Monday, March 14, 2011

Victoria, BC treats, tea and friendship.................


On Saturday afternoon, between meeting a dear friend at the local garden center for lunch among the huge array of new shrubs and plants waiting to grace a Spring garden, and attending the delightful evening vintage fashion show of prom gowns at SuzAnna's Antiques, I was here for a little relaxation......


..............sitting in the sunshine on the front porch having my afternoon cup of tea.

What a special cuppa it was too - I even used my Grandmother's delicate Court China tea set - Murchie's Library Blend, from British Columbia, a thoughtful gift from dear blog friend Pondside who lives in Victoria, BC, one of my most favorite spots in the world!
This was a new blend to me, most enjoyable, and a perfect accompaniment to the new copy of my favorite French magazine, Campagne Decoration, which arrived in the mail that same day.



I actually don't use sugar in my tea but thought the little bowl with my silver sugar tongs looked sweet with the tea pot!

Thank you dear Pondside for sharing a new tea, and the yummy chocolates.........thoughts of you far away in Victoria were definitely on my mind as I sipped.........hopefully we'll have tea together some day.

Do you enjoy getting together with friends for afternoon tea?  Although a British tradition, it appears to be getting quite popular here in the US.  It's just lovely to take a break late in the afternoon before the dinner rush, sipping tea while chatting about the day.

15 comments:

  1. Oh yes, afternoon tea is still a tradition in our home. There was a time, when we lived in the UK, when every week without fail a group of us got together for either morning coffee or afternoon tea. Now, though, we still stop for that cuppa, no matter what else is on the agenda. It is a wonderful pick-me-up and so relaxing, although I am trying to resist the temptation of cakes and biscuits to go with it!

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  2. Mary.....where is all the free time these days! I was off Saturday and Sunday but I spent the biggest part of it sleeping away! I needed some tea to wake me up, Ha! Hope all is good, you will have to updaye me on how things are going? The Depot is still busier than ever. Rachel and me can't wait for you to make another visit! Talk to you soon! Janna

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  3. Oh Yes, I do enjoy afternoon tea with friends. In fact, I did just so last week. It was a wonderful visit with yummy scones, cookies and tea and great company! Two of my dear friends have recently moved from the country (where I live) to the city and prior to that we had a standing Wednesday afternoon tea date, taking turns hosting. I loved it so and miss my friends as we don't get together as often. It was so good to meet with them last week in my friend's new condo. I'm glad you are able to have tea on your front porch. Enjoy!

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  4. Oh yes! Not really enough time to do it as often as I would like, so thanks for the reminder. An afternoon tea is a must!

    Nancy

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  5. Definitely yes Mary!!! I only drink tea and with friends it is even better! I love tea, scones and clotted cream-just yummy! Lemon curd is wonderful too! Your tea looked very wonderful and I'm glad you had a chance to relax! Was that garden center in Raleigh where you ate? I ask because I've been there with my friend when she worked in Raleigh a few years ago. We had a delightful time and the little birds joined us too! What a wonderful memory!

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  6. That looks so wonderfully relaxing. Do you subscribe to Campagne Decoration? If you do, can you send me their subscription link?
    Hugs,
    Penny
    p.s. yes, I love having tea with a friend...

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  7. I usually have my tea alone but that is quiet time for me too. Lovely teacup and sauce.

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  8. I always find that cosy conversation is best over a pot of tea. I'm so glad that you found a sunny spot in which to enjoy yours! It would be lovely to sip a Murchie's blend with you here in Victoria.

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  9. Afternoon tea with a friend is a favorite here! I often enjoy a cup of tea in the afternoon just to relax with a copy of a new magazine just as you've done with Campagne Decoration. I need to find a copy of this magazine. Looks like a good one!
    Beautiful tea set. ~ Sarah

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  10. This is lovely Mary!

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  11. Oh Mary...I love your tea set...beautiful!! I almost fixed myself a cup of tea this afternoon...but then didn't do...now wish I had. I hope to get into the habit of it, I think it would be good for the soul as well as the body and mind!!

    Blessings....
    xoxo Gert

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  12. An afternoon cup of tea is my medicine of choice.
    It does for me what a cocktail does for my husband. An added bit of comfort is a Walker's shortbread cookie along with it. Thank goodness you can now find it in the States. There was a time I bought it back from Canada on our annual visit to family.

    If you have a Trader Joes near you they have a great Irish breakfast tea - very reasonable. $2.99 for box of 80. I used to bring my tea from home also but now I use the Irish blend.

    I envy you your trip home to England. Been there many times and never get over the beauty of the countrysides. My Mother was born near Birmingham.

    Hugs

    FredaB

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  13. Mary, did you go to Logan's? I am dying to go, but I've resisted because I know I will want to buy pretty plants. I'm trying to hold off until mid-April.

    Your relaxing time on the porch must have been bliss.

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  14. It's a 4 o'clock moment here, though the French still refer to it as 'le 5 oclock'!

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  15. I love to have a cup of tea in the afternoon, most of my friends work, but on occasion I'll get together with my parents and have a cup of tea. Love your grandmothers' set, so pretty!
    Take care,
    Ulrike
    P.S. I do like sugar in my tea, probably too much, just like my Opa or so my mom says, and also my cream!

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