A FAVOURITE ILLUSTRATOR



The Tea Party
by Kate Greenaway (1846-1901)

IN the pleasant green Garden
We sat down to tea;
"Do you take sugar?" and
"Do you take milk?"
She'd got a new gown on–
A smart one of silk.
We all were so happy
As happy could be,
On that bright Summer's day
When she asked us to tea.

Kate Greenaway was one of few prolific, gifted and recognized women children's book authors/illustrators in the latter half of the 19th Century. The essence of Victorian childhood is exhibited in the idealized children of Greenaway’s work. Her dreamy almost melancholy characters prance through the English countryside frilly smocks, mob caps and sunbonnets unaware of time or place.( from Old Poetry)

Click here for a complete biography of Kate Greenaway

JANE AUSTEN WEEK IN THE BLOGOSPHERE!


While perusing one of my favorite sites, Jane Austen Today, I was thrilled to learn that The Barefoot Mama Blog will be hostessing Jane Austen week next week, February 23-28Th. I have been in need of a good dose of Austen lately, and just last night started re-reading Emma; the timing of this couldn't be better for me.

With that said, I plan on settling in for a weekend of BBC/A & E Austen movies, embroidery, and lots of hot tea to help shoo away the winter dull-drums which I have been suffering from. Wont you join me?

If you are also a Jane devotee, and would like to participate, please right click and save the image above. You may proudly display this on your blog.

Finally, please stop in daily at The Barefoot Mama Blog for your dose of Jane, including challenges and other fun stuff. There will be a special culmination celebration on Saturday, February 28, so stay tuned!

A TEA POEM FOR TODAY




A Loving Recipe for a Perfect Cup of Tea
Anonymous

1 Willing friend who loves to sit and share
1 Grateful heart to have a friend that cares
1 Beautiful garden to show us God is near
Many wonderful memories of times shared throughout the years
Lots of smiles and laughter to brighten up our days
Many prayers that we prayed for each other along the way
I'm so blessed to have a friend like you to share in everything I do. For one special friend sharing a special cup of tea truly makes this a perfect recipe.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN BROWNELL ANTHONY!





Susan Brownell Anthony (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906) was a prominent American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the 19th century women's rights movement to introduce women's suffrage into the United States. She traveled the United States and Europe, and gave 75 to 100 speeches per year on women's rights for 45 years. ( from Wiki)

If you happen to be in the area of Adams, Massachusetts, there will be a splendid celebration of her birthday held at The Susan B. Anthony House Museum:

OPEN HOUSE AT SUSAN. B. ANTHONY BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM
The historic birthplace of Susan B. Anthony will be the site for an Open House to celebrate the suffragist's birthday on Sunday, February 15, from 11:30 am to 2:30 PM. Located at 67 East Road, the Federal style home was built by Anthony's father, Daniel, in 1818 and his famous daughter was born there two years later. The house has been on the National Register of Historic Places for 24 years; the dream of making the house into a museum has persisted since 1910.

The plans for the museum will highlight the familial and regional influences which shaped Miss Anthony's early life. In addition to professional building assessments and environmental impact studies, the development of the museum includes cooperation with the Adams Historical Association and has employed textile and women's studies historians. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. ( from the Museum's website)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM THE TEA SOCIETY



The Victorian's were great believers in symbolism and few jestures proved this more than when receiving flowers. Given that Valentine's Day is tomorrow, I thought it appropriate to include a sampling from The Language of Flowers. Whenever a Victorian lady received a lovely bouquet or even a single flower, she could decode the hidden meanings of the flowers sent to her by her suitors.



The Language of Flowers

Carnation- Fascination

Chrysanthemum- Friendship

Daisy- Loyal love

Orchid- Love and beauty

Lily- Purity and sweetness

Red rose- Romantic love

Pink rose- Secret love

Yellow rose- Friendship

White rose- Innocent love

Rose, Yellow & Orange: Passionate thoughts

Forget-me-not- True love

Baby’s Breath: Happiness

Lilac, Mauve: “Do You Still Love Me”

Honeysuckle - The Bond of Love

Ambrosia: Your Love is reciprocated

Camellia, red: You’re a flame in my heart

Camellia, white: You’re adorable

Forget-me-not: Faithful Love, Memories

Hibiscus: Delicate Beauty

Hyacinth, purple: I am sorry, Please forgive me, Sorrow

Oleander: Beauty and Grace

Periwinkle, White: Pleasures of Memory

partial list and vintage photo found at Art of Manliness

HAPPY 200TH BIRTHDAY, MR. LINCOLN




When I think of a list of great historical figures whom I would love to have had tea with, Abraham Lincoln would have to be at the top of the list along with Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and C.S. Lewis.

And what tea would I serve Mr. Linclon? Well, Elmwood Inn's Kentucky Blend of course...Nothing less for a Kentucky-born President.

Happy 200th Birthday, Mr. President.

HERBAL INFUSIONS FOR COLD AND FLU SEASON



Tis the season for colds and flu and I am still recuperating, as are many of you in the blogosphere, from what has been one of the worst colds I’ve ever had. The doctor reported that it was indeed viral so basically, I had to suffer through and cope..

Of course, it is crucial to drinks lots of fluids when dealing with a cold or flu and I can’t recommend any better natural remedy than hot herbal tea. Many of the herbs used in infusions like, sage, thyme, oregano, and rosemary, are strong antioxidants and contain essential oils that can aid in alleviating cold and flu symptoms.

Perhaps instead of reaching for the Theraflu, you might try one of the recipes below...


Sage

Sage, whose Latin name salvia means to heal, was considered to be one of four sacred plants by Native Americans. For irritations or inflammation of the throat try gargling with a mixture of sage and apple cider vinegar sweetened, if you must, with a little good quality honey or sip a soothing hot infusion.

Recipe for an herbal tea infusion:

Pour a pint of boiling water onto 1oz of dried sage leaves or 1 tbsp of fresh and leave for 5 - 10 minutes. Drink a small glassful of the strained tea throughout the day. Sage can help to restore appetite as well.

Thyme

There are many varieties of thyme but common garden thyme will be effective for helping you fight off sore throats and colds. Try it when you have a cough or to clear mucus from your chest. It was once used on bandages to prevent infection and is even reputed to be a hangover cure and can lift your spirits.

Thymol the active ingredient in thyme is one of the strongest antiseptics known. It has also been used to treat fungal problems such as athletes' foot and is reputed to be a hangover cure.

Thyme herbal infusion recipe:

Use 1 tsp of dried leaves or a couple of sprigs of fresh leaves for each cup of boiling water. The time you leave it to infuse is a matter of personal taste and can be from 5 - 15 minutes. Strain and slowly sip 3 cups a day inhaling the vapors until your symptoms improve. You can also crush some fresh leaves gently in your hands and inhale the vapors.


Oregano

Oregano also known as pot marjoram has a high thymol content too. It is one of Nature's most powerful natural health remedies against bacteria, viruses, yeast and fungi and has been used as a natural herbal remedy since ancient times. It can be used to treat sore throat, coughs and colds as well as loosening phlegm in the bronchial tubes.

Oregano is used extensively in cooking throughout the Mediterranean especially as an ingredient of pizza and combines well with thyme and rosemary.

Oregano herbal infusion recipe:

Infuse 1 tsp dried oregano or 3 tbsp fresh leaves in 8 oz boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and sweeten with a little good quality honey if wanted.

Rosemary

Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis is related to the mint family of plants and is one of the oldest Mediterranean aromatic shrubs in cultivation. With its attractive leaves and pretty blue flowers it is a favorite for kitchen gardens.

Rosemary tea can help bring relief for colds, catarrh, wheezing and bronchitis clearing phlegm from the chest. It’s also good as a gargle for a sore throat. Infuse sage with rosemary and use as a gargle for a sore throat.

Rosemary herbal infusion recipe:

Use 2 tsp of dried rosemary to a cup of boiling water. The addition of fresh ginger root and lemon peel makes this a delicious healthy herbal drink.

Here is the recipe:

1 small bunch of rosemary, leaves gently bruised with a spoon.
1 inch thumb of ginger, sliced into rounds
The peel of two unwaxed or organic lemons
6-8 cups of boiling water

Place the rosemary, ginger and lemon peel in a large teapot. Add the boiling water and leave to infuse for approximately five minutes. Strain and sip slowly. You can add a little good quality honey or sugar if you wish to sweeten.

While modern medicine is still searching for a cure for a cold the history of healing herbs goes back thousands of years. Give these herbal tea recipes a try next time you are trying to shake off the winter bugs.

Recipes from the Complimentary & Alternative Medicine Community

WELCOME TO AnTEAquity



At long last, the AnTEAquity blog is up and running. The first post is about Josiah Wedgwood and the famous pottery company bearing his name.

This has been such an exciting adventure for me to break into the world of antique dealing, if only on a small scale to begin with. I have spent several years of my life studying art history and antiquities so to apply that love with years of collecting tea-related items is simply a dream come true. I hope those of you who enjoy the postings here at the Tea Society will find AnTEAquity of some interest, and you just might find an item or two that you can't live without. Please stop by the blog and read the mini bio on Josiah Wedgwood.

The antiques and vintage tea ware featured at AnTEAquity will be available for purchase on March 1st through eBay so please check back, email me, or post a note if something strikes your fancy. I plan to feature different items weekly, with a bit of history thrown in for good measure, until the shop officially opens in March.

WINTER GARDEN

When it looks like this in the garden outside....

(The old iron rose arbor)


( St. Francis is hidden among the arching ice laden branches of the tall asters-cocooning him in a natural protection from the elements)


( All the while, Gabriel stands guard over the courtyard as the cardinals flutter about looking for seed...)

.....It is of the greatest comfort to know that inside, along with a blazing fire, and pots of hot black tea, I will spend the evening in front of the television watching this man, Mark Walberg, host of one of my favorite PBS shows, Antiques Road Show...

SNAP...CRACKLE...POP...



That's what I'm hearing outside my window... We are being hit yet again in Central Kentucky by another treacherous Ice Storm...We're praying that our old trees don't all come down in mass and that we don't lose power...Tonight will be the perfect night to gather in the parlor beside the fireplace with husband, children, dogs, cat, and a nice cuppa tea....Stay safe and warm dear friends...

MRS. PALFREY AT THE CLAREMONT

( The charming Rupert Friend as Ludovic Meyer)

One of my favorite pastimes during these cold winter months is exploring great movies. Just this past Sunday I decided that I wanted to revisit a charming film that I first watched last summer. This delightful film, starring the wonderfully elegant and talented Joan Plowright and the incredibly handsome and magnetic Rupert Friend( He portrayed the mysterious Mr. Wickham in the more recent version of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley), is called Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont. This movie, directed by Dan Ireland, did not receive massive attention or fanfare from Hollywood and that is no wonder because it has no trace of vulgarity, gratuitous violence, controversy or sensationalism.

The Synopsis:

The recently widowed Mrs. Palfrey moves to London with the intent to live in luxury at The Claremont Hotel. The Claremont’s brochure promises elegance and fine cuisine but when Mrs. Palfrey arrives she finds a very different place, one that is more of a retirement home than a luxury boutique hotel. The hotel is filled with a cast of lovable and eccentric aging citizens who are all too eager to pry and inquire as to why Mrs. Palfrey never seems to receive visits or calls from her "mythical" grandson, who happens to work in the archives at the British Museum. However, a twist of fate when she takes a fall on the sidewalk outside the flat inhabited by a charming writer named Ludovic, changes her rather uneventful and lonely life at The Claremont into one filled with joy and true friendship. We should all be so fortunate to have a Ludo ( as he’s called) in our lives! What follows is a charming tale of a wonderful bond that develops between an aging widow and a warm caring young man.

Make a nice pot of Earl Grey, grab a box of Kleenex and enjoy this wonderful little film. It is highly recommended by the Tea Society!

You can preview the trailer from youtube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwihHW2ZQLg

"A UNIQUE TEA EXPERIENCE OFF THE BEATEN TRACK"

( Lady Donna and Miss Spenser Hardin enjoying a hot cuppa)



Dear Tea Society Readers,

It is with great pleasure that I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people whilst becoming a tea director. When I first began this adventure some years ago, I did so with a national group called The Ladies’ Tea Guild. After that group dissolved and many directors started tea-related business, I continued with a guild/society and that is in essence what the Ladies Historical Tea Society has become.

One delightful director, whom I have had the wonderful good fortune of getting to know, is Mrs. Donna Hardin. Donna has continued her tea business by opening a special occasion Tea Room out of her home in Iowa called Miss Spenser’s Special- Teas. Donna has graciously agreed to answer some questions about her tea business and her fascination with all things tea related.

Rebecca: Hello Donna. Thank you for sharing your time with me for a little conversation at the Tea Society.

You and I have discussed, on a number of occasions, what a unique passion tea is for us. Would you share a little about when you first became passionate about tea?

Donna: Well, I have always admired the "pretty" things associated with tea time...however; I would have to say that my real passion for the “art” of taking tea began in 2000 when my husband moved this "cityslicker" to the country!! After being married 20 years, he came home from work one day and informed me that he wanted to move our family to a farm where we could raise a few chickens, horse and cattle! You can only imagine my surprise with those words, but...being the dutiful wife, I soon found myself living on a 140 acre farm about 30 minutes South of Des Moines, Iowa. Now...some people might be thrilled with this type of adventure, but for me, it was very isolating and lonely. However, life does have a way of surprising us, for it was during the first long winter in the country that my daughter, Spenser, then 13, and I began the art of taking afternoon tea together. I have to admit, in the beginning, we were extremely uncultured, using soggy tea bags you find from the local grocer, not to mention consuming large amounts of Little Debby Fancy Cakes. However, over time, we began to refine our tea taking skills by reading and learning all kinds of information on the subject of how to prepare a “proper” English tea; sampling and tasting the many different varieties of loose leaf teas; and collecting various tea accoutrements which added much enjoyment to our tea time gatherings. Over time our little flame became a roaring fire, one of which we have not been able to quench!

Rebecca: What inspired you to delve deeper with tea and to actually become a Tea Guild director? What did you enjoy most about that time?

Donna: Well during our tea experiences and studies concerning tea, we discovered that we both had a desire to travel to England. Now hubby thought that was a great idea, but he wondered how we would get there…and he wasn’t talking about whether or not we would take a boat or fly…he wondered how we would get there financially. So, that’s when we decided to use our passion for tea to help pave the way to England. The Tea Guild provided us an opportunity to host teas and share our passions, as well as the ability to make a little bit of income. We enjoyed hosting our guild events every month and sharing our passions for tea and history while making new tea friends along the way. I also enjoyed chatting with other tea directors via e-mail.

Rebecca: When did you first entertain the idea of opening a special occasion tea room? How has your lovely daughter Spenser, the tea room's namesake, enhanced the tea experience for your guests?

Donna: After the Ladies Tea Guild dissolved, we went on to continue hosting our tea society every month. “Miss Spenser,” which she is fondly known by in our area, would always perform a little bit of drama for the events in historical costumes which she had created. From there, libraries, churches, Old Settler Events, retirement centers, tea rooms, etc. began contacting us and hiring us to perform our historical programs. Word got around, and people began calling and asking if they could come to tea at our home so that is what prompted us to create our special event tea room.

Rebecca: Which tea rooms do you find most inspiring?

Donna: I enjoy tea rooms that offer a traditional four-course tea served on beautiful china in relaxing and pretty environments, and of course, ones that serve “real” tea made from loose leaf tea, not tea bags. I prefer this over to a restaurant-style tea room which just serves lunch foods.

Rebecca: I couldn't agree more! It's horrible to venture into a "tea room" and find that they only serve 1 blend of loose leaf tea or worse yet, all tea bags!

You also offer special tea blends for sale. Which is your most popular tea?

Donna: Our most popular tea is our “Miss Spenser’s Special-Tea.” This is a wonderful Ceylon tea. We have found this tea is perfect for those who have never tried a cup of “properly” brewed loose leaf tea before. It has a full-body smoothness with an equally pleasing taste without any astringency; it’s really delicious and can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Rebecca: Do you also have a cook book available and what types of recipes do you provide?

Donna: Our cookbook contains everything you need to prepare a simple tea, cream tea, afternoon tea, all the way to a delicious high tea, which consists of a meal. It has over 90 tried and true recipes and sells for $16. It has been extremely popular; we are on our second printing and are almost sold out again!

Rebecca: There has certainly been resurgence in the interest in afternoon tea over the past few years. There are many groups, like the ones we both directed and ones attending your Special-Teas, which congregate specifically to enjoy afternoon tea. With the Tea Society it has become a time of bonding with other women who share similar interests. I try to always keep the conversation positive and not too controversial or political as to make all feel welcome. What do you attribute to the desire for groups like ours? Do you believe there is a void of a more ʽgenteelʼ way of life in our society which the art of tea fulfills?

Donna: People today are just so busy that they don’t take time to rejuvenate their spirits…one way to do that is by creating a relaxing and soothing environment, with pretty table settings, delicious foods, fine quality tea, good music, and great fellowship. This is what we try to provide here at Miss Spenser’s; we love to pamper our guests. Interestingly enough, although most people think of tea time for women only, we have found that the men-folk enjoy it as well!!

Rebecca: Miss Spenserʼs Special Teas has been in operation now for nearly a year, correct? What has your first year been like as a tea room operator and how does your tea room differ from others in your region?

Donna: I would have to say that this first year of business has been one of the best years of my life…to be able to share my passion for tea, history, literature, foods, and to work alongside my daughter, in our home, is truly a dream come true! It’s been a very exciting year…we have the best customers, a/k/a tea friends!!

Our tea room is very unique…actually, our motto is: “A unique tea experience off the beaten path.” You have to remember…we are 30 minutes from civilization, with 2 miles of it on gravel!! At first, I didn’t think any one would come…but they do. We have had people all the way from Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska…as well as all over the State of Iowa…it continues to amaze me. I guess we are like the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.” Ha… What makes our tea room unique is that it is just that, “a tea room” which offers the traditional four-course tea, with ‘real’ tea served, not hot water and a soggy tea bag. On top of that, our programs are very unique, they’re one-of-a-kind as they are written and researched by us and performed by the amazing Miss Spenser! People always leave here with full tummies and a little more information/education.

Rebecca: I read your reviews at Teamap and they are extraordinary. To say they are overwhelmingly positive would be an understatement. Did you imagine that you would receive reviews like this after such a short time in operation?

Donna: Thank you Rebecca for your kind words…we have been amazed at the reviews, and we give God the glory for them all…we feel so blessed to be able to share our passions with others…it has been beyond our scope of imagination for sure!

Rebecca: Donna, thank you so much for taking this time with me. I have no doubt that your guests have been spoilt beyond their wildest dreams with the availability of such a wonderfully creative destination to take tea. I wish you the best of luck with your tea room and I can't wait for the chance to get to attend one in the future.

Donna: Rebecca, It was my privilege to talk with you today…I always enjoy our chats. Thank you again for all your kind words…I do hope that we can take tea together sometime in the very near future!! And, congratulations to you on your beautiful blog site and your future AnTEAquity endeavors! I am looking forward to seeing your “wares” for sale!

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Donna and please do visit Miss Spenser's Special-Teas if you're interested in the cookbook, tea, or an incredible Tea experience if you happen to find yourself in her neighborhood.

Most Teafully,
Rebecca

A GREAT WAY TO SPEND A RAINY SATURDAY

(Holly Hill Inn- Midway, Kentucky)
(Interior of the Inn- photo from Holly Hill Inn Website)


On Saturday I had the most wonderful visit from a dear old friend whom I have known for 17 years. We met in a college writing class and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. We had lost touch for a while but reconnected last year and it has been the most wonderful joy having Kimberly back in my life again. She is a treasure and we will never lose touch again. Friendship like ours should never be allowed to fade.

We had a day filled with three of my favorite pleasures in life; antiques, food, and wine. We began the very rainy morning with destination, An Antique Affair, a wonderful warehouse filled with over 100 booths of antiques and collectibles. We found everything from Majolica and Royal Doulton to vintage fashions and Wurlitzer Victrolas.. We spent a couple of hours there and though came away with no purchases this time, the browsing was sublime and did I mention that dogs were allowed? We will be back for sure!

Next, we continued on to Midway, Kentucky and brunch at my favorite restaurant, The Holly Hill Inn. This place is absolute bliss to me. No matter what mood I am in, the minute I see that great Greek Revival Manor amid the Holly trees, my spirits are elevated to a sublime plane. My husband can attest to this. The ambiance here is unequaled and the food is absolutely amazing. For brunch we started with a cup of potato leak soup, then an entree of shrimp and grits served with perfectly prepared asparagus, a side dish of potato cheese casserole, and delectable airy biscuits and corn muffins with fresh butter and honey. We ended with Jamieson's chocolate bread pudding in a whiskey sauce for me and Kimberly had the Cranberry Bavarian cream. Both were heavenly. With satisfied taste buds, we journeyed on to Equus Run Vineyards. Here we had the wine tasting and parted with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for me and Chardonnay for Kimberly.

Our outing ended shortly afterwards and my friend made her way home but oh, the great memories we made and the wonderful conversation was exactly what I needed on such a gloomy day. We are already planning our next adventure!

If you are ever in Central Kentucky, I would highly recommend checking out the above destinations mentioned. They are all delightful.

SOME LOVELY AWARDS
(Best Blog Award)

( Award By Proxi)

Janeen at chachaneen has been so kind as to give me a couple of awards. Thank you so much for thinking of the Tea Society...These awards are so charming and how fitting is it that this Best Blog Award has a dog featured...Love that...The other award is so thoughtful and is called a By Proxi Award. This is how it is described:

This is the special "Proximidade" award. This award is a fine one because it focuses not on the glory and fanfare of blogging, but in the PROXIMITY to one another through this on-line world (kind of a Six Degrees of Separation sort of thing).

"Blogs who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming' say its authors. This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. T hey are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

So, over this weekend I'll pass this one along to eight more wonderful bloggers.....

Thank you Janeen....

Tess of the D'Urbervilles on PBS


(Gemma Arterton as the new Tess)


(Justine Waddell in the A&E version)



Well, I regrettably missed the first episode of this new version of the Thomas Hardy classic( part two airs this Sunday, Jan. 11) but thankfully, Janeen reminded me that it is available to view online at PBS so that is certainly what I'll be doing this evening. The last version I saw of this tragic tale was the 1998 offering from A&E starring the beautiful and talented Justine Wadell as the tragic heroine. Her performance was wonderful and so very moving.

The new version stars a beautiful Gemma Arterton,a modern Pre-Raphaelite vision if I've ever seen one, as the ill-fated Tess. Mary Lou from the Tea Society( and my lovely Mother) highly recommends the PBS version as well so I have no doubt I will be enthralled.

So, tonight, I'm off to transport myself to Thomas Hardy's world thanks to the wonder of the Internet. Anyone care to join me? I'll put the kettle on.

BOOKS...BOOKS...and more BOOKS!



The Essential Tea Caddy

'Your Tea-Leaf tho' never so good when you buy, will lose itself, being of a very volatile Spirit, unless carefully preserv'd in Silver, Pewter, or Tin Boxes, shut close from the Air; and above All, kept from the Damps, and Neighbourhood of strong Scents, whether sweet or offensive.'

From A Treatise on the Inherent Qualities of the Tea-Herb, Compiled by a Gentleman of Cambridge 1750~

If you've been perusing some of my favorite blogs of late then you will no doubt notice a certain theme going round. This would be one of literary treasures and of receiving the wondrous gift of books. It is truly a delight to receive such a carefully selected item. When someone chooses a topic that they believe fits your interests and personality that shows that they have spent more than the proverbial five minutes on a gift card or certificate. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't enjoy receiving gift certificates, I do. However, It's just not the same as a personal selection just for you.

My birthday was in November and I received a delightful book from my Inlaws. It is called The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea. For anyone who knows me, they would know that this book has almost everything that I love like; a recommended Tea guide, vintage illustrations, delectable recipes, and wonderful literary quotes about tea. The only things missing are bone china selections, gardening tips, and Greyhounds..If it contained information on them, then it would truly be the perfect book.

Below is a wonderful description of this enchanting book( from the book sleeve). I highly recommend anyone who has more than a passing interest in tea to add this little treasure to your library.


Afternoon tea is the English meal-time institution, a social as well as a culinary event.

It is precisely this atmosphere which is embodied in the Palm Court Tearoom at the Ritz in London, which for many years has been one of the most delightful and traditional places to take tea.

The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea captures the essence of this traditional British occasion and provides the reader with all the Ritz expertize in the ceremony as well as over 50 recipes, illustrated with passages from Dickens to Oscar Wilde and charming drawings.

About the Author
After five years at Oxford, where she gained a M. Litt. degree for a thesis called Unreasonable Laughter in Restoration Comedy, Helen Simpson won the Vogue Talent Contest. The next five years have been spent working at Vogue, writing about travel, shops and food, as well as interviews and fiction.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


Willow has an interesting post about this song at the Manor.

Auld Lang Syne
(original lyrics)


Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o’ lang syne!


Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne!


We twa hae run about the braes,
And pu’d the gowans fine,
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot
Sin’ auld lang syne.



We twa hae paidl’t in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne.



And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie’s a hand o’ thine,
And we’ll tak a right guid willie-waught
For auld lang syne!


And surely ye’ll be your pint’ stoup,
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne!



Happy New Year Year or Hogmanay from the Tea Society!

Happy Birthday Sweet Rosebud



Today my daughter turned two and we've spent the day celebrating with family. Happy birthday sweet Katherine Elizabeth. This sweet song reminds me of you...


The Song Of The Rose Fairy
by Cicely Mary Barker


Best and dearest flower that grows,
Perfect both to see and smell;
Words can never, never tell
Half the beauty of a Rose --
Buds that open to disclose
Fold on fold of purest white,
Lovely pink, or red that glows
Deep sweet - scented. What delight
To be fairy of the Rose!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!



Wishing all of you in the Blogosphere a very Merry Christmas from the Tea Society...I will be away for the next few days celebrating with my family but will return very soon.

Blessings to all!
Rebecca

A Christmas Questionnaire



At the Christmas Tea on Saturday, two friends inquired about a couple of ornamental candle votive covers that I had on our mantel in the parlor. I had been debating on how to display them this year so placed them there to keep safe from my inquisitive toddler's little hands.

The artwork on the votive covers is that of William Bougeureau(1825- 1905), an artist whose work I absolutely adore. With that said, it's perhaps no surprise that a few years ago when I found two of these covers with his work on them, I literally squealed (Yes,squealed) in the store and snatched up the last two. I just knew that seeing them illuminated by candlelight would be mesmerizing. The above image is his Madonna of the Roses and I didn't realize that when I placed it on my Great Grandmother's old parlor table, beside our tree, that the roses in the branches would be captured in the backdrop of the Bougeureau. I love it when unintended things like that happen.

The above is just an explanation of the photo for this post so that brings me to the title, Christmas Questionnaire. Janeen from the lovely blog, Chachaneen, posted this on her site and invited anyone interested to post their responses as well. I couldn't resist joining in and invite anyone else to do the same on their blogs.

Christmas Questionnaire:


1. Fresh Tree/Fake Tree?- I have a mixture of fresh greenery and artificial this year but to me it's no contest...Fresh! Next year, it will be ALL fresh around here and no more artificial tree.


2. Favorite Ornament- A beautiful Madonna and Child from the Vatican Library.


3. Favorite Christmas Song- Greensleeves/What Child is This?


4. Favorite Tradition- I had to add more than one..Going to Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve Service with my family and all the wonderful baking and cooking.


5. Favorite Gift Ever Received- Shortly after Christmas on the 28th, giving birth to our daughter.

6. Favorite Christmas Meal- Baked Ham with all the trimmings and of course pecan pie and tons of tea:-)

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie- My Grandmother's Christmas Rocks and Mother's Peanut butter fudge.

8. Favorite Place to be- With my family...

9. Favorite Memory- Two Christmases ago, knowing that the birth of our daughter could happen at any time and anticipating her arrival, and always remembering how excited our son gets on Christmas morning.

10. Favorite Christmas Movie- Scrooge(1970) and It's a Wonderful Life.


Now, feel free to join in and post letting me know you've done so.

SCROOGE



Last week Betsy at My Five Men posted an homage to her favorite version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. That classic version is a favorite with me as well but I must say that my absolute favorite version is the 1970 musical aptly titled, Scrooge, starring Albert Finney as the cantankerous old Ebenezer. I have to watch this version every year and am preparing to watch again this weekend. This version has captivated me since I was a wee girl and draws me into Dickens' London like none other. I did a bit of digging on this adaptation and found a very interesting fact about the movie score. That old familiar song, Thank you very much, indeed received an academy award nomination for best original song. And here I thought that song had been around for much longer. The scene above is where Ebenezer so jubilantly joins in on the rousing rendition of this great song as the crowd takes to the streets in a spectacular choreographed funeral march, all the while Mr. Scrooge is completely oblivious to the minor detail that it is in fact his death that they are celebrating with such enthusiasm. I might add that if you recognize the actor portraying Tom Jenkins, the character leading the rendition and dancing on top of Scrooge's coffin, it is none other than legendary British actor Anton Rodgers, former star of the British comedy series, May to December.


Below is a listing of all the great numbers in the movie:

Overall, the film was nominated for a BAFTA Film Award in the UK, one Golden Laurel award, four Oscars, and five Golden Globes in the U.S.A., in which Albert Finney won for The Best Motion Picture Actor in a Musical/Comedy in 1971. Finney was only 34 years old at the time he was chosen to play both the old miser and the young man Scrooge of flashback scenes, but his performance was widely praised by the critics and the public.

A number of well-known British actors appear in the film, such as Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley's ghost, Dame Edith Evans as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Kenneth More as the Ghost of Christmas Present....( my personal favorite ghost:^)...Rebecca)

(from Wiki)

A Christmas Carol - opens the film. It is sung by a chorus over the opening credits about the joys of caroling. An instrumental bit in the middle is a medley of Christmas Carols.

Christmas Children - sung by Bob Crachit and his children walking home anticipating Christmas morning.

I Hate People - Scrooge's song on his way home from work.

Father Christmas - a comic relief song performed by a group of urchins following Scrooge right after his "I Hate People" song.

See the Phantoms - a brief, dark song sung by Marley as he and Scrooge fly through the dark sky, surrounded by phantoms.

December the 25th - a rousing jig at Fezziwig's party.

Happiness - sung by a young Scrooge and Isabel, while they enjoy each other's company.

You...You - sadly muttered by the older Scrooge, watching himself let Isabel go.

I Like Life - belted out by the Ghost of Christmas Present and an at first reluctant Scrooge.

The Beautiful Day - performed by Tiny Tim for his family.

Thank You Very Much - Scrooge is unaware that he is seeing his own funeral in the future. He finds everyone singing and dancing on his coffin, "thanking" him for dying. This song received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

I'll Begin Again - Scrooge's song of redemption when he wakes up, relieved to be alive.

The finale is a huge medley of reprises. First, Scrooge marches through the streets singing I Like Life, then dons a Father Christmas outfit and is paraded through town by the kids singing a happier version of Father Christmas. Following that is a massive reprise of Thank You Very Much performed by the entire town, delighted and grateful at the lender's profound change of heart. Finally, Scrooge goes home and speaks to Marley through his doorknocker, which the spirit had appeared in earlier. Scrooge thanks his partner for all the help and then leaves for Christmas dinner with his family. A chorus sings a reprise of A Christmas Carol as the film draws to a close.

Enjoy the clip....

CHRISTMAS TEA AND ANNUAL CARD


( Our Christmas Card)

Last week,after posting about the origin of the Christmas card, MMM from Steamed Sponge, one of the greatest blogs around in my humble opinion, posted a request to see my card. Each year I start thinking of the perfect card around October and sometimes before. My selection this year is certainly one that reflects our life at the moment with our two young children so full of energy, exuberance, and enchantment. I must admit that I normally gravitate towards Old Master museum cards with celestial beings or the Holy Family but this year, these children peering through the window to see Santa and his sled dashing through the Christmas sky, with the sweet church visible as well, reminds me of the importance of teaching our children what this holiday truly means, while endeavoring to entertain and balance their visions of sugarplums, presents, and of Father Christmas.

Now, after adding details of the Christmas tea below, I must get busy addressing and stamping or it will be 2009 before anyone receives our card. Happy addressing!



(Christmas Tea with the Tea Society)

Saturday was our annual Christmas Tea and Tea Cup exchange( I will post my tea cup later in the week in another post). We had a wonderful crisp December afternoon and had a successful unveiling of the Tea Society's first official tea, Christmas Clove Tea from the Ladies' Historical Tea Society. This concoction has a specially blended black tea base with the addition of whole cloves. Very simple yet quite delicious and was happily very well received. Our menu began with a savory of tomato celery soup with cocktail cheddar muffins. We continued with orange glazed scones, assorted tea sandwiches, and delectable seasonal candies to end. Along with the Christmas Clove tea, we savored cups of Yorkshire Tea and Sugar Plum Spice Tea. After we enjoyed these delicacies we retired to the parlor with our trusty Lizzie, content in receiving praise and attention from each lady, where we exchanged tea cups and spent the next hour or so in great conversation and enjoying one anothers company.

I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends. The ladies in the society are among the most generous and gracious women I have ever known. Though a couple of our cherished members were unable to attend, due to travel or other obligations, it was a lovely afternoon. I want to take a moment to recognize one of our most special members, Paula Porter. Paula has been with the Society since we began as part of the Ladies' Tea Guild back in 2003 and it was her perseverance that persuaded me to preside over our chapter of the guild. Paula was unable to be with us on Saturday but left a surprise for us. Each lady received a breast cancer angel to hang on her tree as a token from Paula who has battled this horrible disease too many times to recall. Paula is a beacon of hope and an example of profound faith and strength through the most trying times imaginable.

Paula, if you are reading this, we love you, pray for you and cherish you more than you will ever know. We are so grateful that you are a part of our lives. May God bless and strengthen you, my dear sweet friend.

ON THE ORIGIN OF THE SCONE


From: Food History: The History of Scones

This Scottish quick bread is said to have taken its name from the Stone of Destiny (or Scone), the place where Scottish kings were once crowned. The original triangular-shaped scone was made with oats and griddle-. Today's versions are more often flour-based and baked in the oven. They come in various shapes including triangles, rounds, squares and diamonds.

Actually, Scone is the old location. The Stone of Destiny isn't there anymore. According to The Stone of Scone (reprinted from "The Highways and Byways of Central Scotland" by Seton Gordon (b. 1886)

A few miles up the river from Perth is the site of the historic Abbey of Scone, where the kings of Scotland were crowned. But the glory of Scone has long departed, for, even in the time of the writing of the old "Statistical Account"...."on the spot where our ancient kings were crowned there now grows a clump of trees." At Scone the Coronation Stone or Stone of Destiny was "reverently kept for the consecration of the kings of Alba" and, according to an old chronicler, "no king was ever wont to reign in Scotland unless he had first, on receiving the royal name, sat upon this stone at Scone, which by the kings of old had been appointed to the capital of Alba." The Stone of Destiny, now in Westminster Abbey (at the time this was written), is an oblong block of RED SANDSTONE, some 26 inches long by 16 inches broad, and 10 1/2 inches deep: on the flat top of the stone are the marks of chiseling.

Some think the word "scone" has nothing at all to do with the Stone. Some say "scone" came from the Gaelic word "sgoon" and rhymed with "gone". Others believe the name is derived from the Dutch word "schoonbrot" meaning fine white bread or from the German word "sconbrot" meaning 'fine or beautiful bread'.
Whatever the origins, there are many recipes for scones and toppings and ways to serve them. Try this delectable one below:

ORANGE POPPYSEED SCONES
Ingredients:
------------
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cups poppy seed
1 tsp cream of tartar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup orange juice
1 large egg
1 tsp orange peel
Instructions:
-------------
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix all dry ingredients together. Cut butter into flour mixture
until it resembles cornmeal.
3. Beat the egg slightly into the orange juice; add liquid mixture to
dry mix and gently shape dough into a ball.
4. Cut the ball in half, and pat each half out on a floured surface
into a circle about 1/2 inch thick, and 8 inches around. Cut into
wedges and place on a baking sheet.

THE CHRISTMAS CARD


Christmas cards have always been a favorite staple of the holidays for me. I love selecting special cards to send to friends and loved ones and especially enjoy the thrill of seeing the first cards of the season arrive in the mail box. It's such a joy to see how each person's character truly shines through by the cards they select. With this wonderful tradition on my mind, I want to share a bit of background information on the history of the Christmas Card. And, as a matter of fact, our first card of the season arrived today!

History of the Christmas Card
(from Wiki)
The first commercial Christmas cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in London, 1843, and featured an illustration by John Callcott Horsley. The picture, of a family with a small child drinking wine together, proved controversial, but the idea was shrewd: Cole had helped introduce the Penny Post three years earlier. Two batches totaling 2050 cards were printed and sold that year for a shilling each.[1]

Early English cards rarely showed winter or religious themes, instead favoring flowers, fairies and other fanciful designs that reminded the recipient of the approach of spring. Humorous and sentimental images of children and animals were popular, as were increasingly elaborate shapes, decorations and materials. In 1875 Louis Prang became the first printer to offer cards in America, though the popularity of his cards led to cheap imitations that eventually drove him from the market. The advent of the postcard spelled the end for elaborate Victorian-style cards, but by the 1920s, cards with envelopes had returned.

The production of Christmas cards was, throughout the 20th century, a profitable business for many stationery manufacturers, with the design of cards continually evolving with changing tastes and printing techniques. The World Wars brought cards with patriotic themes. Idiosyncratic "studio cards" with cartoon illustrations and sometimes risque humor caught on in the 1950s. Nostalgic, sentimental, and religious images have continued in popularity, and, in the 21st century, reproductions of Victorian and Edwardian cards are easy to obtain.

Happy Thanksgiving!



The Pumpkin
By J. G. Whittier

Ah! On Thanksgiving Day, when from East and from West,
From North and from South come the pilgrim and guest,
When the gray-haired New Englander sees round his board
The old broken links of affection restored,
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before,
What moistens the lip, and what brightens the eye?
What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin pie?

O, fruit loved of boyhood! the old days recalling;
When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!
When wild, ugly faces were carved in its skin,
Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!
When we laughed round the corn heap, with hearts all in tune,
Our chair a broad pumpkin, our lantern the moon,
Telling tales of the fairy who traveled like steam
In a pumpkin-shell coach, with two rats for her team!

Then, thanks for thy present! - none sweeter or better
E'er smoked from an oven or circled a platter!
Fairer hands never wrought at a pastry more fine,
Brighter eyes never watched o'er its baking than thine!
And the prayer, which my mouth is too full to express,
Swells my heart that thy shadow may never be less,
That the days of thy lot may be lengthened below,
And the fame of thy worth like a pumpkin-vine grow,
And thy life be as sweet, and its last sunset sky
Gold-tinted and fair as thine own pumpkin-pie!


I'll be away from the blogosphere for a wee bit but shall return next week.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

EARL GREY TEA COOKIES
( Recipe and image from Martha Stewart.com)

Makes about 8 dozen
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, (from about 8 bags)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 (8 ounce) sticks unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest

Directions
Whisk together flour, tea, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
Put butter, sugar, and zest in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low; slowly mix in flour mixture until just combined.
Divide dough in half. Transfer each half to a piece of parchment paper; shape into logs. Roll in parchment to 1 1/4 inches in diameter, pressing a ruler along edge of parchment at each turn to narrow log and force out air. Transfer in parchment to paper-towel tubes; freeze 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut logs into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Space 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake until edges turn golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks.

Time for Tea:Tea and conversation with thirteen English Women by Michele Rivers


Here is a delightful book about the customs and traditions of tea by English women from many different walks of life. This book would be a great Christmas gift for the tea enthusiast and ritualist. Thankfully, there are more than a few of us still left out there.


From the Inside Flap
Time for Tea offers a delightfully unique expression of why English society has so steadfastly preserved its teatime tradition. Thirteen English women, ranging in age from six to eighty, share their very candid and entertaining reflections on why the teatime ritual -- in all its incarnations -- is such an indelible fixture in their lives.

From Virginia, Lady Bath, to Winifred Westcott, a dairy farmer, from Anne Slade, a retired ballerina, to schoolgirl Hayley Richards, a farmer's daughter, we are treated to the surprisingly moving and engaging medley of these women's memories and dreams, as they discuss their own teatime traditions and their lives with us -- over a cup of tea.

The women also share their family teatime recipes for delicious cakes, scones, crumpets and jams, and suggest an appropriate tea to accompany them. Along the way, we explore the secrets of an English specialty tea shop, see the inside of a tea blender, learn how to brew a perfect pot of tea and how to make an authentic cream tea.

The women's stories are beautifully framed by spectacular photographs of the breathtaking English countryside, which perfectly complements the peace and serenity of a good English tea.

TEA SOCIETY LUNCHEON AT IRISH ACRES( LHTS members: Darleen Chamberlain,Polly Singer( visit Polly's wonderful website), Natalie Ferguson( owner of Zip Zip Vintage Sewing Blog), yours truly in the red wrap, and Mary Justice. Thank you, Maureen Burdon, for taking this photograph for us.)

Saturday afternoon, 5 members of The Ladies' Historical Tea Society and one guest enjoyed the exquisite ambiance of Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques and the delectable cuisine served at The Glitz Restaurant, housed in lower level of the facility. We have made this excursion an annual autumn ritual for our society. This unique place is always a very popular destination for those of us in Central Kentucky and beyond. A mere walk through the seemingly ordinary, yet very tall, front doors of this former school and you are transported into a virtual wonderland of exquisite beauty and feast for all the senses. For more information and photographs of this enchanted destination, click on the link in the following paragraph.

Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques displays 32,000 square feet of American and European furniture, glassware, china, crystal, silver, linens, dolls, jewelry, rugs, decorative accessories and International giftware. Irish Acres offers something for everyone, from the curious browser to the serious collector.

In closing, I must share what I had for lunch: Hungarian Mushroom Soup, Pistachio chicken stuffed with apples topped with a delicious chutney and served on top of basmati rice, and for dessert a slice of pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust covered with praline sauce. And last but not least, two cups of Earl Grey Tea. Heavenly!

WAITING FOR A NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY

Giovanni Boldini Italian, 1842 - 1931
Portrait of the Marchesa Luisa Casati, with a Greyhound
Date: 1908


The Marchesa Luisa Casati, who was born into a wealthy family of Lombard textile manufacturers, was renowned for her extravagance. The poet Gabriele d'Annunzio once claimed that she was the only woman capable of surprising him. Boldini is supposed to have first met her in Venice, when he helped her retrieve pearls from a seven-metre long necklace that had broken. She would parade though Venice dressed as a gondolier and accompanied by a cheetah on a leash.
(Source: 'Pre-Raphaelite and Other Masters: The Andrew Lloyd-Webber Collection')





A few weeks ago, we applied to adopt a Greyhound. We sent in our adoption application, finished our home visit with a representative on Sunday, and got the news last night that our application was approved. Now, the wait is on...The dogs presently in the adoption program did not fit all of our family needs( cat safe, child friendly, and companion for our aging Sheltie) so the search begins for that special one that we will welcome with open arms. Having been a former Greyhound owner, I am excited and thrilled beyond words that we will at long last be blessed with another of these most beautiful, kind and loving creatures. Of course, I couldn't let this post escape without applying some historical facts about this breed. Now, tea and Greyhounds?... I suggested if we adopt a male that we call him Earl Grey..How perfect is that? My husband wasn't as enchanted with that prospect as my son and I were so I suspect that one has been vetoed. For those of you who have read The Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs, you will note that the heroine/tea shop owner/super sleuth of the novels, Theodosia, does in fact have a dog named Earl Grey.

I will be chronicling all of our Greyhound adventures on another blog soon to be published as well as a few posts on this blog as well. For now, you may indeed find some of these facts below about this ancient breed very interesting.


1. Greyhounds are the only canine mentioned in the Bible (Proverbs 30:29-31) King James Version.

There be three things which go well, yea,
Which are comely in going;
A lion, which is strongest among beasts and
Turneth not away from any;
A greyhound;
A he-goat also.

2. Greyhounds are one of the oldest purebred dogs, dating back to the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Paintings inside the tombs of the great Pyramids depicted greyhounds.

3. A law passed during the reign of King Canute stated that the destruction of a greyhound should carry the same capital punishment as the murder of a man.

4. At one time in England it was forbidden for commoners to own a greyhound.

5. General Custer was a greyhound fancier.

6. President Lincoln had a greyhound in his family coat-of-arms.

7. In 1804, Australia issued a proclamation ordering the destruction of all dogs except greyhounds and sheepdogs.

8. In 1886, Charles Frederick Holder assembled a pack of greyhounds and trained them to chase fox, jack rabbits and coyotes. The hunters rode in the style of English fox hunting, and Holder was instrumental in the formation of the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena, California in 1888. In 1889, the Valley Hunt Club held a "beautiful fete" to show off their hounds and celebrates the ripening of the orange. The resulting event, the Orange Parade, ultimately became the Pasadena Festival of Roses and is now known as the Rose Parade.

9. The mythical Greek Goddess Diana is usually pictured with a greyhound at her side.

10.John Barrymore, the famous actor, always kept his house full of greyhounds as pets.

11.Bo Derek, the actress best known for such movies as 10 and Tarzan, owns several retired racing greyhounds and is a great advocate of greyhounds as pets.

12.For many, many years the Lincoln car had a greyhound as a hood ornament.

13.Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog, reaching top speeds of 40 mph.

14.Greyhounds can see clearly for up to a half-mile.

15.Many people who are allergic to dogs are non-allergic to greyhounds due to their short hair, sleek coat and skin type (which has more oil to it, thus less dander.)


( Greyhound Facts from Greyhounds of Shamrock )

AN HOMAGE TO EARL GREY




No matter how many different blends of teas I try, I always return to the timeless Earl Grey. This week, I wanted to pay homage to this comforting old friend with a little background information on the tea and the man. Some of which, is reportedly myth and legend...No wonder I have such a fascination with this blend. Twinings Earl Grey blend is reportedly Queen Elizabeth's favorite tea.


The Earl Grey blend is named after the 2nd Earl Grey, British Prime Minister in the 1830s, who reputedly received a gift, probably a diplomatic perquisite, of tea flavoured with bergamot oil[1], taken from bergamot, a citrus fruit typical of southern Italy.

Descended from a long-established Northumbrian family seated at Howick Hall, Grey was the second but eldest surviving son of General Sir Charles Grey KB (1729–1807) and his wife, Elizabeth (1743/4–1822), daughter of George Grey of Southwick, co. Durham. He had four brothers and two sisters. Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, he acquired at those schools a facility in Latin and in English composition and declamation that enabled him to become one of the foremost parliamentary orators of his generation. Grey was elected to Parliament at the age of 22 in 1786. He became a part of the Whig circle of Charles James Fox, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and the Prince of Wales, and soon became one of the major leaders of the Whig party. Grey was noted for advocating Parliamentary reform and Catholic emancipation.

The tea legend usually involves a grateful Chinese mandarin whose son was rescued from drowning by one of Lord Grey's men, although this blend of tea was first made from fermented black Indian and Ceylon teas. As green tea is much more popular in China than black tea, it seems somewhat unlikely that they would have had a recipe for what we now call Earl Grey to bestow on visitors, though over the years many other varieties of tea have been used. In addition, Lord Grey never set foot in China. Another version of the legend has the son of an Indian raja being rescued from a tiger by one of Grey's servants.

Jacksons of Piccadilly claim that it was they who originated Earl Grey's Tea, Lord Grey having given the recipe to Robert Jackson & Co. partner George Charlton in 1830; according to Jacksons the original recipe has been in constant production and has never left their hands. Theirs has been based on China tea since the beginning.

Variations on Earl Grey
1.Twinings also has a proprietary branded tea variety called "Lady Grey" made with lemon and Seville orange in addition to bergamot. Also of note is that Twinings received an official endorsement from the sixth Earl Grey, Richard Grey, whose signature appears on packages of Twinings Earl Grey.
2.The beverage company Snapple has released a tea beverage based on Earl Grey called Snapple Classic Tea Earl Gray.
3.Many boutique tea stores sell a similar blend with added rose petals known as French Earl Grey
4.A beverage called "London Fog" is a combination of Earl Grey, steamed milk and vanilla syrup.
5.Earl Grey teas made with extra large amounts of bergamot are often called "Earl Greyer". (wikipedia)

ELECTION DAY AND HEADING OUT TO VOTE

Picture of 1912 Suffrage March, New York City



WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE:

Before 1917, the only states in the Union that granted the vote to women were in the West. Women were granted the right to vote in Wyoming Territory in 1869; Utah Territory in 1870; Washington Territory in 1883, state of Wyoming in 1890; Colorado in 1893 and in Utah in 1896. As a result: the first woman elected to Congress was Jeannette Rankin of Montana; first elected mayor was Mary Howard of Kanab, Utah; the first elected mayor of a major city was Bertha Landes of Seattle, Washington; the first elected governors were Miriam "Ma" Ferguson of Texas and Nellie Taylor Ross of Wyoming.(Text Content From Outlaw Women)