Miss Spenser's Blog

Bachelor Buttons are one of our favorite flowers...we like it when it blooms in the garden, and then we also enjoy it a second time after it's been dried and added to potpourri or black tea for added color and texture. These cheerful, ragged blossoms bloom so prolifically and with ease you don't need a green thumb to grown them. In fact, they are often the first plants that children grow successfully on their own. In the past, Bachelor Buttons often grew as a weed in grain fields in Southern England, hence it acquired the nickname, "cornflower." History tells us that when Napoleon forced Queen Louise of Prussia from Berlin, she hid her children in a field of cornflowers and kept them entertained by weaving wreaths of these pretty little flowers. One of her children, Wilheim later became Emperor of Germany, and in recalling his mother's bravery, named the cornflower as a national emblem of unity. Bachelor Buttons are actually an annual, but don't be surprised...

Zucchini Casserole 4 cups sliced zucchini 1 cup grated parmesan cheese 4 eggs, beaten 1 cup chopped onions 1 cup Bisquick 1 teaspoon parsley 1/2 cup oil Salt and Pepper to taste Set Oven at 350 degrees. Mix Bisquick, oil, eggs, onion and parsley. Add zucchini and cheese. Mix well. Place in greased casserole. Bake for 1 hour. Can be served hot or cold. Cut to serve. Great as a savory for tea when cut in small cubes.

This pretty tea cup is made by Tuscan, and is entitled "Provence." We couldn't resist this purchase...the teacup has such a "cottage" feel to it...simple, yet elegant. Don't you think this sweet teapot, 'A Circle of Kindness,' is the perfect pairing for a pleasant afternoon?! Come join us as we escape from the din of this world with a delicious cup of fragrant tea and a few Victoria magazines...ahh...the perfect fit for a beautiful summer afternoon. Other's Who Are Participating in Teacup Thursday! Bernideens' Tea Time Blog Kimberly Shaw at Typepad

In June of 2008, Miss Spenser, a friend, Cindy Hall, and I were fortunate to attend the Exhibit of "Diana: A Celebration" in Cleveland, Ohio. At that time, they said they didn't think the exhibit would be in the states again...We just couldn't pass the opportunity to view the exhibit, so we hopped in the car and drove about 13 hours to Cleveland...did I mention that I am not a very good "traveler?" Despite that, we did have a fantastic time. The Exhibition is fully supported by Diana's family and her Memorial Fund. It's a lovely display of the Spencer family heritage, Diana's childhood and beyond. One of the reasons we hopped in the car was to see the royal wedding dress on display...we were speechless...it was so pretty and as ones who appreciate history and fashion, we enjoyed it immensely. When I saw the tea cup that commemorated Princess Diana, as England's Rose, I could not resist the purchase...especially knowing that a portion of my ...

Here are some pictures from our Princess Diana Tea! Teatime treats fit for a Queen! These sweet little toothpick pictures of Princess Diana were made by our friend Char Massey! Thank you Char! They look darling on the Triffle! Teatime Friends who drove all the way from Chicago! We had a special guest on Sunday, Ronda Kelley. She has actually met Princess Diana - not only once but twice! She delighted everyone with her magical tales of meeting the princess! Thank you, Ronda!!

Today we are sharing a cute Staffordshire tea cup called "Yorkshire." I like this cup for many reasons...one being, my ancestors came from the Yorkshire area. My maiden name was Cherryholmes and they were well known in the Yorkshire area for growing fine cherries...of course! The other reason I love these tea cups is, somehow, Grayson, our youngest, got the nickname, 'Haybale.' When he was younger, like all boys, was fascinated with tractors, especially during hay baling season on our farm. Of course, our modern world bales hay much differently than the picture depicted on the tea cup. It's actually one season I particularly enjoy myself...it's fascinating how the whole operation works, and afterwards, seeing the bales of hay out on the fields is quite beautiful! When I found these lovely dishes for sale, with the little guy asleep in the middle of the hay mound, I couldn't resist purchasing them for my "Haybale." I plan on giving this beauti...