Up on the Hill: Summer delight found in tea, birthdays, figs and blueberries

We enjoyed lunch at the Ivy Leaf Tea Parlor Thursday for an unbelievable three hours of delightful relaxation, calming music and good food. Owner

Elaine Broom is a delightful hostess, along with lovely Robin, pouring teas of choice. Ladies, you owe it to yourself to visit the Ivy Leaf Tea Parlor!

The gift shop is one-of-a-kind place for your special gift giving. Ring Elaine at 683-1626 for reservations and information.

• The Red Hat Society, Gallery Gals of Laurel Hill, enjoyed lunch at Yesterdays Treasures Antiques and Tea on July 21. Co-Queen Kathleen McMichael was celebrating her birthday in grand fashion with the ladies. Tea manager Becky Arnold provided a delicious lunch ending with huge chocolate-dipped strawberries and birthday cupcakes.

Those enjoying the gathering missed Betsy in S.D. and ladies out due to illness or out of town, Carolyn, Penny, Marion, Margaret and Marilyn. In their royal regalia: Special guest Denise Rowan from Griffin, Ga.; Pink Lady Tina Flowers; Sueann Weston; Jessie Fleming; Faye Garvin; Cassie Rogers; Janet Twitty; Katie Yates; Devona Willis; Frances Settles; Janice Bailey; Yvonne Jordan and the Queen Mother.

Anita Helton is the owner, daughter Becky is Tea manager and Barbara Morris is office manager of Yesterdays Treasures, located at 504 N. Main St. in Crestview. The Tea Room is available for rental by reservation only at this time. Ring 850-398-6557.

• Fig preserves are delicious on hot biscuits! I ruined one batch while relaxing and power napping too long! Fortunately, it was a small cooking. The birds are feasting daily from the top of the old weather beaten tree, proudly producing tender fruit.

• Did you know July was proclaimed National Blueberry Month in 2003 by the Secretary of Agriculture? Blueberries are a native North American fruit produced in 35 states with a harvested area at more than 46,000 acres. All citizens are called upon to recognize and celebrate the highbush blueberry with ceremony and activities. Brewton, Ala., is known for its Blueberry Festival.

Great-grandchildren, Austin, Alisha and Ashlyn, (the triple A’s) picked gallons of blueberries to take home for pies and sharing. Parents Greg and Denise Rowan from Griffin, Ga., found other things to do during their visit last week. They all enjoyed several days of going to see the lovely white sand beaches. We are left with a house rocking with silence.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12 (NIV)