December 20th

Today is the shortest day of the year.  Sunrise here in Scotland today was 8:44 a.m. and sunset is 3:35p.m..  Perfect for those like me who like to sleep.  The temperature is 25F and mostly cloudy.  It is a perfect day for reading.

When I opened the tea room over 12 years ago now, I had the privilege of having a group of customers that became known as the "Uppties".  This group of women were all volunteers at the aquarium in Newport and met once a month to discuss with the volunteer coordinator how things were working, problems etc. and they came to the tearoom for "Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down".   This group of women have become wonderful friends over the years and we (they let me join the group) still meet once a month to have lunch or tea.   One of these lovely ladies had sent me a book here in Scotland by that title.

The book is a humorous look at tea, biscuits and where and when to sit down to drink/eat them.  The book written by a couple "Nicey and Wifey" actually written by Stuart Payne, ends up being a wonderful detailed information about all the different biscuits and cakes that are available to buy here in the UK.  It has proven quite valuable by giving me the descriptions of the different biscuits, how sweet they are, when they are better to serve (morning/afternoon) etc.  Walking down the isle of the market there must be hundreds to choices one can make.  My children have grown up eating Hobnobs, both plain and chocolate covered, but we never explored the many other choices.  Something Robb and I are planning to do.  That is of course if I can get him to try something besides shortbread.

www.nicecupofteaandasitdown.com  Some funny things on the website though they haven't updated it in a couple of years.

Love to all,
Dawn