Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner…I Meant To Say Tea?
At my house!
Here in SW Florida!
It’s the traveling teacup!
Yes, Miss Tessa Rose herself!
After I carefully unpacked this beautiful tea cup…she just sprang to life.
And the first thing she did was stop to sit awhile at the recent St. Patrick’s Day Table setting that I had set up!
In case you do not know the story of sweet Tessa Rose, I will fill you in.
You see this lovely traveling teacup and saucer originated with Barbara from Mantel and Table.
Barb had this brilliant idea to send Miss Tessa Rose around the world, literally…. and it is my pleasure and privilege to host her in my SW Florida home.
If you would like more details of Miss Tessa’s travels, you can check out this link… at The Exciting Beginnings of the Traveling Teacup.
As you can see from the above photo, Tessa Rose shared the table with my Belleek Tea Set! (I could tell she felt she was in good company and since it is so close to St. Patrick’s Day, a cup of tea was in order.)
Of course when she saw the pool, waterfall and spa through the sliders, she insisted on going out to the Lanai.
Once on the Lanai, she marveled at how private it was…with the 10 foot adobe wall and such.
I assured her that was one of the reasons for buying the house some 13 years ago…If I was going to be in a swimsuit again, (after all these years), I definitely wanted no one to see MY cellulite!
I think I heard Miss Tessa actually giggle at that one.
I showed her around the Lanai.
The waterfall!
The pool
…..and Spa!
The Fire pit!
And I think she enjoyed the pink apple blossoms (even though they were faux) because they almost matched her pink flowers surrounding her cup and saucer.
From the Lanai, we entered the house again and from the dining room and through the french doors…visited ‘Kari’s Secret Garden’ .
Actually the Secret Garden is in need of some upkeep (much as its’ namesake), as it has been neglected during my illness of the last couple years.
But we are slowly beginning to bring it back to its original state.
As in the original Secret Garden, new life is bursting forth with the blooming of the bright yellow Plumaria tree and the blossom’s fragrance fills the area with its sweet perfume.
I was drawn to pluck a bloom and place it close to Miss Tessa.
These are the same blossoms that make up a Hawaiian Lei.
The next day after her arrival, I thought Miss Tessa would like to see the Gulf of Mexico, so we went to breakfast at Marker 92 Restaurant.
The fountain entrance is beautiful, but as with all things there is an upside and a downside to living in Paradise.
In an effort to ‘keeping it real’, you get to see what all that dampness and humidity does to items such as one of the lights around the fountain and the dolphin in the center.
A small price to pay for an average 78 degree temperature.
The Marina at Marker 92 Restaurant.
The yachts are amazing and beautiful as are the condos overlooking the Gulf.
Sailboats and small boats and canoes sit in the tranquil water as we have a leisurely breakfast….and a cuppa hot tea of course.
I believe Miss Tessa is satisfied with her visit to Cape Coral, Florida and anxious to get back on her travels.
So we say good-bye as she is packed up and on her way to yet another destination.
Have a Blessed and happy Day.
I didn’t realize that you were back to blogging… last I checked, I couldn’t find your site! I was so happy to get your Christmas card!
Love this post.
thank you Liberty….I really needed your thoughts and prayers and your get well card was a Godsend. Thanks for your kindness.
Hugs and Blessings
Kari
I’m sure Miss Tessa Rose enjoyed her stay with you, she was in beautiful surroundings. It was nice to get a peek at your Secret Garden again and your home is lovely. Enjoy the warm weather and the holiday. Take care dear friend!
Thanks Sandra, it was such fun to host Miss Tessa Rose. I’m sure you are making a wonderful Easter dessert….Enjoy your family.
Hugs and Blessings
Kari
Oh, Kari, Tessa Rose is lovely. As you took her around your area I was getting a bit envious to see the lovely Gulf. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it. So glad you feel up to blogging more often. Don’t rush to get out to work on your outdoor spaces. This is your time to rest and keep getting stronger.
Love you,
Sandy
Thanks Sandy, it feels so good to just take a deep breath and enjoy the wonderful weather. Got to take it Slow…ain’t no other way,,,, to quote a song. 🙂
Hugs always
Kari
Hi Kari! What a wonderful trip our beloved Tessa Rose took in your gorgeous neck of the world. Your pool is so beckoning I actually sighed loudly enough for my hubs to ask what was wrong. LOL.
My older sister lives in SW Florida in the winter- she is in Fort Meyers, and keeps sending gorgeous pics – and yes, much more sighing down when she does by me, haha.
I love your secret garden. And I am most happy that God has been merciful and has blessed you with remission. I will keep you in my prayers. Be good to yourself, your garden will again be what you want it to be – in time.
Best wishes for a holy Lenten season.
thank you Michele…yes, Ft. Myers is just over the bridge so your snow bird sister is enjoying our wonderful weather right now. 🙂
When one is close to dying, we are reminded of what is important and what is not….so the garden can wait. 🙂 For me it is a win win situation…the beautiful gardens of Heaven or a simple garden here on earth.
I appreciate your prayers…I am here to say God answers prayer. He has held my hand through this journey and I am truly Blessed. It is not of me, To God be the Glory!
Thanks again for your kind thoughts.
I think we all wish we were Tessa Rose lounging by your pool and dining on the Gulf of Mexico in warm temps! You certainly showed her a grand time! I would be a nervous wreck having that beautiful tea cup in my care, she has really traveled all over the place!
Jenna
You are so right Jenna…I carried her very carefully all wrapped up in her bubble wrap because I was concerned I might drop her! Whew! we made it!! Thanks for stopping by my friend.
So good Kari to hear you are stronger. Wish i had been wirh Miss Tessa for this wonderful visit!
It was such fun to entertain her. thank you for stopping by.
Kari,
There was no doubt that wonderful teacup had fun with you, I had fun just seeing the gorgeous scenery. I am so glad to hear your good health news. I wish you a complete recovery and may you only know good times from now on.
Oh Pamela, I am so grateful God has given me these wonderful days of wellness. I am so Blessed and as I awake each morning, I thank Him.
That little teacup was a ray of sunshine in my day.
Such lovely photos Kari. The Tessa Rose visit is reminiscent of a tiny toy monkey that travelled with daughter no. 1 for many years, pre digital days😂
However I love more that you are feeling strong enough to blog again.
Much love from across the pond where we are still waiting for it to warm up.
Stay safe x
How fun the monkey must have been. Thank you my dear friend, I treasure our long lasting friendship from across the pond. I hope jolly ole’ England warms up soon and you can entertain in your beautiful garden. much love to you and your lovely family. Keep safe from this awful virus.
xxxooo
Kari! You’ve entertained our Tessa Rose so wonderfully! What I wouldn’t give to be able to lounge by your beautiful pool, hanging out with you for a day like she did! 🙂 Thank you so much for hosting our little traveler, and Happy Tuesday my friend!
Thank you Barb for allowing me the pleasure of having this beautiful teacup in our home.
As I sit on my lanai, this mid-morning and ‘dunk’ my biscotti in my tea, I can’t help but reminisce of her visit. And I smile!
Have a beautiful and Blessed day.
Kari
Tessa Rose landed in paradise at your beautiful home! Your outdoor spaces are beyond amazing, Kari! I am so thrilled that you are able to enjoy them. This is such a lovely post, my friend.
Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Thank you Pam…the photos are very unforgiving as they tell the truth, and the truth is that the Captain (and I) have lots of work to do on our outdoor spaces.
As you and Butch know, Beautiful spaces require constant upkeep. Your gardens are amazing! (The Captain reminded me that for the past couple years, we had more important things to tend to other than our gardens.LOL)
God has allowed me to get stronger each day and I am so Blessed. I am looking forward to being able to work outside very soon.
Love ya
Kari
I know you will be excited to work on your outdoor spaces! Love you!