In a Nutshell

England is magnificent.

The first week was busy, but things are slowing dow now (yay!).

In a nutshell, I've visited Bristol, stayed with Mary, Tim, Jude, and Julia, traveled to Paris, visited Uncle Gavin's for dinner, visited the University of Oxford, seen Jude and Julia's school, and spent some time relaxing and visiting.

It's a wonderful, semi-short visit.

It's incredible how much difference experience and two and a half years makes.

But, it's funny the insecurities that arise in an environment other than the one in which you've grown up.

I'm sitting at the kitchen table, glancing periodically out to the garden, sipping a cup of tea.

One of the many things I love about England, is when you go to someone's home, typically they will offer you tea.

Anyway, today I go to Stevenage to visit lovely family.

As I was thinking about it this morning, I became very excited.

When I get back to the USA, I will post pictures and share more detailed accounts.

Until then, watch for me at Centre Court during the Men's Wimbledon Finals!

Who do you think will be there?

P.S. Any guesses when the Royal baby will arrive?

Rows of Marmite...Am I In Heaven?

Maltesers...Marmite...Marmalade
Tea...Cider...Hobnobs...
British Cheddar Cheese...
...and so much more.

Grocery shopping in England is a treat.
It makes me happy.
The food in England is so much better than in America.

Anyway, have you guessed where I am (if you are one of the people who doesn't already know)?
I'm in ENGLAND!

After a car ride, flight, several trains, and another car, I arrived at Grampaw's.
He greeted me with the offer of a cup of tea.
I love being in a country where tea is held in such esteem.

I fell asleep on the train for a few minutes...only to be awakened by the conductor asking to see my ticket.
Then, I fell asleep and woke up just as we pulled into Reading (which is good, as I might have ended up in Oxford).
Later, Grampaw asked if I wanted to take a nap.
I declined, only to decide that my hurt and needed a rest.
But, I told Grampaw I wouldn't fall asleep.
He retorted, "Those are famous last words."
Um...I don't know how much later...I woke up.

Anyway, except for those little snoozes, I finally went to bed after being awake for about 33 hours.
After eating the yummiest pizza I've eaten in a while.
In the greatest little hole in the wall.

Today was amazing.
Grandma Sue, Claire, Ed, and my newest cousin, Daisy, came to visit.
We drank tea, Skyped with Daddy, went out to eat, and had a lovely time.
Thanks to Claire, Daddy and I now have two jars of Marmite Gold.
And, Daisy is precious!!! (pictures to follow)

Then...
*drum roll*
I took a picture with CARY GRANT!
Yes, you read correctly.
One of my favorite actors was born and raised in Bristol.
There is a statue of him in centre of Bristol.
So, in the rain, I asked a nice passerby (after analysing whether I thought he would run off with my camera) if he would take a picture.
He did.
And gave me the camera back.

Oh, did I mention all the Wimbledon Grampaw and I have watched?
And, may we freak out together about Federer losing??!!
I guess I won't be seeing him at the finals.
So sad.

Tomorrow Grampaw and I are off to the bookshop (ummm, a mini-heaven?).
I'll get lost in the classics room while Grampaw works.

Tomorrow I'm off to London in the afternoon.
It feels a little like I'm going home...to one of my many homes.

Photos may be posted before I get home in two weeks...
But, then again, they may not.

Little Things

Photo by K.L.R.

Surround me with books.

Let flowers abound.

May tea be plentiful.

The ambiance exude cozy airiness.

Comfy places to lounge.

And, a place to cook.

An easel in the corner.

The cat purring on the bed.

Early Morning Calm

"Prince" Caspian
Photo by K.L.R.

The sliding door is open, Caspian is lying at it looking out, and I'm eating a yummy, refreshing breakfast (my tea needs to be warmed).

I love quiet mornings, especially in the spring and summer.
Still, morning air waking up.
A light breeze that carries the bird's chirping.
The sun not yet above the moments, thus making it permissible to stay in my pajamas a little while longer.

Relaxing early morning hours that evolve into productive mid to late mornings are bliss.
This doesn't mean I have a "To Do" list a mile long...although, it is rather lengthy.

My thoughts are wandering from the article I need to write to my pending trip to England to my dear friend in France to whether or not I'll make it to Paris.  Oh, and then there is a day trip to Oxford that would be fun.

I'm becoming more and more excited about my upcoming trip to England.

This summer is going to be amazing.
I don't think I've looked forward to an entire summer this much in quite some time.

Today I get to play tennis.
With my newly restrung racquet.
It's amazing what good strings will do.
While playing yesterday, I hit a shot--that you'd expect to go in--but when it did, I was happily surprised....and realized it was because of my awesome new strings!

Dear Friday: Teacher Appreciation, Chocolate, and Girl's Night in a Boutique

Yay for subbing on Friday of Teacher Appreciation Week!

Dear Friday, it's 11:11 and today is great.
Dear School, I don't want you to end...what will I do without my students for the summer?
Dear Sunshine, thank you for two days of you!  The rain was nice, but I'm glad you're back.
Dear Teacher Appreciation Week Inventor, you are awesome.  Chocolate fondue, strawberries, pineapple, cookies, brownies, chocolate covered pretzels, and so much more...yuuum!
Dear Jamison, we need to have girl's night more often!  Talking, chick flicks, chocolate, tea...and all in a fabulous boutique.  Yes.  The best.
Dear Life, you are still complicated, beautiful, sad, happy, and all around...wonderful and busy.
Dear England, I'm coming.
Dear Wimbledon, best birthday ever....I'm anticipating you excitedly!
Dear Weekend, I'm ready for you.

When Love Supercedes Frustration

Hot Tazo Chai and Avril Lavigne Pandora station.
I don't think her music is normally associated with relaxing...but today it is.

I subbed for one of my former history teachers at the high school today.
Due to a field trip, two of my classes were gone.
I filled in for Industrial Maintenance for two periods.
I had never been down there before.
Definitely a new world.

Through two ongoing examples, I've been learning what it is like to be upset with a person/persons and to still care about them.  It was put into practice today.

I have the privilege of substitute teaching amazing students.  It is truly an honor and a joy.  Maybe some of you reading understand the joy teenagers bring to life!

Tonight was pageant practice.  It was long and productive.  I am now exhausted and have a croaky voice.

To bed?
I think maybe.

Guten nacht.

Afternoon Chai, Writing, and Lipstick

I'm at the coffee shop in town, working on an article.

Clearly I am taking a break.  For whatever reason, I am having a difficult time piecing it together.  There are so many things I want to share, but I must keep writing and erasing to see how it comes together.

I love that my job let's me work from wherever.  Although, I tend to be slightly distracted when people and cars walk and drive by.  It's a small town, so I'm always like, "Who is that?  Wait, do I know that person driving by?"

Winter is a guest overstaying it's welcome.  It is gusty outside, making the awning flap angrily.  I'd like to see some green buds on the trees.

I bought sale $1 lipstick on Saturday.  You know, how high can my expectations really be?  The first color is too pale/shimmery for my taste.  I already have another color like it.  But, the red I bought is awesome.  Granted, I have to apply chapstick first, but the color is great, it stays on well (I've been drinking chai and I still have some on my lips), and my lips stay smooth.  I'm a fan!

I need to go back to brainstorming and writing.

From my view:

My distraction

What I'm about to pack up because my brain is not working.

One Day of My Awesome Weekend!

Yesterday I received the nicest comment from a friend.
She noted the diversity in my life lately, shown through two albums I posted.

In one, I was having lunch and tea with a friend.
In the other, I was shooting a 12-Gauge and a 22 (post to come).

Both were fabulous.

Friday was a snow day.  Instead of subbing in the computer lab at the elementary school, Scarlet and I finally got together!  I tried a delicious Shepherd's Pie and she had the soup.  We sipped Earl Grey tea, and enjoyed catching up on life.

After we lunched, I drove up to the paper and enjoyed hanging out in the newsroom and doing my first editing of the Saturday paper.  Love being a reporter.  I think I need to watch an old reporter movie.  I'm feeling some Cary.

 

Breakfast...For All Meals

Breakfast foods are my favorite.
Whether muesli, yogurt, and fruit, pancakes, an omelet, I just love breakfast foods...for all meals.

When I sometimes plan my wedding, I play with the idea of a morning wedding followed by a brunch reception (thanks to the recent champagne brunch I attended, I'm leaning that direction even more).

This afternoon I turned on TLC's Four Weddings.  I don't love the show, but I was bored.  One of the receptions had a Bacon Bar.  Seriously, A BACON BAR!  How fun?  Actually, my first reaction was, I have to tell Deborah!  My second reaction was, that is not kosher (I'm not Jewish).  Then, as I was writing on Deborah's Facebook, I began to think of all the options.  Don't just think about the strips of yummy goodness.  Go the next step and think of the variety!  Crispy, chewy, maple, turkey....

Her finace's response was the best, " If you advertise that you want a bacon bar at your wedding, you probably will have a wedding sooner, if you know what I mean..."  

I will have to keep that in mind.

So, back to breakfast.  I made a rocking omelet tonight (albeit, a tad over done on the outside).

I started with some bits of onion in the skillet.  Then, I tore up lots of spinach (YUM!) and let that cook down.  Next, I poured my scrambled eggs with pepper into the pan and added more spinach.  A sprinkling of feta, and I let it cook.

With a side of rye toast, half marmited, and a cup of tea, my dinner, while Skyping with Deborah, was scrumptious!

P.S. What if I had an omelet or egg bar with different jars of Marmite for people to use???  I could at least decorate the bar with them ;)

Rainy Days Soothe My Soul

Photo By: Abbie Slate

 Today is a perfect curl up with a good book, stay in pajamas, and drink tea all day kind of day.

It is overcast.
Drops on my windows are just showing.
I can see the rain coming down.

For the perfect setting, I don't quite know what to do with myself.
I am about to Skype with the lovely Marie.
My Vogue magazines have piled up.
I could make it my goal to work through them.
And, I have some actual work work I could do.

Maybe I should drive out to the river.
It's a perfect day to leave the door open and read inside.
Oh, and I could stomp around in my wellies while carrying my umbrella.

What sorts of things make you happy on rainy days?

Productivity Achieved?

After writing my motivation list, I did get out of bed.

On my to do list was a trip to the post office.  I stood in line far longer than I would have preferred.  But, I was given the opportunity to listen to small town chatter, observe, and have a few chuckles.  The weather was glorious.  Rather than immediately going to my car, I decided to take some time to walk through town.

There is a new tea room in town.  Next door, an Irish/Scottish shop is open (except it was closed today).  I peeked through the Irish/Scottish window, and what should I see?  Digestives and red label Yorkshire tea.  I may have had a little freak and immediately tweeted about this wonder.

Anyway, back to the tea room.  Actually, another side note about tea rooms.  In one of the Christy movies, a tea room opens in a nearby town.  This tea room serves whiskey or moonshine in tea cups and strippers provide the entertainment.  That memory sometimes pops in my head after saying "tea room."

Now, really, back to the tea room.  It is tucked away in a cute corner.  Mixed and matched tea cups decorate the tables, and tea pots take up residence in the table centers.  There are three menus: breakfast, lunch, and tea.  I can't wait to pop in and try some of the yummy items!

Now, I relax and wait for White Collar to come on television at 10.  I may do something productive between now and then...but I don't suggest holding your breath : )

Have a lovely night!

Scone Recipe and Tea Party How To by Yours Truly

Today's blog challenge is hardly a challenge, except I have to find the recipes to write them out.

Rather than giving multiple recipes, I am going to give you a recipe to a splendid tea. From my favourite flavor to my favourite scone recipe, it will be a wonderful ensemble.

First, pull out your tea set (unpack it if necessary).  Set everything out, wash if needed, and prepare it to hold tea, milk, and sugar.  Go ahead an put the tea in the tea pot and the sugar in the sugar bowl.  Wait to put the milk in the pitcher so it will not become warm.

Now, check your scone recipe (that I am about to give you) and make sure you have all the ingredients.  I know from experience it is not fun to get to the middle and realize you are short or out of something.  Pull out all the tools you will need.  Wash your hands.  And, GO!

Move the baking rack to the middle in the oven and preheat it to 425 F.

My Mama's Scone Recipe (with a few of my own alterations with which she agrees)
*Bake on 425 F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes

-2 cups of self-rising flour
-3 tbs. sugar
-5 tbs. cold butter (cut in small cubes or shred)
-1 cup heavy whipping cream (chill in the back of the fridge.  If partially crystallized it will make fluffier scones)
-1/2 cup of chips--or more (chocolate, cinnamon, dried fruit, etc.) I recommend cinnamon chip

1.  Mix flour and sugar together evenly and thoroughly.
2.  Add butter, use hands or pastry blender, rub butter in till the mixture resembles peas.
3.  Add chocolate chips, etc. and mix evenly.
4.  Add cream.  Stir till dough clumps into a big ball.
5.  Lightly flour counter and place dough on flour.  If dough is sticky, sprinkle some flour on top.
6.  Knead dough by folding over and smooshing with hand 3-6 times.  No more than 15 seconds total.
7.  Flatter and shape dough into rectangle on a lightly floured surface that you can cut on.  The dough should be about half an inch or a bit more in height to allow for maximum fluffiness.
8.  Cut dough into rows.  Then turn the rows into triangles (small, medium, or large).
9.  Place on pan 1/2 inch apart.
10.  Lightly brush with milk or cream and sprinkle lightly with sugar.

I recommend Earl Grey Loose Leaf, if you are able to acquire it.  Delicious flavor!

While the scones are baking, set the table.
When the scones begin coming out, put the water on to boil, prepare the tea, and allow it to steep for 3-4 minutes.

While enjoying your tea party, whether it be with friends, with a book, with the rain, etc.  I recommend classical music, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack, Christmas Music, Michael Buble, or a Jane Austen book turned movie.

Have a lovely time!

Cousins tea party (cell phone picture, I apologize for the blurriness)

Early Morning Royal Wedding Tea Party (probably 3:55AM EST)

Making scones for The Pilgrim's Protest debate

Like, Like, Like

Hi!

Last night I told you all about my 27 day blog challenge.
Today's challenge is to write about 10 likes.
A little vague, but I can work with that.

1.  Cary Grant.  I like Cary Grant.  He is (was) handsome, daper, English (from Bristol), funny, suave, versatile in his roles, and one of the best actors the screen has ever known.  I will forever be a fan (and will live in denial over any skeletons he may have had).

2.  Christian Louboutin red-soled shoes.  It's a dream of mine to own a pair.  They are gorgeous, comfy (so I've heard), and classy (the pumps).  The red-soles add spice to walking down the street.

3.  My cats.  Rillian and Caspian are cuddly and precious.  They are so sweet when they cuddle together.

4.  Fall in the Virginia mountains.  Fall arrived yesterday.  I'm elated.  The trees have changed shades of green, causing me to believe they are preparing to become hued with red, yellow, and orange.

5.  Diamonds.  I just really really like them.  I don't care if they come in a tiara, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet, or earrings.  I love when Matthew McConaughey says, "Frost yourself."  Yes please.

6.  Laughing.  Forget like, I love to laugh. Till my stomach hurts and tears role down my face.  Or till I hyperventilate (which has happened...and can be a little scary).

7.  England.  Germany.  France (never been, but still).  Europe.  Like the chocolate, countryside, and cities.  I am anticipating moving there.  Oh, that will be a beautiful day.

8.  Earl Grey Tea.  Mmmm, smells scrumptious, tastes amazing, chic.  I am ready for tea with the Queen (just waiting for my invitation).

9.  Chocolate.  The dark stuff.

10.  Pink champagne.  Mmmm.  Classy, chic, and DELICIOUS!

Well, there you go, my ten likes.
Tune in tomorrow for #2 blog challenge.

Tea Sets and Chandeliers

Hello Lovelies!

I am back home after spending a few days with my Aunt in Staunton.
A quaint town, Staunton boasts large and lovely antique and consignment shops.

Aunt Barbara and I went downtown Sunday night (in her BMW convertible Barbie Car ) and window shopped.

I found a beautiful tea set with a turquoise stripe around the top and a small gold stripe on either side.
She found a chic, romantic chandelier to hang in her bedroom.

She bought her find and I walked away from mine.  Although, I did decide that I can buy lots of tea sets and use one each month on a rotational basis!

Monday we had a lovely breakfast of french toast and strawberries.
Coffee was also a factor.
While journaling I noticed I was shaky.  I think it was the coffee.

We went downtown and shopped.  I ended up purchasing a vintage, blush pink umbrella.

Aunt Barbara found a lovely formal gown.

We went swimming and sunned.  Watched the Olympics and had girl time.

Such a wonderful time we had.  My favorite part of swimming is when they pull that mermaid move.
Aunt Barbara called it "wiggling."

Now I am home preparing to fly to Florida in the morning.

Cheers!

P.S.  My computer crashed and it is having to be slowly fixed.  Thus, pictures will be lacking for the time being : (

Would You Like Some Wensleydale, Gromit?

Quote of the day:
Julia, "I am going to tell Nickt about your naughtiness!"
Me, "What is my naughtiness?"
Julia,"You were going to eat me!"
(ok, I was pretending to eat her).

Wanna know how to get a great workout?  Live at the top of a long sloping hill and push two children down it in a stroller.  Know why?  You have to then push one of them back up : )

Yes, I did that this morning.

Then we proceeded to chill (aka, breakfast, telly, etc.)  Then, BATH TIME for Julia : )  Her hair is AMAZING!  When it is wet it just hangs in a mass of teeny tiny curls....I would love to have hair like that....for at least a day.

Then, it was time for cake and.....Wallace and Gromit!!!!! Or in the words of Julia, "Wallace and Dromit." I have been trying to watch it for ages and she kept not wanting to.  Well, FINALLY we did : )  My cup of tea was fantastic and her cake (and mine) was amazing!!!
(I need to have some more cheese and cream crackers).

I had a skype date with Daddy which was wonderful!  Michael is now in Florida = )

I then did basically nothing....oh except I watched Fran and Shister Meffield get married ; )  Not the same without my wonderful and dear Roommate whom I love dearly!

We ordered pizza, watched Shrek 2, watched England NOT beat Algeria....ugh, and FINALLY got to talk to my wonderful roommate!!! It was sooo great to speak with her!  She, as usual, gave me more wisdom in another aspect of walking with Jesus.  I love her for that.  And many other reasons as well!

Then another skype date and the BEACH tomorrow!  I must figure out my bus route and pack : )