virtual tea party.

Am I too late? I've got my Earl Grey tea and some light as a feather fairy cakes with pink icing, and my china mug!
I could murder a chunk small slice of chocolate cake.

Just found a toasting fork for those crumpets. Who fancies browning them whilst we let the others in. Be as quiet as you can - no-one knows we're here. I must say, I didn't expect this turkish rug to be quite so shabby....! I wonder if the rest of the place looks like this. Might have a little wander round later......!

Phew! It's a long cold journey from France, but here I am.............with spotty mug.

How comfy and warm it it - I saw the flag flying so thought someone would be in for tea.

carol - I'm starving - any of those delicious sandwiches left - the posh ones with the crusts off?

I am posh as I take tea with lemon instead of milk (I've bought my lemons), but have it in a mug instead - does that un-posh me??

I'll toast the crumpets - fancy a sit down!

Have a sandwich Butternut. Is there some Boiling Broonie on that cake stand? I'll have a slice with some 'best' butter on it.

Mind you don't drip butter through the crumpets or they'll know we've been here. I lurve the way butter drips through crumpets.

I had drifted off to sleep for a bit but am awake now and waiting to be let in and looking forward to a cup of tea and chocolate muffins. My goodness how ever do you breathe in this weather, it's so bloody cold frightfully chilly.

I've just popped in for a quick cuppa during the half time break.....can't stay long though as it is a good match.

I say do you have any of those buttery crumpets to spare......

Nice to see so many of us have made it. There's plenty for everyone. I've just had a nosy round the sitting room next door and found these Duchy Originals shortbreads - help yourself! Mmmmmm!

Sorry I'm late ...there were lots of guards out ...think they might suspect something!!

Thanks Butternut for the crumpet ...here's the honey.

Aren't these cups lovely ...just what I needed a cup of Earl Grey.

Carol ...I wouldn't risk a wander around ...those dogs looked mean.

Budge up I need to get near that fire I am froze, its been a long journey but I got here at last, now did some one say there was some champers about , I will have a or two please !

Ooops! I'd better stay here now - fresh tea, anyone? Lemon in yours, Butternut? So posh!

Many thanks for the delicious tea and crumpets but I really have to get back now....have a lovely afternoon ....don't sit too near the fire or you'll get chilblains!

Now are there any sandwhiches with the crusts off , I know I should eat the crusts but I don't want curly hair !

Just got here - took GD to lunch and indulged myself - risotto followed by tiramisu, so haven't much room for a crumpet. I've brought my Darjeeling if anyone would like to try it - very delicate flavour. Oh, thanks, Carol, I won't say no to some Earl Grey - no milk for me.

You do realise, Carol that HRH x2 are actually here today!!

They were in church this morning ...something about her becoming Queen 60yrs tomorrow.

these sandwiches are lovely ...what's that special ingredient?

Yes, there's lots left - try one of those little pastries Annika - they've got cornish clotted cream in them - I found that next door, too. I wonder if anyone is in? Haven't seen anyone, but it's like Goldilocks and the Three Bears round here - lots of signs that someone has been having afternoon tea themselves in the sitting room.......oooer...hope we haven't slipped up here!

Carol didn't you hear what I said?

Sorry, I was miles away. I'm just wondering whether we should barricade ourselves in or start packing up before they burst in and have us arrested. It's been quite a weekend - I nearly got arrested the other night. I feel quite sick...!!

That nice older lady in a headscarf just asked if she could borrow some sugar, she gave me this tupperware tub to put it in?!
Are you sure we should be here Carol?

OH, we definitely shouldn't be here! I broke in and lit a fire before you all got here. I thought no-one was in. Sorrrreeeee!!!

What is boiling boonie?

Stay calm ...we can't all rush out together ...the dogs will hear us ...do you think we could play the 'we came to celebrate with GrannyE' card?

Lovely venue Carol, crumpets are at the top of my list so thanks, Absent, for the preserves.Sorry I've been so long but I've been making the cucumber sandwiches.I sliced the cucumber, and spread the slices on a plate. I then sprinkled the slices with salt and black pepper to draw the water out. The slices were dried by laying them on a clean tea cloth and covering them with another. I cut the bread very thinly, buttered it and made the sandwiches.I then,you will be pleased to hear, cut off the crusts. All I've got to do now is toast the crumpets so I'll be with you in a minute in the library with my toasting fork.