Tuesday Tea ~ A Touch of Maple

Good Tuesday evening, my friends ...

... I hope you've all had a nice day!

 I took my tea on the early side today since, as I mentioned, I had a hair appointment at my usual "teatime." So right after getting the boys their lunch, I set about baking some muffins and then turned the kettle on ...

I decided to go with a "maple theme" today because the Full Sap Moon is on the rise this week. This month's moon is so named of course, because March brings maple sugaring season - and this is kind of a big deal here in New England. :) We like to visit sugarshacks and watch "sugaring" demonstrations at this time of year - there are plenty to choose from in the area. And of course it's time to lay in our syrup stores for the year - goodness knows we go through a lot!

March's moon, it's interesting to note, has also been called the Worm Moon, the Crow Moon as well as the Lenten Moon ... And I actually spied the waxing moon on my way home from the hairdresser's just now - hanging so huge and pale in the evening sky. Beautiful!

But back to my tea ...

If you notice, beside my cup of lightly spiced tea, there is perched a small maple sugar candy. My parents brought these back for us from Vermont, and I've kept them in the fridge for a once-in-a-while treat. And as for this week's "cup," this is actually a teacup and saucer from my wedding set! Bill and I chose "English Countryside" by Mikasa for our everyday china all those years ago. We liked the versatility of the creamy white color and the look of the raised bramble pattern. And though the bridal registry associate was simply appalled we decided to forego formal china, we assured her that between mothers and grandmothers we would not want for a more formal set someday. :)

These are the muffins I baked - Refrigerator Bran Muffins:

Just for fun (and flavor - because let's face it, bran muffins can be dull) I made up some maple butter one might spread inside ...

 ... or on top, if one so desires.

(The candy was a little bit over the top - but it made for a pretty shot.)

*

Well, it was a gorgeous day today ... bright and cold, with lots of melting going on. With temps in the high 50s tomorrow (and the 60s on Thursday!) the leftover snow really doesn't stand a chance.

Drip, drip, drip ... that's all I hear when things get quiet enough to listen.

:)

Now, several of you have expressed concern - and sympathy - over my ruined planner. First of all, thank you for your kindness - and yes, I am upset that it got ruined. But I have to tell you, Crackerjack felt *so* badly about it, and he just kept saying he was sorry over and over. Of my three boys he is my "feeler" (and overthinker like his mama), and I knew HE knew how important my planner is to me. So I tried not to make a big deal out of it, because I knew he'd really take it to heart ...

So I'm choosing to look at this as an opportunity to be creative again and do a little (or maybe a lot of) calendar crafting. I'll be posting about this very soon ... as soon as I can get my hands on some new materials!

***

My friends, I must be off now as it's getting late, Bill's almost home and I have a supper to start. Nothing at all fancy tonight - just turkey-and-cheese panini, steak fries and tossed salads. (But oh, I must mention - that schnitzel was fabulous last night!)

So have a good night, everyone - take care and be well. I will see you here again very soon!

❤

Comments

[Elizabeth Quigley]

Hi Dawn,
How was the Knorr Potato Soup? I am going to make it on Friday for our Lenten Meal.
Blessings,
Elizabeth

[Mary]

Hi Dawn,

What a good mama you are. I know you must have just felt terrible about your planner but you were so kind to your son. I just love that. I have a "feeler" son too (just like his mama!) and it is so important to give them lots of reassurance when things go wrong.

Good luck with your calendar crafting. I just LOVE seeing all the things you do!!! I am really enjoying my marketing notebook - thanks to you!

Oh...and after reading your magazine post, I am keeping my magazines in a basket to coral them and facilitate easy reading. Thank you for that useful tip! :-)

Have a wonderful day.

Love,
Mary

[Kristie]

Oh, poor Crackerjack! I have a feeling son too, so I hope he doesn't feel too bad! Just tell him that while the loss of your planner is sad, we are all interested to see what you come up with to replace it and that it is great inspiration for reviewing your system to see if it is working and tweak it a bit where it is not. =)
Contemplating your email. Thank you so much for the reply. Sure I will respond soon.
Blessings!