Dogs on Thursday......

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/ A post where a group of dog lovers such as myself get together weekly to talk about their most precious four legged friends. If you are interested in joining our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site......

There isn't much to report here today. It's been a rainy, gloomy, and overcast day. Charli is in one of her moods. Yes, my darling Diva is a moody animal. It's funny because I have owned many dogs and they have all been happy go lucky people pleasers. Not Charli though. She is an animal that you have to draw out. If she doesn't want to be bothered she will shake her ears like other girls flip their hair back. She's sooo funny!
The only time Charli has moved her little bottom off the chair today is when I say, "Come on Charli. It's time to do the laundry." In that case she books off the chair and is the first one in the laundry room. Since she was a little puppy I have been wrapping her in a warm towel when I fold the clothes. She loves it! She will sit there looking at me, with her warm towel wrapped around her little body, and watch as I fold the rest of the clothes. Now I admit it. She is spoiled, but when she looks at me with those big eyes, and huge ears, I ask you?... What's a girl to do?......
We were very thrilled to learn we were one of the winners last week in the 100 post contest. Thanks again everyone ♥ Congratulations to all of the winners from Charli and Me.....
I hope all of you have a wonderful week!...
"What's that Charli? Oh for heaven's sake." Charli is upset because we did a post earlier today to celebrate 'Poem In Your Pocket Day.' and she didn't get to post her poem. "OK, Ok, Charli. I'll post your poem."
'Roses are red
And violets are blue
If you please, please, give me more treats
I'll love you.'
"That's it? That's your poem? You'll love me if I give you more treats? That does it! I think it's time for a major belly tickle. Charli your supposed to run! Why are you laying down and rolling over on your back? What am I ever going to do with you"
Happy Dogs On Thursday everyone!.....
With warmest regards,

Booking Through Thursday........

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday, at http://btt2.wordpress.com/
A post where book lovers like myself get together weekly to answer specific questions related to literature and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site......

This weeks questions are as follows:
"Which is worse?
Finding a book you love and then hating everything else you try to read by that author, or reading a completely disappointing book by an author that you love?"

Oh dear....I'm running a little late today because I was busy writing my previous post for 'Poem In Your Pocket Day.' I hope you will stop by and perhaps post a poem on your blog. If you do please let me know so I can come visit......
Now on to the question at hand.......
I think it's much more dissatisfying to read a disappointing book by an author that you love. I don't follow many authors on a regular basis, but when I do, I have certain expectations. I expect that the book will be good. I also expect that the author will maintain their current style and standard of writing. One reason is because I look so forward to their next book coming out. It's frustrating to me to pick up a book I've been anticipating to be a good read only to find out it isn't. Another reason is that I like to buy my books and keep them for years. It would be a disappointment to pay good money for a book I wouldn't want to keep in my home library. With authors I don't know I'm much more picky and selective. In all fairness to author's, I do understand that they have burned their bridges so to speak and just ran out of what one would consider good and interesting ideas. That is probably the reason why I don't follow many author's on a regular basis......
Happy Booking Through Thursday everyone!.....
With warmest regards, Carol

National Poem In Your Pocket Day.......

April 30, 2009 is the second national Poem In Your Pocket Day. Please click this link http://www.poets.org/ if you would like more information......

Charli and I are excited to announce our very first participation in Poem In Your Pocket Day. We hope all of you will join us by posting one of your favorite poems on your blog. Just leave us a comment so we can come visit. If you would like you can use our button. What is your favorite poem? Why is it important to you? Who is the author? Do you celebrate Poem In Your Pocket Day in your home, your school, or perhaps your place of employment? We would love to hear from you. Some additional ideas for a post could be a dinner or a tea with a specific Poem In Your Pocket theme. What about a gift that you give or make for some one special in your life. Some people are sending e-mails with a poem, or even letters with a poem tucked inside. The possibilities are endless. People all over the country are celebrating Poem In Your Pocket Day. They are holding events in bookstores, libraries, parks, schools, work places, blogs, and even their homes. Come share your love of poetry with us.......

My favorite poem was written by that beloved American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He wrote the poem during happier times when the family was living in Craigie House. It was written for his daughters, Alice, Allegra, and Edith.........
My mother knew this poem by heart and she would tell it to us over, and over, along with other poems and stories, while we were growing up. She told it like a story and we loved it. She never told us where she heard it or that it was a famous poem. It wasn't until years later that I found it in a poetry book. I had such a vivid imagination and curiosity as a child. I would ask question, after question, much to my mother's frustration I'm sure. The reason why I love this poem so much is because it reminds me of those very special times I spent with my mother.......


THE CHILDREN'S HOUR
Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the days occupations
Known as the Children's Hour

I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet.

From my study I see in the lamplight,
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.

A whisper, and then a silence,
Yet I know by their merry eyes,
They are plotting and planning together
To take me by surprise.

A sudden rush from the stairway,
A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall!

They climb up into my turret
O're the arms and back of my chair,
If I try to escape, they surround me,
They seem to be everywhere.

They almost devour me with kisses,
Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In the mouse tower on the Rhine!

Do you think, O blue-eyed bandit,
Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
Is not a match for you all!

I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round tower of my heart.

And there I will keep you forever,
Yes, forever in a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And moulder the dust away.

To celebrate Poem In Your Pocket Day I had a small and intimate poetry party. I love poetry parties and we do have them periodically. This party was so much fun that we have decided to make it an annual event......

To keep it simple we went out to dinner and then came back to our house to do our readings. These are some of my poetry books and as you can see I kept to The Poem In Your Pocket theme for my party.........

I made small poetry books and tucked my poem inside.......

We had the most marvelous discussions and read wonderful poems like The Raven, To A Mouse, Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking, and Oh Death Will Find Me. I thought I would share a few more with you here....

THE SKELETON ON GALLOWS HILL

In moonlight circles on gallow's hill,

A skeleton labors with pick axe and shovel,

Digging frantically at the graveside of a lost love lately departed.

Clods of sod and clay he flings at the starry mantle.

Moonlight dancing along the convexity of the skeleton's spade

Is reflected like pale sunlight in a faded mirror.

He unhinges the roof of her tiny cell and stares into her half opened eyes,

But alas, she remains whole.

Many long nights will pass before he can accommodate her being.

Love is long delayed on gallow's hill.

But he will sit patiently at the side of her grave

Hoping the raindrops do their part and force into view

The beautiful bones of her face.

-Paul S. Seifert-

O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN!

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people are exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

But O heart! heart! heart!

O the bleeding drops of red,

Where on the deck my Captain lies.

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!

This arm beneath your head!

It is some dream that on the deck,

You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,

The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, it's voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won:

Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

But I with mournful tread,

Walk the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

-Walt Whitman-

Happy Poem In Your Pocket Day everyone!....

With warmest regards, Carol

Sundays at Tiffany's...... A book review.....

Sunday at Tiffany's.... A book review.....

I actually won this book over at my friend Sally's http://bookcritiques.blogspot.com It is one I had been wanting to read. After reading Sally's interesting review I just couldn't wait to sit down and read it myself. I entered the give away and won the book! Sally has lot's of great book give aways on her site. She also writes the most marvelous book reviews. I hope you will stop over and see her. I think you will enjoy reading her book reviews and who knows? Maybe you will win a book give away too......


Sundays at Tiffany's is co authored by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet. It is a tall tale, a modern day fairy tale of sorts. It was an easy, quick, and interesting read. It also has short chapters which are especially appealing to me......
The story is about Jane, a forlorn and lonely child. Her mother is a high powered Broadway producer that always seems to be working and doesn't have the time to spend with Jane she should. Jane develops a relationship with an imaginary friend. Michael is perfect in every way. He's kind, intelligent, funny, handsome, and caring. Michael walks her to school in the mornings, spends time with her in the afternoons, and tags along on outings with her to famous New York landmarks like the St Regis Hotel. Everything is going along fine until one day Michael says,
"Children have imaginary friends to help guide them into their lives. We help children feel less alone, help them find their place in the world, in their families. But then we have to leave, have to. It's always been that way, and it will always be that way, Jane. That's just....how it works."
Although Jane begs Michael to stay and tells him she is not ready for him to leave, Michael reiterates that he must and reassures her that she will forget him over time. After all children always do.....
Jane becomes an adult but never lets go of her imaginary friend Michael. She even writes a play about her experiences with him. Even though Jane is an adult she still has not found her place in the world or her family. Instead she remains lonely and unhappy. She doesn't like herself very much at all. She has a narcissistic self centered boyfriend and a domineering mother who pretty much runs her life.
Michael is between jobs and vacationing in New York when he happens to see Jane. Then Jane sees Michael and an adult relationship ensues. They realize they have always loved one another. Although Michael is not a prince all he has to do is snap his fingers to get the money he needs to take Jane on romantic excursions. Jane and Michael seem to have found their true soul mates. Jane develops confidence because of Michael's endearing love for her and she begins to change her life. Jane sees herself in a new light and actually begins to like herself for the very first time. However, there is a cloud looming over their relationship as they constantly worry that Michael will have to leave again. Then a twist in the story occurs that I cannot discuss here for fear of ruining the story for someone else.......
Is Sunday at Tiffany's a true fairy tale with a happy ending? I'm not telling.... You'll just have to read the book yourself to find out........

I hope you are having a beautiful and blessed day!.....
With warmest regards, Carol

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and friendship Tuesday's hosted by Charli and Me. This is a fun post that can be filled with recipes, photos, tablecapes, stories, quotes, poems, and interesting facts related to tea, friendship, or both. A place to celebrate and share anything you would like with a friend! If you would like to join me just pick up a button, write your post, and then leave a comment here so that my friends and I can stop by for a visit. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy this post and stop by again soon......

"When good friends walk beside us
On the trails we must keep,
Our burdens seem less heavy
And the hills are not so steep.
The weary miles pass swiftly,
Taken in a joyous stride,
And all the world seems brighter,
When friends walk by our side."
-Anonymous-

I'm so glad you decided to stop by! "Charli I know your excited but you need to settle down." I'm sorry Charli is so rumbustious. It's just that she's so glad to see you....

I just finished baking a Cinnamon Cake. I love how it fills the house with that wonderful aroma. Would you like to have a piece with me. I'll tell you what..... You grab the napkins and I will get the silverware. I want to hear all about how you have been.......

Cinnamon Cake is truly a yummy comfort cake. Why not try it for breakfast instead of muffins or cinnamon rolls? It can be served with butter, jam, or apple butter, tea, coffee, and even a little eggnog at Christmas. I prefer it best served plain. I think it's simply delicious....

CINNAMON CAKE

9 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 3 1/4 - inch loaf pan, greased

Batter:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

1/4 cup milk

2 large eggs, room temperature

Topping:

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter, cut into little cubes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift together the flour and baking powder.

In a mixing bowl or food processor fitted with the steel blade, blend the flour mixture and granulated sugar.

With the mixer running, add the butter, milk, and eggs; beat until blended.

Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping and sprinkle over the batter.

Scatter the butter cubes over the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake 40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

-This recipe comes from the book 'easy as cake'-

* I like to make this cake just before my guests arrive. It tastes best served right after it's cooled and it makes my home smell just heavenly..........

I hope all of you have a lovely Tea and friendship Tuesday!.......

Don't forget to stop by on Thursday as we celebrate 'Poem In Your Pocket Day.' Have you decided which poem you would like to post? I hope to see you here.....

With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ A place where a group of us gals get together weekly to post something blue. Thank you Sally for this fun post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site....




I was recently surfing the web when I can upon the following pictures. Aren't these old homes beautiful! I have always loved the architecture and style. Each house is so unique and different. I especially like the fact that these homes are blue, blue being my favorite color and all. Now and again I wish I was fortunate enough to live in an old house like this. Sometimes I will see an old house and wonder what the people are like that live inside. I have sometimes wondered why some houses are called homes while others are simply called houses.......

Recently I came upon a passage in a book that touched my heart and summed it all up for me. It reinforced what I knew all along. While it's nice to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of a house it really doesn't matter so much where you live as long as your house is a home.....

"What is a home? A roof to keep out the rain. Four walls to keep out the wind. Floors to keep out the cold. Yes, but a home is more than that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of living hearts, light from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is first school and first church for young ones, where they learn what is right, what is good and what is kind. Where they go for comfort when they're hurt or sick. where joy is shared and sorrow eased. Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not so important as loving-kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness. That is a home. God bless it."

-Ernestine Schwmann Heink-

Happy Blue Monday everyone!.......

I hope all of you have a lovely week!.....

With warmest regards, Carol

U.S. declares public health emergency.......

U.S. declares public state of emergency.......

As many of you know this new strain of flu seems to be spreading. It was first identified in Mexico, then California, Kansas, Texas, New York, and now Ohio. According to the CDC the flu that is being seen here in the United States seems to be a milder form than that identified in Mexico. Still no one knows the course the disease will take so precautions need to be taken. There are things all of us can do to stay healthy.....
Every day actions include:
Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue into the trash after you use it.
Wash you hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you are sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
The above information was obtained from the CDC web site at
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
Signs and symptoms of the flu include lack of appetite, lethargy, fever, and coughing. Other reported symptoms may include sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
If you develop these symptoms contact your doctor.
The CDC will continue to monitor this outbreak and provide further recommendations as necessary........
It is very important that all of us do everything we can to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of this disease.

With warmest regards, Carol

Hopeful Friday.....

Welcome to Hopeful Friday, hosted by my friend Cielo, at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ A post dedicated to positive thoughts and inspirational messages. A post to celebrate GOD! Thank you Cielo for hosting this lovely post ♥ If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Hopeful Friday web site........

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing

anything that is beautiful;

for beauty is God's handwriting-

a wayside sacrament.

Welcome it in every fair face,

in every fair sky, in every fair flower,

and thank God for it as

a cup of blessing."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Just a little something to brighten your day........

YOU GOTTA LOVE CHILDREN
Dear God,
Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones why don't you just keep the ones you got now?
Jane

Dear God,
I went to this wedding and they kissed right in the church. Is that OK?
Neil

Dear God,
I think the stapler is one of your greatest inventions.
Ruth M

Dear God,
I'm an American what are you?
Robert

Dear God,
I think about you sometimes even when I'm not praying.
Elliot

Dear God,
I bet it's hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it.
Nan

Dear God,
If you watch in church on Sunday I will show you my new shoes.
Mickey D

Dear God,
We-come-back-as-something-please-don't let-me-be Jennifer-Horton because-I-hate her.
Denise

Dear God,
Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother.
Larry

Dear God,
We read that Edison made light.
But in Sun school they said you did it. So I be he stoled your idea.
Sincerely, Donna

Peace be with you everyone!.....
I hope you have a beautiful and blessed Hopeful Friday!
With warmest regards, Carol
p.s. Thank you for all of the lovely comments you have been leaving on my blog!........

Dogs on Thursday........

Welcome to Dogs On Thursday, at http://dogsonthursday.blogspot.com/ A post where dog lovers such as myself get together weekly to talk about our most precious four legged friends. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Dogs On Thursday web site.....

Our little girl had quite a week! We celebrate the hubby's birthday so we have had a lot of company. Then yesterday Charli went to the vet for her yearly check up. This is not her favorite place to go but she did surprisingly well. She had three booster shots and her blood drawn to check for heart worm. Now all we have to do is renew her license and we are all set.......
You know how shy our Charli girl is.... She didn't want a fuss but I did want to mention that today is her fourth birthday! Of course we are celebrating. I can't even begin to tell you how much joy this little pooch has brought to our family.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLI!...... WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH! ♥........

http://www.pamperedpawgifts.com/

Even though Charli is just a little girl she is very smart! I thought, because it's her birthday, I would share with you some of the things she knows how to do. Charli can sit, give me her paw to shake, lay down, roll over, and play dead when she wants to. If I say, "Charli give me a hug." She will jump up in my lap and nuzzle my neck. She will come to get me when she wants to go to bed, is hungry, or wants her blanket. She is very stubborn and will not relent until she gets her own way. She can identify people she knows when they call on the phone. If I mention their name when I pick up the phone she gets excited, starts to whine, and twirls around in circles. If I say "what time are you coming over" she will literally pace back, and forth, running from door to door until they get here. If she thinks I've been on the phone to long she will grab a squeak toy, stand by the phone, and make noise in an attempt to interfere with my conversation. She knows what time out means. She can recognize the car everyone in our family drives. If I'm reading and she wants me to stop she will get up on my shoulder and sort of slide down. Then she will rest her head on the page of my book. She loves music and will go to the radio for me to put it on. She will refuse a treat if it's one she doesn't like. If I say to Charli "Where's your baby" she will bring me her toy. When someone comes to the door she gets behind me and barks. She likes to explore and is constantly getting into things. She is really quite the little hooligan! Charli has a sort of charisma about her that makes everyone fall instantly in love with her. Maybe it's those big ears of hers. She is truly a blessing! Every single day she makes me laugh at some little thing she does and it just doesn't get better then that........

Happy Dogs On Thursday everyone!.....

With warmest regards,

Booking Through Thursday..... and a Lovely Award.......

Welcome to Booking Through Thursday, at http://btt2.wordpress.com/ A post where book lovers such as my self get together weekly to answer specific questions related to literature and books. If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Booking Through Thursday web site.......

This week our questions are as follows:
"My husband is not an avid reader, and he used to get very frustrated in college when teachers would insist discussing symbolism in a literary work when there didn't seem to him to be any. He felt that writers often just wrote the story for the story's sake and other people read symbolism into it. It does seem like modern fiction just "tells the story" without much symbolism. Is symbolism an older literary device, like excessive description, that is not used much any more? Do you think there was as much symbolism as English teachers seemed to think? What are some examples of symbolism from your reading?"

I think that most writers do use symbolism in the sense that they write something symbolic or meaningful to them. They may include the names of certain streets, characters, towns, or something else that they wish to get across in the story. Whether the readers are able to pick up on the symbolism is quite another story. I think the English teachers had it right in their reference to authors and symbolism. It's up to the reader, and most certainly the literary experts, to draw those meanings out of any given work and determine the relevance or importance of it, if any........

I just finished reading 'Sunday at Tiffany's' where the authors, James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet, used an imaginary friend to represent or symbolize the emotional loneliness and dejection of the character Jane......

Famous literary works that come to mind would certainly include Thomas Wolfe's 'Look Home Ward Angel' and F. Scott's Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.".......

'The Great Gatsby' is filled with example after example of symbolism. Fitzgerald uses the seasons to symbolize different episodes in Gatsby's life. The novel begins in the spring and ends in the fall. The elegant homes in the story are used to symbolize wealth. At one point Gatsby goes to a meeting wearing a silver shirt and gold tie yet another symbol of wealth. Gatsby always seems to be on the outside looking in which symbolizes the fact that he can never fit in to the society of the rich and famous because he wasn't born with entitlement or a 'silver spoon.' The automobile is still another symbol of wealth and status. There are many, many other examples of symbolism in this book, to many quite frankly to mention here......
I'm really looking forward to what all of you have to say.....
Happy Booking Through Thursday everyone!.....

This very lovely award was given to me by my friend Zetor at http://zetor-mogsblog.blogspot.com/ It is a 'Super Comments Award.' Thank you very much Zetor! It was very thoughtful of you to think of me. If you are a regular commenter here at Charli and Me I hope you will pick up this pretty award for yourself. Your comments mean a lot and are greatly appreciated....

I hope all of you have a happy and blessed day!.....

With warmest regards, Carol

This will make you smile......

The following is part of an e-mail my cousin Ron sent to me. Thank you Ron! Love you cuz ♥

This will make you smile.......

Only in America..... do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front......


Only in America.... do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke......

Only in America... do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.....

Ever wonder.... why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?.......

Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?.......

Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?......

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dish washing liquid made with real lemons?.....

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?.....

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called the rush hour?......

Why isn't there mouse flavored cat food?......

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?.....

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?.....

If con is the opposite of pro, is congress the opposite of progress?.....

I hope this brightened your day and gave you a chuckle or two!.......
With warmest regards, Carol

Tea and friendship Tuesday's..........

Welcome to Tea and Friendship Tuesday's, hosted by Charli and Me. A place where tea and friendship are celebrated. This is a fun post that can be be filled with recipes, photo's, tablescapes, stories, quotes, poems, and interesting facts related to tea, friendship, or both. A place to celebrate anything you would like to share with a friend! If you would like to participate just pick up a button and leave a comment. That way my dear friends and I can stop by for a visit. Otherwise, I hope you will enjoy this post........

'It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to our emotions, our passions. After eggs and bacon it says, "Work!" After beefsteak and porter, it says, "Sleep!" After a cup of tea (two spoonfuls for each cup, and don't let it stand for more than three minutes), it says to the brain, "Now rise, and show your strength. Be eloquent, and deep, and tender, see, with a clear eye, into nature, and into life: spread your white wings of quivering thought, and sour, a God-like spirit, over the whirling world beneath you, up through long lanes of flaming stars to the gates of eternity!"
-Jerome K. Jerome-
Three men in a boat

Have you ever sent a cup of tea to a friend? This is something I love to do and it's so easy. If I haven't heard from one of my friends in a while, or I hear someone is sick, or having a birthday, I will sometimes include a cup of tea with a note or a card. I always send the prepackaged tea like Vanilla Caramel, Orange Spice, or Cinnamon Apple. Vanilla Caramel is my favorite. It's almost like sipping a yummy caramel dessert. After choosing the tea, I place it in a tea bag cover and staple it to the note or card. I do not do anything fancy with the tea bag cover. I don't use any glue. I just carefully fold all of the edges, slip the tea inside, and then staple it to the top of the inside of the note or card. Sometimes I will use a more heavy duty paper, or card stock, and other times I use regular printing paper.....

Aren't these tea bag covers sweet? They are sure to brighten any ones day. These two tea bag covers come courtesy of http://www.bakingabusiness.com/teabags/teabags.htm They have several other kinds available to choose from. Another site that has tea bag covers is http://www.juliabettencourt.com/print/mpteabagspg1.html If you really want to get fancy and are a crafty person you can learn to make your own tea bag covers at http://www.wrapcandy.com/make-teabag-covers.php I haven't tried to do anything like that yet.


When is the last time you heard from an old and dear friend? Our friendships are our blessings. Why not consider dropping your friend a little note and sending them a cup of tea? Wouldn't they be surprised! My friends love it when I do this. They sometimes send me tea too. It just makes my day when they do! It's sort of like being together even though we are miles apart ♥

I wish I could send all of you a cup of tea......
I know, when you sit down this morning to have a cup of tea or coffee think of me and I will do the same. I will think of all of my dear friends here in blogland and send warm wishes and blessings your way ♥
I hope all of you have a wonderful day!
With warmest regards, Carol

Blue Monday.....

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by my friend Sally, at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ A place where a group of us gals get together weekly to post something blue. Thank you Sally for this fun post! If you would like to join our group, or you would like more information about us, just click on the above link to reach the official Blue Monday web site......





Like many of you, I have been busy doing spring cleaning in and around my regular tasks. While I was trying to think of something blue to post today I happened to pull out my favorite cleaning product and I thought why not share it with all of you. Notice the blue on the bottle. I'm sure most of you know this already but ammonia is a great cleaning product! It leaves everything sparkling clean from the windows, to the counter tops, and the floors. I also love the lemon scent. Ammonia is not only cheap, it's approximately one dollar and thirty nine cents for a two quart bottle, but most of your other more expensive cleaning products contain it. It doesn't streak, it's a great grease buster, and boy does it shine. Just mix a little in some hot water and your ready to go. Just don't ever mix it with bleach, get it in your eyes, or stand to close while your mixing the solution because you wouldn't want to get it in your lungs. All in all it really is a wonderful cleaning product.......

Now for my other little secret. I use cloth baby diapers for most of my cleaning needs and they are the absolute greatest! They are soft so they don't scratch or streak. They work great for polishing furniture and stainless steel appliances, cleaning counter tops, windows, glass, and mirrors. You know that special little pricey cloth they sell you when you get new glasses? Well, I have been using cloth diapers to clean my glasses for years and I have never had a scratch on my lens. Cloth diaper's are heavy duty and last for a long, long time. They cost approximately eleven dollars for a dozen diapers. That's a little under a dollar for each one and sometimes you can even get them on sale. I keep all of my pretty dish towels to brighten up my kitchen. I never use them for every day cleaning or drying dishes.....
I hope you have enjoyed hearing about my cleaning tips......
Shh.... What ever you do please don't let the manufactures of these products know about my little secrets because I wouldn't want them to raise the prices......
Happy Blue Monday everyone!....
I hope all of you have a fabulous afternoon!...
With warmest regards, Carol