Flowers, Books, and Tea

I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June. ~ LM Montgomery - Anne of the Island

I would love it to be always June! Hello, lovely friends, how are you? A friend brought me these beautiful flowers. 

The fragrance of the lilacs is heavenly! Lilacs, lupins, Queen Anne's Lace, Bleeding Hearts, and miniature Snowballs make up the bouquet. Isn't it exquisite?

I adore flowers!

A few weeks ago, I went into our book store and picked up a book by author Joanne Fluke. The "Murder, She Baked" TV movies were based on her stories. I'm hoping this will be another series of books that I can enjoy. 

I also ordered Laura Childs' newest book, "Broken Bone China." I love mysteries that include tea time or a bake shop. Both of these books have recipes in them too.

I hope I enjoy this new LC book because the last number of books, I figured out who did the dastardly deed early on in the story, so it kind of ruined it for me. Although I always enjoy her books, I hope this one is different and the culprit will be a surprise.

Unlike some of you, I like to read the hard copy instead of an e-book. I also don't go to the library because it's too hard for me to get there and besides, I like to have my own copies. How about you? Do you like collecting books or do you like the virtual books? I also read my books over again. If I don't keep them, I donate them.

internet

We got a lot of rain on the weekend which is why my pictures are a bit dark today. 

I wish the lighting had been better because you're not seeing the true hue of the flowers.

Now how about some tea?

From a child's whimsical teapot to an elegant English teapot, to collectible teapots that adorn some homes, they are a subtle reminder of all that is good in this world. ~ Barbara Roberts

I found this darling tin of Walker's Scottie Dogs shortbread the other day at our HomeSense. One never knows what they might find in there. 

I also found a new teacup. I had no intention of buying another teacup because I have so many, but this one matches one of my teapots and I couldn't leave it sitting there. I will share it another day. The only other teacup I would like to have is the Royal Albert American Beauty which is hard to find around here. 

Would you care to sit with me
For a cup of English tea? ~ Paul McCartney

My RA teapot stands at the ready with English Breakfast tea in it. My teacups and little scottie dog shortbread treats are all ready for you. 

This is a Burleigh Victorian Rose cup which my cousin Val gave me. Val gave me several pieces of this pretty china but no saucers so I'm pairing the cup with a saucer from my Eatons home collection. My uncle Joe, Val's step father, just passed a few days ago. He has been a part of the family since Val and I were young girls so he will be missed! He was my last surviving uncle.

Of course you are all familiar with my Johnson Bros. Rose Chintz. If I happen to have lilacs in the house, I like to use my Rose Chintz.

I just love the Brits and how they savour their tea time. We can all take a lesson from them. 

courtesy of Getty images & internet

British born Sir Barry Gibb, of the Bee Gees, {on the left} always sipped a cup of tea before a concert. Now isn't that interesting?

What happens around the teapot, stays around the teapot. ~ unknown

Thank you for joining me today and aren't we all thrilled that June is here? Happy Summer everyone and have a beautiful week!


Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

A Piece of History

I can't help flying up on the wings of anticipation. It's as glorious as flying through a sunset. ~ Anne of Green Gables

Good morning dear friends! Hope you are all having a lovely day.

While I was away from my blog, my youngest son spent a week in Paris at a conference; his fourth trip to France! I never dreamed he would do so much traveling but life does surprise us. 
This is a photo he took out the window while flying across the English Channel. On the left is England and on the right is France. I thought it was a cool picture.

He took a few pictures of Notre Dame. You can see at the top right, some of the damage caused by the fire. I'm glad he saw it a couple of years ago, before the fire took place.

One never sees Paris for the first time; one always sees it again. ~ Edmondo De Amicis

My son couldn't remember where this was but it's impressive.

In a couple of months he flies to Portugal where he has been once before. He has been to Europe a number of times in the past seven years. This is one of the perks of his job. 

Why am I telling you all this? Well, I am leading up to something.

Folks travel all the time and they have been doing so for centuries. Back in the late 1800s, Alexander Macdonald, a wealthy Scots-born industrialist, who immigrated to Ohio, took a trip to Prince Edward Island with his family and fell in love with it. So much so, that he commissioned a summer home to be built here in 1895 which he called Dalvay by the Sea. Dalvay being named for his boyhood home in Scotland. 

For many of you, this will not look familiar but for those of you who are Anne of Green Gables fans, you will recognize this hotel as the White Sands Hotel, a grand gathering place for many events in the Anne of Green Gables series as well as the Road to Avonlea series.

This beautifully built hotel is exquisitely designed both inside and out in the Queen Anne Revival style. It was a bit of a playground for my hubby when he was growing up and he introduced me to it when we were going together. When his sister got married, she held her reception there. It was a lovely setting for such a memorable event.

Sunday afternoon, we went out to take some pictures. When we first arrived, we were delighted to see dozens of Canada geese down by the pond getting ready to take a swim. They were very tame and didn't seem to mind our being there at all.

Every summer Mr. Macdonald would bring his family and staff to Dalvay, PEI and spend his vacation here. At the end of the summer he would throw a huge party and invite the surrounding community where my hubby grew up. Mr. Macdonald was a very hospitable man and of course, the Islanders of the day loved him.

I don't know the story behind this carriage but I'm sure there is one.

I think it is serendipitous that this hotel was chosen for both the Anne and Avonlea series. Anne of Green Gables is famous the world over and the grand hotel, is one stop of many for visitors to our Island. 

In July of 2011, it was the scene for Prince William and Kate when they visited the Island.

courtesy of Pinterest

Hubby and I were there and saw their helicopter because we were on Dalvay beach that day. It was rather exciting for us because the beloved royals were visiting Hubby's old stomping grounds. There was no opportunity to take pictures that day because they were closely guarded but it was the talk of the town for quite some time. At one point they enjoyed a feast of lobster and clams on the beach. We Islanders found the prince and his wife very down to earth people, but then the prince is his mother's son! Diana was loved the world over.

For many years, Dalvay beach has been a favourite spot for us to relax and soak in the wonderful salt air. This beach is a little quieter than the others further up the coast.

There are tidal pools for the little ones to play in and the ocean for the many swimmers who go there.

I love the Island this time of year because it truly is a beautiful place. We have clean fresh air and miles of sandy beaches to walk. One can visit Green Gables and explore the grounds and all that it has to offer, or go to the Charlottetown Festival and see the Anne of Green Gables play. There is more to see of course but today I'm talking about the grand hotel and Anne.

If you're ever on PEI, you must visit Dalvay by the Sea as well. They serve scrumptious meals in their restaurant. And if you listen closely, you may be able to hear Anne Shirley reciting The Highwayman.  

courtesy of Pinterest

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

A Bit of An Update

Don't wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your soul. - Luther Burbank

Hello dear friends! How is everyone?

I have been missing from Blogland for about a month because I have been down with a bad flu bug which just didn't want to leave me. Whenever I thought I was over it, I would relapse. This happened over and over again. 

You see, I pick up flus and such easily because of the neuromuscular condition I have. My immune system is very weak and unfortunately, there has been a lot of flu on the go here.

While I was away, I saw my neurologist who is increasing my meds because I am having a few health issues associated with my condition. It has been a hard time but I'm getting there. I know it can always be worse and I am grateful for doing as well as I am!

As I was pondering what to share with you today, the scripture verse from Philippians 4:8 kept coming to my mind.

"Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

I have many favourite verses in the Bible but this one pretty much tops the list!

Life sometimes comes at you with a vengeance. Sometimes it's not easy to keep a smile on your face, or a positive attitude, when faced with adversity.

These gorgeous white roses were part of my Anniversary bouquet from a month ago.

When the chips are down, I find if I keep my mind on all the attributes listed in Philippians 4:8, it is easier to keep a positive attitude. Where there is faith in God, there is hope! The two go hand in hand.

When I began my walk with the Lord, I came to Him empty-handed. I had nothing to give Him but myself, which wasn't much! I was lonely and lost! But the trade off was incredible and literally, out of this world!

He gave me a new heart and a new life! He gave me so many wonderful gifts like; love, joy, peace, companionship, a great big family, and a mansion at the end of my journey here on earth. He gave me the assurance that He would never leave me nor forsake me.

He has blessed me with a loving husband who happens to be my best friend, three of the most adorable sons that a mother could hope for, and five darling grandchildren. Yes, even on my worst days, I can tell you, I am blessed! 

My intent is to encourage you today. I hope I have accomplished that.  This is my story. What is yours?

Blessed Assurance

"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Saviour, all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Saviour, all the day long."

-Fanny Crosby {1820-1915} 

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi