From my current read, Rebecca, a Gothic Romance written in the 1930s. The heroine, banished from her former life for reasons still unknown, reminisces about the rituals of old.

“Here I think of half-past four at Manderley, and the table drawn before the library fire. The door flung open, punctual to the minute, and the performance, never-varying, of the laying of the tea, the silver tray, the kettle, the snowy cloth. Those dripping crumpets, I can see them now. Tiny crisp wedges of toast, and piping-hot, flaky scones. Sandwiches of unknown nature, mysteriously flavored and quite delectable, and that very special gingerbread. Angel cake, that melted in the mouth, and his rather stodgier companion, bursting with peels and raisins.” (Du Maurier, 13).

Where I live it is pitch dark by 5:30pm with the temperature dropping toward the 30s. I am thrilled to snatch a half hour in my tea corner these evenings, savoring my recently chosen noshes, and getting lost in a well-written book.

Tea Party Girl can be found this week at the following carnivals. Be sure to stop by and check out all the great postings or in Lara’s case, feel free to join the fun!

• Talk about Tuesday at Lara’s Lazy Organizer
• The Centennial Edition of the Home School Carnival at Mom is Teaching
• Make It from Scratch Carnival at Stop the Ride!

May you find a cozy corner for a few moments of reading and tea whatever today may bring.