    Love cheesecake no matter what the topping!
    Thank you for hosting,
    Carolyn

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  25. Dearest Sandi,

    Happy 3rd year of Tea Time Tuesday!
    What a special feat this is!

    We love it and appreciate very much your hosting this fun linky gathering!

    I loved your post, such beautiful sentiments and prettiness.

    I am saying a special prayer for your Dad now. I know he is smiling down at you right now!

    Loving sisterly hugs,

    Michele

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  26. Hi Sandie! Wow! 3 years already? I can't believe it! All of your teacups and treats are absolutely beautiful! Kitty sent me some of the eggnog tea as well. I can't wait to try it. I think this may be the first time I have joined the party with just a pot but, I thought it was fun and couldn't miss the 3rd anniversary party. Thank you for hosting and have a wonderful day!

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  27. Dear Sandi,
    Happy Birthday to Tea Time Tuesday. It is my favoured party and I am so honored that you named me in your list, too. You always share so many nice and friendly thoughts and create a cozy atmosphere for having tea. Your OCR pattern is one of the nicest, I ever saw. I am so fond on Royal Albert patterns. It is not amazing for me that the OCR pattern is very widely spread all over the world. And with the sweet memories it is even more special for you. Thank you for this sweet tea time. I hope we will enjoy this party weekly for many more years.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  28. Hi Sandi, How lucky you are to get the Old Country Roses teapot?! I would love to have one of those but at this point in time I don't even have any teacups, only a teakettle! Thanks for sharing all that beauty!
    Gina

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  29. Happy Blogiversary Sandi! I love this pattern. I got a teapcup for my MIL for Christmas. It is so pretty! Your teapot is just lovely! What a nice surprise. Thanks for having us over!
    Sherry

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  30. Everything is so pretty here today, Sandi. I just love yellow roses. You picked some delicious-looking treats for today. "Happy 3rd Anniversary". Always a joy to drop by. Hugs, Deb

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  31. Hi Sandi,
    Thank you for hosting your tea parties for all of us to enjoy! Congratulations on your 3rd year of Tea parties! I always enjoy visiting and seeing all of your lovely teacups,teapots and sweet treats. Love your new teapot and 2 R.A. teacups...beautiful! Wishing you all the best this coming year.
    ps. love your mini cheesecakes!
    blessings,
    Lisa

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  32. Every Monday night I check in to see your posts, only sorry i missed the first two years. I was sure looking for tea-anything and was so excited when I found you and then was so scared to join. So glad I did, and glad it was you that I first joined with. You are an inspiration to all women who post with you.
    Congratulations on three years, love the china, roses and especially the cheesecakes, as always you make me hungry. I may not be able to get a tea going tomorrow, but going to try. God bless...

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  33. Lovely! I enjoyed my cuppa! Happy Blogaversary.

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  34. Hi Sandi....

    I always love your table spreads! I can almost smell the sugary treats you've laid out upon the table.

    Your Royal Albert cup...I have one just the same....looks stunning with your roses. I can't believe it's been three years. Congratulations.



    ciao bella
    Carmelina
    oxoxo

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  35. Happy Blogiversary Sandi! Congratulations on 3 years of blogging. I have enjoyed your Tea Time Tuesday posts and I thank you for hosting. Through your Tea Parties I have met many blogging friends.

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  36. Hi Sandi!

    Happy Blogiversary! Your husband is so very thoughtful---you are blessed! My husband loves that Eggnoggin' tea! Hope you have a great week!

    Mrs. Sarah Coller

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  37. A rose is a rose is a rose is a rose... for three years!
    Happy anniversary dear Sandi!
    Thanks for hosting such lovely tea parties and for this beautiful and special post!
    Have a wonderful Tea Day!
    Hugs

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  38. Congratulations on three years blogging. I am a big rose and Royal Albert fan. Beautiful post.

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  39. Thank You Sandy for one more fun day to gather together to enjoy chatting over tee.It's always so lovely to join you.Love Denise

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  40. Hola querida Sandi

    Gracias por tu precioso mensaje, espero que puedas traducir este que te escribo en tu hermoso blog.

    Utilizando el navegador Google Chrome te da la posibilidad de traducir automaticamente sino en el botón derecho del ratón hay una opción. Yo lo hago con ese botoncito y puedo leer tus palabras no solo los mensajes sino todo lo que escribes en tu maravilloso blog.

    Desde ya te digo que es sublime, emotivo todo lo que nos regalas, desde las fotos hasta tus palabras. Estoy maravillada por tanta magia, encanto, delicadeza, elegancia. Te felicito.

    Nadie te puede igualar.

    Muchos besos.
    Felicitaciones!!!

    Cariños grandes desde Argentina.

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  41. Hi Sandi,

    Happy Third Anniversary!

    Thank you for hosting all those years and for sharing with us all those delightful and grand Tea Time Tuesday!

    Your post is beautiful ... I love Old Country Roses! And those cheesecakes are sooo precious!

    Wishing you many more merry years of Tea Time Tuesday!
    Blessings,
    ~Wendy

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  42. Absolutelu quintessential!!! The perfect post commemorating the luscious celebration of tea during January Tea Month!

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  43. Three years for Tea Time Tuesday -- Hooray and Congratulations!

    That is a LOT of tea under the bridge. :-)

    thank you for hosting -- I love peeking at what other bloggers are sipping their tea or coffee from.

    (And your pictures today are especially lovely.)
    Cass

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  44. A very Happy 3rd Anniversary to Tea Time Tuesday, Sandi!! Wish so much that I could have participated, but a call to babysit last night, and then home-schooling today prevented my doing so... Still a speeding locomotive couldn't keep me away, and here I am! Best wishes to you always, and I look forward to participating in the Tea Time Tuesdays in the year ahead! ((hugs)) ~tina

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  45. Happy Anniversary! Your roses match your tea set perfectly! The whole setting is lovely! Your little shoe is especially sweet! I enjoyed my tea time with you here today!
    Have a beautiful day!
    sandy :)

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  46. How lovely your tea is today Sandi,as always. And a lovely tribute to your dad. The violin and roses are just so lovely. I really enjoyed todays tea. xx

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  47. Hi Sandi..your post really touched my heart today..especially the photo of your dad's violin..how special and beautiful! very heart-touching! I love that pattern..my mother has the same..it is gorgeous! All your photos..fantastic! happy tea!
    Victoria

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  48. Dear Sandi,
    Happy 3rd tea cup tuesday anniversary!

    The old country roses is a very popular pattern from Royal Albert. I have not had this pattern yet.

    Best,
    Felicity

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  49. Happy Bloganniversary Sandi ...
    How exciting to share in the festivities...Your Old Country rose is the perfect choice for this celebration. You'r posts are always so inspiring ..Thank you for so artfully sharing your teatime beauty....Big Hugs xxoxoxo

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  50. Happy aniversary! I bought the rose chintz service second-hand last weekend and I thought of you! I'll write a post about it when I have time and will join the party with it! I always love your tea parties.

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  51. .....and I forgot last comment to wish you Happy Anniversary on your third year of tea parties.They are great fun.Again Denise

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  52. Congratulations on three years of Tea Time Tuesday. I finally linked my post today after enjoying hundreds of links over the 3 years!

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  53. Hi Sandi, I am late visiting, Happy Anniversary to Tea Time. My aunt collected The Royal Albert Rose pattern. I did not know what happened to it after she passed away:( I was very surprised to receive your e-mail stating I was the winner of your fabulous giveaway. Stay warm this cold week, Jen

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  54. Sandi,
    Happy Blog Anniversary!! Mine is 3 years the end of this month....
    Thank you so much for mentioning me in this post!! It has always been my pleasure to visit with you and then to find out that we have so much in common too!!
    You are one of my dearest Blog Friends, Sandi!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  55. Blessings, milady and joy to you as I am trying to catch up with my lovely ladies in Blogland. Oh - for the luxury of regular posting again - but, alas - I think I shall be catching as catch can and taking great joy with the privilege to share when I can.

    Congratulations on your 3rd Teatime birthday!! I'm sorry I couldn't post and celebrate with you - my homeschool classes started this past week and I teach on Mondays and Tuesdays. I want to try to write the post later in the week so it is ready to post on Tuesday when I can.

    Old Country Roses was a perfect selection - a well and universally loved pattern and perfect with those mini-cakes!! I'd love the cherry!!

    I hope all is well and your son is recovering nicely. Hope you are cozy and warm in those higher altitudes of PEI - we're in single digits here in South Jersey this week and my toes are just froze!
    Time for a Almond Cookies Green Tea refill!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  56. Sandi, I agree; tea is a hug in a cup. I know I don't do alot of tea posts, but I so enjoy seeing yours! Thinking I might just set one up for this week. You have such delightful rose items perfect for tea! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  57. Sorry I am late, but first day I could do a post.

    I have to go visit more linkies on this party now! So pretty!

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  58. Sandi,
    I am so glad I found your blog again!
    I loved tea Parties, nostly "hot chocolate parties" with my children when they were home..and I look forward to the when my grandgirls and grandnieces come...but it isn't often enough...I think I shall have my own tea party and share on your blog sometime! So much fun!
    Hearts,
    Betsy

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  59. Sandi, This is my first time visiting your blog. I am so sorry that I missed out on your Tea Time Tuesday. My Mother purchased a set of Old Country Roses dishes for me years ago. Then, right before she passed away, she gave me another set. Her desire was to come over for a very fancy table, set with the dishes, but we lost her unexpectedly before we got the chance to do it. That made me so sad, but I toast her when I use my dishes for tea time. I love your extra pieces. I haven't seen those before. Here's to many more visits together, with our OCR teacups. What a beautiful site.

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  60. Hi Sandi,
    Your blog is simply delicious! I came upon it by chance, or perhaps, fate, and have shared it with my Mum as well. She visited Prince Edward Island a few years ago. Needless to say, she fell in love! It is hot here in Florida, and every day I look forward to a refreshing cup of tea. I prefer hot tea, of course, and have my own little teapot collection. Like William Gladstone, I feel that "If you are cold, tea will warm you - If you are heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you."
    Congratulations on your anniversary!
    Blessings.

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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