"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Tea Time Tuesday & A Secret Santa Mystery

Isn't this teacup lovely ? I received 2 teacups of this pattern as a gift from my Secret Santa last month. My Secret Santa did a wonderful job of choosing gifts for me, I just wish I knew who she was...please come forward , I love the gifts you chose for me. I made myself a cup of tea and drank it out of this teacup. Although the very old teacups came without saucers, I do have a supply of old Japanese made saucers on hand that go very well with these teacups.I think the blue saucer goes very well with the blue flowers ringing the rim of the teacup, don't you? I took this short tea break to catch up on reading my magazines, especially my poultry magazines, as my Grandson & I are raising bantam D'uccles (a small breed of chickens) together .Of course I had to have some of the berry butternut cookies my husband made for Christmas. I ate the last 3 cookies , with no regrets! I was also able to read my 'Tea Time' , 'Country Living', & 'Victoria' magazines with all the inspiring tea settings and recipes. My lovely teacup is titled 'Cherry China', Made In Occupied Japan. I searched on-line for any info on this beautiful china but could not find any apropos to this pattern and style. What I appreciate about these cups is that I can use so many different saucers and table-setting colors with them. For now though, I will eat my cookies, drink my tea, dream about future tea parties, and then get on with my January house-cleaning & organizing.I hope my Secret Santa reads this so the mystery can be solved.~ To see other Tea Time Tuesday inspirational ideas, please visit the ladies listed below. There are many reasons I love January. The weather outside is so cold there is no gardening to be done. I can focus on what needs doing indoors. After feeding my sheep, poultry, dogs, cats, & goats ~ making sure they are well, warm & dry, I come indoors and hum as I bake, clean, craft and write without feeling I am neglecting other duties.The wood stove needs to be fed often to keep the house warm. I am so grateful to God who has provided my family, home, hearth, health, and blessings more abundant than I can write. Tea time and blogging friends are icing on the cake of such abundance. I hope you're able to see all your blessings and be thankful, for even if you're suffering hardships and loss, you are still abundantly blessed, really! ~"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. " James 1:17 ~

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

They really are lovely cups! I'm happy you are enjoying the Tea Time magazine and how fun to be raising chickens with your grandson.
Much like you, I am happiest when I am at home cleaning, baking and enjoying God's many blessings.
Have a wonderful day, Kathy.

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely teacup! We found the same pattern I think at a local thrift store or Goodwill and took them to our old church to use.

I am truly blessed and it was wonderful to spend the holidays with loved ones at the end of 2011.

Blessings,

Amy

Timi said...

It's a heart-warming post! Thank you!
And your teacups are beautiful!!!

Linda M. said...

Your tea cup gift is lovely. Hope you find out who your secret Santa really is, I'm sure she/he reads your blog and knows you are enjoying the cups. Have a wonderful week. Warmly, Linda

Terri said...

Your cherry china cups are so sweet! They look fine on the blue saucers. I wonder who your gifter is??? I am sure you would love to know. Someone was thinking of you. I hope they come forward.
How long does it take you in the morning to feed and check all your animals? It sounds like a lot of work.
I am so glad you are loving your life and have time to sit and enjoy your tea!
Hugs,
Terri

Ruth...Time Was Antiques said...

The teacups are lovely and the saucers do look lovely with them. Occupied Japan? The dates are 1945-1952 and were required on all china during that period. Sometimes the maker's mark was included as well, sometimes only the Occupied Japan mark. Collectible, because it was only for the few years that Japan was rebuildin under the occupation. You have the same taste as I do in magazines! LOL!
Cheers!
R

Unknown said...

Yes, Santa reads your blog! :) I've been doing the Secret Santa Soiree for a few years now. Last year, instead of posting about what we received, Georgie had us post about what we SENT. It was very difficult for me not to post about your gift, because I was so excited to find those teacups. As soon as I received your info and visited your blog, I knew I wanted to find a pretty teacup. I visited my local Goodwill store, and just when I was ready to give up, God stepped in and those teacups were right there on the shelf. They were exactly what I was looking for, and when I turned them over and saw "Occupied Japan", I knew I'd found a treasure. The best part? They were FIFTY CENTS EACH! :) There were originally three, but one met with an untimely demise when my toddler found the bag. I had so much fun putting your package together and am glad that you enjoyed everything!

Shelley said...

Beautiful tea cups! I love to drink tea too - my mom got me a winterberry tea cup for christmas.
Hope you're doing well!!

Connie said...

A cup of tea, some cookies, and catching up on some reading--that sounds like a wonderful way to spend a winter day to me. :)

KathyB. said...

Maple Lane, all these things, baking, cleaning, gardening, enjoying family, they are what home is all about!Thank-you.

Amy, you found some at your thrift store? What a special find and then gift for the old church.

Timi, thank-you!

Linda M. you were right, my SSS did read and respond. Thank-you for your kind words.

Terri, it takes about an hour for daily chores, a bit more time to clean, and for special care. Then of course there is time to just watch my animals...after all, that is why I have them, because I love them. Thank-you for hosting this tea-time Tuesday.

Ruth, thank-you for the information, this helps me.

Elle Bee, THANK-YOU ! Your good bargain is my treasure, and I love the teacups very much.I enjoyed and appreciate the gift box you so carefully and thoughtfully put together, the baked bread was a real bonus. I am using my Panda Express card this Friday after my dentist check-up !

KathyB. said...

Shelley, thank-you. Winterberry, I will check this pattern out, it sounds very appropriate for you.

Daisy, these were the last 3 berry butternut cookies, I had to make sure I sat down and thoroughly enjoyed them because they are delicious and my husband only makes them once a year.

Paula said...

Gorgeous teacup, Kathy! It's so pretty I would imagine it even makes the contents taste better.... *grin*
I enjoy the coziness of January too... even though it can be harsh at times.

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Hi Kathy, I always love stopping by to see what you are up too. Your music choices are so soothing. I began the year by organizing, but then the roof leaked and everything is torn apart, lol.

Thank you so much for welcoming me home. I hope that you figure out who your secret Santa is, but if you don't, please consider it a blessing and a hug from the Lord, and say a prayer for his sweet messenger.

Hugs,

Kathy M.

Dolores said...

I've missed stopping by to visit. I have some catching up to do.
I love your gifts from your secret santa.... so thoughtful and the cups are beautiful.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Tea is always such a nice thing to do for oneself. Dave and I used to do that, take a break in the later afternoon, sit and chat about nothing much in particular. It's something I've gotten away from; perhaps one day I'll start again.

KathyB. said...

Paula, I know it seems crazy, but drinking tea or coffee out of pretty cups & saucers does make it taste better!

January seems the only month I can count on a bit of down time to regroup, and reflect, without so many needful things clamoring for attention. If it snows ,then I am feeling blissful, for I can justify staying indoors most of the day and not driving anywhere. Time for reading, weaving, spinning,

Oregon Gifts, my Secret Santa commented, and now I know who she is! Check out her blog, ElleBee !

Dolores, you are often on my mind and in my prayers. I am hoping all reading your blog are praying for you & David, knowing you love Jesus and need extra comfort from Him and His.

Thistle Cove, Sandra, one day I hope the memory of tea with Dave brings smiles instead of tears.

KathyB. said...

Paula, I know it seems crazy, but drinking tea or coffee out of pretty cups & saucers does make it taste better!

January seems the only month I can count on a bit of down time to regroup, and reflect, without so many needful things clamoring for attention. If it snows ,then I am feeling blissful, for I can justify staying indoors most of the day and not driving anywhere. Time for reading, weaving, spinning,

Oregon Gifts, my Secret Santa commented, and now I know who she is! Check out her blog, ElleBee !

Dolores, you are often on my mind and in my prayers. I am hoping all reading your blog are praying for you & David, knowing you love Jesus and need extra comfort from Him and His.

Thistle Cove, Sandra, one day I hope the memory of tea with Dave brings smiles instead of tears.