Here, we were entertained by sea life, with pelicans flying above and manatees swimming below. After feeding the manatee her vegetarian diet of lettuce, we enjoyed salty kisses from her broad whiskered face. Playing with the sea lion, we laughed when she stuck her tongue out at us. In addition to a fun hug, we received fishy kisses from the sea lion. But the thrill of the day involved playing with the dolphins.
demonstrated the great strength and speed of these marine mammals.
Many opportunities to interact, touch, and play with 'Noel' and 'Fatima' were enjoyed by our clan.
The foot push was exhilarating as both dolphins pushed the bottom of your feet through the water at super speed.
The day ended with a relaxing ferry ride to Cancun. Beautiful blue skies, astounding blue water, and fantastic memories filled the day.
Although our treats were accompanied by a glass of champagne instead of tea, this was an acceptable Afternoon Tea in my book, one to remember.
It features an array of mixed floral cups, golden, white, and black ones and one sea shell shaped tea cup. Can you find it?
it was fun to admire the artistry required to create these carvings. It wasn't until I saw the sprigs of rosemary poking out of this last watermelon that I realized I needed to take pictures of these fun creations.
Once the pictures were taken, it was time to decide what I should put on my plate, no easy feat there either. Fortunately, everything was well labeled in Spanish and English.
This Brazo Reyna was interesting, unusual, pretty, and tasty.
There was a wide variety of breakfast foods, something for everyone, including omelets, waffles, fruits and more. One morning, I enjoyed a glass of Watermelon Juice with Hibiscus which was such a pretty rosy color with a predominant watermelon flavor. Alas, I regret I didn't try the Green Drink with a parsley base. Too many choices and not enough time to take photographs of everything!
Our dear friend Sharon of Waynesboro, PA, shared these wintry photos, taken in her backyard. The top photo is labeled, now you see it now you don't. After vigorously shaking the snow laden holly tree, causing the snow to fall to the ground and pulling back a branch or two, her second photo reveals this secret tea room nook. When the weather is nicer, Sharon enjoys taking tea under the holly tree and describes it as being a truly magical feeling. But today, we'll enjoy a steaming pot of black tea and perhaps some toasty crumpets inside as Sharon labels this picture tea room closed due to snow. 
Sharon, thanks for sharing this little corner of your yard with our readers. Sharon says: I just can't wait for Spring, I bet you can't either.
This Victorian tea room is located in historic Ellicott City, a quaint community of unique shops. Allow plenty of time for tea and shopping. What a perfect combination!
while Darjeeling was also popular at our table. A tasty Butternut squash and apple soup was beautifully garnished with sour cream and chives.
The fabulous three tiered tray featured a colorful array of tea time treats. Raisin scones with English cream and jelly and fresh fruit completed the bottom tier. The middle tier held tea sandwiches: a cucumber sandwich, their signature tomato sandwich, an open faced salmon sandwich, and a heart shaped sandwich. Desserts included pecan tartlets, shortbread, and a frosted layered chocolate cake. 
These beautiful tea party delights were savored and enjoyed by all. Cedar's favorite? A slice of plain white bread. And the sugar cubes. 
It is a tea cup from The Royal Collection, purchased at St. James's Palace in London. It was created 'To celebrate the 80th Birthday of H.M.Queen Elizabeth II, 21st April 2006'. The card that is included in the box states: Your purchase contributes to the cost of conserving and displaying the Royal Collection for the benefit of the public. The Royal Collection is one of the finest art collections in the world reflecting the personal tastes of British sovereigns over the last 500 years. The works of art are owned by The Queen as Sovereign in trust for Her successors and the nation, and the collection is administered by a charity, the Royal Collection Trust. I'm happy to have it among my collection!
A warm assortment of oven fresh scones, heart shaped to be sure.
And a top tier with delectable desserts. Chocolate covered cherry nut candies; white chocolate dipped chocolate shortbread hearts, and petite carrot cake muffin topped with heart shaped decorative candies. Oh, enjoy! 
festive streamers, and a vintage hankie.
Tucking hearts and red into desserts is a simple way to quietly let your loved ones know you thought about them in an extra special way. A little dessert plate for two...
may I serve you a raspberry tartlet or perhaps a chocolate drizzled cookie?
Any open faced sandwich will do. Shown here is an almond chicken salad in pastry shells. Simply add a few heart shaped decorative sprinkles on top of each sandwich. A word of caution though, don't add the hearts until just before serving as they have a tendency to pick up moisture from the filling and will begin to melt. Happy Valentine's Day!
The 'Old Royal, Bone China, England' tea cup, with petite pink roses, rosebuds, and mossy green leaves is decorated for Valentines Day with a vintage hankie.
I once attended an Afternoon Tea at a local tea room, (sadly now closed) where the napkins were delicate hankies tucked into the handle such as is shown here. It was a different take, not only for the use of the hankie, but for the location of the napkin. It was a clever, fun and unique idea.
Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle...
a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light,
and a bud straining to unfurl. 
