64 Days 'til Christmas

I'm definitely not trying to rush the season, but Christmas displays and decorations are already in the stores.  I was in Hobby Lobby last week and saw so many lovely Christmas things, then I received my Nov./Dec. Tea Time magazine with its beautiful Christmas cover and realized Christmas is right around the corner! 

My children gave me the teapot, sugar & creamer and teacups that are pictured on Tea Time's cover last year for Christmas.  I can hardly wait to use them this year.  The pattern is Plaid Poinsettia by Grace's Teawares.  I don't have the luncheon plates, so may see if they're available at Replacements Ltd. Delays in shipping time will probably cause a lot of frustration for Christmas shoppers ordering online this year.

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As you've noticed, I've been absent from my blog for a few days.  I was scheduled to have a group of high school girlfriends [group of 7] over for lunch this past Wednesday [Oct. 20th]. Company is a huge motivation for giving my house a thorough cleaning, so I was busy washing floors, rugs, walls, windows, curtains, and even a bit of touch up painting, things they probably wouldn't even have noticed, but I knew they needed to be done. When the chores were done I went grocery shopping for the lunch.  Unfortunately, I came home from work last Saturday to e-mails informing me four of them couldn't come. I was happy to have a squeaky clean house, but disappointed with the cancellations after food had been purchased.  I didn't think those remaining would want to come without the rest of the group, so I cancelled it.

Things usually have a way of working out for good in life.   I remembered my cousins and I had been talking about getting together, but just never nailed down a date, so I contacted them to see if they were available this Tuesday, Oct. 26th, and they were so happy for the invite.  The 27th is the one year anniversary of their mother's passing and they were feeling very sad and downhearted.  They said getting together would be the perfect pick-me-up.  Maybe the lunch was meant for them instead all along.

On another subject...  I don't have paid advertising on my blog, so when I mention stores and items for sale there's no benefit for me other than the joy of sharing with like-minded friends. I like Talbots and they're the only ladies' store I know of that consistently sells tea-themed clothing. They have a 30% off Family & Friends sale going on right now through the 24th.  I placed an order yesterday and this is what I got:

Ryan Buckle Loafers in burgundy suede with embroidered teapot and teacup

Light blue Tea Time Crewneck Tee

Tiny Teacups Trouser Socks

If any of these items strike your fancy, go to their website and place an order [or drive to a nearby store] while the sale is still on.  They also have a cute teacup print blouse and a scarf that I'm eyeing, but didn't include them in this order.  With the holidays coming up I'm sure there'll be more sales.

Lastly, we had the 'soft opening' of our new church building on September 12th, but our grand opening and dedication is this Sunday, the 24th.  We are so happy to finally have our permanent dwelling place and are ready to minister to the community.  

The name of our church is Orchard Ridge because we are located in an area with lots of orchards.  Apple Trees are part of our logo, and scripture tells us that as Christians we are to bear good fruit.

It's fitting that today two Gala Apple Trees were planted on the mound in front of our building as a living logo.

Lots of activities are planned for our Harvest Festival on the church property tomorrow - Chili Cookoff [13 participants], Smore's & Bonfire, Horse Rides, Horse-drawn Hayride, Petting Zoo, Bounce House, and Kid's Pumpkin Creating Station.  There'll be something for everyone.  If you live locally and don't have a church home you're welcome to attend.  The address is 64600 Mound Rd., Washington, MI from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Dedication activities will begin on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. with morning worship service starting at 10:30 a.m.