It’s a really special Tuesday here in Gritsville. I scheduled two events and must admit – I had a “no-brainer” moment and forgot about the Porch and Patio Party!
Thanks to Tammy at Ma Maison for reminding me. Oy!
So I was trying to figure out how to work out two seperate events and two seperate Mr Linky’s. That’s a hard task if you keep in mind that my brain is mush today! Then, in one last final flash of brilliance before my brain went on disability leave….it came to me. Mr Linky could work both events! Yoohoo! (sometimes I still manage to amaze myself. Rarely… but I do!) 😀
So…here’s how we will do this….
1) If you are joining the Porch and Patio Party…then please add your name to Mr. Linky like this: (PPP) Barb @ Grits and Glamour. (accept you use your name. Ha!)
2) If you are joining Tea Time Tuesday…then please add your name to Mr. Linky like this: (TTT) Barb @ Grits and Glamour.
3) If you are joining both…then simply say (Both).
This way, others can view the participants in whatever meme they choose. Is this waaaay too confusing? Oh, my mind hurts. Let me know if you need some help. Please add your PERMALINK only after you have posted your blog entry.
So off we go…I am starting by sharing with you some pics from Asheville for my Tea Time Tuesday. (Oh by the way…thanks to Debbie’s Blogging knowledge, all my pics can now be clicked to enlarged.)
Here is Kathysue (from Rate My Space and Micasa.com) and Debbie from Confessions of a Plate Addict , standing in the Tea and Breakfast Room of the Black Walnut Inn. Isn’t is stunning? These pics do not do justice to this lovely room! Each table was beautifully set with shiny, silver tea services, and an assortment of plates and teacups, and other adorable accessories. We all entered the room and started looking at the bottom of the china plates, checking out the silverware pattern, etc. We assured the Innkeeper that if we “clinked” and “rattled” on the way out when we were checking out, not to worry. 😀
Please make sure you visit Debbie’s blog as she will be showcasing some of the interesting items within the room and on this table.
This is the window seat where we enjoyed breakfast. Kathysue made sure that it had been reserved just for us. It’s a good thing, because it would have been quite an ugly scene when I had to drag other guests from this area so we could sit there. NOT tea room etiquette. See ——>
This is the window seat where we enjoyed breakfast. Kathysue made sure that it had been reserved just for us. It’s a good thing, because it would have been quite an ugly scene when I had to drag other guests from this area so we could sit there. NOT tea room etiquette. See ——>
From Miss Parson’s Victorian Tea Room Etiquette:
Guests whom are staying overnight at Bed and Breakfast Inns, whom have driven far to visit with other Blogging Friends, shall not use physical force to remove other guests from the cozy spots that she covets for herself.
This is the beautiful mahogany tiered-stand filled with teapots of all sizes, shapes and colors. We thought these were just for show, but Kathysue found out later you were allowed to choose your own teapot when making your own tea.
This is one of the beautiful placesettings. Each table was set with a crocheted lace overlay, china, silverware and some of the prettiest accoutrements I have ever seen.
They had a wonderful collection of tea pots….
Here is model Kathysue holding one of the more…shall we say…peculiar teapots. It was Queen Elizabeth’s bust. Kathysue’s wonderful (and patient!) husband said he was glad the tea poured from the top of her head and not from her nose. hahahah! ewwww!
How lovely is this one covered in pansies? One of my faves…
One of the smaller ones… very petite.
Some of the beautiful stemware which was featured at each table. I have never seen such pretty patterns. We were served juice in these glasses during breakfast, and I will tell ya’…that juice tasted oh so divine in that stemware. 🙂
One of the smaller ones… very petite.
Some of the beautiful stemware which was featured at each table. I have never seen such pretty patterns. We were served juice in these glasses during breakfast, and I will tell ya’…that juice tasted oh so divine in that stemware. 🙂
Vases of red roses adorned each table. You can also see a glimpse of the unique etched, silver tea service and another beautiful pattern of stemware.
This is where we enjoyed our afternoon tea. It was not a “Tea” in the traditional sense…it was more of a Tea and Wine Hour. I drank my wine in a teacup to experience the best of both worlds. haha!
Just kidding….a teacup does not hold near enough wine!
Next….I want to share one of my favorite areas of the Inn for the Porch and Patio Party!
This is the front porch of the Inn. Comfy wood rockers, outdoor rugs, small tables and ceiling fans created the most welcoming surroundings. We spent a lot of our time right here…yakking up a storm. Kathysue’s poor Husband, Doug, quietly listened and I’m sure…wondered what he had gotten himself into. LOL
another view….
I loved this small twig table by the side door. It held the Inn’s pamphlets and three pretty bird nests.
Aren’t they lovely?
Just behind the home was this lovely Koi and Goldfish pond. My bathroom looked down upon this scene. I will share those pics with you at another time. The grounds of the Inn were meticulously manicured, yet very English-garden all at the same time. The rock Koi pond paid homage to the Inn’s location – situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This is Debbie in French Lavender heaven. In case you do not know Debbie, she is a retired French teacher and spent over a year living and traveling in France. Me thinks she likeys!
This is Debbie in French Lavender heaven. In case you do not know Debbie, she is a retired French teacher and spent over a year living and traveling in France. Me thinks she likeys!
I know this is not “Porch” related…but this is what we observed just outside the tea room windows. There were about 6 or seven of these rascals….and we called them the Squirrel Crips and Bloods because they acted like a “gang” keeping the birds away. It was quite the show. I do not have a pic, but Kathysue (who is from California) was able to observe one of our beautiful State birds – a cardinal. And this huge Blue Jay kept making an appearance, as well. Quite the show!
Like I said – I promise to post all of my pics later. I have some wonderful shots of our time together. It was an awesome two days which I will never forget, and look forward to seeing these ladies and other Bloggers again. (including KD at Southern Whimsy) yoohoo!
One final update on our life decision concerning the old Victorian home I posted about. In a short 24 hour period, Bill and I went from “should we buy that house and move?”…”could we buy that house and move?” to “oh well, it was a nice thought.” We found out that the home is only water view and not water front. It’s a pretty home…but to spend that kind of money and make that kind of life change would have to mean there was some water of some kind with the property.
So I am sorry to disappoint everyone who was looking forward to visiting me. I had even started planning my new business… a weekend Southern Cooking School where you learned cooking and herb gardening and entertaining, and at the end of the weekend – we feasted! I think it would have been an absolute dream job. Oh well! I will tuck that little tidbit into the back of the ole’ brain for later. BUT, its not all BAD news. I got an email from Rhonda at Scooter-Blu…and she and her husband have just recently opened a branch of thier business right there in thyis saem town, in Washigton. She remembered it from some pics she had taken. She said she almost fell out of her chair when she saw the pic. Come to find out, she does not live that far from me – so maybe on one of her pass-through’s to Washington – we can meet. How cool is that???
I will be sharing a few more pics from my Asheville trip. Yep, I am milking this trip for all its worth. LOL
If you are joining in the event(s), please make sure you add the meme logo and also link back to the host site, Grits and Glamour – so others may see the full list of all participants. Also, check back often throughout the day as Bloggers join the event as the day goes on. You wouldn’t want to miss a single one.
Have a Great Time….grab some TEA and sit on your PORCH..and blog away…blog away…blog away!
Hugs dear friends….Barb
Barb~Bella Vista says
Hi Barb,
Your pictures are lovely and it looks like you all had a wonderful time.
I am happy to be a part of the Tea Time again this week….thank you so much for hosting. I know this is a lot of work; we do appreciate you.
Barb
View CommentLiz says
Hi Barb, Sorry I messed up and didn’t read the directions first. : (
Your tea was beautiful! Those serving pieces were incredible! Just lovely, Lovely, Lovely! Thanks for hosting.
View Comment~Liz
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
Oh, my goodness, I’m in love with that porch!!! It’s so gorgeous. That’s my dream porch right there. 🙂
View Commentmarty39 says
Barb, what a great trip and I just love all the pics. I have loved so much hearing all about your guys visit and seeing where you stayed and what all you did together. Such fun and I am so glad you all got to meet. The tea room is just gorgeous, and the grounds and porch are gorgeous. What a lovely place. Wish I could have been there. Hugs, Marty
View CommentKathysue says
Hi Barb, Oh for the memories. Wow you reall got some great shots of the B&B I can not wait to show Doug.I am very impressed. It was a trip of a lifetime to meet you and Deb. I still can not believe it actually happened. I feel like I met my sorority sisters after not seeing them for 10 yrs. It was fun seeing it through your eyes.Great Pictures. Thank you for sharing. Love ya,Kathysue
View CommentBarb @ GritsandGlamour says
Liz – I am just happy to have you and everyone else join in – no matter how you did it. 🙂
View CommentKammy says
How nice Barb ! You ladies look like you had too much fun ! I hope you behaved yourselves !! LOL ! I can’t believe all the pretty teapots, so cool ! Love the landscaping too. Yes, indeed you ladies look like you had a blast !
View CommentHugs ~ Kammy
KD says
Okay I am officially jealous. Yep! SOOOO no victorian house huh? There are some breathtakingly lovely ones for sale right now in historic New Bern GF! Now about this Porch Party what planet was I visiting when you announced an additional porch party? This surprised me and I am sad to say I did not get ready for it! BOO HOO! Dang Nabbit! I will just have to sit and drool over everyones elses awhile longer.
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Very lovelt B&B Barb!
View CommentThanks for sharing the photos and stories. 🙂
Blondie's Journal says
Barb,
Thanks for aharing your wonderful trip! I just love B&B’s and this one is just lovely. It looks and sounds like all of you had a great time. Amazing to spend time with fellow bloggers, isn’t it?
I will look forward to seeing the rest of the pictures!
Sorry about the lovely home you had your eye on. My husband and I had our dream home picked out just before the economy went downhill. I had every nook and cranny of that home filled with my things (in my mind) and fanatasized about long afternoons on the screened~ in porch. We made the right decision waiting and I think I appreciate my home even more, especially because it is paid for! ;-D
xoxo
View CommentJane
prof en retraite says
Hi Barb! Wow …you got some great shots of the B&B! Your post is bringing back fun memories!! I’m ready to go back!! I’ve hooked up with you since we partied on the porch!! lol That counts, right?? I’m looking forward to more!! Sorry about your house…but no point in disrupting your life unless it’s perfect, huh?? Have a great week!!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentTerrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity says
It looks like you ladies really enjoyed yourselfs. The B&B is beautiful. I am so jealous!
View CommentHugs, Terrie
Robin says
WOW! It looks like you guys had SO much fun! Fantastic pictures! Officially jealous over here!
Well, I sort-of got my act together and pulled together a post. I still didn’t get finished (slacker mode on HIGH gear), but I did manage to get a few pictures! LOL!
Thanks again for everything!!
{{HUGS}}
Robin :o)
View Commentmbkatc230 says
Barb, you got some really great shots. I love the window seat – so glad you didn’t have to get physical with anyone lol. What a wonderful time! And sorry about your house, but I’m with you it would have to be perfect to uproot. I love your business idea, just on the back burner for now. Hugs, Kat
View CommentThe Muse says
J~~~O~~~Y J~~~O~~~Y J~~~O~~~Y !!!!
View CommentFOR THE SAKE OF TIME says
The bed and breakfast looks wonderful! That is such a lovely area of the county. The front porch was just delightful. Those rockers and rug just set the tone for a relaxing morning.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Charla
View CommentTammy518 says
What a beautiful tearoom! I’ll bet you girls had so much fun! The outside pics are wonderful also.
View CommentDiane @ Four Paws and Co says
What a beautiful place to meet and have fun! The photos are amazing and I can almost hear you all giggling and talking at once! ☺ Diane
View CommentMumzie says
Your photos of this wonderful Bed & Breakfast are great. I so want to visit someday. I love the tables. Thanks so much for sharing.
View CommentReally Rainey says
What a great looking trip and the weather looked incredible… I think my favorite photo tho is Deb I think it was so happy and joyful in the French Lavender! Thanks for sharing!
View Comment~Really Rainey~
Karen at Nittany Inspirations says
I thought your Porch and Patio party was a one time shot since you had a date on it of May 12. I deleted the button. I’m sure I’m not the only one who was confused, but then, I get confused a lot.
View Commentkate says
Barb,
View Commentthanks again for hosting Tuesday Tea, I love it. Your photos are great, looks like you had a wonderful time, I have my shoppe now in Hendersonville, let me know when your going to Ashville again, i will come meet the girls!!!
Also Beautiful Porch photos
thanks again
kate
Bo says
Hi Barb…thanks for taking us on the “girlfriends’ trip to that great B&B…your photos put us right there with y’all…loved it all. Also, reading about the change of mind on the grand old Victorian…it wouldn’t make sense to move if it wasn’t on the water..
View CommentIf the right place comes along, then you’ll know it. 😉 Bo
Sue says
Thanks for sharing! I am happy to join you for your Tea Time Tuesday!
View CommentSue
carolinajewel says
What great pictures! That inn is amazing! I can tell y’all had the best time. I laughed when I thought about all of you turning over the plates. That’s a habit I picked up from my mother, and now my daughters do it too!!!! Can’t wait to see more pictures! 😀 Jewel
View Commentxinex says
I am too late for your party today, Barb. I just got home late last night and I am still unpacking and cleaning up. But I am glad I came to see your pics. OMG! everything is so lovely and I am so jealous you got to meet and spent time with Debbie and KathySue. I can just imagine all the giggles and laughter within those 2 days….Christine
View CommentCami @ Creating Myself says
What a great inn! Sure love that hand painted plate you show in one of the pics…it’s gorgeous! And waht fun y’all must have had…I’m sooo jealous!
Forgot all about the porch & patio party….dang it!
View CommentBetty says
Thanks for sharing your trip photos with us..That tea room is definately a tablescape lover’s dream!
View CommentEnroute to Walmart yesterday, we passed both Goodwill and Salvation Army stores and drove on by because it was near lunchtime and since hubby is a diabetic, I wouldn’t delay lunch. Better yet, the clothing I bought at Walmart doesn’t fit so I have to return them so will stop at both enroute and hopefully “without my shadow.”
Myrna says
Hi Barb! Recently discovered your lovely blog! Thought I’d play along with the Porch Party! Thanks for hosting!!
View CommentBlessings!
Myrna
Kim @ Manning Family Tree says
Barb,
View CommentYou are too funny! I’ll bet it was a hoot on your little trip. Sounds like you had a fabulous time & the tea room looks so lovely.
Kim
Lady Katherine says
Love the tea room, Debbie was so funny with the French Lavender! I love the out door, tea, well mmm wine time! So fun!
View CommentAnonymous says
Love the dreamy tearoom. Am I missing the obvious? Where’s Mr. Linky for TeaTime? Is Mr. Linky up and running?
View Commentsyd