Tuesday 6 October 2009

Cup Of Tea Anybody?


There's always somebody who can't wait! Look pikelets again. You'd be correct in thinking these are the only things I make. I actually admit to enjoying making them. Yes there is one thing in the kitchen I do enjoy after all.

I was reading a blog called little suitcase this morning. It's a new one I've found and am thoroughly enjoying. At the moment she is finding 30 ways to make life more enjoyable. Today it's "make things special". Such a lovely idea. Anyway she says to use the special things more often. This prompted our afternoon tea with Gran as the invited guest.


We need to use the special table cloth that I was given last week from my aunt. I absolutely love it. It might be from Venice we think. Gran and Grandad travelled there many years ago. Unfortunately it's machine made, but very difficult to tell. Very nice all the same.

And also this lovely tray cloth/hand towel. I'm never putting this in our bathroom!! The littlest daughter frequents this room and makes a dreadful mess every time. Hmmm. No this is for special occasions like afternoon teas.

Doesn't it all look very pretty and girly? It's nice to play ladies at times. I must say the little ladies weren't very ladylike at all. There were whole pikelets stuffed in ones mouth even! Horrors. Could I possibly pour you a cup of tea whilst you visit?

I've been working on this pillow case too. It's like the pillow case nightie I made but sideways of course. I really must get on with the jolly quilt and stop these little projects for a while. I'm not looking forward to all the cutting out, that's all.

I think the little bird is my very favourite part of this applique. So cute and simple. Imagine having legs that slender and long!

Does anybody know anything about beetroot? How will I know when to pick them? They look wonderfully woolly up top, but who knows what's happening in the engine room?

One good thing about all this rain we've been having is that the veggie garden really takes off. The peas really are reaching for the sky. I can't wait to pick one. They are the best if you ask me. I really must sort out the other patches so I can grow some more vegetables. The sun is really trying to break through the clouds this afternoon. Maybe tomorrow will be lovely again.

Well it's nearly time for a quick tidy up before Daddy arrives home. Can get out of control rather quickly at this time of day. Hope you are all enjoying doing something, and remember, use some special items for a change. It does make a difference.

19 comments:

suzy said...

You are so sweet!
Your craft and your cooking is fantastic! I am in love with your birds. Wow.
Thank you so much for mentioning my random blog. I am so happy you like it a little.
x
PS - Thank you for the tea! I will be back for a refill. :)

Floss said...

I just read that Little Suitcast post too - well done you for following up on the idea so promptly! I try to have a cheerful cloth and flowers on the table at all times these days. It isn't difficult, and it is very pleasant, EXCEPT when Son 2 tips the flower water over Son 1's newly copied history lesson! (Which made us re-think flowers on the table during homework time.)

Estelle said...

Hello Sarah. I've left you a comment before.. I completely agree with using your good china and table cloths, etc. You really do get so much enjoyment out of it. And tea just tastes better out of good china! You're lucky to be getting rain. Very dry here in Australia. I dream about a garden with beetroot growing like that:-)

Lululiz said...

I tend not to use my most precious cloths, china etc on a regular basis, that really would be inviting trouble with two very boistrous Rhodesian Ridgebacks playing rough games all the time. But I do fondle and stroke on a daily basis, lol, does that count?

Michela said...

Oh!I wish I could be your neighbour and come to sip a good cup of tea in such a lovely company!..and have some yummy biscuits too!

sallgood said...

Good reminder to make life special every day in the little ways...

Love your pillow case! So cute!

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

Beets! You can pick them anytime after the shoulder of the beet start showing above ground. it's funny that your season is just starting! Mine is about done, but I still have butternut squash, zucchini, and my lima beans are once again flowering, so I guess I'll get more of them too! Even though its OCOTOBER and FALL here...
Hmmm, that little biride would sure look nice in sis boom fabrics!

Anonymous said...

Yes, please ! and some pikelets too...

The pillowcase is so beautiful, I love your birdie !!

I like the idea of using the special things more often ! I think I'll go to have a look at the blog you mentioned.

Unknown said...

oh yes, I would love a cuppa! I like that little birdie so much, so cute! I see Bumblebeans has told you when beets are ready, but here is a lovely recipe! Grate the beets, then fry them in a pan with some butter until soft, Then add cream of horseradish, a teaspoon at a time ( keep testing, ie tasting) until it is right for you as if you dollop it in it can be too hot for some people. I like lots! It is a polish recipe passed to my husband from his polish parents! Suzie. xxx

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Wow, cream of horseradish aye? Can't say I've heard of it but that's not all together surprising. Well I'd better go and look for shoulders in the garden in a min. They do seem to take ages to grow compared to the other vegetables. I wonder if I'd be clever enough to pickle them?

Joan said...

Would you please explain "pikelets" to a southern USA girl?

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Pikelets are very similar to pancakes. Difference is the size mainly. I only use a soup spoon amount per pikelet. The batter is similar to pancakes but much thicker and they grow in height as they cook. The batter tastes much sweeter and yummier too. Definitely worth a go as they are so good to eat! Let me know if you’d like the recipe.

claire said...

Sarah - my advent calendar has been heavily inspired by pics from flickr blogs etc in the last 2 years - I just knew I wanted linen and red and white fabric and the rest just came out of my head!!! So don't feel you'd be copying me!!!
(just 3 fabric patches left to sew on but I think it will need backing it feels a bit flimsy...and now its done I think I want more embellishment lol!!!)
xxx

Pomona said...

It's nice to use pretty things - I use my embroidered tablelinen and cloths for my B&B guests. I always pick my beetroot quite small - tennis ball size, and grate it for salad, like carrot. It can start tasting a bit earthy if it gets big.

Pomona x

Heleen said...

It all looks so pretty!

Bev C said...

Congratulations on entertaining in style. Why should all our nice things be put away in the cupboard.Good on you for teaching your girls cooking. I know it can be a bit hard at times but they get something to eat they made which is so much better than the shop bought items. Have a great day.

Serenata said...

We are pikelet fans as well - my sister used to love them and I think my boys are fans as well. I think they must be a very kiwi thing.
Off to read the little suitcase post now.

Rosie said...

Oh yes please! Being antipodean as well, I grew up on a regular intake of pikelets! Yum! I even remember cooking them at Brownies on the top of a tin can.
x Lucy

Argery Araya C. said...

Que belleza de blook el suyo la felicito, y sus bordados lindicimos que delicadesa para trabajar,sueño con conocer ese bello pais ,un abrazo a la distancia