Celebration Time!

Circular_Temple_-_panoramio Mark A Coleman  CC BY 3.0 httpscreativecommons.orglicensesby3.0  via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Mark A Coleman

Christina here and I'm delighted to tell you that this week it's THE WORD WENCHES’ 16th ANNIVERSARY! In order to celebrate properly, we decided to hold a picnic and you’re all invited!

We're each bringing our favourite historical food to a lovely park somewhere in the UK – the precise location is a secret as it’s by invitation only, but you can reach it via this lovely temple folly which acts as a time portal.

The setting – hills, woodland and parkland – is beautiful, with wildflowers, ancient trees and herds of deer that can be glimpsed roaming in the distance.

Andrea Vauxhall (2)Birds fill the air with song and a couple of peacocks are strutting nearby showing off their shimmering plumage. There’s a boating lake too, where we can paddle in the water if we like, or just drift peacefully while someone else does the rowing. For our comfort, we have brought rugs and silk cushions to recline upon, and we would advise you to bring a parasol or a hat as the sun can be very hot! It's going to be a wonderful day and here’s what else the Wenches will be bringing:-

Pat Eugen_Klimsch_Das_Picknick_1894

Eugen Klimsch – Das Picknick 1894

Patricia – It’s been said that picnics aren’t worth the effort unless there are at least forty attending, what with all the servants hauling cutlery and china, and the buffet and chairs and finding entertainment … But I’m happy with homemade cheese and bread wrapped in a linen napkin. I have a little bottle of fresh cream from the dairy, stopped with a cork, and strawberries I picked this morning. Cook prepared some boiled eggs and a gingerbread cake. With a bottle of lemonade, I’m all set, and nature is its own entertainment. Good company is always welcome!

Did you know that picnics originated in France and were indoor casual dining events? People like laborers might have eaten their lunches outside, but the word picnic didn’t show up in England until around 1801. And then, it referred to a French style picnic with people bringing wine and dishes to eat informally indoors while watching entertainment. But once society lightened up … they wanted to eat in the landscapes the poets and artists portrayed. Jane Austen’s mention of a picnic in Emma was one of the earliest mentions of the type of picnic we know today.

Nicola Cricket_Match_Played_by_the_Countess_of_Derby_and_Other_Ladies _1779Nicola – I know we’ll be able to rely on the British weather to be fine for our picnic because it’s a special day. So there will be no rain – or wasps trying to drink the lemonade! I much prefer a smaller gathering of good friends where we can chat and share food rather than the grand get-togethers that some of society enjoy. I’ll be bringing some Tudor picnic fare along so we can all give it a try if we want to – chicken and cranberry pasties and venison pie for the main course, and quince tart and chardewarden, which is made from spiced pears and breadcrumbs, for dessert. There will be pea and mint scotch eggs for those who prefer no meat, and ginger beer to drink.

The Victorians turned picnics into huge meals with chunky sandwiches and lots of tea and cake, and whilst I’m not averse to that I’m glad I won’t have to carry it all in my picnic basket! Some of the more energetic guests sometimes enjoy a game of cricket or rounders after the meal but I think I’ll just relax in the shade of an old oak tree and watch the fun.

Anne E.H.-Shepard

Anne E.H. Shepard

Anne – Apparently Charles Dickens loved lobster salad for picnics, and while I think that would be delicious, I'm not sure — could be a bit messy to eat. And I do love Ratty's picnic from Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, where he brought, as well as cold chicken ‘coldtonguecoldhamcoldbeefpickledgherkinssaladfrenchrolls

cresssandwichespottedmeatgingerbeerlemonadesodawater—-‘

‘O stop, stop,’ cried the Mole in ecstacies: ‘This is too much!’

And really, it is too much, especially as other wenches are bringing their contributions, so for my contribution to the picnic, I'll bring a selection of elegant little sandwiches, triangles with the crusts cut off — cucumber sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, and egg and cress. Or maybe I'll skip the egg and cress sandwiches and bring stuffed eggs topped with caviare. Oh, decisions, decisions.

Anne E.H.-ShepardThen, of course, there must be fruit, and since Pat is bringing strawberries I might bring grapes, or my special spiced peaches. Or maybe just a little fruit basket, depending what's fresh and ripe and available on the day. To drink, I'm with Nicola and Ratty, and prefer ginger beer or something soft — I don't enjoy alcohol in the middle of the day under the hot sun. Or perhaps some well-chilled soda water, with fresh fruit and crushed mint leaves lightly flavoring it.

Andrea pièces-montrée-careme.3PGAndrea – According to the OED, the word “picnic” first appeared in English (in a letter written by Lord Chesterfield) in 1748. One speculation as to its origins is the French "pique nique” which comes from a satirical French poem from 1649 in which Frères Pique-nicques is known for visiting friends “armed with bottles and dishes.” Wherever the concept came from, here at the Word Wenches we all adore picnics, so what better way to celebrate our anniversary! In the spirit of Regency celebrations, I will be bringing some of the over-the-top cakes and pastries created by Marie-Antoine Carême, creator of “grand cuisine” and the first celebrity chef! (He cooked for Napoleon, Tallyrand and Alexander I of Russia.)

Andrea Vauxhall (1)I will also make a quick stop at Vauxhall Gardens for some of their famous shaved ham . . . I am dog-sitting for Harper, Lord and Lady Wrexford’s VERY large hound, who has a particular fondness for ham, and as he’s really looking forward to fetching all the mis-hit cricket balls, I don’t want to leave him at home.

Andrea deer 8

Susan Desert_(214467439)Susan – Happy Anniversary, Wenches! What better way to celebrate an anniversary picnic than with dessert? So I’m here with a bowl of cranachan filled with fresh juicy raspberries topped with whipped cream and toasted oats, all mixed with a very healthy dash of Scottish whisky. We’d better scoop up servings of this quickly, as we don’t want the whipped cream to sit out too long—though I think it will be gone before we know it. I’ve also got shortbread, still warm and buttery-crumbly, and hot biscuits (sorry, the American kind, I was in a hurry) with a ton of fresh strawberries and more whipped cream, giving us the best kind of strawberry shortcake.

Susan Yoghurt _Fruit_and_OatsBefore I set all this out, I’m floating out a big plaid tablecloth and I’ve got a surprise for everyone. This picnic needs a little music! I’ve asked a couple of fiddlers to come by and serenade us on our Wench anniversary with some great Scottish tunes. I’m just now hearing the sweep of the strings as they strike up tunes by Neil Gow and William Marshall – whose melodies in the 18th and early 19th centuries were the irresistible rhythms heard at Scottish country dances, where the gentry, the nobility, and the working class could all gather together as equals and dance the night away. If your feet are already tapping, feel free to get up and dance around! Over here by the plaid tablecloth spread out on the grass under the birch trees, we’re sharing the cranachan, the shortbread, and wee sippies of whisky – and this part of the Wench picnic is turning into a cèilidh! All are welcome!

Here’s Neil Gow’s Strathspey tune “The Duchess of Atholl’s Slipper,” played by fiddler Paul Anderson on Neil Gow’s very own fiddle.

BullarChristina:  The other Wenches have most of our culinary needs covered, but a summer picnic for me would not be complete without plain raspberries and clotted cream (with lots of extra sugar sprinkled on top), so that’s what I’m bringing. If you’d like a dessert without fruit, I’ve also brought a cake (more of a tower really) made out of thin layers of crepes, strawberry jam and cream. And, of course, I had to make a batch of cinnamon rolls as they always go down well. For those of you who prefer savoury delicacies, I’ve got some soft Viking flatbread filled with pickled herring and crème fraiche.

In case we feel energetic before eating and are useless at cricket or rounders, I’ve got a croquet set, some boules and also badminton rackets for four. Badminton is the only game I am reasonably OK at and actually enjoy, especially if it’s just for fun like here. I hope to find some willing participants as I have a feeling I’ll need to exercise a little in order to earn all that food I’ll be scoffing later!

As I’m not a huge fan of wine or champagne, I’ve got a cool bag with ice cold raspberry cordial as well as home-made lemonade – both perfect on a hot summer’s day!

Mary Jo – What a wonderful picnic! Perfect weather in the lovely green countryside, an amazing assortment of delicious foods, and even music! But what would a picnic be without ice cream?

The history of frozen desserts is complex and contradictory. They seem to go back to ancient China, or perhaps Persia. It's said Marco Polo brought the idea of ice cream from China to Europe, and to this day, Italy is associated with delicious ices and gelatos. Because of the expense and difficulty of obtaining ice, for a very long time ice desserts were only for the wealthy. Not until technical improvements in the mid-19th century did ice cream become the varied and widely available dessert so beloved today.

Mary Jo Ivan Day image of Gunter type icesDuring the Regency era, Gunter's was a famous purveyor of ices. The original confectioner's shop in Berkeley Square was started by an Italian named Domenico Negri in 1757 and named The Pot and the Pineapple. He later took James Gunter on as a partner and that is where the name Gunter's Tea Shop comes from.

Flavored ices were many and varied, and many had flower flavors like violet, elderflower, and orange. (Some confectioners even made cheese flavored ices with parmesan, which sound … interesting!) Amazing molded ices could be made, as seen in the picture.

Ices began to melt as soon as they were removed from their molds so they had to be served as soon as possible. It became the custom for fleet-footed servers to deliver ices to ladies in their carriage while gentlemen escorts lounged against the carriages so they could chat and flirt over their delicious desserts. Yes, I've written scenes like that because it sounds like such fun. (The image above is an Ivan Day image from janeaustensworld.com)

Luckily I have a nicely insulated carrier to bring a variety of ice creams, sorbets, gelatos and more to our picnic, so after we've demolished all the other picnic treats, we can finish with our choices of ices in dishes or cones.  Enjoy!

So how about you – what are you bringing? We hope you will all join us to celebrate our anniversary!

To make this an extra special celebration, the Wenches will be offering a free book each to winners chosen at random from those of you who leave comments. (Format and title to be determined by individual negotiation between Wench and winner).

Come Celebrate!(2)

445 thoughts on “Celebration Time!”

  1. Light heart, light foods! My contribution is a lovely Salmagundy, sort of a Cobb salad of the day. Lots of good things, meats and veg, pressed into a bowl, then flipped en masse onto a serving plate. So pretty and colorful! (See https://www.thitherjaneausten.com/salmagundy . Don’t know how I managed such a lovely picture, since photography hasn’t been invented yet, but there it is.)
    Look for me over in the shade with the other dowagers, definitely in a chair at a table, in the shade (complexion of a redhead, don’t you know) and gossiping about the rest of you—but fondly, of course. I’m not THAT kind of old lady. Glad everyone’s having a lovely time.

    Reply
  2. Light heart, light foods! My contribution is a lovely Salmagundy, sort of a Cobb salad of the day. Lots of good things, meats and veg, pressed into a bowl, then flipped en masse onto a serving plate. So pretty and colorful! (See https://www.thitherjaneausten.com/salmagundy . Don’t know how I managed such a lovely picture, since photography hasn’t been invented yet, but there it is.)
    Look for me over in the shade with the other dowagers, definitely in a chair at a table, in the shade (complexion of a redhead, don’t you know) and gossiping about the rest of you—but fondly, of course. I’m not THAT kind of old lady. Glad everyone’s having a lovely time.

    Reply
  3. Light heart, light foods! My contribution is a lovely Salmagundy, sort of a Cobb salad of the day. Lots of good things, meats and veg, pressed into a bowl, then flipped en masse onto a serving plate. So pretty and colorful! (See https://www.thitherjaneausten.com/salmagundy . Don’t know how I managed such a lovely picture, since photography hasn’t been invented yet, but there it is.)
    Look for me over in the shade with the other dowagers, definitely in a chair at a table, in the shade (complexion of a redhead, don’t you know) and gossiping about the rest of you—but fondly, of course. I’m not THAT kind of old lady. Glad everyone’s having a lovely time.

    Reply
  4. Light heart, light foods! My contribution is a lovely Salmagundy, sort of a Cobb salad of the day. Lots of good things, meats and veg, pressed into a bowl, then flipped en masse onto a serving plate. So pretty and colorful! (See https://www.thitherjaneausten.com/salmagundy . Don’t know how I managed such a lovely picture, since photography hasn’t been invented yet, but there it is.)
    Look for me over in the shade with the other dowagers, definitely in a chair at a table, in the shade (complexion of a redhead, don’t you know) and gossiping about the rest of you—but fondly, of course. I’m not THAT kind of old lady. Glad everyone’s having a lovely time.

    Reply
  5. Light heart, light foods! My contribution is a lovely Salmagundy, sort of a Cobb salad of the day. Lots of good things, meats and veg, pressed into a bowl, then flipped en masse onto a serving plate. So pretty and colorful! (See https://www.thitherjaneausten.com/salmagundy . Don’t know how I managed such a lovely picture, since photography hasn’t been invented yet, but there it is.)
    Look for me over in the shade with the other dowagers, definitely in a chair at a table, in the shade (complexion of a redhead, don’t you know) and gossiping about the rest of you—but fondly, of course. I’m not THAT kind of old lady. Glad everyone’s having a lovely time.

    Reply
  6. Wow Mary, that looks delicious – thank you for coming and for bringing that! I too will spend most of my time in the shade. The sun gets too hot! So glad you could join us!

    Reply
  7. Wow Mary, that looks delicious – thank you for coming and for bringing that! I too will spend most of my time in the shade. The sun gets too hot! So glad you could join us!

    Reply
  8. Wow Mary, that looks delicious – thank you for coming and for bringing that! I too will spend most of my time in the shade. The sun gets too hot! So glad you could join us!

    Reply
  9. Wow Mary, that looks delicious – thank you for coming and for bringing that! I too will spend most of my time in the shade. The sun gets too hot! So glad you could join us!

    Reply
  10. Wow Mary, that looks delicious – thank you for coming and for bringing that! I too will spend most of my time in the shade. The sun gets too hot! So glad you could join us!

    Reply
  11. I’m bringing a flagon of Rhenish for us to share, a crustade gentle, which is a pie shell filled with pork/veal ground with hard egg yolks and thickened with almond milk, and marrow of bones. The filling is poured into the pie shell, baked and served. I’m also bringing honey dumplings seasoned with lavender, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, and a garden salad made with watercress, mint and garden orache to refresh the palate. I also have some fruit – apples, quince and cherries. I hope everyone can find something to enjoy.

    Reply
  12. I’m bringing a flagon of Rhenish for us to share, a crustade gentle, which is a pie shell filled with pork/veal ground with hard egg yolks and thickened with almond milk, and marrow of bones. The filling is poured into the pie shell, baked and served. I’m also bringing honey dumplings seasoned with lavender, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, and a garden salad made with watercress, mint and garden orache to refresh the palate. I also have some fruit – apples, quince and cherries. I hope everyone can find something to enjoy.

    Reply
  13. I’m bringing a flagon of Rhenish for us to share, a crustade gentle, which is a pie shell filled with pork/veal ground with hard egg yolks and thickened with almond milk, and marrow of bones. The filling is poured into the pie shell, baked and served. I’m also bringing honey dumplings seasoned with lavender, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, and a garden salad made with watercress, mint and garden orache to refresh the palate. I also have some fruit – apples, quince and cherries. I hope everyone can find something to enjoy.

    Reply
  14. I’m bringing a flagon of Rhenish for us to share, a crustade gentle, which is a pie shell filled with pork/veal ground with hard egg yolks and thickened with almond milk, and marrow of bones. The filling is poured into the pie shell, baked and served. I’m also bringing honey dumplings seasoned with lavender, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, and a garden salad made with watercress, mint and garden orache to refresh the palate. I also have some fruit – apples, quince and cherries. I hope everyone can find something to enjoy.

    Reply
  15. I’m bringing a flagon of Rhenish for us to share, a crustade gentle, which is a pie shell filled with pork/veal ground with hard egg yolks and thickened with almond milk, and marrow of bones. The filling is poured into the pie shell, baked and served. I’m also bringing honey dumplings seasoned with lavender, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, and a garden salad made with watercress, mint and garden orache to refresh the palate. I also have some fruit – apples, quince and cherries. I hope everyone can find something to enjoy.

    Reply
  16. Thank you so much, Elaine, that all sounds wonderful! I should have remembered cherries as I adore them, especially those really big ones. It definitely sounds like we won’t be short of food at this picnic! So pleased you could come.

    Reply
  17. Thank you so much, Elaine, that all sounds wonderful! I should have remembered cherries as I adore them, especially those really big ones. It definitely sounds like we won’t be short of food at this picnic! So pleased you could come.

    Reply
  18. Thank you so much, Elaine, that all sounds wonderful! I should have remembered cherries as I adore them, especially those really big ones. It definitely sounds like we won’t be short of food at this picnic! So pleased you could come.

    Reply
  19. Thank you so much, Elaine, that all sounds wonderful! I should have remembered cherries as I adore them, especially those really big ones. It definitely sounds like we won’t be short of food at this picnic! So pleased you could come.

    Reply
  20. Thank you so much, Elaine, that all sounds wonderful! I should have remembered cherries as I adore them, especially those really big ones. It definitely sounds like we won’t be short of food at this picnic! So pleased you could come.

    Reply
  21. Congratulations on 16 years! I should like to bring lobster patties, they always seemed so decadent to me until I read that lobster was readily available in Regency England. I do not envy household staff who had to cart tables, chairs and food out to the orchard because my lady wanted a picnic. And always the worry that the weather will interfere with your plans, even today despite the technology we have.

    Reply
  22. Congratulations on 16 years! I should like to bring lobster patties, they always seemed so decadent to me until I read that lobster was readily available in Regency England. I do not envy household staff who had to cart tables, chairs and food out to the orchard because my lady wanted a picnic. And always the worry that the weather will interfere with your plans, even today despite the technology we have.

    Reply
  23. Congratulations on 16 years! I should like to bring lobster patties, they always seemed so decadent to me until I read that lobster was readily available in Regency England. I do not envy household staff who had to cart tables, chairs and food out to the orchard because my lady wanted a picnic. And always the worry that the weather will interfere with your plans, even today despite the technology we have.

    Reply
  24. Congratulations on 16 years! I should like to bring lobster patties, they always seemed so decadent to me until I read that lobster was readily available in Regency England. I do not envy household staff who had to cart tables, chairs and food out to the orchard because my lady wanted a picnic. And always the worry that the weather will interfere with your plans, even today despite the technology we have.

    Reply
  25. Congratulations on 16 years! I should like to bring lobster patties, they always seemed so decadent to me until I read that lobster was readily available in Regency England. I do not envy household staff who had to cart tables, chairs and food out to the orchard because my lady wanted a picnic. And always the worry that the weather will interfere with your plans, even today despite the technology we have.

    Reply
  26. What a delicious post! I learned, I drooled, I dreamed. And since you ladies have the consumables covered, all I’m bringing is my good cheer. Best wished on your sweet 16!

    Reply
  27. What a delicious post! I learned, I drooled, I dreamed. And since you ladies have the consumables covered, all I’m bringing is my good cheer. Best wished on your sweet 16!

    Reply
  28. What a delicious post! I learned, I drooled, I dreamed. And since you ladies have the consumables covered, all I’m bringing is my good cheer. Best wished on your sweet 16!

    Reply
  29. What a delicious post! I learned, I drooled, I dreamed. And since you ladies have the consumables covered, all I’m bringing is my good cheer. Best wished on your sweet 16!

    Reply
  30. What a delicious post! I learned, I drooled, I dreamed. And since you ladies have the consumables covered, all I’m bringing is my good cheer. Best wished on your sweet 16!

    Reply
  31. Sixteen years certainly merits a celebration! I was up early to unlock the cabinet so that Cook could use my Prince of Wales mold to make her famous biscuits for us all to share. So excited was she by the opportunity to repay you all for the pleasure you’ve given her, that she has also provided my basket with rolled wafers, and the ginger biscuits that so many of our children adore. We went to the orchard early to gather peaches, just ripe and so fragrant. And speaking of the children, I cannot imagine a picnic without them, so I will also bring rolling hoops and sticks for the boys and girls to enjoy! I am so looking forward to all of the goodies everyone is sharing!

    Reply
  32. Sixteen years certainly merits a celebration! I was up early to unlock the cabinet so that Cook could use my Prince of Wales mold to make her famous biscuits for us all to share. So excited was she by the opportunity to repay you all for the pleasure you’ve given her, that she has also provided my basket with rolled wafers, and the ginger biscuits that so many of our children adore. We went to the orchard early to gather peaches, just ripe and so fragrant. And speaking of the children, I cannot imagine a picnic without them, so I will also bring rolling hoops and sticks for the boys and girls to enjoy! I am so looking forward to all of the goodies everyone is sharing!

    Reply
  33. Sixteen years certainly merits a celebration! I was up early to unlock the cabinet so that Cook could use my Prince of Wales mold to make her famous biscuits for us all to share. So excited was she by the opportunity to repay you all for the pleasure you’ve given her, that she has also provided my basket with rolled wafers, and the ginger biscuits that so many of our children adore. We went to the orchard early to gather peaches, just ripe and so fragrant. And speaking of the children, I cannot imagine a picnic without them, so I will also bring rolling hoops and sticks for the boys and girls to enjoy! I am so looking forward to all of the goodies everyone is sharing!

    Reply
  34. Sixteen years certainly merits a celebration! I was up early to unlock the cabinet so that Cook could use my Prince of Wales mold to make her famous biscuits for us all to share. So excited was she by the opportunity to repay you all for the pleasure you’ve given her, that she has also provided my basket with rolled wafers, and the ginger biscuits that so many of our children adore. We went to the orchard early to gather peaches, just ripe and so fragrant. And speaking of the children, I cannot imagine a picnic without them, so I will also bring rolling hoops and sticks for the boys and girls to enjoy! I am so looking forward to all of the goodies everyone is sharing!

    Reply
  35. Sixteen years certainly merits a celebration! I was up early to unlock the cabinet so that Cook could use my Prince of Wales mold to make her famous biscuits for us all to share. So excited was she by the opportunity to repay you all for the pleasure you’ve given her, that she has also provided my basket with rolled wafers, and the ginger biscuits that so many of our children adore. We went to the orchard early to gather peaches, just ripe and so fragrant. And speaking of the children, I cannot imagine a picnic without them, so I will also bring rolling hoops and sticks for the boys and girls to enjoy! I am so looking forward to all of the goodies everyone is sharing!

    Reply
  36. Oh yes please to lobster patties! Always wanted to try those. The weather is a worry but luckily it’s perfect for our picnic. Thank you for joining us!

    Reply
  37. Oh yes please to lobster patties! Always wanted to try those. The weather is a worry but luckily it’s perfect for our picnic. Thank you for joining us!

    Reply
  38. Oh yes please to lobster patties! Always wanted to try those. The weather is a worry but luckily it’s perfect for our picnic. Thank you for joining us!

    Reply
  39. Oh yes please to lobster patties! Always wanted to try those. The weather is a worry but luckily it’s perfect for our picnic. Thank you for joining us!

    Reply
  40. Oh yes please to lobster patties! Always wanted to try those. The weather is a worry but luckily it’s perfect for our picnic. Thank you for joining us!

    Reply
  41. What a great idea Constance, of course the children must come! And thank you for all the treats you are bringing – they’ll be a wonderful addition to everything else!

    Reply
  42. What a great idea Constance, of course the children must come! And thank you for all the treats you are bringing – they’ll be a wonderful addition to everything else!

    Reply
  43. What a great idea Constance, of course the children must come! And thank you for all the treats you are bringing – they’ll be a wonderful addition to everything else!

    Reply
  44. What a great idea Constance, of course the children must come! And thank you for all the treats you are bringing – they’ll be a wonderful addition to everything else!

    Reply
  45. What a great idea Constance, of course the children must come! And thank you for all the treats you are bringing – they’ll be a wonderful addition to everything else!

    Reply
  46. Congratulations on 16 years. What a delightful blog which has given me great pleasure.
    A picnic is so special since it is a nostalgic and missed outing which was always enjoyable.
    We packed delectable goodies. An orzo salad, a baguette with a smoked salmon spread, sliced fruit and chilled lemon-lime drinks.

    Reply
  47. Congratulations on 16 years. What a delightful blog which has given me great pleasure.
    A picnic is so special since it is a nostalgic and missed outing which was always enjoyable.
    We packed delectable goodies. An orzo salad, a baguette with a smoked salmon spread, sliced fruit and chilled lemon-lime drinks.

    Reply
  48. Congratulations on 16 years. What a delightful blog which has given me great pleasure.
    A picnic is so special since it is a nostalgic and missed outing which was always enjoyable.
    We packed delectable goodies. An orzo salad, a baguette with a smoked salmon spread, sliced fruit and chilled lemon-lime drinks.

    Reply
  49. Congratulations on 16 years. What a delightful blog which has given me great pleasure.
    A picnic is so special since it is a nostalgic and missed outing which was always enjoyable.
    We packed delectable goodies. An orzo salad, a baguette with a smoked salmon spread, sliced fruit and chilled lemon-lime drinks.

    Reply
  50. Congratulations on 16 years. What a delightful blog which has given me great pleasure.
    A picnic is so special since it is a nostalgic and missed outing which was always enjoyable.
    We packed delectable goodies. An orzo salad, a baguette with a smoked salmon spread, sliced fruit and chilled lemon-lime drinks.

    Reply
  51. Whatever I bring would come from the Deli (smile) – I’m not much of a cook. But the best thing about this picnic would be the company anyway.
    You ladies are to be congratulated. I’ve not been here all 16 years, but I have enjoyed this blog ever since I found it. So thank you to every last one of you. And thanks also the your members who have passed, and those who have retired and those who were here for a while and then moved on. You are all so wonderful.

    Reply
  52. Whatever I bring would come from the Deli (smile) – I’m not much of a cook. But the best thing about this picnic would be the company anyway.
    You ladies are to be congratulated. I’ve not been here all 16 years, but I have enjoyed this blog ever since I found it. So thank you to every last one of you. And thanks also the your members who have passed, and those who have retired and those who were here for a while and then moved on. You are all so wonderful.

    Reply
  53. Whatever I bring would come from the Deli (smile) – I’m not much of a cook. But the best thing about this picnic would be the company anyway.
    You ladies are to be congratulated. I’ve not been here all 16 years, but I have enjoyed this blog ever since I found it. So thank you to every last one of you. And thanks also the your members who have passed, and those who have retired and those who were here for a while and then moved on. You are all so wonderful.

    Reply
  54. Whatever I bring would come from the Deli (smile) – I’m not much of a cook. But the best thing about this picnic would be the company anyway.
    You ladies are to be congratulated. I’ve not been here all 16 years, but I have enjoyed this blog ever since I found it. So thank you to every last one of you. And thanks also the your members who have passed, and those who have retired and those who were here for a while and then moved on. You are all so wonderful.

    Reply
  55. Whatever I bring would come from the Deli (smile) – I’m not much of a cook. But the best thing about this picnic would be the company anyway.
    You ladies are to be congratulated. I’ve not been here all 16 years, but I have enjoyed this blog ever since I found it. So thank you to every last one of you. And thanks also the your members who have passed, and those who have retired and those who were here for a while and then moved on. You are all so wonderful.

    Reply
  56. Best wishes on 16 years and many more!
    For this memorable picnic my favorites are Kale salad with cherry tomatoes, hummus with french bread, caponata, caprese salad, biscotti, iced tea and lemon biscuits.

    Reply
  57. Best wishes on 16 years and many more!
    For this memorable picnic my favorites are Kale salad with cherry tomatoes, hummus with french bread, caponata, caprese salad, biscotti, iced tea and lemon biscuits.

    Reply
  58. Best wishes on 16 years and many more!
    For this memorable picnic my favorites are Kale salad with cherry tomatoes, hummus with french bread, caponata, caprese salad, biscotti, iced tea and lemon biscuits.

    Reply
  59. Best wishes on 16 years and many more!
    For this memorable picnic my favorites are Kale salad with cherry tomatoes, hummus with french bread, caponata, caprese salad, biscotti, iced tea and lemon biscuits.

    Reply
  60. Best wishes on 16 years and many more!
    For this memorable picnic my favorites are Kale salad with cherry tomatoes, hummus with french bread, caponata, caprese salad, biscotti, iced tea and lemon biscuits.

    Reply
  61. Congratulations on the 16th anniversary of the Word Wenches!
    I will bring a very large bowl of crisp green salad with a touch of vegan Cesare dressing, especially made for the occasion by Primal Kitchen.
    This is going to be a fun event with beautiful weather cooperating for all of us!

    Reply
  62. Congratulations on the 16th anniversary of the Word Wenches!
    I will bring a very large bowl of crisp green salad with a touch of vegan Cesare dressing, especially made for the occasion by Primal Kitchen.
    This is going to be a fun event with beautiful weather cooperating for all of us!

    Reply
  63. Congratulations on the 16th anniversary of the Word Wenches!
    I will bring a very large bowl of crisp green salad with a touch of vegan Cesare dressing, especially made for the occasion by Primal Kitchen.
    This is going to be a fun event with beautiful weather cooperating for all of us!

    Reply
  64. Congratulations on the 16th anniversary of the Word Wenches!
    I will bring a very large bowl of crisp green salad with a touch of vegan Cesare dressing, especially made for the occasion by Primal Kitchen.
    This is going to be a fun event with beautiful weather cooperating for all of us!

    Reply
  65. Congratulations on the 16th anniversary of the Word Wenches!
    I will bring a very large bowl of crisp green salad with a touch of vegan Cesare dressing, especially made for the occasion by Primal Kitchen.
    This is going to be a fun event with beautiful weather cooperating for all of us!

    Reply
  66. Happy 16th anniversary, ladies, and thank you for the invitation. I shall definitely bring my appetite and perhaps some deviled eggs.

    Reply
  67. Happy 16th anniversary, ladies, and thank you for the invitation. I shall definitely bring my appetite and perhaps some deviled eggs.

    Reply
  68. Happy 16th anniversary, ladies, and thank you for the invitation. I shall definitely bring my appetite and perhaps some deviled eggs.

    Reply
  69. Happy 16th anniversary, ladies, and thank you for the invitation. I shall definitely bring my appetite and perhaps some deviled eggs.

    Reply
  70. Happy 16th anniversary, ladies, and thank you for the invitation. I shall definitely bring my appetite and perhaps some deviled eggs.

    Reply
  71. I’m American so to me a picnic isn’t complete without fried chicken, potato salad and apple pie.
    The African slaves brought battered and fried chicken from their homelands and German immigrants brought us potato salad. English immigrants baked stuff in crusts so we have them to thank for the apple pie.
    I will need some assistance with my baskets because I always make too much. Mama said no one should ever leave hungry.

    Reply
  72. I’m American so to me a picnic isn’t complete without fried chicken, potato salad and apple pie.
    The African slaves brought battered and fried chicken from their homelands and German immigrants brought us potato salad. English immigrants baked stuff in crusts so we have them to thank for the apple pie.
    I will need some assistance with my baskets because I always make too much. Mama said no one should ever leave hungry.

    Reply
  73. I’m American so to me a picnic isn’t complete without fried chicken, potato salad and apple pie.
    The African slaves brought battered and fried chicken from their homelands and German immigrants brought us potato salad. English immigrants baked stuff in crusts so we have them to thank for the apple pie.
    I will need some assistance with my baskets because I always make too much. Mama said no one should ever leave hungry.

    Reply
  74. I’m American so to me a picnic isn’t complete without fried chicken, potato salad and apple pie.
    The African slaves brought battered and fried chicken from their homelands and German immigrants brought us potato salad. English immigrants baked stuff in crusts so we have them to thank for the apple pie.
    I will need some assistance with my baskets because I always make too much. Mama said no one should ever leave hungry.

    Reply
  75. I’m American so to me a picnic isn’t complete without fried chicken, potato salad and apple pie.
    The African slaves brought battered and fried chicken from their homelands and German immigrants brought us potato salad. English immigrants baked stuff in crusts so we have them to thank for the apple pie.
    I will need some assistance with my baskets because I always make too much. Mama said no one should ever leave hungry.

    Reply
  76. Congratulations! Well deserved celebration. Love your site.
    Picnics give me hope and make me feel good about everything. Being old fashioned and believing that there are moments that are worth savoring from the past. Foods that I would love to indulge in include sliced tomatoes, pesto pasta salad, crusty rolls,digestives, and tea.

    Reply
  77. Congratulations! Well deserved celebration. Love your site.
    Picnics give me hope and make me feel good about everything. Being old fashioned and believing that there are moments that are worth savoring from the past. Foods that I would love to indulge in include sliced tomatoes, pesto pasta salad, crusty rolls,digestives, and tea.

    Reply
  78. Congratulations! Well deserved celebration. Love your site.
    Picnics give me hope and make me feel good about everything. Being old fashioned and believing that there are moments that are worth savoring from the past. Foods that I would love to indulge in include sliced tomatoes, pesto pasta salad, crusty rolls,digestives, and tea.

    Reply
  79. Congratulations! Well deserved celebration. Love your site.
    Picnics give me hope and make me feel good about everything. Being old fashioned and believing that there are moments that are worth savoring from the past. Foods that I would love to indulge in include sliced tomatoes, pesto pasta salad, crusty rolls,digestives, and tea.

    Reply
  80. Congratulations! Well deserved celebration. Love your site.
    Picnics give me hope and make me feel good about everything. Being old fashioned and believing that there are moments that are worth savoring from the past. Foods that I would love to indulge in include sliced tomatoes, pesto pasta salad, crusty rolls,digestives, and tea.

    Reply
  81. Christina’s cinnamon rolls look lovely, and you already have so many other sweets, but this time of year calls for a rhubarb custard pie from me.

    Reply
  82. Christina’s cinnamon rolls look lovely, and you already have so many other sweets, but this time of year calls for a rhubarb custard pie from me.

    Reply
  83. Christina’s cinnamon rolls look lovely, and you already have so many other sweets, but this time of year calls for a rhubarb custard pie from me.

    Reply
  84. Christina’s cinnamon rolls look lovely, and you already have so many other sweets, but this time of year calls for a rhubarb custard pie from me.

    Reply
  85. Christina’s cinnamon rolls look lovely, and you already have so many other sweets, but this time of year calls for a rhubarb custard pie from me.

    Reply
  86. 16 YEARS !!!!!!!WOW!!!!
    First of all, I will not write for very long, y’all have made me so hungry that I must go find something to eat. Drooling here.
    I will bring some potato salad, it is admired by many. I will also have lemonade with lots of ice cubes (after all I am American). Iced tea, another thing that we like very much.
    After that, I will simply walk around sampling everything else that is here. I never met a grain of sugar I did not like so I know I will be full by the time I have finished strolling around that huge plaid tablecloth.
    Now about that 16 years…
    I have not been here since that first year, but I got here as soon as I heard about y’all.
    I would like to thank you for the invitation to the picnic and most of all for the posts, the wonderful book lists and all the interesting things I have learned about each of you. You have shared who you are as writers and as people. Good stuff.
    Hope everyone is smiling, and be sure not to allow any ants on that tablecloth.

    Reply
  87. 16 YEARS !!!!!!!WOW!!!!
    First of all, I will not write for very long, y’all have made me so hungry that I must go find something to eat. Drooling here.
    I will bring some potato salad, it is admired by many. I will also have lemonade with lots of ice cubes (after all I am American). Iced tea, another thing that we like very much.
    After that, I will simply walk around sampling everything else that is here. I never met a grain of sugar I did not like so I know I will be full by the time I have finished strolling around that huge plaid tablecloth.
    Now about that 16 years…
    I have not been here since that first year, but I got here as soon as I heard about y’all.
    I would like to thank you for the invitation to the picnic and most of all for the posts, the wonderful book lists and all the interesting things I have learned about each of you. You have shared who you are as writers and as people. Good stuff.
    Hope everyone is smiling, and be sure not to allow any ants on that tablecloth.

    Reply
  88. 16 YEARS !!!!!!!WOW!!!!
    First of all, I will not write for very long, y’all have made me so hungry that I must go find something to eat. Drooling here.
    I will bring some potato salad, it is admired by many. I will also have lemonade with lots of ice cubes (after all I am American). Iced tea, another thing that we like very much.
    After that, I will simply walk around sampling everything else that is here. I never met a grain of sugar I did not like so I know I will be full by the time I have finished strolling around that huge plaid tablecloth.
    Now about that 16 years…
    I have not been here since that first year, but I got here as soon as I heard about y’all.
    I would like to thank you for the invitation to the picnic and most of all for the posts, the wonderful book lists and all the interesting things I have learned about each of you. You have shared who you are as writers and as people. Good stuff.
    Hope everyone is smiling, and be sure not to allow any ants on that tablecloth.

    Reply
  89. 16 YEARS !!!!!!!WOW!!!!
    First of all, I will not write for very long, y’all have made me so hungry that I must go find something to eat. Drooling here.
    I will bring some potato salad, it is admired by many. I will also have lemonade with lots of ice cubes (after all I am American). Iced tea, another thing that we like very much.
    After that, I will simply walk around sampling everything else that is here. I never met a grain of sugar I did not like so I know I will be full by the time I have finished strolling around that huge plaid tablecloth.
    Now about that 16 years…
    I have not been here since that first year, but I got here as soon as I heard about y’all.
    I would like to thank you for the invitation to the picnic and most of all for the posts, the wonderful book lists and all the interesting things I have learned about each of you. You have shared who you are as writers and as people. Good stuff.
    Hope everyone is smiling, and be sure not to allow any ants on that tablecloth.

    Reply
  90. 16 YEARS !!!!!!!WOW!!!!
    First of all, I will not write for very long, y’all have made me so hungry that I must go find something to eat. Drooling here.
    I will bring some potato salad, it is admired by many. I will also have lemonade with lots of ice cubes (after all I am American). Iced tea, another thing that we like very much.
    After that, I will simply walk around sampling everything else that is here. I never met a grain of sugar I did not like so I know I will be full by the time I have finished strolling around that huge plaid tablecloth.
    Now about that 16 years…
    I have not been here since that first year, but I got here as soon as I heard about y’all.
    I would like to thank you for the invitation to the picnic and most of all for the posts, the wonderful book lists and all the interesting things I have learned about each of you. You have shared who you are as writers and as people. Good stuff.
    Hope everyone is smiling, and be sure not to allow any ants on that tablecloth.

    Reply
  91. Thank you so much, Annette, it’s great that you could be here with us to celebrate! Potato salad is definitely a must – you can never have too much of that! And yes, there seem to be plenty of sweets for everyone 🙂

    Reply
  92. Thank you so much, Annette, it’s great that you could be here with us to celebrate! Potato salad is definitely a must – you can never have too much of that! And yes, there seem to be plenty of sweets for everyone 🙂

    Reply
  93. Thank you so much, Annette, it’s great that you could be here with us to celebrate! Potato salad is definitely a must – you can never have too much of that! And yes, there seem to be plenty of sweets for everyone 🙂

    Reply
  94. Thank you so much, Annette, it’s great that you could be here with us to celebrate! Potato salad is definitely a must – you can never have too much of that! And yes, there seem to be plenty of sweets for everyone 🙂

    Reply
  95. Thank you so much, Annette, it’s great that you could be here with us to celebrate! Potato salad is definitely a must – you can never have too much of that! And yes, there seem to be plenty of sweets for everyone 🙂

    Reply
  96. 🥳 Congratulations!🎉
    I’ve been following along since the beginning. I’m so happy you are all still around and lounging around on blankets! 🤗

    Reply
  97. 🥳 Congratulations!🎉
    I’ve been following along since the beginning. I’m so happy you are all still around and lounging around on blankets! 🤗

    Reply
  98. 🥳 Congratulations!🎉
    I’ve been following along since the beginning. I’m so happy you are all still around and lounging around on blankets! 🤗

    Reply
  99. 🥳 Congratulations!🎉
    I’ve been following along since the beginning. I’m so happy you are all still around and lounging around on blankets! 🤗

    Reply
  100. 🥳 Congratulations!🎉
    I’ve been following along since the beginning. I’m so happy you are all still around and lounging around on blankets! 🤗

    Reply
  101. Thank you so much – hope you’re enjoying the picnic too and huge thanks for following us all t his time!

    Reply
  102. Thank you so much – hope you’re enjoying the picnic too and huge thanks for following us all t his time!

    Reply
  103. Thank you so much – hope you’re enjoying the picnic too and huge thanks for following us all t his time!

    Reply
  104. Thank you so much – hope you’re enjoying the picnic too and huge thanks for following us all t his time!

    Reply
  105. Thank you so much – hope you’re enjoying the picnic too and huge thanks for following us all t his time!

    Reply
  106. The food, drinks and music sound lovely, and I always have a book or six nearby, so I think my contribution would be to applaud, encourage and enjoy the offerings, and help clean up after. And make a suitable donation to one of the Wenches’ favorite causes, in celebration of their 16th Anniversary. And I’ve just reread three of the late Jo Beverley’s early releases. She was such a wonderful writer!

    Reply
  107. The food, drinks and music sound lovely, and I always have a book or six nearby, so I think my contribution would be to applaud, encourage and enjoy the offerings, and help clean up after. And make a suitable donation to one of the Wenches’ favorite causes, in celebration of their 16th Anniversary. And I’ve just reread three of the late Jo Beverley’s early releases. She was such a wonderful writer!

    Reply
  108. The food, drinks and music sound lovely, and I always have a book or six nearby, so I think my contribution would be to applaud, encourage and enjoy the offerings, and help clean up after. And make a suitable donation to one of the Wenches’ favorite causes, in celebration of their 16th Anniversary. And I’ve just reread three of the late Jo Beverley’s early releases. She was such a wonderful writer!

    Reply
  109. The food, drinks and music sound lovely, and I always have a book or six nearby, so I think my contribution would be to applaud, encourage and enjoy the offerings, and help clean up after. And make a suitable donation to one of the Wenches’ favorite causes, in celebration of their 16th Anniversary. And I’ve just reread three of the late Jo Beverley’s early releases. She was such a wonderful writer!

    Reply
  110. The food, drinks and music sound lovely, and I always have a book or six nearby, so I think my contribution would be to applaud, encourage and enjoy the offerings, and help clean up after. And make a suitable donation to one of the Wenches’ favorite causes, in celebration of their 16th Anniversary. And I’ve just reread three of the late Jo Beverley’s early releases. She was such a wonderful writer!

    Reply
  111. Congratulations all!!! My husband will make his beautiful scones and I will bring the clotted cream and the strawberry jam. Yummm! I can get down to sit on the blanket, in the shade, to sip a homemade, tart, lemonade but I’m pretty sure I can no longer get back up. Enjoy my contribution to the picnic and I will meet you all at Gunter’s for an ice – my treat!!!

    Reply
  112. Congratulations all!!! My husband will make his beautiful scones and I will bring the clotted cream and the strawberry jam. Yummm! I can get down to sit on the blanket, in the shade, to sip a homemade, tart, lemonade but I’m pretty sure I can no longer get back up. Enjoy my contribution to the picnic and I will meet you all at Gunter’s for an ice – my treat!!!

    Reply
  113. Congratulations all!!! My husband will make his beautiful scones and I will bring the clotted cream and the strawberry jam. Yummm! I can get down to sit on the blanket, in the shade, to sip a homemade, tart, lemonade but I’m pretty sure I can no longer get back up. Enjoy my contribution to the picnic and I will meet you all at Gunter’s for an ice – my treat!!!

    Reply
  114. Congratulations all!!! My husband will make his beautiful scones and I will bring the clotted cream and the strawberry jam. Yummm! I can get down to sit on the blanket, in the shade, to sip a homemade, tart, lemonade but I’m pretty sure I can no longer get back up. Enjoy my contribution to the picnic and I will meet you all at Gunter’s for an ice – my treat!!!

    Reply
  115. Congratulations all!!! My husband will make his beautiful scones and I will bring the clotted cream and the strawberry jam. Yummm! I can get down to sit on the blanket, in the shade, to sip a homemade, tart, lemonade but I’m pretty sure I can no longer get back up. Enjoy my contribution to the picnic and I will meet you all at Gunter’s for an ice – my treat!!!

    Reply
  116. I am not one who likes to eat out of doors- there are just too many bus and insects in Georgia and the sun is usually much too hot. However the food sounds scrumptious. Coddled cream and raspberries, lobster salad and rolls. I think Champagne to celebrate the years and the books. The times with Jo Beverley and Sherry Holmes and all the books that have come out since then. Many reasons to celebrate. May you have another 16 plus years together.

    Reply
  117. I am not one who likes to eat out of doors- there are just too many bus and insects in Georgia and the sun is usually much too hot. However the food sounds scrumptious. Coddled cream and raspberries, lobster salad and rolls. I think Champagne to celebrate the years and the books. The times with Jo Beverley and Sherry Holmes and all the books that have come out since then. Many reasons to celebrate. May you have another 16 plus years together.

    Reply
  118. I am not one who likes to eat out of doors- there are just too many bus and insects in Georgia and the sun is usually much too hot. However the food sounds scrumptious. Coddled cream and raspberries, lobster salad and rolls. I think Champagne to celebrate the years and the books. The times with Jo Beverley and Sherry Holmes and all the books that have come out since then. Many reasons to celebrate. May you have another 16 plus years together.

    Reply
  119. I am not one who likes to eat out of doors- there are just too many bus and insects in Georgia and the sun is usually much too hot. However the food sounds scrumptious. Coddled cream and raspberries, lobster salad and rolls. I think Champagne to celebrate the years and the books. The times with Jo Beverley and Sherry Holmes and all the books that have come out since then. Many reasons to celebrate. May you have another 16 plus years together.

    Reply
  120. I am not one who likes to eat out of doors- there are just too many bus and insects in Georgia and the sun is usually much too hot. However the food sounds scrumptious. Coddled cream and raspberries, lobster salad and rolls. I think Champagne to celebrate the years and the books. The times with Jo Beverley and Sherry Holmes and all the books that have come out since then. Many reasons to celebrate. May you have another 16 plus years together.

    Reply
  121. Indeed she was Heidi! Thank you for joining us and for the offer to help clean up afterwards – much appreciated as I’m sure we’ll all be exhausted but happy.

    Reply
  122. Indeed she was Heidi! Thank you for joining us and for the offer to help clean up afterwards – much appreciated as I’m sure we’ll all be exhausted but happy.

    Reply
  123. Indeed she was Heidi! Thank you for joining us and for the offer to help clean up afterwards – much appreciated as I’m sure we’ll all be exhausted but happy.

    Reply
  124. Indeed she was Heidi! Thank you for joining us and for the offer to help clean up afterwards – much appreciated as I’m sure we’ll all be exhausted but happy.

    Reply
  125. Indeed she was Heidi! Thank you for joining us and for the offer to help clean up afterwards – much appreciated as I’m sure we’ll all be exhausted but happy.

    Reply
  126. Thank you so much Janet, that’s very generous of you! So pleased you could come and we’ll help you up, no problem!

    Reply
  127. Thank you so much Janet, that’s very generous of you! So pleased you could come and we’ll help you up, no problem!

    Reply
  128. Thank you so much Janet, that’s very generous of you! So pleased you could come and we’ll help you up, no problem!

    Reply
  129. Thank you so much Janet, that’s very generous of you! So pleased you could come and we’ll help you up, no problem!

    Reply
  130. Thank you so much Janet, that’s very generous of you! So pleased you could come and we’ll help you up, no problem!

    Reply
  131. Thank you very much Nancy! And the bugs aren’t too bad here in the UK so just come on through the portal and you’ll be fine.

    Reply
  132. Thank you very much Nancy! And the bugs aren’t too bad here in the UK so just come on through the portal and you’ll be fine.

    Reply
  133. Thank you very much Nancy! And the bugs aren’t too bad here in the UK so just come on through the portal and you’ll be fine.

    Reply
  134. Thank you very much Nancy! And the bugs aren’t too bad here in the UK so just come on through the portal and you’ll be fine.

    Reply
  135. Thank you very much Nancy! And the bugs aren’t too bad here in the UK so just come on through the portal and you’ll be fine.

    Reply
  136. I’m salivating here having read about all the picnic food!! Unfortunately I couldn’t eat a lot of it as I can’t have cow’s milk. So my small contribution would be Irish soda bread and a hard goats cheese (which I love) and some fresh pineapple. I adore pineapple.
    I’ll bring along Northanger Abbey to read aloud after the feast!
    Many congrats on the 16th anniversary. I love this blog!

    Reply
  137. I’m salivating here having read about all the picnic food!! Unfortunately I couldn’t eat a lot of it as I can’t have cow’s milk. So my small contribution would be Irish soda bread and a hard goats cheese (which I love) and some fresh pineapple. I adore pineapple.
    I’ll bring along Northanger Abbey to read aloud after the feast!
    Many congrats on the 16th anniversary. I love this blog!

    Reply
  138. I’m salivating here having read about all the picnic food!! Unfortunately I couldn’t eat a lot of it as I can’t have cow’s milk. So my small contribution would be Irish soda bread and a hard goats cheese (which I love) and some fresh pineapple. I adore pineapple.
    I’ll bring along Northanger Abbey to read aloud after the feast!
    Many congrats on the 16th anniversary. I love this blog!

    Reply
  139. I’m salivating here having read about all the picnic food!! Unfortunately I couldn’t eat a lot of it as I can’t have cow’s milk. So my small contribution would be Irish soda bread and a hard goats cheese (which I love) and some fresh pineapple. I adore pineapple.
    I’ll bring along Northanger Abbey to read aloud after the feast!
    Many congrats on the 16th anniversary. I love this blog!

    Reply
  140. I’m salivating here having read about all the picnic food!! Unfortunately I couldn’t eat a lot of it as I can’t have cow’s milk. So my small contribution would be Irish soda bread and a hard goats cheese (which I love) and some fresh pineapple. I adore pineapple.
    I’ll bring along Northanger Abbey to read aloud after the feast!
    Many congrats on the 16th anniversary. I love this blog!

    Reply
  141. Many thanks Teresa, we’re so glad you enjoy the blog! And thank you for coming to share our celebrations – soda bread is delicious and will be a very welcome addition to the feast!

    Reply
  142. Many thanks Teresa, we’re so glad you enjoy the blog! And thank you for coming to share our celebrations – soda bread is delicious and will be a very welcome addition to the feast!

    Reply
  143. Many thanks Teresa, we’re so glad you enjoy the blog! And thank you for coming to share our celebrations – soda bread is delicious and will be a very welcome addition to the feast!

    Reply
  144. Many thanks Teresa, we’re so glad you enjoy the blog! And thank you for coming to share our celebrations – soda bread is delicious and will be a very welcome addition to the feast!

    Reply
  145. Many thanks Teresa, we’re so glad you enjoy the blog! And thank you for coming to share our celebrations – soda bread is delicious and will be a very welcome addition to the feast!

    Reply
  146. Congratulations to all – great blog – very informative. I was very impressed by the variety of the discussions. Thoroughly enjoyed the marriage of convenience theme discussed recently by Anne Gracie starting with The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer. Heyer was my late mother’s favorite author and I was introduced to the world and verse of Georgette Heyer by my mom when I was in my teens. (I am 68 now). My mother was a big Jo Beverley fan (Mom got me hooked too) and I remember early Signet
    paperbacks by Patricia Rice were part of her vast collection.
    Looking forward to the upcoming book by Anne Gracie. Have read the first two book in the Wrexford mysteries by Andrea Penrose and I have to find the time to continue with the rest of this series as well as start books by Mary Jo Pitney and all the other authors who have lovingly written so many books and great entires for this blog. Happy blog anniversary – here’s to many more to come!

    Reply
  147. Congratulations to all – great blog – very informative. I was very impressed by the variety of the discussions. Thoroughly enjoyed the marriage of convenience theme discussed recently by Anne Gracie starting with The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer. Heyer was my late mother’s favorite author and I was introduced to the world and verse of Georgette Heyer by my mom when I was in my teens. (I am 68 now). My mother was a big Jo Beverley fan (Mom got me hooked too) and I remember early Signet
    paperbacks by Patricia Rice were part of her vast collection.
    Looking forward to the upcoming book by Anne Gracie. Have read the first two book in the Wrexford mysteries by Andrea Penrose and I have to find the time to continue with the rest of this series as well as start books by Mary Jo Pitney and all the other authors who have lovingly written so many books and great entires for this blog. Happy blog anniversary – here’s to many more to come!

    Reply
  148. Congratulations to all – great blog – very informative. I was very impressed by the variety of the discussions. Thoroughly enjoyed the marriage of convenience theme discussed recently by Anne Gracie starting with The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer. Heyer was my late mother’s favorite author and I was introduced to the world and verse of Georgette Heyer by my mom when I was in my teens. (I am 68 now). My mother was a big Jo Beverley fan (Mom got me hooked too) and I remember early Signet
    paperbacks by Patricia Rice were part of her vast collection.
    Looking forward to the upcoming book by Anne Gracie. Have read the first two book in the Wrexford mysteries by Andrea Penrose and I have to find the time to continue with the rest of this series as well as start books by Mary Jo Pitney and all the other authors who have lovingly written so many books and great entires for this blog. Happy blog anniversary – here’s to many more to come!

    Reply
  149. Congratulations to all – great blog – very informative. I was very impressed by the variety of the discussions. Thoroughly enjoyed the marriage of convenience theme discussed recently by Anne Gracie starting with The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer. Heyer was my late mother’s favorite author and I was introduced to the world and verse of Georgette Heyer by my mom when I was in my teens. (I am 68 now). My mother was a big Jo Beverley fan (Mom got me hooked too) and I remember early Signet
    paperbacks by Patricia Rice were part of her vast collection.
    Looking forward to the upcoming book by Anne Gracie. Have read the first two book in the Wrexford mysteries by Andrea Penrose and I have to find the time to continue with the rest of this series as well as start books by Mary Jo Pitney and all the other authors who have lovingly written so many books and great entires for this blog. Happy blog anniversary – here’s to many more to come!

    Reply
  150. Congratulations to all – great blog – very informative. I was very impressed by the variety of the discussions. Thoroughly enjoyed the marriage of convenience theme discussed recently by Anne Gracie starting with The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer. Heyer was my late mother’s favorite author and I was introduced to the world and verse of Georgette Heyer by my mom when I was in my teens. (I am 68 now). My mother was a big Jo Beverley fan (Mom got me hooked too) and I remember early Signet
    paperbacks by Patricia Rice were part of her vast collection.
    Looking forward to the upcoming book by Anne Gracie. Have read the first two book in the Wrexford mysteries by Andrea Penrose and I have to find the time to continue with the rest of this series as well as start books by Mary Jo Pitney and all the other authors who have lovingly written so many books and great entires for this blog. Happy blog anniversary – here’s to many more to come!

    Reply
  151. Susanne, I’m so glad you’ve discovered our blog — and our secret weapon — the wenchly community that has such wonderful discussions. I’m sure you’ll love exploring the wonderful books and backlists by the other wenches, too. During my recent move, I dived into rereading some of Mary Jo Putney’s backlist to get me through it and they really helped take me away from all the chaos.

    Reply
  152. Susanne, I’m so glad you’ve discovered our blog — and our secret weapon — the wenchly community that has such wonderful discussions. I’m sure you’ll love exploring the wonderful books and backlists by the other wenches, too. During my recent move, I dived into rereading some of Mary Jo Putney’s backlist to get me through it and they really helped take me away from all the chaos.

    Reply
  153. Susanne, I’m so glad you’ve discovered our blog — and our secret weapon — the wenchly community that has such wonderful discussions. I’m sure you’ll love exploring the wonderful books and backlists by the other wenches, too. During my recent move, I dived into rereading some of Mary Jo Putney’s backlist to get me through it and they really helped take me away from all the chaos.

    Reply
  154. Susanne, I’m so glad you’ve discovered our blog — and our secret weapon — the wenchly community that has such wonderful discussions. I’m sure you’ll love exploring the wonderful books and backlists by the other wenches, too. During my recent move, I dived into rereading some of Mary Jo Putney’s backlist to get me through it and they really helped take me away from all the chaos.

    Reply
  155. Susanne, I’m so glad you’ve discovered our blog — and our secret weapon — the wenchly community that has such wonderful discussions. I’m sure you’ll love exploring the wonderful books and backlists by the other wenches, too. During my recent move, I dived into rereading some of Mary Jo Putney’s backlist to get me through it and they really helped take me away from all the chaos.

    Reply
  156. I would stuff myself at that picnic! I think I’d bring some of the “fancy sandwiches” my Mom used to make for holidays. She’d have a loaf of bread sliced longwise, roll out a piece a bit, spread on some cream cheese & chives or tuna salad etc, put a couple gherkin pickles or olives at the end & roll it up. Those cylinders are then sliced to make pinwheel sandwiches.
    Congratulations on the Wenches 16th Anniversary and thank you for all your hardwork to bring us all the wonderful books.

    Reply
  157. I would stuff myself at that picnic! I think I’d bring some of the “fancy sandwiches” my Mom used to make for holidays. She’d have a loaf of bread sliced longwise, roll out a piece a bit, spread on some cream cheese & chives or tuna salad etc, put a couple gherkin pickles or olives at the end & roll it up. Those cylinders are then sliced to make pinwheel sandwiches.
    Congratulations on the Wenches 16th Anniversary and thank you for all your hardwork to bring us all the wonderful books.

    Reply
  158. I would stuff myself at that picnic! I think I’d bring some of the “fancy sandwiches” my Mom used to make for holidays. She’d have a loaf of bread sliced longwise, roll out a piece a bit, spread on some cream cheese & chives or tuna salad etc, put a couple gherkin pickles or olives at the end & roll it up. Those cylinders are then sliced to make pinwheel sandwiches.
    Congratulations on the Wenches 16th Anniversary and thank you for all your hardwork to bring us all the wonderful books.

    Reply
  159. I would stuff myself at that picnic! I think I’d bring some of the “fancy sandwiches” my Mom used to make for holidays. She’d have a loaf of bread sliced longwise, roll out a piece a bit, spread on some cream cheese & chives or tuna salad etc, put a couple gherkin pickles or olives at the end & roll it up. Those cylinders are then sliced to make pinwheel sandwiches.
    Congratulations on the Wenches 16th Anniversary and thank you for all your hardwork to bring us all the wonderful books.

    Reply
  160. I would stuff myself at that picnic! I think I’d bring some of the “fancy sandwiches” my Mom used to make for holidays. She’d have a loaf of bread sliced longwise, roll out a piece a bit, spread on some cream cheese & chives or tuna salad etc, put a couple gherkin pickles or olives at the end & roll it up. Those cylinders are then sliced to make pinwheel sandwiches.
    Congratulations on the Wenches 16th Anniversary and thank you for all your hardwork to bring us all the wonderful books.

    Reply
  161. Susie – thank you! Your lovely Mom was a wonderful Word Wench and we remember her with much love. She would have loved our Sweet 16 picnic! 🤍

    Reply
  162. Susie – thank you! Your lovely Mom was a wonderful Word Wench and we remember her with much love. She would have loved our Sweet 16 picnic! 🤍

    Reply
  163. Susie – thank you! Your lovely Mom was a wonderful Word Wench and we remember her with much love. She would have loved our Sweet 16 picnic! 🤍

    Reply
  164. Susie – thank you! Your lovely Mom was a wonderful Word Wench and we remember her with much love. She would have loved our Sweet 16 picnic! 🤍

    Reply
  165. Susie – thank you! Your lovely Mom was a wonderful Word Wench and we remember her with much love. She would have loved our Sweet 16 picnic! 🤍

    Reply
  166. Annette, thanks! Potato salad, lemonade, ice tea … yum, and just what every great picnic needs. We so appreciate your support of the blog!

    Reply
  167. Annette, thanks! Potato salad, lemonade, ice tea … yum, and just what every great picnic needs. We so appreciate your support of the blog!

    Reply
  168. Annette, thanks! Potato salad, lemonade, ice tea … yum, and just what every great picnic needs. We so appreciate your support of the blog!

    Reply
  169. Annette, thanks! Potato salad, lemonade, ice tea … yum, and just what every great picnic needs. We so appreciate your support of the blog!

    Reply
  170. Annette, thanks! Potato salad, lemonade, ice tea … yum, and just what every great picnic needs. We so appreciate your support of the blog!

    Reply
  171. Thank you, AnneMarie! So great that you’ve been here from the first. Sixteen years is a long time, we’re thrilled to still be here and we love that readers like you have stuck with us! But I gotta ask … what is a lamington? Sounds interesting, and if it’s perfect for a picnic, it must be pretty tasty!

    Reply
  172. Thank you, AnneMarie! So great that you’ve been here from the first. Sixteen years is a long time, we’re thrilled to still be here and we love that readers like you have stuck with us! But I gotta ask … what is a lamington? Sounds interesting, and if it’s perfect for a picnic, it must be pretty tasty!

    Reply
  173. Thank you, AnneMarie! So great that you’ve been here from the first. Sixteen years is a long time, we’re thrilled to still be here and we love that readers like you have stuck with us! But I gotta ask … what is a lamington? Sounds interesting, and if it’s perfect for a picnic, it must be pretty tasty!

    Reply
  174. Thank you, AnneMarie! So great that you’ve been here from the first. Sixteen years is a long time, we’re thrilled to still be here and we love that readers like you have stuck with us! But I gotta ask … what is a lamington? Sounds interesting, and if it’s perfect for a picnic, it must be pretty tasty!

    Reply
  175. Thank you, AnneMarie! So great that you’ve been here from the first. Sixteen years is a long time, we’re thrilled to still be here and we love that readers like you have stuck with us! But I gotta ask … what is a lamington? Sounds interesting, and if it’s perfect for a picnic, it must be pretty tasty!

    Reply
  176. I had to look up lamingtons and OMG they look delicious! Thank you for joining us and bringing those!

    Reply
  177. I had to look up lamingtons and OMG they look delicious! Thank you for joining us and bringing those!

    Reply
  178. I had to look up lamingtons and OMG they look delicious! Thank you for joining us and bringing those!

    Reply
  179. I had to look up lamingtons and OMG they look delicious! Thank you for joining us and bringing those!

    Reply
  180. I had to look up lamingtons and OMG they look delicious! Thank you for joining us and bringing those!

    Reply
  181. Well, I’m just a bit late to the party – but not too late! Happy Anniversary!! I’m bringing champagne & prosecco because it feels right & makes me feel festive. I will definitely have some cheese and fruit. I can’t wait to try the homemade shortbread! I might steal some to take home for later. I’m going to enjoy this picnic sitting next to the Fiddlers and making some song requests. How enjoyable!

    Reply
  182. Well, I’m just a bit late to the party – but not too late! Happy Anniversary!! I’m bringing champagne & prosecco because it feels right & makes me feel festive. I will definitely have some cheese and fruit. I can’t wait to try the homemade shortbread! I might steal some to take home for later. I’m going to enjoy this picnic sitting next to the Fiddlers and making some song requests. How enjoyable!

    Reply
  183. Well, I’m just a bit late to the party – but not too late! Happy Anniversary!! I’m bringing champagne & prosecco because it feels right & makes me feel festive. I will definitely have some cheese and fruit. I can’t wait to try the homemade shortbread! I might steal some to take home for later. I’m going to enjoy this picnic sitting next to the Fiddlers and making some song requests. How enjoyable!

    Reply
  184. Well, I’m just a bit late to the party – but not too late! Happy Anniversary!! I’m bringing champagne & prosecco because it feels right & makes me feel festive. I will definitely have some cheese and fruit. I can’t wait to try the homemade shortbread! I might steal some to take home for later. I’m going to enjoy this picnic sitting next to the Fiddlers and making some song requests. How enjoyable!

    Reply
  185. Well, I’m just a bit late to the party – but not too late! Happy Anniversary!! I’m bringing champagne & prosecco because it feels right & makes me feel festive. I will definitely have some cheese and fruit. I can’t wait to try the homemade shortbread! I might steal some to take home for later. I’m going to enjoy this picnic sitting next to the Fiddlers and making some song requests. How enjoyable!

    Reply
  186. I wasn’t here 16 years ago but I’ve have been here for a long, long time. This is my favorite blog of all because it covers so many topics and I’ve learned so much over the years. I also LOVE that the bloggers and readers come from so many parts of the world with so much variety in experience and outlook.
    My contribution (since we’ve branched out into modern foods a bit) will be double chocolate chip cookies with pecans and caramel and brownies. NO picnic is complete without something chocolate!
    Looking forward to 16 more years of blogging and hearing from wenchly readers.

    Reply
  187. I wasn’t here 16 years ago but I’ve have been here for a long, long time. This is my favorite blog of all because it covers so many topics and I’ve learned so much over the years. I also LOVE that the bloggers and readers come from so many parts of the world with so much variety in experience and outlook.
    My contribution (since we’ve branched out into modern foods a bit) will be double chocolate chip cookies with pecans and caramel and brownies. NO picnic is complete without something chocolate!
    Looking forward to 16 more years of blogging and hearing from wenchly readers.

    Reply
  188. I wasn’t here 16 years ago but I’ve have been here for a long, long time. This is my favorite blog of all because it covers so many topics and I’ve learned so much over the years. I also LOVE that the bloggers and readers come from so many parts of the world with so much variety in experience and outlook.
    My contribution (since we’ve branched out into modern foods a bit) will be double chocolate chip cookies with pecans and caramel and brownies. NO picnic is complete without something chocolate!
    Looking forward to 16 more years of blogging and hearing from wenchly readers.

    Reply
  189. I wasn’t here 16 years ago but I’ve have been here for a long, long time. This is my favorite blog of all because it covers so many topics and I’ve learned so much over the years. I also LOVE that the bloggers and readers come from so many parts of the world with so much variety in experience and outlook.
    My contribution (since we’ve branched out into modern foods a bit) will be double chocolate chip cookies with pecans and caramel and brownies. NO picnic is complete without something chocolate!
    Looking forward to 16 more years of blogging and hearing from wenchly readers.

    Reply
  190. I wasn’t here 16 years ago but I’ve have been here for a long, long time. This is my favorite blog of all because it covers so many topics and I’ve learned so much over the years. I also LOVE that the bloggers and readers come from so many parts of the world with so much variety in experience and outlook.
    My contribution (since we’ve branched out into modern foods a bit) will be double chocolate chip cookies with pecans and caramel and brownies. NO picnic is complete without something chocolate!
    Looking forward to 16 more years of blogging and hearing from wenchly readers.

    Reply
  191. Congratulations on your 16th birthday! I will bring a nice chilled chicken in aspic, which I believe would have been around in the 1800’s. Also chilled asparagus with vinaigrette dressing. For dessert, some cardamom and orange flower water cookies, made with a historic recipe. You can see them being made here. https://vimeo.com/157811305
    I have made them at home and they are delectable!

    Reply
  192. Congratulations on your 16th birthday! I will bring a nice chilled chicken in aspic, which I believe would have been around in the 1800’s. Also chilled asparagus with vinaigrette dressing. For dessert, some cardamom and orange flower water cookies, made with a historic recipe. You can see them being made here. https://vimeo.com/157811305
    I have made them at home and they are delectable!

    Reply
  193. Congratulations on your 16th birthday! I will bring a nice chilled chicken in aspic, which I believe would have been around in the 1800’s. Also chilled asparagus with vinaigrette dressing. For dessert, some cardamom and orange flower water cookies, made with a historic recipe. You can see them being made here. https://vimeo.com/157811305
    I have made them at home and they are delectable!

    Reply
  194. Congratulations on your 16th birthday! I will bring a nice chilled chicken in aspic, which I believe would have been around in the 1800’s. Also chilled asparagus with vinaigrette dressing. For dessert, some cardamom and orange flower water cookies, made with a historic recipe. You can see them being made here. https://vimeo.com/157811305
    I have made them at home and they are delectable!

    Reply
  195. Congratulations on your 16th birthday! I will bring a nice chilled chicken in aspic, which I believe would have been around in the 1800’s. Also chilled asparagus with vinaigrette dressing. For dessert, some cardamom and orange flower water cookies, made with a historic recipe. You can see them being made here. https://vimeo.com/157811305
    I have made them at home and they are delectable!

    Reply
  196. Congratulations on the 16th birthday!
    There are so many generous contributions to this event. I would be particularly interested in trying Susan’s dessert and also Karin’s cardamom & orange flower water cookies. For my contribution, I might bring more fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or cherries, some saskatoon berry lemonade, and some fruit gelatos or sorbetos – orange, mango or pineapple.

    Reply
  197. Congratulations on the 16th birthday!
    There are so many generous contributions to this event. I would be particularly interested in trying Susan’s dessert and also Karin’s cardamom & orange flower water cookies. For my contribution, I might bring more fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or cherries, some saskatoon berry lemonade, and some fruit gelatos or sorbetos – orange, mango or pineapple.

    Reply
  198. Congratulations on the 16th birthday!
    There are so many generous contributions to this event. I would be particularly interested in trying Susan’s dessert and also Karin’s cardamom & orange flower water cookies. For my contribution, I might bring more fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or cherries, some saskatoon berry lemonade, and some fruit gelatos or sorbetos – orange, mango or pineapple.

    Reply
  199. Congratulations on the 16th birthday!
    There are so many generous contributions to this event. I would be particularly interested in trying Susan’s dessert and also Karin’s cardamom & orange flower water cookies. For my contribution, I might bring more fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or cherries, some saskatoon berry lemonade, and some fruit gelatos or sorbetos – orange, mango or pineapple.

    Reply
  200. Congratulations on the 16th birthday!
    There are so many generous contributions to this event. I would be particularly interested in trying Susan’s dessert and also Karin’s cardamom & orange flower water cookies. For my contribution, I might bring more fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or cherries, some saskatoon berry lemonade, and some fruit gelatos or sorbetos – orange, mango or pineapple.

    Reply
  201. Thank you very much for joining us, Jeanne, we’re so glad you could make it! And champagne & prosecco are always welcome. Enjoy the songs!

    Reply
  202. Thank you very much for joining us, Jeanne, we’re so glad you could make it! And champagne & prosecco are always welcome. Enjoy the songs!

    Reply
  203. Thank you very much for joining us, Jeanne, we’re so glad you could make it! And champagne & prosecco are always welcome. Enjoy the songs!

    Reply
  204. Thank you very much for joining us, Jeanne, we’re so glad you could make it! And champagne & prosecco are always welcome. Enjoy the songs!

    Reply
  205. Thank you very much for joining us, Jeanne, we’re so glad you could make it! And champagne & prosecco are always welcome. Enjoy the songs!

    Reply
  206. Many thanks, Vicki, it’s lovely to have you here! It is wonderful to have readers from all over the world and we totally agree – chocolate in any shape or form is always necessary!

    Reply
  207. Many thanks, Vicki, it’s lovely to have you here! It is wonderful to have readers from all over the world and we totally agree – chocolate in any shape or form is always necessary!

    Reply
  208. Many thanks, Vicki, it’s lovely to have you here! It is wonderful to have readers from all over the world and we totally agree – chocolate in any shape or form is always necessary!

    Reply
  209. Many thanks, Vicki, it’s lovely to have you here! It is wonderful to have readers from all over the world and we totally agree – chocolate in any shape or form is always necessary!

    Reply
  210. Many thanks, Vicki, it’s lovely to have you here! It is wonderful to have readers from all over the world and we totally agree – chocolate in any shape or form is always necessary!

    Reply
  211. Thank you so much, Karin! How could we have forgotten asparagus? It’s definitely the season for it here in the UK! And chicken in aspic – my grandmother had a great recipe for that, delicious!

    Reply
  212. Thank you so much, Karin! How could we have forgotten asparagus? It’s definitely the season for it here in the UK! And chicken in aspic – my grandmother had a great recipe for that, delicious!

    Reply
  213. Thank you so much, Karin! How could we have forgotten asparagus? It’s definitely the season for it here in the UK! And chicken in aspic – my grandmother had a great recipe for that, delicious!

    Reply
  214. Thank you so much, Karin! How could we have forgotten asparagus? It’s definitely the season for it here in the UK! And chicken in aspic – my grandmother had a great recipe for that, delicious!

    Reply
  215. Thank you so much, Karin! How could we have forgotten asparagus? It’s definitely the season for it here in the UK! And chicken in aspic – my grandmother had a great recipe for that, delicious!

    Reply
  216. Thank you very much, Anne! Saskatoon berry lemonade sounds intriguing – I’m definitely trying some of that! And you can never have too many berries or gelatos in my opinion – excellent!

    Reply
  217. Thank you very much, Anne! Saskatoon berry lemonade sounds intriguing – I’m definitely trying some of that! And you can never have too many berries or gelatos in my opinion – excellent!

    Reply
  218. Thank you very much, Anne! Saskatoon berry lemonade sounds intriguing – I’m definitely trying some of that! And you can never have too many berries or gelatos in my opinion – excellent!

    Reply
  219. Thank you very much, Anne! Saskatoon berry lemonade sounds intriguing – I’m definitely trying some of that! And you can never have too many berries or gelatos in my opinion – excellent!

    Reply
  220. Thank you very much, Anne! Saskatoon berry lemonade sounds intriguing – I’m definitely trying some of that! And you can never have too many berries or gelatos in my opinion – excellent!

    Reply
  221. Congratulations on your sixteenth anniversary! I have been reading the blog for about ten years and have greatly enjoyed it so I’d like to thank you all. This sounds as if it will be a wonderful picnic – all that lovely food and drink to try! There are so many treats on offer I can’t think of anything else to bring so instead my contribution will be lots of gauze food covers and several fly swatters just in case we get plagued with pesky insects.

    Reply
  222. Congratulations on your sixteenth anniversary! I have been reading the blog for about ten years and have greatly enjoyed it so I’d like to thank you all. This sounds as if it will be a wonderful picnic – all that lovely food and drink to try! There are so many treats on offer I can’t think of anything else to bring so instead my contribution will be lots of gauze food covers and several fly swatters just in case we get plagued with pesky insects.

    Reply
  223. Congratulations on your sixteenth anniversary! I have been reading the blog for about ten years and have greatly enjoyed it so I’d like to thank you all. This sounds as if it will be a wonderful picnic – all that lovely food and drink to try! There are so many treats on offer I can’t think of anything else to bring so instead my contribution will be lots of gauze food covers and several fly swatters just in case we get plagued with pesky insects.

    Reply
  224. Congratulations on your sixteenth anniversary! I have been reading the blog for about ten years and have greatly enjoyed it so I’d like to thank you all. This sounds as if it will be a wonderful picnic – all that lovely food and drink to try! There are so many treats on offer I can’t think of anything else to bring so instead my contribution will be lots of gauze food covers and several fly swatters just in case we get plagued with pesky insects.

    Reply
  225. Congratulations on your sixteenth anniversary! I have been reading the blog for about ten years and have greatly enjoyed it so I’d like to thank you all. This sounds as if it will be a wonderful picnic – all that lovely food and drink to try! There are so many treats on offer I can’t think of anything else to bring so instead my contribution will be lots of gauze food covers and several fly swatters just in case we get plagued with pesky insects.

    Reply
  226. What a clever idea, Gail — certainly those covers will be needed, especially with all the delicious offerings people are bringing. Thanks so much for being part of our celebrations.

    Reply
  227. What a clever idea, Gail — certainly those covers will be needed, especially with all the delicious offerings people are bringing. Thanks so much for being part of our celebrations.

    Reply
  228. What a clever idea, Gail — certainly those covers will be needed, especially with all the delicious offerings people are bringing. Thanks so much for being part of our celebrations.

    Reply
  229. What a clever idea, Gail — certainly those covers will be needed, especially with all the delicious offerings people are bringing. Thanks so much for being part of our celebrations.

    Reply
  230. What a clever idea, Gail — certainly those covers will be needed, especially with all the delicious offerings people are bringing. Thanks so much for being part of our celebrations.

    Reply
  231. Well I will be bringing some Lemon tarts I make them often with lemon curd using my true English tart pans YUM One set is as old as I am (not telling) The other set was bought in Bath about 10 years ago when I was able to return “home” I am a military brat and am proud to have been born across the pond

    Reply
  232. Well I will be bringing some Lemon tarts I make them often with lemon curd using my true English tart pans YUM One set is as old as I am (not telling) The other set was bought in Bath about 10 years ago when I was able to return “home” I am a military brat and am proud to have been born across the pond

    Reply
  233. Well I will be bringing some Lemon tarts I make them often with lemon curd using my true English tart pans YUM One set is as old as I am (not telling) The other set was bought in Bath about 10 years ago when I was able to return “home” I am a military brat and am proud to have been born across the pond

    Reply
  234. Well I will be bringing some Lemon tarts I make them often with lemon curd using my true English tart pans YUM One set is as old as I am (not telling) The other set was bought in Bath about 10 years ago when I was able to return “home” I am a military brat and am proud to have been born across the pond

    Reply
  235. Well I will be bringing some Lemon tarts I make them often with lemon curd using my true English tart pans YUM One set is as old as I am (not telling) The other set was bought in Bath about 10 years ago when I was able to return “home” I am a military brat and am proud to have been born across the pond

    Reply
  236. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  237. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  238. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  239. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  240. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  241. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  242. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  243. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  244. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  245. Since I’m currently living in Naples, Italy, I will be bringing sfogliatelle to your 16th year anniversary party!
    It is said that sfogliatelle were invented by a nun near the Amalfi Coast in the 1600s. Now the treat is a symbol of Naples, and you’re sure to find them made in most Napoletan bakeries. Things I enjoy most about sfogliatelle are the crispy pastry, and the fresh citrus and sweet ricotta filling. They are best fresh out of the oven and eaten hot on your morning walk through Napoli. I will try to bring them warm from the oven!

    Reply
  246. Belated thanks Karen, I’m sure those are delicious! Can’t believe I missed out on having one when I was in Naples last month! I’ll have to go back.

    Reply
  247. Belated thanks Karen, I’m sure those are delicious! Can’t believe I missed out on having one when I was in Naples last month! I’ll have to go back.

    Reply
  248. Belated thanks Karen, I’m sure those are delicious! Can’t believe I missed out on having one when I was in Naples last month! I’ll have to go back.

    Reply
  249. Belated thanks Karen, I’m sure those are delicious! Can’t believe I missed out on having one when I was in Naples last month! I’ll have to go back.

    Reply
  250. Belated thanks Karen, I’m sure those are delicious! Can’t believe I missed out on having one when I was in Naples last month! I’ll have to go back.

    Reply

Leave a Comment