In The Sunny Spot

I am still happily wading through the aftermath of the tea.

Every where I look, there are beautiful things to be seen.

Now that I'm not in a blurry rush to get ready for the tea, it is like I am opening my eyes and seeing what's around me for the first time.

I made this bouquet 3 days ago but, all of a sudden, I could see it.

(I feel like Mr. Magoo!)

The flowers are opening up beautifully!

I remember Pipany once remarking in one of her posts, how the petals on her roses looked like the folds of an Edwardian lady's dress.

The continuing stormy weather made it one of those days where it is necessary to have the inside lights on.

The rain feels so luxurious and soothing after the harsh miserliness of the icy, frozen snow.

Doesn't Spring always feel like a rich and generous gift that rewards us for surviving the winter?

Now, it seems strange that I thought the first snow was like being showered in diamonds!

Well, with the friendly storm raging outside, I decided that it would be prudent to make it warm and comforting inside for my 4 men who would be coming home at 3:30.

It was, also, "now or never" for using up the leftovers from the tea.

There were a remnant of sugar cookies to be frosted.

I use 2 Tb of Brandy in the dough that becomes a rich extract that complements the vanilla. I, also, roll them out thickly so that one can really sink their teeth into them. They are lovely comfort food! My version of shortbread.

It took me a while to put everything together. I made custard tarts and, of course, fresh cucumber sandwiches. It was so pleasant to be in charge of every part of the tea and to make everything "just so" and to my liking.

With the dark clouds still hovering over our world, the light left us early.

I lit the candles and quickly took pictures.

(I wanted to be sure that the sandwiches were still soft and fresh!)

The boys were exasperated and bemused.

They wanted their sugar cookies!

When the boys and I finally sat down ...

... our tea was delicious!

The sandwiches were perfect!

We had cucumber, egg with watercress and, my own, nutty, herb chicken salad.

The scones were warming in the oven.

... and, my cup of tea ...

... it was one of those perfect cuppas ...

This morning, the wind is howling, the clouds are still making the light soft and I am going to, now, go and take pictures of my other tea tables

and, then, 

return my house to normal!!!

(clean normal that is!)

I am wishing you wings to speed you on with whatever your endeavors are today!

Love,

Katy Noelle xo

P.S. This is a link to Pipany's  where you can find her post about Edwardian lady's dresses in a lovely post from Feb. 3 entitled "Things to make me smile!"