Miss Spenser's Blog

The Peacock has held the world in fascination for many centuries! It's also embodied many various symbols in religions and cultures. Out of all that I've read this is what I liked best about the Peacock's Symbolism - that it is thought to  symbolize "Renewal". Often peacocks are pictured with their heads turned to their tale feathers, every year they grow a new set of tale feathers, representing 'renewal'. So with that in mind, I hope you all take a moment today to pause, enjoy a cup of tea and 'renew' your spirit! ~ Miss Spenser Tea is a cup of life. ~Author Unknown Other's Who Are Participating in Teacup Thursday! Rose Chintz Cottage Antiques and Teacups The Rosemary House Lady Estelle's Tea Corner Denise's Delights Faith Hope And Cherrytea Beautiful Clutter Martha's Favorites Breath of Fresh Air Lady Linda Teacup Gracious Hospitality Atteatude and Chocolate Teacups In the Garden Letters from the Northwest A Delightsome Li...

We have been hosting tea parties now for the past six years…over this time, we have met some amazing people. Deborah Witte of Story City, Iowa, was one of these special people. We met Debbie a couple years ago when she made a reservation for two to attend one of our special events. Upon her arrival, we immediately sensed her enthusiasm for life and tea parties! We were graced by her presence on several different occasions…they were always followed up with the sweetest notes of encouragement…she was definitely one of our best cheerleaders. Debbie was one of those special people that despite her sickness chose to live life abundantly and to the fullest. We never once heard her complain… It was with great sadness that we learned in January 2012 that Debbie had passed away in December. Christina, one of her executors, called us with the news and shared with us that she would like to give the tearoom Debbie’s beautiful Country Roses tea set to use in the tearoom. She knew tha...

What a fun tea we had last weekend! To celebrate St. Patrick's Day we hosted our Irish Farmhouse Tea! The room was filled with a festive spirit! We had a table of 8 ladies who all had birthdays in March! So they came to celebrate and their lively spirits brightened the room!  Foods ranged from Patty's Ham & Cheese Quiche, to Luck of the Irish Cucumbers... to Lucky Leprechaun Cakes...  to Shamrock Shortbread Cookies! May joy and peace surround you, Contentment latch your door,   And happiness be with you now,   And bless you evermore.   Our next Special Themed Tea is our Titanic Tea  which is already sold out! Sorry!  But be sure to join us for our Mother's Day Tea - May 5th!  Call today to make your reservation!  641-342-1547

Irish Blessing: May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours! Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! Other's Who Are Participating in Teacup Thursday! Rose Chintz Cottage Antiques and Teacups The Rosemary House Lady Estelle's Tea Corner Denise's Delights Faith Hope And Cherrytea Beautiful Clutter Martha's Favorites Breath of Fresh Air Lady Linda Teacup Gracious Hospitality Atteatude and Chocolate Teacups In the Garden Letters from the Northwest A Delightsome Life Poetry in a Pot of Tea Lady B's Time for Tea Romance of Roses From This to That Fabby's Living Art Books Tea Tea, Friendship and the Fine Art of Card Making The Nest at Finch Rest Rose Walk Cottage Christine's Home and Travel Adventures If you'd like to join us for...

"Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things..." Chaim Potok This past weekend we had the privilege of hosting a tea party for a mother and her two daughters. It was a congratulatory and Bon Voyage tea celebration as Melissa, on the left, will be heading off to London, England where she will be managing England's first Victoria Secret  Store. Both Colleen and I (Donna) could relate to the joys of  watching our children succeed...but on the other hand, our hearts are a little torn with letting go. We put little British Flags in the Grilled Sandwiches in honor of  her Bon Voyage! Melissa has promised to keep us posted on her year's stay in London...we can hardly wait to learn all about her exciting adventures Across the Pond!

This is a repost of a Irish teacup that I shared last year! I thought this teacup was too cute note to share it again!! This is a Copeland Grosvenor called "Green Duchess". Isn't the little Madam Alexander Doll cute! My mom got this little Irish Lassie when she was a young girl and then gave her to me! ~Miss Spenser Hills as green as emeralds Cover the countryside Lakes as blue as sapphires- And Ireland's special pride And rivers that shine like silver Make Ireland look so fair- But the friendliness of her people Is the richest treasure there .   Other's Who Are Participating in Teacup Thursday! Rose Chintz Cottage Antiques and Teacups The Rosemary House Lady Estelle's Tea Corner Denise's Delights Faith Hope & Cherrytea Beautiful Clutter Martha's Favorites Breath of Fresh Air Lady Linda Teacup Gracious Hospitality Atteatude and Chocolate Teacups In the Garden Letters from the Northwest A Delightsome Life Poetry in a Pot of Tea Lady B...

For the Brownie Base – use a Brownie Mix – prepare as per box and bake in a 9x13 pan. After the brownies have baked and cooled – top them with: Peanut Butter Frosting: 2/3 Cup softened butter 2/3 Cup creamy peanut butter 2 2/3 Cup powdered sugar 2-3 TBSP Milk (or more of needed) to create spreadable frosting After spreading the brownies with the peanut butter frosting, refrigerate until set – then top with the melted chocolate icing. Chocolate Icing: 1 Cup semisweet chocolate chips 6 TBSP Butter Melt the chocolate chips and butter in the top of a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Pour warm glaze over peanut butter filling. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. Cutting tip: Remove pan from the refrigerator and allow the brownies to come to room temperature so the chocolate will not crack when cutting. CAUTION -- Very rich, but oh so yummy! Cut small pieces…and Enjoy!

It's Official -- Spring is Just around the corner!!  Mr. Meadowlark made his grand appearance at Longview Farms at 9:15 - Thursday, March 1st! What a joyous song he sings...

Our fascination with Black Teacups happened out of pure accident...a stop at a garage sale along the country road. As we approached, this little pretty was sitting there all by itself...and, if "teacups could talk"  it was saying, "Take me home!!" Naturally we did...and oh so happy...it's such a beauty! This cup is a Royal Standard Fine Bone China - Made in England. This little road-side purchase has spurred us on to find other black teacups...in fact, my sister, Deana, in Tennessee just called a couple weeks ago at a tag sale..."Donna...there's a black teacup!" The rest is history...we haven't seen it in person yet as we are waiting to make the exchange, hopeful she'll come for a visit soon...until then, enjoy this pretty! ~Donna  Other's Who Are Participating in Teacup Thursday! Rose Chintz Cottage Antiques and Teacups The Rosemary House Lady Estelle's Tea Corner Denise's Delights Faith Hope & Cherrytea Beautiful C...