Four Days of Birthday Celebrations

My hubby's biological odometer turned over another year this past week, and we spent four days celebrating his 74 years on the planet!  November 12th was the 'official' date, but extended birthday celebrations are always more fun.

On Monday I treated him to lunch at Royal Treat Tearoom in nearby Roseville.  As you can see in the outdoor pictures below, it was perfect weather to begin celebrating and I was happy the tearoom has reopened following their COVID shut-down. They've even did some renovations during their downtime.

A baker's rack filled with tea near the entrance of the retail area of the tearoom.

When we arrived at 1:00 o'clock the tearoom was just moderately occupied since they close at 2:00 o'clock and business was winding down for the day.  Another couple was seated near the front so Jerry wasn't the only man present [although being outnumbered by females never bothers him].

Cassidy was our cute and wonderful server.

The 'Birthday Boy'!

Jerry ordered English Breakfast tea and I ordered Lady Grey.  I loved my pretty Sevres porcelain teapot by Andrea Sadek [I peeked underneath].  Jerry's tea was served in a sturdy masculine brown teapot.

Royal Treat's scones are freshly made on site, and sold wholesale and retail under the name 'Just Delicious Scones'!  Scones are tearoom owner Jennifer's specialty.  They are Scottish-style, which means they're more cake-like [rather than flaky and biscuit-like] and they truly live up to their name.

My scone selection.   Any scones that go uneaten - which there hardly ever are - are wrapped for guests to take home.

This is what a forced smile looks like when I'm trying to conceal a mouthful of yummy food!

We both ordered the Bacon/Mushroom Quiche and it was yummy!

The framed tapestry [pictured below] hangs in the tearoom.  I photographed it because I have a tea-themed tapestry that has been safely tucked away in my linen closet for years waiting for a new life.  Since I have a handy hubby who enjoys woodworking, I think I may have found my tapestry's new life.  I don't want my framed tapestry to hold hats though.

When we were done eating Cassidy took a better picture of us.

After I paid the bill and we were getting ready to leave, Cassidy gave the 'birthday boy' a sugar cookie and included one for me too along with a tea-themed notepad.

The outing was the perfect beginning for a week of celebrating!

Veterans Day 2020

I'm proud to be a veteran's wife.  To this day I get a lump in my throat when I hear the Air Force song, "Wild Blue Yonder", as it's affectionately called.  My hubby, Jerry, served in the U.S. Air Force during the mid to late 1960's.  His tour of duty included Strategic Aerospace AFB in Altus, Oklahoma, Offutt AFB, headquarters of Strategic Air and Combat Command in Omaha, Nebraska, and a stint at Kadena AFB in Okinawa.   He was a crew chief on KC/RC 135 airplanes.

I celebrated my first wedding anniversary as a military wife far away from home in Michigan. Oklahoma was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of suburbia Detroit, but I learned to love it and made life-long friends there.

I'm proud to be the sister of an Air Force veteran too.  My brother was stationed at Adair AFB near Corvallis, Oregon.  He is five years older than me.  The photo below was taken in 1962 when he came home on leave.

I'm also proud to be the daughter of a veteran.  My father served in the Marine Corps twice. Once in his late teens and again during WWII.  My paternal grandmother saw three of her sons go off to war in the South Pacific, and thankfully all three came back home safely.  

The US Marine Corps celebrated their 245th birthday yesterday.  Happy Birthday to this branch of our armed forces!

~ First Stint ~

~ Second Stint ~

My mom went to California to be with my dad before his tour of duty overseas.  It was a difficult time for both of them because they had two young children. Below is a photo my paternal grandma took of my brother and sister and sent it to my dad to take overseas with him. I love my dad's Marine picture sitting between them.  My wonderful grandma cared for my siblings while my mother was in California.  I wasn't even a twinkle in their eye yet!  I'm their 'baby boomer' who came along after the war was over and my dad returned home. 

 My parents in California.  The photo below is dated 1944.

Below is my dad's funeral in 2011.  God gave us 93 wonderful years with him, and I look forward to seeing him again in Heaven some day.  He was a Christian believer and loved Jesus Christ.  He is buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.  My youngest son, Jeremy, has the American flag that was placed on his coffin.  My other son, Steve, has his military medals and ribbons and military photo album/scrapbook.  

I'm so grateful to America's Veterans past and present.  I'm thankful it became a federal holiday for our entire country in 1938, known then as Armistice Day, so honor, respect and gratitude could be given to those who have faithfully served, and continue to serve, in the U.S. Military. The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954.

A heartfelt thank you to all Veterans - past and present - for preserving the freedoms we all enjoy.  God bless you, and God Bless the U.S.A.

Raising my teacup in tribute to Veterans today and everyday!

A Vintage Christmas Cookbook

My friend, Angela McRae, author of Tea With Friends blog, has just come out with her fourth book, The Vintage Christmas Cookbook.  Angela described herself on the cover as a Baby Boomer, and Thrifter & Flea Market Fanatic.  In her new book she shares 25 old-fashioned recipes and vintage decor.  

The books are $19.95 each plus $3 shipping.    You can order them directly from Amazon:  

https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Christmas-Cookbook-Thrifter-Old-Fashioned/dp/1087923875/

I just ordered a couple for Christmas presents for my Baby Boomer friends!   Place your order right away so you'll be assured of receiving it in time for Christmas. 

With all the anger and unrest in the world today we can all use some nostalgic reflections of days gone by when happiness seemed the norm - not that we don't still have plenty to be thankful for.

Angela said tea is mentioned a few times in the book, and most of the recipes are also suitable for teatime!

Congratulations, Angela!  So happy for you on the publication of this new book!

 

Christmas is Coming...

Do you have Facebook friends who delight in a daily Christmas countdown reminding you how rapidly the holiday season is approaching?  For the record, Christmas is 49 days away!  Yikes!

It's a warm, sunny 70 degree day here in southeastern Michigan, so it's hard to get a mindset of Christmas at the moment.  We've had unseasonably warm weather all week, and we'll gladly take it because next week there could be a snow storm!  We've had snow flurries already.  

I have received some items for Christmas that I want to share with you today.

The first is a Tea Advent Calendar from Adagio Tea.  I got their advent tea calendar last year and enjoyed it very much.  I highly recommend it.

The calendar contains 24 servings with enough tea for an 8 oz. teapot each day until Christmas. The cost is $29.  I can hardly wait to begin drinking it on Dec. 1st.  Adagio Teas are excellent, and I will share them throughout December.

Another lovely Christmas gift for the tea lover on your Christmas list is Adagio's 12 Days of Christmas.  It's such a creative and fun gift.

Each individual tin [which can be a Christmas tree ornament later] contains one single serving pouch of loose tea.  For example:  Day 1 Partridge in a [White] Pear Tree Tea [white tea with apple and natural flavors].  The cost is $19.  I've tried to link both of these items to Adagio's website, but Blogger has recently changed their format and I can't figure out how to make it work.  I'll keep trying, but in the meantime Adagio's website is Adagio.com.  Search both items under Seasonal.

We celebrate Christmas with our family on Christmas Eve.   I recently received a catalog from Spilsbury in Indiana.  Everyday the mailman delivers a slew of catalogs from companies hoping to help us with our Christmas shopping.

I ordered two games from Spilsbury.  Christmas Bingo and Christmas Charades.  I think they'll be fun to play after we've had our dinner and the presents have been opened.

Now to start thinking about what to buy everyone!  Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?  Online shopping will be more popular than ever this year since we're still dealing with COVID.

Election Day Eve

I don't use my blog for political endorsements.  I'm glad we live in a country where we have the freedom to vote for the candidate of our choice.  I have prayerfully and responsibly exercised my freedom, and I respect your right to do likewise without condemnation. 

I've seen all the television ads and Facebook posts, and heard the radio ads for both parties.  I have a preference, but God has a sovereign plan, and I will be at peace with whatever that turns out to be.  He knew the election results before any votes were cast.  I rest in His promise that "...Lo, I am with you always... ", regardless of who the next president is.  

Below are a few favorite posts that have circulated on Facebook recently.  I hope they brighten your day amidst all the anxiety and uncertainty.

I don't know who wrote this prayer and posted it, but it's my prayer as well:  "Lord, as we go into election day tomorrow, please keep everyone working the polls safe, those voting in your protective care, and regardless of who wins, keep The United States of America safe from those who seek to divide and destroy her.  For your blessings on this day and going forward we pray, In Jesus Name, Amen."

Post Halloween

 Cutest cemetery picture I've ever seen!

Happy November 1st!

We had snow flurries in southeastern Michigan today!  A perfect day for relaxing and staying indoors watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

Happy Halloween!

The Whitney had a Halloween party Wednesday night for the staff.  It wasn't mandatory to wear a costume, but it was suggested.  I took pictures of some, but didn't get everybody.  They provided entertainment with a magician and special music [singers].  It was a fun night.

Tony - General Manager

Darren - Supervisor

Raegan - Reception Desk Hostess

Jess who was just hired this week as a server.

Samantha - Events Manager

A server dressed as Alf - television sitcom from 1986-1990.  My son, Jeremy, loved the show when he was young and had a stuffed Alf .   I gave it to him after he had children of his own, but they were afraid of it so I'm pretty sure it got pitched.  ;-)

LaKeitha - Server

Debra is a server.  She's pictured below with her husband.  She conducts our paranormal tours, because The Whitney has a reputation of being haunted, but no Whitney ghost/spirit has ever bothered me.  ;-)

Me as a maid.  I wanted to be Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, but the outfit had to be ordered and wouldn't have arrived in time.  Maybe next year.

Dave - Director of Operations [the head honcho].  He's my boss and who I answer directly to.

Today our normal Afternoon Tea was suspended so we could host a "Spirited" Haunting Tea.  We served 41 guests, which was down from what was anticipated, but it was still a good group.  It kept me busy as we served three different teas throughout the meal.   I put in 6 hrs. non-stop so I'm feeling my age tonight.  ;-)

An area of the prep room where I make the tea.  I had all five of my urns going today.  I bring my own because they've never been used for coffee.

It was a special menu.  I was busy and missed taking a photo of the soup served in a pumpkin, but I got a picture of the savories and desserts.  The pumpkin was surrounded by dry ice so it gave the effect of a cauldron on an open fire. Chef Natasha and Pastry Chef, Eric, outdid themselves with their creativity.

Before the final dessert course was served, the guests were treated to a paranormal tour in the Carriage House and a magic show in another adjoining building, so I was able to take a picture of one of the tables in the Drawing Room while we waited for them to return.  Each guest received a gift bag containing a bottle of Witches Brew from Leelanau Cellars [Red Wine spiced with Cinnamon, Cloves and Nutmeg] and assorted chocolate candies.

Steve, a server who always works with me on Afternoon Tea.

Annie, a server.

Debra in a different costume today for her paranormal tour of The Whitney Carriage House.

And here's my cute granddaughter, Ellie, all ready to go trick-or-treating.

Our son Steve's annual neighborhood Halloween party that he hosts in his garage with Krispy Kreme donuts, Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Cider, video games and music was greatly curtailed this year due to COVID-19, but he still gave out candy bars.  My hubby went over to help like he does every year, but was home by 7:30 because trick-or-treaters were much less this year.

Granddaughter, Brooke, came home for the weekend from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL.  She brought some friends with her, and my hubby said they were working on costumes to wear tonight, but as yet I haven't seen any photos posted.  

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!  Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight to claim that extra hour of sleep!