The Tea Trolley

Look what is in my shopping trolley!!! (don't notice the silver cups -- those were for playing Hobbit) Do you see those gorgeous, vintage, enamel cups?!! I was so excited to find 9 of them last week (for 49 cents each!!!). They have already been used once for an outdoor picnic (with a plaid blanket for a tablecloth) and I have lots of plans for their further use! 

Did I mention that I was able to acquire one of these? BUNN 3.8-Liter Lever-Action Airpot When we were in Scotland, the church served cups of tea immediately following the evening service each week. How did they do this? They made the tea before church and put it into the Airpots and then voila! The tea was hot and ready to pour as soon as the benediction was pronounced! I knew that was the solution to my various methods of trying to bring hot water to outdoor picnics to make tea or hot chocolate. I am SO excited to have one of these. I used it last weekend and have plans for it tomorrow and I'm sure it will be in regular use -- my "portable" tea party!!!

Rachel turned 13 yesterday! This is a big milestone! Here is the cake she requested ("the ring" from Lord of the Rings).

I had to pop into World Market the other day for a few things. Talk about a discontentment and greed trap for me! Yikes! I was actually glad to leave that store and think I will try to avoid it as much as possible. It is filled with beautiful things from all over the world, and has a very large section of British and European foods and drinks (read tea!!). The problem is, you want it all........

Andrew made us a gluten free cake on Sunday. I'm glad the boys are interested in baking. Andrew's cakes always taste delicious and make a very nice treat for a Sunday afternoon.

We had some serious storms move through town on Sunday afternoon. We were very thankful that the brunt of them did not affect us in a harmful way. In fact, we were gifted with this amazing view out our back door!!!!! How awesome is that?!

We did loose power for a few hours and it was funny to watch the children not know what to do with themselves! (They were so bored!)

I've been making this kale salad for several weeks now and everyone LOVES it! So, I've finally typed the recipe up here so you can make it too! The nice thing about it is that it keeps very well for several days in the fridge (with the dressing). So, if you make a big batch, you can eat it for awhile.

A few more pictures from Rachel's birthday. Such a shame I failed to take a picture of the adorable little breakfast tray that I got Michael to deliver to Rachel when she got up: tea with china and a pumpkin cinnamon roll with a candle in it and a tiny vase of flowers.

Auntie C and the kids made it over for lunch to share part of Rachel's birthday. Not pictured are the cups of rooibos peppermint coconut tea we enjoyed and the cupcakes.

For Rachel's birthday I dug out my bobbin lacemaking supplies and wrapped some of them up for her. She's been begging me for several years to get started and it is high time! Such fun memories the sight and sounds of the bobbins bring back to me. Strange when life comes full circle: I learned to make lace when I was 12 and now I'm teaching my 13 year old daughter.

The weather is turning very cold -- all the more reason to get out the hot drinks! Enjoy your weekend!

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