Tea for Two --- Make That Three

Each day on the ship at about 3:30 tea time was observed. I had noticed it on the daily itinerary and wondered about it. When visiting with two women at lunch on Thursday they happened to mention that they had been to the tea previous day and what fun it was to pick a tea and be served desserts and hors d'oeurves.

Ahhh, the perfect "Tea Party" for Abigail and me to attend. So that afternoon we went to tea.

The tables were perfectly set with tea cups, dessert plates and napkins rolled to look like candles. We chose our place, twice, and settled in for the music and tea. We were joined by Amy to make this a perfect tea party for three generations.

Our server came by with a choice of teas --- I chose lemon and Amy and Abby chose an orange tea. Then a second server came by with a little kettle of hot water for each of us. All was going lovely up to this point.

I had my tea steeping and was assisting Abby with hers. The aroma that came up from the cup was wonderful and I lifted it as I continued to pour water into her cup so she could get a whiff. As I did I touched her bare shoulder with the kettle --- a shriek escaped from her and then a loud cry.

We had every one's attention. I got the cup and kettle down without spilling any and then began to rock Abby. Three waiters came to see what had happened. "I'm so sorry, I touched her with the tea kettle. She's okay, just startled, could we have a little ice please," came rushing out of my mouth.

There was barely a red mark -- thank goodness -- I felt horrible but ice was brought and in just a few moments she was back to preparing her tea, and admonishing me about being very careful when little kids are around. The sweet lady with the dessert cart showed up about then and we selected our treats. Thin sliced salmon on a baguette for me, a flavored cream filled biscuit for Miss A, and a blueberry torte for Amy. We sipped our tea and enjoyed ourselves while we listened to the beautiful music from the piano.

Several times during the tea different servers would come by and ask how things were and if we needed any thing. The gentleman who had gotten the ice for us directed his question to Abigail asking how she had enjoyed the tea. Her reply has become my favor line of the cruise. "

"Oh it was fun, except for the screaming."

Enduring Love -- A Valentine Theme

I had a wonderful time tonight at the Valentine Banquet hosted by our church. The meal was catered by one of the local restaurants and was excellent. The youth of the church labored as our waiters and waitresses for tips to be put in the youth account for this summer's mission trip. All the decorations were excellent. The after dinner speaker brought an uplifting message that was both humorous and challenging about making love endure. I'm truly enjoyed all aspects of this evening.

Were there problems happening? Probably so, but I didn't have to deal with any of them. I merely got tea and water for the table then sat down and enjoyed conversation with my guest. Robert played host with the utmost elegance. He made sure we all were well taken care of; calling over our waitress a couple of times for tea or water as he noticed our guest needed it. I didn't even know he knew how to do such thing. And then when everyone was through eating he personally got them all the dessert of their choice. (The man never ceases to amaze me.)

This is the table I was in charge of decorating. It turned out much as I had envisioning it, and of course it received great compliments and raves from all at the table and those who were wandering by. People are very kind.





A close up of a place setting. The silver is from my mother. This is the silverware that we used while I was growing up. I love getting it out now for special occasions although then we used it for every day. Oh, and Donna, every one loved the idea of using the luggage tags as napkin rings/place cards. You were given credit each time.





We have a very active group of young singles -- men and women ranging in age from about 24 to 35 -- in our church. This was their table done by them because the wanted to be together. It was colorful and fun. This photo doesn't do it justice.

This is another of the tables, just to show some of the variety of what the room looked like. It was awesome to see so many different ideas played out in one room. It truly is a fun way to decorate. There were 24 tables done by 24 different ladies with 24 different ideas.

This is the only picture I have of almost Robert and me this evening. The girl in the middle is Brittany our server. She did an excellent job. Her smile was just as big at the end of the evening as it was for the photo. She got a good tip, and part of it was because she got Robert back really good once when he was teasing her.


Paul and Gennie Vela were wonderful guest to have seated with us. They have traveled to several different places and I enjoyed hearing their stories about their adventures. We also compared our experiences cruising. Here Stan places a kiss on Nan's cheek. Robert and Stan are in Lions Club together and we have had the pleasure of being with them for two dinners this past week. Always a delight. They plan to go on the trip to Israel next December also. Nan and I have already started planning what mischief we can get into.

Plans for Saturday Evening in Haiku Form

Valentine Banquet
To be held this Saturday
A table I'll host

Each hostess can do
Whatever she wishes to
For her guest of eight

I've chosen a theme
*Two Hearts Travel Together*
Romance without pink

Things are all ready
For the table to be set
China and silver

An aged looking globe
Greenery and tall candles
Make the focal point

Tablecloth, napkins
Are a rich dark chocolate
Something quite different

Colored luggage tags
To be used as napkin rings
And serve as place cards.

I hope all things work
And match what I envision
You will see Sunday

Successful Holiday Party

The house is quiet now. The candles have all been blown out, the dishes put in the dishwasher, the leftover food stored away to be eaten for the next couple of days.

We laughed about life. We told tales of our grandchildren. We listened and consoled about those we care about who aren't doing well. Then we laughed some more.

We ate. The variety of food was interesting. Seven women told to bring something; we would share a meal. Nothing more said. The menu ended up being pinwheel sandwiches, veggie pizza, a veggie tray, chips and dip, and an unusual dish made with artichoke, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese. (I wasn't sure about that last dish. I sampled it, and I'm still not sure.) We did have some homemade divinity and my brownie torte as sweets. Iced tea and water.

We exchanged gifts. In this exchange we passed the gifts to the left and back to the right as a story was read. Each time the word right or left is said you had to hand the package off. The fun part was that the gifts had to be something you had at your house that you either no longer used (but it was still in excellent condition) or something you were giving as a re-gift. NO buying was allowed, and the present had to be wrapped in newspaper --- no pretty packages. Of course all the gifts were great things. I ended up with a candle.

Then we had a review of the book we are working our way through --- this was a working party and I must say I think we actually got more done tonight than we usually do. The fellowship we share before seemed to help us focus when it was time to actually discuss how we can involve women in the church who aren't now active.

I was nice to have this small group of friends here to share some holiday fun in my home. I love hosting. I was well worth the wee bit of stress I put myself through getting ready.