gathering spriggs

Christmas Memories

There is a line in an Over The Rhine song,"Lookin' Forward" which says "I'm lookin' forward and lookin' back on this day."  My sentiments exactly, except, I'm lookin' forward and lookin' back on the last two weeks.  It may take two more weeks to fully process but only time will tell.  For now, I'm back in Nashville reflecting on this life changing experience. 

 

My sister, selfless mother and ever the designer.  She would never let her table be unadorned.

  

Somehow we pulled a Christmas dinner together featuring some Whole Foods vegan recipes. Thank you Mother!! Kibbeh with Apples, Walnuts and Feta (variation).  Roasted Acorn squash with dried cherry, rice filling. 

Our family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Welcome Little Lexington

He is here. We welcome our newest addition to our family:

Judson Lexington Lee Stanion

He is perfectly precious. Born Wed. Dec. 17th at 12:53pm.

Now at home and he is learning how to get on a schedule with the rest of us.  Grandmary is so proud of her first grandson.

Welcome Home Banner (made with Amy Butler paper)

The Stanion family coming home. Where's baby?

 

Peekaboo!  There he is!!

Waiting in the Snow

We awoke to a Winter Wonderland this morning!  Snowed in together, Mom, and three sisters.  I am in Kansas City, MO with my mother and two sisters awaiting the birth of our very first, nephew/grandchild in the family!  It is a time of remembrance, awaiting, and "come thou long expected...."  Nostalgia of Christmas, awaiting an anticipated birth from a young woman named "Mary" (Elizabeth) all makes the moment so picturesque. We have decorated, baked cookies, made Christmas cards, etc.. The nursery is ready and awaiting its new guest.  We now know that if he does not come in the next few days, the doctor will induce on Friday. More to come soon,  but in the meantime, we wait and watch the snow.

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All the Tea in Chicago

Thanksgiving vacation in Chicago, sublime!

Wintery weather cured by pots and pots of tea. My favorite city for tea drinking is by far Chicago. 

Here is my tea photojournal:

Persian Tea at Reza's Restaurant on Clarke St. in Andersonville.

Jasmine Pearls at Fronterra Grill

Darjeeling- Second Flush at Julius Mienl on Southport.

More Jasmine pearl at Coco Rouge (very hip chocolatier).It looks like a night club, and they make all their truffles, honey products, teas, cocoas, pastries, etc..

 

Mint Chocolate Rooibos at Kopi Cafe in Andersonville.

Some of my favorite tea websites:

Tea Gschwendner ( a tea store on State Street) from Germany

Adagio Tea

Tea Garden