28 Comments
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david williams's avatar

picnics remind me of the 60s. scones, tea, country air and great company. no cellphone, no tv, no computer, physical newspaper, 78 records on the player, sing songs and family laughter. please bring it back.

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Ann Kopple's avatar

Nothing but sweetness and light in everything you write. I love that you’re not American and have such non-American stories. Thank goodness!

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Naomi Crowther's avatar

Firstly, the comments about your father’s dislikes made me chuckle, reminding me of sage advice he gave us at design school, in the mid 1990s in Melbourne. He said something along the lines of ‘Never feel discomfort about clashing with your client, I often have little or no regard for my clients’ style or, for that matter, budget. Do what you know is best.’ The entire lecture hall fell in love with his ethos at this point! And secondly, picnics are a delicious activity to cherish, sounds like your mother enjoyed her outdoor dining, and instilled this sense of fun picnic-ing in you. A lovely read!

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Tracy Power's avatar

Love your posts, and your mother. As a California native, I always enjoy a picnic. Whether at the beach, in the wine country, in the backyard by the pool, or in the Sierras/Lake Tahoe, the outdoors are peaceful and rejuvenating for me.

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Janet Lothrop's avatar

Had a delightful experience last month visiting Campobello Island in NB, summer home of Eleanor Roosevelt and FDR. They had a "tea with Eleanor" program we signed up for - pots of tea with her favorite ginger snaps served all the while listening to the story of Eleanor's life. And yes, I like picnics, minus the ants!

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Coco's avatar

Even while out hiking I like to spread a cloth over a large flat rock and have cheese, bread, fruit and wine.

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Doulton's avatar

I am very sullen and sulky because it's difficult to find a place that does not use tea bags.

The triumph of the tea bag over the lovely strainer is a desecration. What is your brew?

I have to start my day with a very strong mug of Lapsang Souchong. When I am at home I cheat and use a huge ceramic mug instead of china.

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Diana Beatrice Richards's avatar

Yes, ants and all ❤️.

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Barbara Backlund's avatar

Love the post India, and love picnics ♥️

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Jacqueline Collins Buck's avatar

Lovely description of Lady Pamela’s tea.

(Please correct to “Tea Cosy”.)

🇬🇧🇺🇸

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Meridith G Moore's avatar

I love picnics, particularly with a view and a nice crisp bottle of wine!

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Pamela Hudson's avatar

Love picnics and tea at 4, whether with clotted cream and scones or just a biscuit and fond memories of High tea too. Such wonderful civilized English traditions with polite (haha) conversations. May you and your mother enjoy hundreds more teas together.

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Julie McLisky's avatar

I have to say, I love picnics too! I love small pop-ups or more formal ones. Loved the photo of you and your Mum... And yes, your Dad had impeccable taste, of course. Although I DO love wrought iron. !!

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Robin's avatar

Love picnics!

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Tom McNabb's avatar

No, I love picnics. A young british man told me, surprisingly, that "tea" is what Americans call, "lunch," by the way.

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Stephanie Hunt's avatar

A wonderful read. Thank you. And I love your detail around the perfect cup of tea. I’ve also always been told cold milk goes in last, never before. I have, however, heard others say a dash of milk before the hot tea protects the porcelain tea cups? Anyhow - not much beats a 4pm biscuit and cup of tea. Heavenly.

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