February 22, 2015
There is one thing that I really love and that is coffee.
Back in my little village drinking coffee is a social event. We have family and
friends over for coffee and pastries. We visit at little café’s and will linger
for hours visiting with friends as they stroll by. So when I was invited to a
Tea Party, I was eager to go and experience what ladies do at a tea party.
Upon arriving I was greeted by Connie one of the hostesses.
She owns Lightening Appraisal Services. She directed towards where all the
ladies were gathered. I was fashionably late after getting a wee bit lost.
Helps if I could read signs….but anyway I was then greeted by Karyn the other
hostess. Karyn, I have met many times and she is the Grand Dame of Quarter
Auctions. She gave me my name tag which I could not wear as it would have
cracked my shell…. I was then introduced to Bettyann or BA as she is called. BA
is the queen of tea parties. There were so many ladies there enjoying their
tea, chatting and nibbling on some divine snacks.
I have not been to the inside of many homes in SWFL yet so I
was so amazed as there was a pool and a pond with a waterfall. There was also
another area which I think was called an aviary? It was perfect weather to be
outside. While chatting with the ladies they explained that the Florida lifestyle
involves sitting around the pool sipping on adult beverages with family and
friends. In my village we sit in cafe’s, here they sit by a swimming pool. All
the ladies were curious as to what my story was as they have never met a
cannoli before. I must say I enjoyed chatting with them all. Debbie and her
daughter Tenee who do 31 or is it Origami Owl or is it both??? I get so
confused sometimes… I also met Diane who makes these mesh wreaths and more.
There was also a gal there and I did not get her name who makes her own honey… these
ladies sure had interesting jobs.
After a bit BA brought us to where her display was. Wow I
never knew there were so many different types of teas. I did try a wild berry
one that was mixed with ginger ale…. Well I got to thinking that this could be
added to some wine to make a Sangria! Now we are talking!!!! I am looking
forward to tying that recipe!!!! It was so tasty that I just had to order some.
Now I am not into steeping tea. A process BA explained but is not for this
cannoli…too much work! However they did have them in their version of a tea bag
which is more suited to my cannoli lifestyle. They also have all sorts of other
products and even some products you mix with cream cheese for a tasty snack!
When the partea was over we each were given a sample of one
of their tasty snack mixes. I received BLT...gotta love the bacon…and we also received
a tea cup with a homemade candle in it. Connie what a tealightful idea! I can’t
recall the last time I went to a partea and left with so many gifts….well
except for my birthday that is!
Even though I am a coffee lover, I must say tea has come a
long way and I am looking forward to making some sangria with it! Thanks Ladies
for showing this cannoli a great time!
Carmen
