Tea Stands for Tuesday - 12/8/2020

Every Holiday Season I pull out my set of red glass dishes.  I'm drinking my coffee in a red glass cup this morning.

The dishes were originally my Mom's.  They are marked on the bottom  "Arcoroc, France. " I think she got them sometime in the 50's.   I know they went with her from house to house over the years.  She had more expensive china and even prettier cups but she liked her coffee in a red glass cup.

Do you have a favorite cup or some dishes passed down through the family?

Join me at the Tea Stands for Tuesday party on Elizabeth's blog.  We are sure to see some pretty cups there.

Tea Stands for Tuesday 12/1/2020

 Good morning friends.  I hope this Tuesday finds you well and ready to finish the last month of the year.  I'm always eager to join Elizabeth and everyone for tea.

We have not been out for a meal since March.  That doesn't mean we haven't talked about it.  

This is an old photo taken at the Black Bear Diner.  Are you familiar with the place?  I know it is a chain but think it may be limited to the West Coast.  

After some discussion we decided this is the first place we will go to for breakfast as soon as it is safe.  

Do you have a favorite place that you miss?

Happy Thanksgiving

 This little fellow shows up here every year at this time.

Not everyone everywhere is celebrating Thanksgiving but we can all take a minute to count our blessings.

Honoring our Veterans today.

Veterans Day

Lifting my cup to all the veterans out there today.  

Thank you for your service.

Hello November

 If you are in the U.S. this month is going to be all politics all the time.  I think I will hide out with my craft supplies.

Today is celebrated as Day of the Dead by some cultures.  This is a talisman I made to add to the celebrations.  It is created entirely from found objects and part of what I call my Rubble Series.

Hoping you have a great November.

Tea Stands for Tuesday - 10/27/2020

 

Hello to all my tea party friends.  I am trying a new herbal tea.  It has a nice peachy aroma and color and a decent amount of peach flavor.  I think I will put it in my herbal tea rotation.

Since this is the last time for a tea party before Halloween I want to share my wishes for a safe and happy Halloween with you.   This is a collaged card I made some time ago using a copy of a baby photo.  In fact it appeared on my old blog.  I wanted to give it another outing.

Grab your drink of choice and join me in visiting everyone at Elizabeth's tea party.  

Stay well everyone.

Ten Day Challenge 6/10

 

Ten Day Challenge - 5/10

 

Ten Day Challenge - 4/10

 

10 day challenge - 3/10

 

Ten Day Challenge - 2/10

 

Ten Day Challenge

 I have been nominated by my friend Jo Cunningham to take the artist challenge. 10 days, 10 images, no explanation. Each day I will post an image of my work. Instructions were to then nominate another artist to take the challenge but instead I'm suggesting my artist friends leave a link to their work in the comments.

All my 10 days of posts will appear here on my blog. Many of these have appeared before.

I may be away from the computer for a bit will continue when I can.

1/10

Tea Stands for Tuesday - 10/20/20

Welcome and try not to trip over the dust bunnies.  I really have had other things to do lately.  There is always time for a cup of tea though.

To begin with, I've been wearing this heart monitor for nearly 2 weeks.  It is to check arythmias.  If any of you are familiar with the Holter monitors with all their leads and connections you will agree this is amazing new technology.  The whole thing fits in the palm of my hand and records every single heart beat for up to two weeks.  I'm impressed.  Once I'm done I put it in the provided box and mail it back to the company who produces a report for my physician.

In an effort to entertain myself, and remain calm, I decided to drink my tea and knit a dishcloth.  I dug into my yarn stash and found some cotton yarn that seemed to reflect the season.  Here's the pattern, it is familiar to most knitters and an easy thing to make for those new to knitting.

Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth
Designer: Unknown
The cloth in this photo was stitched by Joyce Skeens. Thanks to Knitting Exchange for letting me post it on this site.
Rating: Easy

Materials: Sugar and Cream yarn; Size 6 or 7 needles (US)
Instructions:
Cast on 4 stitches
Row 1: Knit 4
Row 2: Knit 2, yarn over, knit across the row.
Repeat Row 2 until you have 44 stitches on the needle.
Row 3: Knit 1, Knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to the end of the row.
Repeat Row 3 until you have 4 stitches on the needle.
You can now either bind off or do a round of single crochet and make a little loop of chain stitches in one corner so you can hang the cloth to dry when you are finished using it.

That's my report.  Now I'm off to join the rest of the tea group at Altered Book Blog.  It is always fun to catch up with friends there.

Tea Stands for Tuesday 10/6/2020

 

Good Morning Friends.  Isn't this a lovely tea illustration?  I'd like to credit it but I don't recall where I saved it from.

I've been knitting instead of drawing teacups.  Keeping my hands busy and creating, just in another medium.

This is another pair of socks going to DH.  Almost done.  Perfect fall colors I think.

Now I'm going to sip my cup of Earl Grey and visit Elizabeth's blog where everyone will be celebrating with a drink of some kind and chatting about what they have been doing.

Second on the Second 10/2/2020

 Every month Elizabeth  at Altered Book Lover ssuggests we bring an old post back for a second look.  I chose this one because I like the autumn colors.  

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011

Wet Canvas - Pears

This is my third experiment with acrylics.  In September an Annual Pear Festival takes place in one of the small towns by the lake in the mountains. That was the inspiration for this piece.

9x6 mixed media acrylic

A map of the area, recycled tea bag papers, tissue paper and paper napkins were all used in creating this piece and it was painted with acrylics

This is the last of the set of three canvas boards that I bought. I'm not sure if I will continue this experiment or not. It has been a learning experience for me in any case.

Welcome October

 

We definitely need some fall weather here in NoCA.  Fires and smoke still linger.

Tea Stands for Tuesday - 9/8/2020

I'm so happy to be able to join Elizabeth and friends for Tuesday Tea.

I drink my coffee first thing in the morning and hope.  CA is experiencing a record breaking heat wave.  Wild fires are happening all up and down the state so we have smokey skies.  That is on top of the underlying pandemic and the fact that many things are closed.  I was thinking about this because Labor Day in the U.S. signals the end of summer and is often a time for picnics and bar-b-cues.  Since I couldn't attend either of those, I was thinking of recipes I might of used in the past.  Then I stumbled on this......

Here is a little trivia about a condiment in regular use today: Tomato-based ketchup quickly caught on in the U.S. during the first few decades of the 19th century. At first, it was made and locally sold by farmers, but by 1837 at least one company was producing and distributing it on a national scale. The H. J. Heinz Company, a name that's synonymous with ketchup for most people today, was a relative latecomer to the game and didn't produce a tomato-based ketchup until 1876. They originally referred to their product as catsup, but switched to ketchup in the 1880's to stand out. Eventually, ketchup became the standard spelling in the industry and among consumers, though you can still find catsup strongholds sprinkled across the U.S. (via @mentalfloss.com.)

I didn't know Heinz has been around that long. I'm apparently in the minority as I say catsup. How about you?

Happy Labor Day - 2020

postcard

Second on the Second - 9/2/2020

Today is the day Elizabeth offers us the opportunity to join her and others in reposting something for a second look.  I dug way back for this one.  Candy tins are fun to play with.

EDIT:  I'm not sure it is apparent but this is a necklace.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 07, 2011

Altered Candy Tin

Front of altered tin

I knew I wanted to use one candy tin to make something honoring a friend, a women I admire for going back to college to further her education and making it through graduation.


Inside of altered tin

I'm not sure it is obvious from the photo but the two leg milagros dangle inside the tin.

I always enjoy making art but when I'm creating something with a special person in mind and for a special purpose it enhances the experience.

I've set aside the second tin for the moment but I already have some ideas for working with it.

What do you do with all those empty candy tins?

Welcome September

I enjoy the beginning of September knowing the winter holidays are coming up soon.  We really don't get fall weather here until nearly November but I can dream of crispy leaves and warm fireplaces.

Tea Stands for Tuesday - 9/1/2020

Hello friends,

The fall and winter holidays are coming up fast.  I wonder if 

anyone is thinking along those lines as they create their art.   Lets go to the Altered Book Lover blog and find out.  Elizabeth always has something good going on and everyone there contributes to Tea Stands for Tuesday.  It is lots of fun.

I am getting a second cup of tea and then I'm settling down to gather some ideas for knitting gifts. 

Sunday 8/30/2020

Nature is amazing

spotted on my morning walk

Tea Stands for Tuesday - 8/25/2020

Along with the pandemic, California is undergoing another season of wildfires.  We haven't been in the path of the fire but have received our share of smoke.  A caution regarding unhealthy air has been issued over the past several days.

internet art - I don't have the link

Drinking tea helps.  Coming here to visit with friends and see what everyone is doing helps. 

We have a couple of apple trees on our river property.  We picked a lot and have told a couple neighbors to help themselves.

I made applesauce and baked an apple pie.  You can see we also harvested some tomatoes too.  Makes me realize that fall is coming soon..

Now that you've heard from me, lets go to the Altered Book Lover blog.  I am getting a second cup of tea and settling down to visit.

Tea Stands for Tuesday 8/4/2020

I'm late, I'm late said the White Rabbit.  And I say, well at least I showed up, hahaha.  I hope the tea party is still going on at the Altered Book Lover blog.

I am drinking a cup of my new Earl Grey tea and feeling quite spoiled this morning.  The tea was is a gift from a friend.  

Before having tea, I put my mask on and went for an early morning walk.  Only saw two other people and they were walking their dogs in the distance.  

I came across this pot of interesting succulents.  I really like the big rust red one that looks like leather.

I hope you are able to get outdoors, at least for a walk.  Summer will be over before we know it.

Second on the Second 8/2/2020

It is time to get together at Altered Book Lover blog on the 2nd of the month when Elizabeth asks us to give and old post a second viewing.  Here is  what I chose to share with you.  It was previously posted to Elizabeth's Tea Party nearly 5 years ago.  I do enjoy Altered Book Lover!

Tea Stands for Tuesday - 11/3/15

Time once again to join the Tuesday Tea group over at Elizabeth's blog. 

Recently I was sorting through my pile of old postcards.  Not exactly a collection, more an accumulation of post cards.  I know that some of the regulars at our Tuesday Tea are postcard makers and collectors.  I thought I"d share one of mine
.

Satisfied?  Why shouldn't I be

The whole darned thing suits me to a T.

Dear Paul,

Hope you are having lots of fun for I am enjoying myself.  I get three meals a day and don't have to cook them.

Love from your tormentor.

The post card was mailed from Leaburg Oregon sometime in 1940.  

The card always makes me smile when I read it, hope it made you smile too.

Welcome August

Artist: Eugene Grasset

c 1896

Let's discuss fashion

I'm not really interested in fashion in terms of what to wear myself.  I do find it interesting in the context of culture.  What was worn when.  



This is admittedly long but I enjoyed it on two levels.  The music and dancing was lovely.  The fashions were interesting.  I did run it a second time with the music off so I could really concentrate on the fashion.

My thoughts were:  1) The overall look, all the white headscarves and buttoned to the neck tops reminded me of "The Handmaidens Tale" for some reason.  2) The pinafores (or what ever they were with the straps) seemed very work-like attire.  3) I spotted a Shorts Suit.  Isn't that what they were called?  Maybe in the 80's?  Didn't like them then, don't like them now.  4) All the boots seemed to echo the "down to business" feel of the collection to me.  At least the models weren't tottering around of heels that would be pretty useless in most situations.

Let me know what you think,

Tea Stands for Tuesday 7/21/2020

We were once again at the river last week.  We are still SIP, we go out the door of one house and in the door at the other.  We get gas and groceries ahead of time during early morning hours when crowds are thin.

https://www.antiquefarmhouse.com/country-rooster-teapot.

I really like this rooster teapot.   In truth it looks more like a watering can to me but they say it is a teapot and there is a teacup there under the spout.

Our Granny Smith apple trees are producing lots of apples this year.  I brought these back with us.  I'll be making apple pie and some apple butter.  I will be busy!  I told a neighbor there to pick some and pass them around.  I don't want any to go to waste.

I'm going to pour myself a cup of tea and then I'm off to visit the tea party at Elizabeth's.  I'm happy I have internet again so I can do that.  

Good Monday Morning

Even though I am retired, there is something about a Monday morning that seems like a fresh start.  A new week.

Lily of the Nile

When I go on my morning walks I spot lots of these flowers along the way.  They are often used in plantings around businesses.  Common or not, I think they are beautiful

Tea Stands for Tuesday 7/7/2020

Good morning.  It seems hard to believe we are in July already.  We are still pretty much staying home and avoiding contact with others.  It is nice I can still visit and have tea here.

*Tea Celebrations
Alexandra Stoddard*

Here is a quote from the book. "Tea for one requires of us a vital ingredient besides some hot water and tea leaves: caring. We have to treat ourselves with the same tender love and affection as we treat a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a friend, or a lover. Just as our thoughts have a profound effect on our actions and reactions, when we do something for ourselves alone, we send a signal to our soul that our life has value."

I'm off to visit Elizabeth and friends  Why don't you join me?

4th of July

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July.

paper scraps, pen and ink

Second on the Second. 6/2/2020

On the second of every month, Elizabeth invites us to bring an older post back for a second look.  Here's my second look for this month.

My life will always have dirty dishes

If this sink can become

A place of contemplation,

Let me learn constancy here

Gunilla Norris

"Being Home"

I have the above quote framed and hanging near my sink.

I like doing dishes, having my hands in hot soapy water, day dreaming. When we had our kitchen remodeled I opted to have more storage space instead of a dishwasher. However we had them put the plumbing in for a dishwasher in case we ever want one. See that set of drawers at the bottom right of the sink? That unit can be pulled out and a dishwasher slipped in. Pretty tricky, huh?

How about you? Do you wash dishes by hand or use a dishwasher?

Here comes July

So far 2020 has been quite a year.

Tea Stands for Tuesday 6/30/2020

Hello friends.  I'm always excited when I can join you at Elizabeth's for a tea party.  

'Cream Tea For two' By Mani Parkes

Next time I will make a little something to go with my tea.

Cheesecake Crescent Rolls

2 cans of Pillsbury Crescent rolls

2 8oz packages cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup butter, melted

Cinnamon

Sugar

Unroll and spread 1 of the cans of crescent rolls on the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish (or 8 x 8 if you want to cut the recipe in half). 

Combine softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla. Spread over crescent roll layer. Unroll and layer remaining crescent rolls over cream cheese layer. Melt your butter and spread over top of crescent rolls. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 20-30 minutes in 350F oven until bubbly and slightly browned.

Drizzle with a little honey if you like. Let cool a bit, slice and eat.

Enjoy your tea, I will try to get around to see what everyone is doing these days.

Before we were yours (book)

I've always been a reader but while staying home the last few months I have increased my reading a lot.  Here's one of the books I enjoyed.

The book is historical fiction based on a real-life scandal. Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country. Lisa tells their story writing parallel tales, one set in 1939 and one in the present day.

The story moves along well and the fact that it is based on something that actually happened kept me turning the pages to see what was going to take place next.

Good Morning

I've been away from my blog for too long.  I thought I'd reenter the fray with a little humor shared by a friend.

Memorial Day

This has been an odd year.  Celebrate  but stay safe my friends

Tea Stands for Tuesday 5/12/2020

I look forward to Tuesdays and the tea party Elizabeth hosts every week.  It is one of my happy places.  I will be having a cup of English Breakfast Tea as I join the group.

Here is a pair of socks I just finished knitting for DH.  Hot off the needles as they say.  I'm calling them his Quarantine Socks.  I used some yarn from my stash and the two socks aren't exactly alike.  I'm fine with that though.  Not recycling but certainly using what I have.

I hope everyone is staying in and staying safe.