Well you know how you plan things out and then sometimes they take a detour?
Actually, this happens to me a lot. As you may know, I’m an executive assistant during the day, and ‘Not-Going-The-Way-You-Planned’ is basically the job. Anticipate challenges. Be flexible. Come up with Plans B.
And with that lead-up, I bet you can figure that this is our teacup’s maiden ‘Change-of-Plan’ voyage! I’ll tell you about Plan B, but first let’s recap.
Traveling Teacup’s Itinerary To Date
Our traveling teacup started out here: The Exciting Beginnings of the Traveling Teacup
Then she traveled on, to all these adventures!
- 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
- Meeting interesting new people with Linda Defazio at Somerset Lodge
Stop #9 ~ Walla Walla, WA
From there, the next stop on our teacup’s schedule was Florida. But as we mentioned, plans change. Our FL host was unable to entertain Miss Tessa Rose, so – a hero stepped up! My beautiful Sister in Law (SIL) very generously hosted our cup in Walla Walla, Washington.
SIL lives in a gracious old home on a gorgeous big lot next to a creek in a lovely quiet neighborhood. (And it lives up to all those beautiful adjectives!)
(I talk about SIL a lot on Mantel and Table. Check out this post for more of her lovely home.)
Our teacup has actually visited SIL in Walla Walla before. The photo below shows Tessa Rose relaxing on her previous vacation visit. On today’s visit however, she’s going to do more than lounge on the front porch!
SIL and her husband – BIL – have a huge yard where they grow vegetables as well as flowers. There’s always something blooming, and there’s always a chore or two to be done. Let’s follow along with our teacup as she helps out.
Our Teacup Helps With the Harvest
The day our teacup visited, was squash day at SIL and BIL’s. These Delicata squash were just ready for picking. I imagine they’ll find their way into something great to eat, as SIL is an excellent cook!
The beautiful sunflowers were an added bonus.
Watering the Flower Pots
The summers are hot in Walla Walla! That might be an understatement, as you can see from this picture below. It really is as hot as it looks!
And as we all know, potted plants need to be watered. Also – although that porch swing peeking into the photo looks inviting, our teacup helps with the watering first. There’ll be time for lounging after the chores are done!
Chopping Wood
The next chore was at the wood pile, with lots of chopping and stripping to do. Looks like little Tessa Rose is mostly supervising though, doesn’t it?
Doing The Laundry
I guess it just got too hot out there, so SIL and our teacup moved inside to do some laundry. Specifically, folding clothes. TR is right in the middle of it all, and apparently has the situation well in hand.
Sorting The Boxes
Then it was time to get those boxes out of storage and go through them. As someone who has done this several times in the last couple years, I can attest to how much fun it is! (I can also attest to using some sarcasm from time to time!)
Our teacup is peering into this bin, below, and probably gave her opinion on what to toss or save.
Relaxing on the Sunporch
But even busy days don’t last forever! After our teacup helped SIL with all the chores, it was time to settle in on the sunporch.
Whenever my husband and I visit Walla Walla, this sunporch is our room! It’s got a wonderful view of their gardens through the windows on three sides. And especially when it’s warm, the cool breeze wafting through makes it a perfect place to relax.
What a lovely way to end a busy day!
Thank you SO MUCH SIL, for stepping up when we needed you! Keeping our little traveling teacup on track, and for sharing your photos of the fun!
Onward!
Tessa Rose’s next stop is North Tustin, CA – a reasonably quick plane trip south to meet another new friend and host!
Thanks for sharing this detour with us! Tune in next time for the further traveling teacup adventures!
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Have a Lovely Teacup Tuesday!
I so enjoy all of the tales of the teacup! Perhaps I will make it over to check on its current location!
Ha – that would be so fun! 🙂 It’s really entertaining following all its adventures – our hosts are so creative! Hope you have a lovely long weekend! 💛
I think that’s super fun that your SIL stepped in, instead of sending it on to the next person in line! Very fun to see the teacup in all those settings!
That SIL of mine is a darling,and she’s a true lifesaver this time! 😉 I’m really enjoying what you teacup hosts are doing! 💗 Hope you have a lovely rest of your Sunday!
Barbara, How nice for your SIL to step in and create a lovely experience for Tessa Rose. And yes, those squash are beautiful. My garden is at the tail end of the hottest summer on record so nearly everything is burned out. Thanks for providing such a lovely story this morning!
Mary you are so welcome! And vice versa! 🙂 Yes, it was so sweet of SIL – she’s a rare one – I hope you get to meet her someday! Take care and stay cool down there!
What an exciting detour! I’m jealous of the beautiful huge squash (mine didn’t do so good this year) and also of the chance to spend time on that porch swing. There isn’t much better than a cup of tea on a porch swing 🙂 I look forward to seeing the tea cups next adventure!!
That IS the truth! I’ve spent many a sunny summer morning on that porch swing with my tea – actually I think I’ve sat there with the Traveling Teacup herself! 🙂 Good luck with the rest of your vegetables, and see you next time! 🙂
Isn’t family the best?! So nice of your SIL to step up, and it looks like the traveling teacup had a blast at their home.
I know – that SIL is a doll! I got lucky when I got my husband’s family along with him! 🙂 Take care over there – I’m having so much fun watching your pool construction! 🙂
Oh Tessa Rose had to enjoy her surprise visit to your wonderful sister-in-law’s house!!!! What a special unexpected treat.
Her squash – I think it is an heirloom kind, is it not?- looks yummy. You already know how much I love having a veggie garden. So glad TR was able to partake!!
That sunroom would be where I’d love to hang too – what a view, and what a great place to relax. It just screams “tea time here!”
Thank you for yet another wonderful TTC adventure!! Hugs! ♥♥♥
Hi Michele! Yes, I’m sure TR loved her stop with SIL. I know I did! 🙂 And yes, I think those squash are heirloom. They sure look great – it’s been a long time since I’ve grown any. I was so happy that Tessa Rose got to stay in “my” sunroom – it’s like sharing your favorite bed and breakfast with a friend! 😉 Hope you’re having a lovely week my friend!
How sweet of your sister in law to step in. I really love the honest tour with the tea cup too. Always look forward to tea cup Tuesday!
She really IS wonderful – you two would like each other! 🙂 So glad you like TT – thanks so much for stopping over! Hope you’re having a great morning!