Welcome back to the Traveling Teacup and her visit to Somerset Lodge!
The Story So Far
Our teacup has been traveling for over two months now. She’s seen so many beautiful places and been hosted by such wonderful people! She’s even gotten a name – Tessa Rose. (And a nickname of Tea Cup from her current host!)
For some background, you might want to read The Exciting Beginnings of the Traveling Teacup.
In the meantime, Tessa Rose’s host list is getting pretty long. So I’ll just quickly note her previous stops here, and you can check out the posts at your leisure. Some of our hosts are bloggers with their own beautiful sites that I know you’ll love to visit!
- A beautiful Oregon farm belonging to my dear friend Martha
- The Bay Area with crafter and HomeTalk personality Cynthia Nessel
- The lovely home of Kansas City stylist Suzanne Zingg
- Teatime in Texas with Lifestyle blogger Candace McCoy
- The gorgeous Lakebay WA cottage garden of IG star Kim Robinson
- A cool So Cal family tea with small-space decorator Julie Briones
- A day of tea, art, and music with Michele at The Nest at Finch Rest
Stop #8 ~ A Beautiful Retirement Lodge
Our teacup was so inspired and energized by her Ohio visit, that she had no problem flying 2,431 miles! Almost right back to where she started!
Because our next host, Linda Defazio, lives in Gladstone, Oregon. Only about 10 miles from where I live in Portland!
It’s not often that I get to actually meet one of our hosts in person. But since Linda was so close, I got to pop over and spend a few (socially distant) minutes with this lovely lady! An extra bonus for me!
Somerset Lodge
Linda lives in one of those wonderful retirement villages that are really more like resorts! My drive out to Gladstone was through beautiful farmland, orchards, and nurseries.
And when I got to Somerset Lodge, it was just as beautiful. The gracious buildings are surrounded by lovely rolling lawns that are scattered with trees and flowers.
We met outside on the main patio, and chatted about teacups and technology – an apt combination! Also about doing something new, and sharing information. Linda loves her home, and is an ardent advocate for retirement living. She has exciting plans for the near future, and I think we’ll be hearing from this creative woman again soon!
The Traveling Teacup’s Visit with Linda
Linda told me that she took little Tea Cup on a tour of Somerset Lodge, and introduced her to many of her neighbors. She mentioned how happy her friends were to see our traveling teacup, and how interested they were in the journey. She even caught the attention of the lodge media staff! Do I hear “write-up?”
Here’s how Linda describes their visit.
This is the traveling tea cup on my balcony meeting my gramma’s teapot, which is about 70 years old.
Also her little notebook she used. Often times after being in her beautiful garden with all the lovely flowers and flowering bushes, Gramma would retreat to her kitchen table for a refreshing cup of tea.
Linda’s balcony looks like a cozy spot to channel Gramma! And such a lovely view!
Meeting a Sculptor
One of the residents here at Somerset Lodge is a fabulous metal sculptor. Tea Cup was eager to see some of his work.
She was impressed by the hand crafted metal fish with the chains, and also the drawing on the table and one in the background.
I’m always fascinated by artists’ studios, and this one didn’t let me down. Look at all the interesting things in that room!
Sneaking Into the Library & Saying Goodbye
We went into the library and had a cup of tea while perusing the books. Very quietly.
Here is a picture of me after releasing Tea Cup from her soft pink bedding that she traveled with to my home.
It was sad saying goodbye to Tea Cup, but she was eager to go on to her next adventure. I thanked her for her company and off she went!
If you visit Somerset Lodge be sure to mention my name as a recommendation. A really great place to live!
I certainly will! Thank you for showing our tea cup such a great time, Linda. And I’m so glad I got to meet you too!
Goodbye to Somerset Lodge, and On to Adventure!
The traveling teacup is off on her longest flight yet – to Titusville, Florida. Almost as far across the country (diagonally) as you can get!
I can’t wait to see what fun is in store for her – and us! See you then!
Teacup Shopping
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Kim says
I’ve said before that this tea cup is more traveled than I am – well probably than any of us are this year! Happy travels Tessa Rose and I love following all your destinations!
Barbara Leone says
Ha! Yes she’s probably traveled more than most of us! 🙂 It’ll be so fun when she makes it to your place Kim – it’s such a fun journey! Hope you have a great day out there!
Mary from Life at Bella Terra says
Barbara,
How fun that you got to meet Linda! I bet all her friends that live nearby were excited to hear about the Tea Cup too. I can’t wait to get it in the mail at some point in the future! Love this welcoming, connecting idea. You are the best.
Barbara Leone says
It WAS so fun to meet her and see the beautiful place she lives! I can’t wait till you get it too – Arizona and your gorgeous home will be lovely! 😉
Julie Briones says
What a fun stop! I’m so glad our teacup friend is enjoying so many different parts of the country!
Barbara Leone says
Isn’t that great? I’m sure she’d love to come back and share her travels with all your mom’s teacup friends! 🙂 Hope you have a great day Julie and see you tomorrow at Tuesday Turn About!
Edmee says
Seems like Tessa will be visiting my home state . Too bad she will be almost 3 hours from my location. Keep travelling Tessa, you are becoming an inspiration. Thanks to Barbara for sharing those stories to cheer us up.Did Tessa learned some French at her last stop?
Barbara Leone says
Hi Edmee! Ha – Yes, it looks like Linda might have taught her some French – at least shared some French tea! 😉 Maybe Tessa will wave to you on her way to her next stop! 💗 It’s so nice to see you here and I’m so glad you’re following along! Take care till next time!
Michele M says
Another fun adventure of the Traveling Tea Cup. I think Linda really enjoyed her visit!
Barbara Leone says
Hi Michele! I hope so – it was a lovely place to take pictures! 💗
Chas Greener says
Just love reading these adventures Barbara! Can’t wait to see what’s next 🙂
Barbara Leone says
Hi Chas! I’m so glad you’re along for the ride! 💗 Florida here we come! 🙂
Happy Haute Home says
What an amazing adventure your teacup is on…so fun to watch!
Barbara Leone says
So glad you’re having fun with it too! I loved that it came back through town – it was wonderful to meet Linda and say Hi to our Tessa Rose too! 💗