Tea Time Tuesday

Hello ladies~ Come on in and have a seat. I'm so happy you have dropped by! It's Tuesday and that means it's time for tea here at Rose Chintz Cottage!

When my hubby and I got married, like most young couples, we didn't have very much. Most of the things we owned, we purchased ourselves. Among those things was my first set of dishes called Alicia Rose which was Ironstone and it was made in England.

I had saved up my money and went to Eatons department store and purchased a set because I loved the roses on it. It was a six piece place setting for eight which included a dinner plate, salad plate, cereal/soup bowl, fruit nappie, and a teacup and saucer. The set also included its own stemware, flatware, dessert bowls and matching tea plates. I loved it and used it for many years. I also purchased the matching tea pot, sugar/creamer, and salt/pepper shakers. There was also a large platter and vegetable bowl.

Unfortunately, I only have a few pieces left; the platter, the veggie bowl, and teacups along with a few dessert plates. Most of the dishes have some crazing on them but that just adds to their charm, I think. I am still using the flatware too.

Mmmm, what could be better on a cold Winter's day than a hot cup of tea, freshly baked tea biscuits, home made strawberry jam, and a dollop of clotted cream on the side?
Please help yourself; I have plenty!

When I was pondering what story to share with you today, I came across this short story in my little devotional, Tea Time with God. The scripture verse caught my eye and brought a smile to my face because it was one I often posted on the refrigerator when my three boys were growing up.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"- Psalm 133:1

Like most little ones, they had their squabbles, but today they are the best of friends. I have one son living near me but the other two live off Island. The youngest goes to university in Toronto and the other lives in Vancouver with his family. So, when we are able to get together as a family, we really appreciate it and enjoy one another, which leads me to this story.
One of the most interesting of all natural phenomena to witness is the nightly return of the "fairie penguins" to their rooks in the sand dunes off southern Australia. You were right, Beth!

Morgan Freeman does a documentary on these adorable little creatures called "The March of the Penguins."

These penguins, only about a foot in height, swim for days, even weeks, fishing for food. When dusk approaches, one or more groups of fairie penguins return home. As if the waves are spurting ink onto the sand, they spill out of the surf, then together in tight clusters as if gathering the courage to cross the naked sands. They make a bold dash for the dunes, hopping up and over any obstacles they encounter, each penguin hobbling toward its rook on a well-worn, tiny path.

Once at home, each penguin greets his or her "spouse" at the opening of the sandy cave which they share. They peck at each other as if kissing. They usually mate for life, and they take equal responsibility for nurturing their young.

After the initial greeting, both of the mated penguins may move down their path, as if to "greet" their nearest neighbors with a friendly hello. Tiny clusters of four, six, or eight penguins can be seen "chattering" for ten minutes or longer. Before dark, all the penguins have made their way into the safety of their rooks, where they feed their young and spend a quiet night.

The next day, the mate that has returned stays behind to guard the rook while the other mate goes to sea. Like clockwork, the penguins again march to the water, hurl themselves through the crashing waves, and regroup beyond the surf line to form raftlike structures that will "float" the seas in search of food.

What a beautiful image of God's family these creatures provide for us, as they cheerfully live and work together in unity.

I hope you enjoyed your tea today and you will come back next week to join me once again. Those of you who would like to share a piece of your china, be it a tea pot, teacup, or a favourite china mug and a story or scripture verse, please let me know in your comment and I will happily add your link to this post. Have a lovely day everyone.

My lovely participants:

Carolyn~ http://warrengrovegarden.blogpot.com/

Judith~ http://lavendercottagegardening.blogspot.com/

Heather~ http://thewattsfamilyhomeschool.blogspot.com/

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi