WHITE DOILIES IN THE GARDEN

Just a few photos of my white

 Queen Anne's Lace 

which reminds me of white doilies:

As I look out my kitchen window and see

these, I am truly in my happy place.

Peter Rabbit loves hiding 

right amidst it all.

They remind me of snowflakes

because each one is different.

CELEBRATING HUMMINGBIRDS FOR "Tea In The Garden"

People have told me for years how there are many hummingbirds here along the front range of the Rocky Mountains.  I just never had them in my yard.  Well, actually, last summer I saw one on Mother's Day and then never again..... until this summer! 

It took me a while to understand that

underneath the huge Colorado Blue

Spruce, they can't see the feeder from

up above so this was my problem.

I have a couple of pairs coming and going to the flowers and the feeder (two different sizes of birds) and it is so fun to watch them about the garden.  

The sun is very intense this morning.

Last Sunday afternoon I found my first Shelley English teacup and saucer at an indoor flea market in Longmont, Colorado.  The pattern is called "Maytime".  I thought it was a bargain at $10.00 because Shelley tea cup and saucer sets sell for  $50.00 - $60.00 at the antique malls and I saw this one on ebay for $99.99. Oh my!

WELCOME TO TEA IN  THE GARDEN!

Come on in the garden and pour yourself a cup of tea please!  I hope you can relax for a few moments before your day begins.

I also found this sweet topper that I loved with 4 napkins.  I can't decide if it is dogwood or cherry blossoms or ?  What's your vote?

We have had more rain lately than in a very long time and we feel very blessed as this will help our drought situation.  I am thankful. 

LITTLE ROSEBUD LINEN NAPKINS

This week I had some time to visit the antique stores along Union in Pueblo, Colorado.  I found a set of 6 linen napkins in 3 different sizes which match my Rosebud Bouquet China. They are cross stitched on each corner. Can you imagine this work?  I washed them up and ironed them for the table to match my USA Rosebud China from  the 1950's. 

I also decided to keep this English Cup and Saucer because I loved the many roses and shape of the cup.  (Crown Staffordshire) 

When I see this detail handwork,

I realize  that would not be done

by me.  I like short term projects.

I can appreciate the hand work

 that embroidery

presents to us too.

Do you do some type of

hand needle work?

The other item I thought was cute was the 50's pink swan!  I couldn't resist him - or her?  She looks sweet as a baby with my white swan.
I hope your weekend is delightful!

MY FRIEND for "Tea In The Garden"

This week I have a special friend who has agreed to pose for photos in my garden. 

This is the first time in 10 years that my friend Lou Ann has visited with her husband.  We have had a great time. We have been friends since 1966 which is a long time ago.

Lou Ann and I met a long time ago when I went to a small Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa.  I was 17 years old and she had just been married a couple months before. We became great friends and 2 years later she and her husband were in our wedding.  That was just a few years ago - 1968!

Over the years we have enjoyed many

specials meals and moments together.

Our friends lived in Toronto for some

time and we enjoyed visits there.

I set up a little tea vignette out under the tree quickly as showers were threatening any moment. 

My friend was tucked under the tree so even if it did rain - she would not have gotten wet.  Yes, it did finally rain.

I have been cooking up a storm and last night I made a chocolate pie - like the Bishops Chocolate Pie.  It has been fun to have more people to cook for!

Most of the pieces I am sharing today are English.  I do love the yellow depression glass cream and sugar that my Grandmother gave me back in the late 70's.  You might also notice the Victorian Plant Stand I had shared before with the china pieces on the top and lower area.  Remember it was dark before when I shared it and now it is painted shabby chic.  I really like it better!

TEA IN THE GARDEN IN JULY

The little pink Hull Art USA pottery vase below has chips but was a cheap yard sale find:

It's a lovely morning in Colorado and I finally saw a hummingbird this morning in my backyard.  By the time I grabbed my camera - he was gone! 

I tried to take a picture of a raccoon the other night but by the time I "read up" on  how to take a night shot - he was long gone.  My Queen Anne's Lace is starting to bloom - I love it!

Today is TEA IN THE GARDEN and time to take a few moments and relax with a cup of tea.   I love this time of the day before I have to go to work.  I so look forward to retirement when I can do the things I love. 

We did get to go to Denver yesterday afternoon.  One antique mall had it's air conditioning out.  I did a lot of fanning! The vintage runner with the Crinoline Lady or Sunbonnet Lady is new to me and so is the teapot.  Before you get too excited - the handle is cracked at the base of the teapot but I couldn't resist the colors and the squatty shape.  It is Bavarian and was a good price.

Late note:

I was late for work today and another merchant was standing at my door.  He said "I see you really enjoyed your day off!"  He was right.  I wish I could have stayed in the garden all day.