turning leaves

Yesterday was my fourteenth LJversary. I wasn't home to celebrate it. It's hard leaving home, but it's time to make home in a new place. I miss you, flist, those of you who are still here, and those of you who have moved on. Come visit--maybe you'll like the neighborhood.

I know, I know. I never call, I never write. I never make an appearance except to invite you all to tea. Here we are again. Again.



Paragon's "Melanie" china, Portmeirion "Botannic Garden" teapot. Typhoo black in the pot. Makes a grey and rainy afternoon more cozy.

It's been a while. I'm settled by the front window, watching the snowflakes fall like it's their job, with a throw over my legs and a pot of English Breakfast. Walker's shortbread and French raspberry tartlet. The cream jug is new-to-me, a Christmas gift from a friend.

Blustery afternoon, building to gale force winds, 50 mph, this evening and overnight. Time for curling on the couch with some tea.



Shelley "Hedgerow" cup and saucer, plate is marked "Mira, Occupied Japan, Royal Chelsea sugar and cream jug, French triple plate spoon, unmarked tea pot.

May all who observe Thanksgiving tomorrow have one full of warmth and laughter. And those who don't are wished a happy Thursday, and your share of warmth and laughter as well.

Hi, yes, hello, here we are again.




Another thrifted pot, sugarbowl, plate. Another Foley cup and saucer. This one reminds me of rolling Tuscan hills, or stylized waves in Japanese paintings, or fish scales--maybe dragon scales!

I love my Brown Betty with the downturned spout--no drips or dribbles! Today's china is Johnson Brothers'  Strawberry Fair. Cookies courtesy of Pepperidge Farm.

This afternoon's tea. Black? Or Earl Grey?



Dates stuffed with almonds and cream cheese, dredged in sugar, fresh strawberries, and boxed cookies.



Paragon China's "Melanie" pattern, antique silver spoons. The silver pot with bird finial on the lid was found derelict and heavily tarnished--it's shiny inside and out, now.

(apologies to those of you who may have seen this elsewhere)



Thrift shop china, the pot was $2.00, unmarked early 20th century American redware. The cream jug was a gift. Cream cheese and homemade raspberry-pomegranite preserves on half the rice cake, homemade lemon curd on the other.



Books, bears, tarot–Dreaming Way, Deviant Moon, Sun and Moon decks–and tea. The Peanut Gallery: Naomi Laight’s Georgiana, Steiff’s Snap-apart bear, assorted Steiff 10cm bears, one tiny artist’s bear, and Ralph, who started life as a keychain fob. Ralph and Timiny (Steiff, blue sweater) travel wherever I go, in a special pouch in my purse. The bears don’t care about tea, but they’re very fond of honey toast.

Some mornings when the better course would seem to be just not getting up, even for coffee, what motivates me out of bed is knowing I get to open another day on my Jacquie Lawson Advent calendar. A little sad, but you know, whatever works.

H just went out and bought a whole string of lights just for four replacement bulbs on our "pre-lit" tree--that has two swaths of impenetrable dark. Ooh! One of those just lit up.

Last night's supper was a giant bowl of steamed broccoli dusted with sea salt. Nom! I should do that more often.

I have not done cards. I have not sent the few presents I need to send. We blew off going to the movies this afternoon as neither of us could be arsed to care enough to go. I am overcome with ennui and the urgent need to nap. A brisk walk in the bracing air does not energize, it merely enhances the nappishness. Moar coffee just makes me both jittery *and* nappish, possibly entertaining for the observer. From here, not so much.

Perhaps I should open tomorrow's day on the advent calendar. Or go back and start at Day One again, that might be fun. Or nap. Naaap.