"Tea" was in quotation marks in the invitation, so I was expecting that we would have actual tea, maybe some cheese and crackers and just chat for an hour or so. But when we arrived, Jean had prepared tea fit for the Queen! There were roast beef and horseradish cheddar sliders, dainty cucumber sandwiches, Linzer cookies, lemon squares, chocolates, decadent chocolate cake, and of course, fancy English tea. There may have been some bourbon after we finished the tea.
It was all incredibly delicious and we did sit and chat for almost three hours. Jean was able to check on her mother and we had a really nice time. This is something of a minor accomplishment because we knew Joe and Jean well as friends before we found out they were supporters of that guy. We rarely discussed politics but now we can even do some of that as they also think that that man is ridiculous and harmful in many ways. It's interesting how we can all speak, listen, and even begin to understand and respect differing points of view without raised voices or anger. Maybe the tea and bourbon helped? I would recommend it for almost anyone discussing things, or even just some friends enjoying "tea".
What an amazing spread, Bonny! Wow, that is a tea fit for a queen! (And I have found some surprising conversations about what is happening right now... I have to bite my tongue to not say "told you so" but listening is such a valuable commodity!)
ReplyDeleteThat looks and sounds delicious Bonny! I don't really have anyone I talk with who was or is a supporter of that man, but I imagine there are many who are changing their minds now.
ReplyDeleteThat looks so delicious! I'm glad you were able to enjoy their company and have some civil conversation.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun get together. I love the tea and the food that was served!!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a tea spread, it all looks and sounds delicious! I'm really glad you were able to have respectful conversations about things, it gives me hope.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I'm glad you were able to share a meal and have a civil conversation about the elephant in the .......
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! Little sandwiches always make me happy. We have a fancy tea shop a few blocks away and I've never been there although I have gawked in the window many times. You have to make reservations and the prices are scary.
ReplyDeleteI could get used to having tea, little sandwiches, and some cake every afternoon, but I would have to make it myself and that would take a lot of the fun out of it.
DeleteWhat an absolutely lovely idea! I went to high tea once, and I loved it, and this is certainly high tea. It's so nice to have friends you can have a thoughtful discussion with, isn't it? It's a rare thing these days, so you are lucky, Bonny.
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming way to spend the afternoon . . . especially given the differences in (ahem) ideology. But open, respectful discussions are the only way any of us are going to move forward (I think). It's too bad it's so hard to find willing participants . . .
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a lovely afternoon! I'm friends with a couple who voted for that man and they have been very quiet during conversations about what is happening right now. I get the sense that they feel like they have been deceived...and they have to come to that realization themselves. Sharing a meal with friends is a positive way to move forward.
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed lovely! I was a little shocked when I first found out that these nice people supported him, but that was back in 2016 and we had already been friends for quite a while. They aren't so thrilled with him now, and I value the opportunity to discuss things with civility and listen.
DeleteWhat a wonderful afternoon tea. Jean outdid herself. I do think the way forward in this country is to be able to talk to each other. Sharing a meal is a good way to begin.
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