9th Annual Crocus Tea!

It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating our 9th Crocus Tea!  The whole thing started in the late winter of 2012 when I had the girls with me – who were 4 and 8 at the time! – and I was washing windows in the snow.  I went outside to do the basement window and there popping up through the snow was a cluster of crocus – white and purple.  I hustled Chrissy and Autmn outside to see the flowers, and had an idea.  We all pitched in – everyone  helping to cook and plan and set the table – and the first annual Crocus Tea was born. (Picture is from 2nd annual Crocus Tea in 2013)

Since that time we have had a few invited guests –  Torilyn, Penny Lane, and Aunt Kelly – but mostly it’s just been the three of us.  Early on, after the food was ready, we changed into ‘dress up’ clothes and added tons of my fanciest jewelry and hair clips.  These days, the girls do not think dressing in Grammy’s clothes is ‘cool’ so it’s come as you are.  But we all still pitch in with everything.  By now, the girls are old hat at setting the table with the good china, cutting strawberries and cheese, making cookies, baking pizzas, filling bowls and plates with grapes and M&M’s and deviled eggs. 

This year, since Kelly and the boys are staying with me for a while, we banished the boys to the basement family room (with the promise of pizza and cookies later — no boys allowed at the tea!) and Kelly helped cook and prepare.  I slipped outside and snipped a few small sprigs of blooming flowers and put them in a little vase on the table (although the crocus were finished blooming in my yard). It’s very ironic how the conversation moves to more ‘adult’, interesting topics and we get into some interesting discussions.

As is custom, Autmn and/or Chrissy say the blessing, and we all help serve the dishes.  We always use the lace tablecloth, the good china , and the antique serving bowls and plates from their great-grandparents – who they never met!  A legacy that they connect into without traditional connections. 

I am so blessed to have my teens want to spend this time with me, and hold the tradition close to their hearts as I do.  It’s not so much about what food we eat, or how we are dressed, or what day it is.  But it’s ALL about sharing with each other, setting aside special time and devotion to each other, and respecting the awe of our Crocus Tea tradition.  Next year will be a landmark year – 10th annual! – and we will have to do something extra special.  I’m already starting to contemplate that.  9th annual Crocus Tea:  a success and an irrevocable bond!