Snowflakes Dancing

All over the world little dancers are performing in the annual Nutcracker ballet. I was no exception. Having earned my wings as a Christmas tree angel, I soon joined the corps de ballet of snowfakes, and finished my Nutcracker career as one of the Spanish (Chocolate) dancers in the Palace of theSweets. However, my turn as a snowflake was my favorite.

Still Swirling and Twirling, and Wishing you a Holiday Season filled with dreams of sugar plums and dancing snowflakes,
Marjorie

Happy Elves of Blogland

Dear Merry Elves of Blogland (and Beyond),

Thank you for your gifts of beauty and light!

Wishing each and everyone of you...

A Season of Joy and Love,

Marjorie

What's On The Menu This Christmas?

Here is a special Christmas menu. Each course comes with a wish from me to you.

Last year I was living in Flinders, Australia. However, this year I couldn't attend the Girls' Annual Christmas Lunch. My good mate Sue sent me some happy snaps from the party. I thought you might enjoy seeing what a jolly group they are.

The festivities were held out-of-outdoors on Linley's deck overlooking Westernport Bay. Note the beautiful arrangement of blue Agapanthus, which grow wild on the Mornington Peninsula.

The table-setting was graced with all of Linley's special touches.

Here are "Les Girls".

They sent me a message.

I was there in spirit!

Robert Louis Stevenson once said:

The best that we find in our travels is an honest friend
He is a fortunate voyager who finds many.

Happy Holidays to dear family and friends, far and near.
Marjorie

Next Stop ~ The Ferry Building, San Francisco

They say that "if you go to San Franciso, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair". I say, "be sure to stop at the Ferry Building Marketplace". Not only is it a busy ferry terminal, but it houses an amazing array of specialty shops and restaurants.

Just one of the many whimsical mosaics decorating the Terminal walls.

One of Alice Waters' favorite shops is there.

You can find one-of-a-kind food and wine antiques at Culinaire.

Elsewhere you can find a shop specializing in mushrooms ...

or tea...

or cheese...

or caviar...

or, if you're in the mood for oysters ...

Grab a stool at Hog Island Oysters, and watch the theater of the chef chucking fresh oysters.

Try Boulettes Larder for breakfast.

This is the famous "Boulette", the Chef's Hungarian Puli dog - is he coming or going?

A view of the action in the kitchen...

from the Chef's table.

Sit outside the restaurant and take in a view of the Bay Bridge. Watch the ships coming and going, and the fog rolling in.

You will leave the San Francisco Ferry Terminal with many tasty treats for your Chrismas hamper.

A Merry Ferry Christmas to all!
Marjorie

Are you going to the Christmas Tea Party?

“Yippee!” We all shouted.
“Today we’re going to Mr. Toast’s in Aspen for tea.”
“I’ve never been to Aspen before,” I said.
“I have never been on skis before,” said Lulu-belle.
“I’m not afraid.” said Teddy. “Let’s go!”

This being our first real, grown-up, blog tea party, so we are very excited and very nervous. What is the proper tea party etiquette and attire? Can we find our way there?

Teddy is being very generous. He is insisting on bringing the strawberry rose-petal jam that he had been saving for his long winter nap.

Lulu-belle and I have been busy all week making holiday cookies from a secret family recipe (which, because we are sharing it with you, is no longer a secret.)

I’ll be wearing my mittens, which were made by our friend Audrey. They are copied after a pair that kept the hands of Norway’s King Haakon VII, warm during WWII, while he was in exile in Britain.

Lulubelle’s Christmas mittens were hand-knit in Estonia.
Teddy, of course, is going bare-pawed.

So we’re off then. Fingers and paws crossed we make it. No worries mate - it’s all downhill from here.

See you at the bottom. CLICK HERE TO ATTEND THE TEA PARTY

Marjorie, Lulu-belle and Teddy

♥ P.S. Love and bear hugs this birthday to E.G.T., the real doll in the family.