The Tea Party

"The tea party supposes neither appetite nor thirst, and has no object but distraction, no basis but delicate enjoyment."

Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Our Only Grocery Store Just Closed!

One week ago today, our last grocery store closed. This is what Wal-Mart is doing to our country. Why do we allow them to do this to us???????????????

We were a small 'one horse' town and we liked it that way. Then Hardee's moved in. In the beginning, they took business from our local mom and pop greasy spoons. Some of the small restaurants closed. Then we got McDlonalds, then Taco Bell. More of the small restaurants closed. Now, almost no one eats at the chain restaurants, but our smaller, good restaurants have already left us. This leaves us with only the very few restaurants who were able to stick it out through the new chains.

Last year Wal-Mart moved in. Most of the local citizens were against it. We know a few council members who voted for it and we have given them their opinions. Wal-Mart came anyway. Most of our small stores couldn't afford to remain in business. Now, our only real grocery store has closed it's door.

We have a Sav-A-Lot if you don't mind junk brands. Other than that, there is only Wal-Mart. I refuse to shop there and must drive more than 50 miles each way to a real grocery store.

Why are we letting this huge company, the number one employer in China, to take over our country? We cannot allow this to happen!

I know that I am only one small person, but I intend to fight Wal-Mart at every opportunity!

Meadow Tea

We will be making Meadow Tea, as always, this spring and summer. If you are interested in making this old fashioned recipe, its time to start planting your mints and herbs as soon as they are available in your area. Our peppermint and spearmint have taken over the world, but the chocolate, orange, and lavender mints were killed due to the frequent freezing and thawing that we have had in our area this year.

Chose your favorite mints and other herbs such as lavender, borage, anise, etc. Our special recipe and a more traditional recipe will be offered in the early spring. Start now so you won't be disappointed.

Tea and Tidings!
Ruth Ann

http://www.tea4two.etsy.com
http://www.deerhaven.etsy.com

Personalized Tea Bags

This lovely personalized 'tea bag' is perfect for toting all of your goodies while proclaiming your love for afternoon tea. These lovely bags are perfect conversation starters. I have met many new tea friends while caring my tote. (Bear, teapot, and tablecloth are not available in this offer, but the tablecloth will be available soon in my etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5552864

The tea bag can be ordered with any name and in a wide selection of colors as listed in my etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5552864 - or can be ordered in your own custom color selection. If you wish to order for your tea group or organization, discounts will be given when requesting the same colors and name for 20 or more bags. Please email deerhaven@bledsoe.net for more information.

Tea and Tidings!
Ruth Ann, designer, embroiderer

These tote bags and many other items may be ordered from:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5552864
http://www.tea4two.etsy.com
http://www.deerhaven.etsy.com

An English Country Tea

I've just added 'An English Country Tea' to my Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5552864

This is a small cookbook with an envelope, making it suitable for sending as a gift card to your friends or giving as a souvenier of your tea to your guests. The recipes included in the book are some of my favorites for a cozy evening tea served by the fireside. I frequently make this menu when my husband and I are dining alone after a busy day. The meal gives such a homey feeling of warmth and comfort. For a more filling meal, a selection of English or Irish cheese may be added at the end of the meal with a glass of red wine - or port, if you are offering Stilton.

Tea and Tidings!
Ruth Ann, author of this and other books

My cookbooks and other goodies are available at
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5552864
http://www.tea4two.etsy.com
http://www.deerhaven.etsy.com

The World's Most Expensive Tea Bag

P. G. Tips is celebrating their 75th anniversary in style! And what a fantastic style it is!!!!! A tea bag has been designed and made by Boodles Jewelers to honor the occasion. It took 3 months to make this tea bag which is set with 280 diamonds!

Pete Harbour, spokesman for PG Tips said: "As it's our 75th birthday, we wanted to do something special to remind people just how much they love the great British cup of tea."

The tea bag will eventually be used as part of a prize draw to raise money for Manchester Children's Hospitals, a charity chosen by workers at the PG Tips factory in Trafford Park, Manchester.

I'd love to find that in my tea cup one winter's morning!

Tea and Tidins!
Ruth Ann

My books and other items are available at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5552864