They're Off.

Not a minute too soon, with forecasts of snow and icy conditions over the next few days, I took a trip to the post office early this morning and posted off the Christmas cards.

Mostly to relatives and friends in England, and other parts of the U.S.A.
It seems each year, there are fewer and fewer to make out, as my address list continues to shrink.
I think it is still an important part of the overall Christmas goodwill, and look forward to catching up on people's comings and goings throughout the year.

Don't you agree ?

For The Love Of A Cat

Gentle eyes that see so much,

paws that have the quiet touch,

Purrs to signal "all is well"

and show more love than words could tell.

Graceful movements touched with pride,

a calming presence by our side --

A friendship that takes time to grow -

Small wonder why we love them so.

~ Author Unknown ~

Nesting Season

A bitter-cold night, ground laden with a hoar frost.

The kind of evening that lends itself to staying indoors, finishing the Christmas cards, and watching old movies on the television.

A time to nest.

In An Old Barn

Tons upon tons the brown-green fragrant hay

O'erbrims the mows beyond the time-warped eaves,

Up to the rafters where the spider weaves,

Though few flies wander his secluded way.

Through a high chink one lonely golden ray,

Wherein the dust is dancing, slants unstirred.

In the dry hush some rustlings light are heard,

Of winter-hidden mice at furtive play.

Far down, the cattle in their shadowed stalls,

Nose-deep in clover fodder's meadowy scent,

Forget the snows that whelm their pasture streams,

The frost that bites the world beyond their walls.

Warm housed, they dream of summer, well content

In day-long contemplation of their dreams.

~ Charles G. D. Roberts (1860 - 1943 )

Home Again Home Again Clippity Clop

After a long, enchanting day at Mr. Toast's Christmas Tea, I reluctantely retired for the evening. Such delicious food, the best of teas, and wonderful friendships, what could be better.
I'll leave you with a few glimpses of our wonderful accomodation, nothing short of magical !

Safe journey home everyone........and a huge thank you to our wonderful host Mr. Toast, it was a perfectly special time.

A Little Peek

The 2nd Annual Mr. Toast's Tea is about to begin. I took a walk around the snow-covered grounds earlier this morning, such spectacular beauty !

Above the tower door leading to the castle, The Scottish Coat of Arms is displayed.

Winding my way through the hallways, leading to the kitchen. I had sausage-rolls to deliver.

The grand hall, all splendidly decorated for the Christmas season. I plan to return later, with my mince pie and mulled wine.

It's almost time for tea, I hope to see you there !

*** Arrival Update ****

I've ventured through the blanketed snow, and not a minute too soon arrived at Torosay Castle.
Oh, what magnificence !

I plan to eat a hearty meal, unpack my luggage and retire early for the remainder of the evening.
Mabbe indulge in a cheeky wee Glenffidch whisky, just to fittingly toast the occasion !

Now, where are those snugly hot water bottles Mr. Toast was telling us about........

Almost There !

I've made my way through the snow-covered British Isles, and will soon be embarking on the last leg of my journey.
Destination Torosay Castle, on the Isle of Mull, off the Scottish Headlands, as guest of Mr. Toast's 2nd Annual Christmas Tea Party.

It's going to be a magical time, hope to see you all there !




There is nothing in the world,
More beautiful than the forest
Clothed to its very hollows in snow.
It is the still ecstasy of nature,
Wherein every spray,
Every blade of grass,
Every spire of reed,
Every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance.


~ William Sharp

I'm Off To The Bash !

I'm bubbling with excitement !
This Sunday, December 5th is the much anticipated event of Mr. Toast's Second Annual Christmas Tea.

A virtual blog party, and you are all invited !

It's so easy to sign up, click on the Mr. Toast's Tea Party Announcement at the top of my sidebar, it will magically transport you to his sign-up linky.

The party is to be held at the Baronial styled Torosay Castle which stands majestically nestled among thousands of acres of green pastures, on the Isle of Mull off the Scottish Highlands.
It is planned to be the most magical of times, with our most gracious Mr. Toast as our charming host.

Please won't you join us, there will be lots of delicious treats, and of course the very BEST of teas. You may read all about it http://goodteatoo.blogspot.com/

My travel plans begin with the haunting call of a bagpipe beckoning me to the station platform where Edinburgh's famous train awaits. Celebrated as a world-class travel experience, the Royal Scotsman is one of the best ways to visit Scotland.

Once aboard, I'll be treated to an ultra-sensory mix of Highland culture and hospitality, set to motion along a stunning backdrop of highlands, lochs and glens.

My evening gown for the event with be this exquisite tapestry.

My hair will be worn in an elegant updo

A velvet cloak to keep me snug in a drafty castle

The British Isles has been blanketed with freshly-fallen snow

Once I've disembarked the train, I'll be transported through the Winter Wonderland via sleigh.

I hope they have the hot mulled cider waiting.

Here's our destination for the event, the magnificent Torosay Castle.

Of course the photograph shows it's splendor in summertime, can you just imagine how enchanting it will be under a sparkling cover of snowflakes !

See you at the bash !

We'll have a grand time.

It Is Christmas

It is Christmas in the mansion,

Yule-log fires and silkin frocks.

It is Christmas in the cottage,

Mother filling little socks.

It is Christmas in the highway,

In the thronging, busy mart.

But the dearest, truest Christmas

Is the Christmas in the heart.

Author Unknown