Books, Flowers, and Tea

Marilla....realized that the winter was over and gone with the thrill of delight that spring never fails to bring to the oldest and saddest as well as to the youngest and merriest. ~ LM Montgomery - "Anne of Green Gables"

Hello dear friends and welcome back to my cottage where I've been taking a short break after a very busy and stressful few weeks. Last week I didn't post at all because I felt I needed to just come away from blogging and relax for the week.

Thank you to those of you who prayed for my mother. They weren't sure she would pull through but she did and she is doing better. She may be a tiny lady but she's as spunky as they come and a good thing she is!

I also wanted to thank those of you who commented on my new sofa. It's nice to get some feed back from time to time. I am still searching for a third throw cushion and I want to get one I can't live without, if you know what I mean. We are thinking very seriously of painting an accent wall.

The other day we took a drive to Victoria Park down to the waterfront where there were many folks out walking and enjoying the nice weather. The ice is all gone from the harbour and what a welcome sight it is!

I snapped this picture of a darling little spaniel pup that was out for a walk with his master. 
You can see the water and sky were both very blue and it was a delight to be there! Yes, springtime has finally arrived on our little island and I am thrilled!

Hubby surprised me with some beautiful flowers and I thought it a perfect time to set a tea table. Yellow tulips and pink spray roses. He got a good deal on them so he got me two. He really is the best!

Let your joy burst forth like the flowers in the spring. ~ unknown

The table is set with pinks and yellows; perfect for springtime. I made another Irish tea cake and instead of fruit, this time I served it with my vanilla sauce.

The china is all Royal Albert except for the dessert bowl. The bowl is part of a set my mother gifted me with for Christmas several years ago. 
Won't you join me? I have been watching my sweets lately but after the last three weeks, I decided to treat myself with this scrumptious dessert.

The nice thing about this cake is you can serve it with almost anything. It is just wonderful with fruit and whipped cream or ice cream. It is lovely with a lemon sauce. Today, I am serving it with vanilla sauce/brown sugar sauce. 

If you would like my recipe, you will find it at the end of my post.

When you have flowers, books and tea, you are never alone. ~ Alexandra Stoddard

I went into our local Indigo again on Saturday to see if they carried Laura Childs' new book. This time they had it so I snatched it up quickly. I have the entire series of Laura Childs' "Tea Shop Mysteries" and I am looking forward to getting into this one. 

"Plum Tea Crazy" is hard covered and it cost more than the paper back but I'm happy to have it in my collection. I also picked up the newest Tea Time magazine so these should give me many hours of pleasant company.

Thank you for your company today. It's always a delight to have you visit. Have a lovely day and may the Lord smile upon you!

Vanilla Sauce/Brown Sugar Sauce
1 cup brown sugar
3 TBSP flour
1/2 tsp salt

Gradually stir in 2 cups of boiling water.
Bring to a boil and cook until smoothly thickened, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in 2 TBSP butter
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
Yield- 2 cups

The tea cake recipe was shared at one of my HOME parties by a young lady who no longer blogs.

Irish Tea Cake
1/2 cup butter, softened 
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
1-3/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk

Beat all ingredients together in order of appearance given in the recipe.
Pour batter into a prepared 9" round pan. Spread evenly.
Bake @ 350 degrees for about 30-35 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. Cool and then turn out onto a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.  Or serve with fruit and whipped cream, ice cream, or a warm vanilla sauce. Enjoy!

I am joining the following parties as well~

Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Friends Sharing Tea
Home Sweet Home


Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi