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 18 November 2013

A New Treasure for Tea Time Tuesday


"Tea is quiet and our thirst for tea is never far from our craving for beauty." ~ James Norwood Pratt

Welcome dear friends to another Tea Time! 

When I was visiting my relatives in New Brunswick a couple of months ago, I took some pictures of my Aunt Judy's china. 

If you have been joining me for tea on a regular basis then you know I have a list of favourite teacup patterns I hope to acquire. Royal Albert Blossom Time is one of them.  



My aunt has a whole set of this beautiful vintage pattern which she inherited from her mother. I hope you enjoy having a peek at it!


Her beautiful china cabinet is filled with it. We set a few pieces out on her lovely dining room table so I could get some shots. The pictures were taken at night so the colour is a bit off.




The teapot has such graceful lines and has its own trivet....Swoon!



"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." ~ Maya Angelou


How gorgeous!


Some interesting history about this pattern which I gleaned from the Internet:

"On a spring morning in 1933, G. R. Palmeter left a meeting of the Apple Blossom Committee at the Cornwallis Inn to purchase china from a representative of the Royal Albert China of England. While there, he asked the salesman about creating a pattern called "Blossom Time," to tie in with the Apple Blossom Festival. A design was submitted and the factory got to work on it.

The design is an actual picture of the Ralph Eaton farm, in the Annapolis Valley - the apple trees were at the height of bloom, and this worked out ideally, from the factory standpoint.

The result was "BLOSSOM TIME CHINA," which is still in great demand all over the world, even as far as Japan – this over a period of sixty years.

The original shape of the plate was square and the factory later tried a round one but it was not well received. The mugs have changed shape and the bowl and milk pitcher have been discontinued. Other pieces i.e. a trivet have recently been added."


I was rather pleasantly surprised to discover that this pattern was actually created from pictures of apple blossoms in our own Annapolis Valley here in the Maritimes where I live!


My aunt has these pretty pink place mats which enhance the china. I love the square plates!

I was fortunate to find a square plate this past Summer for $6.99. My heart sang when I found it! Now I just have to find the matching teacup.


The back stamp.



Today I am using my Royal Albert Serena teacup. I love the graceful lines of this teacup and I thought the colours went well with my 'new-to-me' plate.


Of course, I had to include some wee pumpkins too.


I am having Apple Cinnamon Chai tea today as well as shortbread cookies.


Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.



My aunt will be passing her lovely dishes on to her daughter who also loves china.

While visiting my aunt and uncle, my aunt brought out an exquisite bedspread which my grandmother had crocheted. It is probably over sixty years old and very intricate. My uncle will pass this on to his daughter some day.



My grandmother was a very gifted lady; a beautiful seamstress and quilter among other things. This is just one of the fabulous treasures she had made by hand.



Can you imagine the hours she spent working on this? My Auntie P remembers when Granny made it and she says it took her about a year to crochet. It would make a pretty tablecloth too.

"Pleasure is the flower that passes; remembrance, the lasting perfume." ~ Jean De Boufflers



A priceless heirloom; both this and the china took my breath away! I felt like I was being treated to a wonderful glimpse from the past. Beautiful china and heirloom quality lace, what could be better? 

Maybe a lovely cup of tea!


Tea Time Tidbit~ Did you know that King George IV was one of the first English collectors of teapots? {The Twelve Teas of Friendship by Emilie Barnes}

I thought that was interesting! I have been enamoured by teapots for years and I have quite a few as well as a nice collection of lovely teacups. One of these days I am going to count my teacups.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my aunt's beautiful china and my Granny's crocheted treasure as well as my new plate I found thrifting.

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." ~ Proverbs 15:30


NOTE~ This has mainly been a re-post from last year because I had an incredibly busy weekend and didn't have much time to prepare a tea post.
Thank you for visiting and have a lovely day everyone.


Do you have a favourite teacup/teapot or mug that you would like to share with us today? I would love to see it and I'm sure others would too!

If you wish, you may do coffee instead of tea or the following is acceptable too:
Hot apple cider
Hot chocolate
Lemonade
Iced tea or coffee
Egg nog
Punch in a pretty bowl

As a courtesy, please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants.


I am joining the following parties as well~


A Return to Loveliness ~ http://www.adelightsomelife.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday ~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea~ http://www.antiquesandteacups.info/
Tea with Friends ~ http://blog.bernideens.com/
We Call It Olde~ http://www.wecallitjunkin.com/
What's It Wednesday~ http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/
Share Your Cup Thursday~ http://jannolson.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Thrifty Things Friday~ http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/



Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

69 comments :

  1. Sandi,
    What a beautiful set of china !!

    And a stunning afghan!! Gorgeous!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  2. I loved seeing your aunt's china and that tablecloth is gorgeous!

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  3. Your aunt's china is stunning and the crocheted afghan by your grandma,exquisite!! Women in those days were so talented as they passed their handmanship from mother to daughter and they also had more time, they were homemakers mostly. Thank you for sharing this loveliness, my very fav things.
    FABBY

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  4. Beautiful china Sandi! and the afghan is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing such beauty.
    ~Clara

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  5. Hi Sandi, I love the china - wow! I'm not sure I've ever seen any that is more beautiful! The afghan is a gorgeous family treasure as well.
    Hugs, Beth

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  6. Oh SANDI!!!

    What an amazing post. I learned so much, and felt the joy you shared with us from family heirlooms.

    Such amazing work of your grandmother's too- she really was quite the lady.

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  7. Ooh Sandi, what wonderful family heirlooms you've shared with us. The china is ever so pretty and that afghan is fabulous. I think I would be using it as a tablecovering, too. Thanks for hosting!

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  8. Una entrada bellísima, mi querida Sandi.
    Un beso y buen día

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  9. Your Aunt J's china pattern is pretty Sandi and it's nice to see she has a large collection to pass on to her daughter.
    The afghan is delicate and would make a nice tablecloth. Looking forward to your treasures next week.
    Judith

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  10. Wow! That is gorgeous! And to have the whole set is priceless!..Christine

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  11. Hi, I'm stopping by from TTT. Love the china. The colours are so beautiful together. What a beautiful bedspread your grandmother stitched. I couldn't begin to count the hours invested in it and I crochet. Such beautiful heirlooms.

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  12. I love Apple Blossom. What a collection your Aunt Judy has and how pretty it all looks together. I am partial to square plates. Funny that the rounds didn't do as well..
    Your grandmother made a masterpiece. I hope skills like that never get lost.
    Thank you, Ruthie from: http://www.ladybstimefortea.blogspot.com
    (sorry, when I linked, I put my name in error, it should be the name of the blog or entry)

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  13. I can't say that I was familiar with Apple Blossom but I can see why you love it!

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  14. This is one of my absolute favorite china patterns. I love Royal Albert and this is one of the best they made. You were probably in New Brunswick when I was..... hmmmmm

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  15. That is a really pretty pattern. And the table-cloth is gorgeous. Deb

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  16. I remember your story on your aunt, (was it not a second marriage?)going on the camino trail. We have a friend that left last Thursday to do it for forty two days.
    I love that pattern, always have. We have sold a lot of it through the early years, not so much now. Gorgeous as is the bedspread, both are treasures. Enjoyed the post

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  17. Such beautiful family treasures! That quilt is gorgeous. I have seen the dishes before, but only a plate or 2, the entire set is something to behold!

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  18. Hi Sandi,
    I'm so glad you posted about your Aunts beautiful china and the lovely bedspread. They are both such treasures to have. Thank you for hosting your tea party again this week!
    Nancy

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  19. Wow Sandi, what beautiful heirlooms you have shared today. The china is amazing as is the crochet made by your grandmother. Thanks for sharing these beauties.

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

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  20. Hi Sandi: I wish this Judy had some of that Judy's beautiful tea set. How gorgeous. Thanks for hosting this week and I am happy to join you..Happy Monday..Judy

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  21. Hi Sandi,
    I am not ready with my post yet but I will link in in some hours. Your aunt has a wonderful tea set. How nice to see the whole set displayed an some pieces on the table. And the crochet bedsheet is amazing. A real treasure. Thank you for sharing this delight and for hosting this party.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  22. Sandi how very lovely. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.

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  23. Gorgeous post Sandi! Wow! Seeing the entire set all together like that is stunning! I have always loved this pattern too (square plates especially!), and so I was delighted to read your post. How fascinating that the pictures for the design came from your own area! That is something!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  24. Of course I have enjoyed watching all what you show today
    Love

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  25. Hi Sandi,
    That is a lovely collection of Blossomtime. My sister in law has a good collection of it too.

    Thank you for hosting,

    Carolyn

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  26. Hi Sandi,
    Wow! What a gorgeous china set and a stunning bedspread!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Hugs,
    ~Wendy

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  27. Hi Sandi! That china is absolutely gorgeous! You are making me want to collect a few pieces of that and the Rose Chintz! And other teacups! The bedspread is also very lovely. I like that quote about the moments that take your breath away. How nice.
    Have a great day!

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  28. Don't believe I have seen this apple pattern before...very nice pinks!Looks soothing to drink from!

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  29. Sandi, Thank you so much for the invite to the party, I was not sure if iced tea fit the bill for your party. What a beautiful set of china you have shared with us this week. The apple blossom pattern is fabulous and bonus it is pink! I have read the Camino trail is quite the spiritual journey wonderful that they made the trek. Thanks again for hosting, Laura

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  30. I love the Apple Blossom dishes- it was fun to see the whole set! Thanks for sharing--

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  31. Oh my what simply gorgeous china. You know I prefer square plates rather than round and would certainly welcome these to my home. Wow, what beauty. Hugs...Lu

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  32. Yes, that Apple Blossom china is gorgeous and so is the wonderful bedspread your Grandmother crocheted.

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  33. Hi Sandi,
    What a beautiful set of china!! Love the pink blossoms. The afghan that your grandma made is also beautiful. Thanks for hosting. Have a nice week.
    Blessings,
    Lisa

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  34. OMG Sandi ...

    This teaset is gorgeous... I remember seeing it years ago . My friend had chosen it as her wedding set and I immediately fell in love with it...
    Thank You for sharing your grandmother's beautiful crochet work... It truly a treasure....Hugs

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  35. HI Sandi,

    I very much enjoyed seeing your Aunt's set of Blossom Time - thank you! Such a sweet and lovely design. I love that pattern and was so interested to read that it was taken from a real farm. And I love square plates and bowls, too! The only ones I have are in Rose Chintz but I think they are charming.

    Thanks so much for your visit and sweet comment. Always wonderful to hear from you.

    best,

    G

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  36. Sandi, your grandmother was a wonderful needlewoman!
    What a beautiful bedcover and I agree with you..it would be lovely on a table too.
    The china your Aunt has is gorgeous and I don't blame you for wanting to collect it!
    Fancy discovering the pattern was stlyed after the pretty trees in your area - how very cool lol!
    Thanks so much for linking up and sharing your delightful posts.
    I really appreciate your friendship, Sandi!
    God bless you and have a lovely day..Trish xx

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  37. This blog post is just lovely. I love the Apple Blossom china and the handmade bedspread/tablecloth that your grandmother made. Your entire blog is inspiring.
    ~ Phyllis

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  38. Hi dearest Sandi...thank you so much for your sweet post on my blog. I have been keeping you and your mother in my prayers too and I know it's so much for you right now. We have gone through this process with my father, so I do understand.
    I love the Apple Blossom pattern...I have never seen that one.
    The handwork is just so lovely.
    Take care of yourself dear one.
    Love,
    Linda

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  39. Hi Sandi,
    Your Aunt's Apple Blossom china is delightful. I can understand why you would like to collect this pattern.
    Have a good week
    Barb from Australia

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  40. Sandi you crochet piece from your Granny is amazing. She must have had patience and grace to crochet something as beautiful. I learned to crochet with thread and made a bedspread when I was 20 years old to put in my hope chest. It was used for many years. I hope one of my grandchildren will cherish it as much as this.

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  41. Oh Sandi, I am in love with your Aunt's china, especially the teapot! Thank you for sharing.
    Cindy

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  42. So, Glad you reported this information on your Aunt's Royal Albert China. Blossom Time pattern is probably my favorite procured by the company. I have a small tête-à-tête set placed on the bed side table. Thanks for the history for it was unknown to me. Have a lovely fall week!

    Pam

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  43. Hi Sandi! I love Blossom time, but don't see it often. I think it is gorgeous! And speaking of gorgeous...the crochet work by your grandmother is fabulous! I could never keep the gauge straight, so gave it up in favor of cross stitch! Yours is a real treasure! Thanks so much for hosting and linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  44. I love that teaset. It is so pretty. Thanks for the tea party.

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  45. I'm happy to see the Blossom Time again, dear Sandi. I just can't imagine all the hours spent on the crocheted table cloth!! What wonderful family heirlooms and treasures. I'm so happy that they are loved. Thank you for hosting, sweet friend. xo

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  46. That is such a gorgeous set of china! What a lovely gift and treat to have it. thank you for hosting!

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  47. At first I saw my earlier comment and thought I am loosing my mind! Then I "got it" - a repost which we all do from time to time. I can't imagine so many beautiful dishes as I think I saw one cup and saucer once in an antique mall - those are incredible. I have never been good at "long term" projects so I so admire that crochet tablecloth which I would imagine took a very long time!!!!

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  48. I was out today and almost forgot to link Sandi. Your Aunt's china is a pretty pattern and I think the afghan would make a fabulous table cloth too. It's so nice other members of your family have a love for china and tea as well.

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  49. Dear Sandi,
    I remember this fabulous china and the wonderful bead spread. Such treasures are always wonderful to see again and again. Thank you for sharing these wonderful things with us. I wish you a nice week. Its always a fun to join in your party.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  50. Sandi... your grandmother was most talented! That is such a lovely treasure to have. Your china is gorgeous ... thank you for sharing such beautiful items and hosting ... hugs, C. (HHL)

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  51. Hi Sandi,
    I love that pattern too and the bedspread is beautiful too ~ so nice to see them passed down from generation to generation.
    It is nice to be back sharing tea with you again!

    Thank you for hosting,
    Carolyn

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  52. Oh, Sandi- your Auntie's china is gorgeous- I have always loved that pattern!

    I sold an old teacup like that a long time ago, only time I was "up close and personal" to that pattern- it is GORGEOUS and she has so many pieces!

    I, too swooned at the matching trivet, how special is that?

    The afghan is amazing too- sure wish I had the patience to learn that lovely art to make such beautiful things like that! WOW!

    Thank you so much for hosting, glad I could finally join in on the fun again - life has kept me from the thing I most truly enjoy- sharing pretty teatimes with all of you! Hugs.

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  53. Loved seeing the Blossom Time China and the hand crochetted bed cover (and it would be a wonderful table cover too). Heirlooms indeed. Have a wonderful day.
    Joy

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  54. Blossom Time is probably the prettiest china pattern I've ever seen! Stunning! Have a wonderful week, my friend.
    Beth

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  55. Such lovely china, it is a feast for the eyes.

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  56. Oh that China is lovely! I love the colors and the way the trees seem to grow around the edge of the plates- would love to find just a piece or two!

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  57. Hi Sandi,
    I just love your aunt's Blossom Time. I have one teacup and a cream and sugar and I am searching for more pieces. It is such a pretty pink. The bedspread is absolutely gorgeous. Your teacup is so pretty and is one of my favourites too. I had such trouble posting my blog and lost it twice so I was pleased that it finally saved and published late last night. Thank you for visiting me! Have a wonderful week! Karen

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  58. Oh I love that China! I have never seen any like it, but will be looking for a teacup now! The tablecloth is so beautiful, too! Have a blessed week and thank you for hosting!
    Hugs..Nancy

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  59. Oh Sandi - this china is exquisite - I could just imagine these lovely apple trees; the crocheted bedspread is amazing - such a delight - I do appreciate you sharing and hosting,
    Kathy

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  60. Sandi, I have never seen that pattern. Oh my it is like being in a heavenly field of blossoms! That lace work by your grandmother is exquisite!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  61. The crocheted afghan is truly beautiful in every sense of the word. Obviously it has been cherished and well taken care of. As has the china ! I can see why it is so appealing.

    Thank-you again Sandi for hosting this wonderful blog event !

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  62. So much beauty in your post today. I have one lone tea-cup in that pattern and find it so pretty. I love your white tea-pot, too. The table-cloth is amazing. I can't imagine the hours that took to create. Thanks for hosting again, Sandi. Deb

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  63. Your Aunts Blossom time china is sooo pretty. As is the gorgeous crocheted tablecloth/bedspread that your Grandma made. Your cousins are very lucky girls, to be in line to inherit those. Thank you for sharing the pictures with us. Your Serena cup does coordinate nicely with the Blossom time plate. I hope you find your teacup soon.

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  64. Apple Blossom time is such a pretty pattern, some one in my family had it, I remember it!

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  65. A priceless heirloom indeed! The exquisite lace-work is absolutely amazing...your grandma was incredibly talented!Such delicate work! And I love the beautiful, simply beautiful china pattern with the apple blossoms....very pretty! Thanks for sharing such beautiful treasure with us and for hosting:) Hugs, Poppy

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  66. I just love that china, it makes me think of spring and everything being new. The bedspread is a true work of art. I can't imagine being that patient! Thanks so much for sharing this at the We Call It Olde Link-Up! -Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

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  67. What a beautiful china pattern! Thanks for sharing your love of teacups here with us at TTF!

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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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