Precious gifts........................

If you've ever met a blogger friend in person you've known the joy of the hug, the friendly greeting full of excitement............and often the fun of exchanging gifts.  Over years, or even just months of blogging, we get to know each other's likes and dislikes, peculiarities and interests...............and often what we enjoy tasting, collecting, reading, decorating with, and sharing.

Portland, Oregon..................a city of roses and so much more. Hurry there if you haven't been, you won't be sorry. Visible on my July 8 visit, just 50 miles east-southeast of Portland, mesmerizing Mt. Hood, 11,249 feet, highest point in Oregon, and fourth highest volcanic mountain in the Cascade Range.

Marilyn of Delights of the Heart and I were certainly warm up on the hillside where, from the lovely gardens of the Pittock Mansion, we had this awesome view across the city toward Mt. Hood. Portland was having a heatwave....the mountain looked cool!

Getting back to gift giving...................my very special gifts received from Marilyn, owner of Marmalady's - "tea products that make the heart sing" - are delightful and brought out the English in me! Always acceptable pretty English china, and a very unusual assortment of 'tea bags/balls' stashed in the useful woven straw pouch.

This vintage cup and saucer from the 1920's is by the artist Clarice Cliff for Royal Staffordshire. Read more about this interesting woman HERE.

As it's small I am keeping it alongside my set of Wedgwood 'Edme' demitasse cups. I just love it and will use it often.

Also in my gift bag was a lovely slice of wrapped handmade soap  - this came from Marilyn's recent visit to a lavender farm in Sequim, Washington. It smells divine, the blend of lavender and calendula will ensure healthy skin.

Thank you Marilyn for the gifts, the time spent at your beautiful home and garden, and sharing the sights, sounds and tastes of Portland. Meeting up with blogging friends..........definitely one of my FAVORITE THINGS.

Linking this post to Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for Saturday's A FAVORITE THING. Stop over and join in - there may be some really cool posts for a hot Summer's day.