Keemun

Keemun tea is referred to as the “burgundy” of teas.  It is from China and is considered the original English breakfast tea.

This black tea is rich and earthy with a hint of smokiness that I find quite pleasant – not as overpowering as say, Lapsang Souchong or Russian Caravan.

 

The tea set is a favorite and was purchased from Longaberger a few years ago.  It is great for parties, as the teapot is quite large.  I like the embossed design that mimics the stitching on an old quilt.  Sometimes I wish I’d bought the cups to match.

The Armed Man

Friday evening Don and I had the privilege of attending a performance of The Armed Man:  A Mass For Peace by Karl Jenkins’.  More information can be found here.

It included a live orchestra, full chorus and dance by Griffin Choral Arts and Griffin Ballet Theatre.  There were also projections of images from war film footage.  The Armed Man has become an extremely popular piece since its premiere at Royal Albert Hall in London in April 2000 and has been performed by over 800 choral groups around the world.

Many reviews on Amazon describe the CD (shown above) as powerful and accessible classical music.  Although the Griffin performance was only two nights, if you ever have an opportunity to see this performed elsewhere, it is well worth your time.

Springtime Tea

Spring Tea Party by parTea lady featuring Dorothy Perkins clothing

Wouldn't you love to enjoy a Springtime Tea with pretty floral dresses, gorgeous hats and luscious tea treats?

National Quilting Day

Today is National Quilting Day and the NQA has designated a free pattern to celebrate.  It is called Tie One On For The Troops.

There are some great suggestions for donating this quilt on the website, such as VA hospitals, families of servicemen overseas, child of a serviceman, or to hang in a church as a reminder of those serving overseas.

You can download a pattern for this quilt at the National Quilting Association website here.

Fun at the Hop

The Greater Atlanta Quilt Shop Hop is happening once again March 18-20 and one of my favorite quilt shops is participating.  It is always fun to visit A Scarlet Thread in McDonough, GA.

 There are dozens of fabulous quilts to admire.

 Some of the cutest purses you’ve ever seen.  I love this pink and green beauty with all the girly frills – I might just have to buy this pattern.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw the center panel of this quilt.  It was a bit of a letdown on closer inspection to discover that it is all about coffee, not tea. 

This is one of the prettiest aprons I’ve ever seen.  This little number is being added to my to do list. 

Each shop has a theme to work with and A Scarlet Thread had a disco theme.  There was a sparkling disco ball, John Travolta cutout, disco music and more.  How many of you have sewn the fat quarter bag at the left of the picture?

 There was definitely a master of  marketing at work here.  I loved these bundles that each contained five yards of coordinating fabric for $30.  Purchase two and receive a ten dollar shop voucher.  It was difficult to choose just two from the dozens and dozens available.

 There is a lot to see here, not to mention super friendly and helpful staff.  I left the store with some great fabrics, a shop goodie bag and a free disco platform shoe charm.  Don’t miss it if you are in the area.

Visit A Scarlet Thread online.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

 

 Irish Soda Bread

Dry Ingredients:

• 3½ Cups flour

• 4 Teaspoons baking powder

• 1/3 Cup sugar

• ½ Teaspoon baking soda

• 8 oz. Raisins, softened (soak in hot water, drain)

• ½ Teaspoon salt

• 1 Tablespoon caraway seeds

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 Eggs beaten

• 1 Cup sour cream

• ½ Cup buttermilk

• 3 Tablespoons melted butter

Combine wet and dry ingredients, knead together

Add to greased, floured 9” pan. Cut an “X” in the top.  Bake 55-60 minutes at 350°.

The pretty Belleek Shamrock teapot shown above is available at Amazon.  You can visit the Belleek Pottery’s Official Website (Belleek Living) here.  There is a link to a video tour of the Belleek pottery. 

Daffodils

Once again the daffodils are blooming in our backyard.  Today I noticed several trees in the neighborhood that seem to be an explosion of pretty pink flowers.  Isn’t springtime grand?

    

  Daffodils (1804)

I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretch'd in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).