A cup of tea with Margo

This blog is all about the things in life so many of us need to slow down and enjoy, such as, family, the seasons, food, music, and whatever else causes inspiration. I hope to write as often as I can and it is my desire for you to be able to take a break and enjoy my entries with a cup of tea.

Pink House Ringing the Dinner Bell RSS

  Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Have you heard the good news yet about the Pink House Restaurant?

Well, after years of being known in Claremore as the top eating spot for lunch, we’ve turned a corner of sorts and are now also serving dinner. Yeaaaaaaa!!!

Our new dinner hours are from 5pm to 9pm, Thursday through Saturday. I can’t tell you how excited I am!

To tell you the truth... it was your requests that convinced me the time was right. You know the saying, persistence breaks down resistance? LOL. Well, everyone was clamoring so much for dinner, we knew we needed to do something to make it happen.

Just don’t come expecting anything ordinary though. We’ll have all your favorite dishes you crave, plus, some new dinner entrees destined to become classics. Items like brisket, prime rib, pork loin, black and bleu Caesar salad and delicious desserts like Key Lime Cake. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

So, get yourself out of the kitchen this week and visit us for dinner. We’ll provide the gourmet food and warm smiles.

You just bring your appetite.

See you soon,

Margo
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Spend a Day in Claremore RSS

  Thursday, March 24, 2011
Travel old Route 66 north of Tulsa…past Catoosa’s Blue Whale and an oak tree or two …and you’ll soon come to Claremore, a town known for its deep sense of history and gracious hospitality.   
If you’ve never been here before, I want to personally invite you to come see our town and stop in to the Pink House Restaurant for a visit. We’re located at 4th St. and Weenonah in Downtown Claremore. Have lunch with us…and then make some time to see our historic community. 
Here are some suggestions of what to do:
Will Rogers Museum—Memorial museum at 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd. spotlighting American Icon, Will Rogers. Features 12 galleries filled with art and artifacts. Great place to spend a carefree day and see some interesting history. Free admission but donation is suggested. 
J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum—If you like guns, this is the place for you. Houses 50,000 items including firearms, swords and knives. Located at 333 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd. Donation only.
Totem Pole Park—Folk Art featuring totem poles made from modern building materials. Currently owned and operated by the Rogers Historical Society. Ten miles northeast of Claremore. 
Shepherd’s Cross—80 acres housing an historic 1920s farmhouse and barn. Features Bible Garden, petting zoo, hayride and gift shop. Be sure to visit on sheep shearing days with the kids. Located at 16792 E. 450 Rd or go to their website at www.shepherdscross.com for directions.
Historic Downtown—Terrific antique shops and art galleries, plus, great turn of the century buildings and architecture. Also, check out the Horse of Course Tack Shop, the largest specialty tack shop in the region. They have a great gift shop and are right in the heart of historic downtown.
I think you’ll find Claremore to be a great place to visit. Come see us anytime and enjoy a little adventure in our charming town.  
See you soon,
Margo
Travel old Route 66 north of Tulsa…past Catoosa’s Blue Whale and an oak tree or two …and you’ll soon come to Claremore, a town known for its deep sense of history and gracious hospitality.

If you’ve never been here before, I want to personally invite you to come see our town and stop in to the Pink House Restaurant for a visit. We’re located at 4th St. and Weenonah in Downtown Claremore. Have lunch with us…and then make some time to see our historic community.

Here are some suggestions of what to do:
Will Rogers Museum—Memorial museum at 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd. spotlighting American Icon, Will Rogers. Features 12 galleries filled with art and artifacts. Great place to spend a carefree day and see some interesting history. Free admission but donation is suggested.
J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum—If you like guns, this is the place for you. Houses 50,000 items including firearms, swords and knives. Located at 333 N. Lynn Riggs Blvd. Donation only.
Totem Pole Park—Folk Art featuring totem poles made from modern building materials. Currently owned and operated by the Rogers Historical Society. Ten miles northeast of Claremore.
Shepherd’s Cross—80 acres housing an historic 1920s farmhouse and barn. Features Bible Garden, petting zoo, hayride and gift shop. Be sure to visit on sheep shearing days with the kids. Located at 16792 E. 450 Rd or go to their website at www.shepherdscross.com for directions.
Historic Downtown—Terrific antique shops and art galleries, plus, great turn of the century buildings and architecture. Also, check out the Horse of Course Tack Shop, the largest specialty tack shop in the region. They have a great gift shop and are right in the heart of historic downtown.

I think you’ll find Claremore to be a great place to visit. Come see us anytime and enjoy a little adventure in our charming town.

See you soon,

Margo


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Top 5 Things to do in Snow RSS

  Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Ok, folks…here it is. The definitive list of top things to do while it’s snowing. Remember, you no longer have the excuse of a lack of the white stuff. We’ve gotten at least 20 inches up in Claremore and we're expecting more! :)

1. Go Sledding. Ok, I’m not wishing any broken bones on anybody, especially if you’re over 45, but sledding can be exhilarating, if you do it right. Wear plenty of warm clothes and make sure the hill you’re on doesn’t empty out into high speed traffic.

2. Snowball Fight. Calling all soldiers. Your mission, if you wish to accept it…is to vanquish your enemy by hitting him with a giant snowball. Remember, no whining or crying, and sneak attacks are allowed.

3. Make Snow Angels. This is your chance to act like an angel. Fall on the fluffy stuff and spread your wings. Short-lived I know, but it’s fun while you’re doing it.

4. Build a Snowman. Couldn’t skip this one. The trick is checking the snow to make sure it’s the right, sticky consistency.
Next, start the snowball in your bare hands and keep it rolling till you have a nice size and shape. Judge where you want it to end up or you’ll be building your snow guy in the bushes.
Make the middle section and head the same way but a little smaller, then stack them up.
Shape him up with your hands and make him perfectly round—then throw on some accessories. Twigs for arms, stones for eyes, carrots for a nose…you get the picture.

5. Make Snow Cream. My all time favorite. Alot of moms make this with snow, of course, milk, vanilla, and sugar. My suggestion is sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a little milk. Talk about heaven…and you’ll already be a snow angel. Ha, Ha.

Well that’s all I have for now. Let me know if you have any suggestions or fond memories of things you used to do in the snow.

Go to our Facebook Page and tell us about it.

Enjoy the white stuff,

Margo
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A Poem for Fall RSS

  Monday, September 20, 2010

A Poem for Fall…

I love fall poems. I especially like them when there’s a crispness in the air and I can settle in with a good cup of tea in the morning or evening. September’s cool, as we know, can be a hit or miss in Oklahoma, depending on the stubbornness of summer, but at least you know relief is coming soon. One of my favorite memories of our Oklahoma autumn is that of the Monarch butterflies.  Before my husband went to heaven we would often enjoy them as they migrated during this season. It was something that was very special to us and still is to me today. Another thing I love about this cooler weather is it seems it's the perfect time for reading poems with a cup of tea.

Here’s one I found called September. It’s by Helen Hunt Jackson. You may have heard of her. She was a great poet known for her rhythmical sonnets and powerful images. When you read it, think of the breathtaking sights and sounds of autumn and God’s wonderful miracle in us all—the gift of His life and hope.

I pray blessings on your life this wonderful time of year and hope you’ll remember to enjoy the colors this fall.

SEPTEMBER

The golden-rod is yellow;
  The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
  With fruit are bending down.

The gentian's bluest fringes
  Are curling in the sun;
In dusty pods the milkweed
  Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest,
  In every meadow nook;
And asters by the brook-side
  Make asters in the brook,

From dewy lanes at morning
  The grapes' sweet odors rise;
At noon the roads all flutter
  With yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens
  September days are here,
With summer's best of weather,
  And autumn's best of cheer.

But none of all this beauty
 Which floods the earth and air
 Is unto me the secret
 Which makes September fair.

‘T is a thing which I remember;
  To name it thrills me yet:
 One day of one September
  I never can forget.

Margo


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Summer's End... RSS

  Monday, August 30, 2010
I’m writing this blog thinking about the end of summer. It’s not a sad thing really, but I get a little reflective toward the end of a season, summer especially. The sun is dimming down and the coolness of autumn will shortly be here. 

We’ll soon know the comfort of sweaters and the crunching sound of fallen leaves. Or those evenings of watching football and quiet times beside the chimnea. I love fall... but it does make me slow down and think.     

I guess it’s the idea of going through change and what seasons come to symbolize in our lives.  Like I said, I get reflective. But, I know God has a wonderful plan for each season for us. His mercies are new each morning, and His joy and peace will refresh us day by day.

I pray God’s wonderful peace on your life and a fresh wind of change to renew you in all that you do.  

Remember His goodness no matter the season and allow His presence to strengthen your heart daily.

Blessings,

Margo

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Summer Snack Ideas for Kids RSS

  Tuesday, July 13, 2010

With the summer heat, you know the kiddos will be clamoring for some cool and refreshing summertime snacks. Try these ideas to give them something you know they’ll love.   

Ice Cold Drinks

Try lemonade with a cup of cranberry juice and some fresh fruit like cherries or lime. Orange smoothies are also good with orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, and ice. Just blend and serve.

Cherry Fizzes are also a favorite. All you need is sweet cherry juice and ginger ale. Mix it in a pitcher and enjoy.

Simple Treats

Popsicles are the perfect treat idea for summer. Plus, they’re easy to make. Pour fruit juice in popcicle molds or ice trays. Prop sticks up with plastic wrap for ice trays. Let freeze and you’re done.

Frozen fruits also make great treats. Wash some grapes and pull them off the stem, put in baggy and put in freezer till frozen. Kids love them—plus, they’re healthy.

And, what’s better than watermelon? Use some cookie cutters to make cool looking shapes and watch your kids enjoy. 

Snacks Even Kids Can Make

Make your own trail mix. Mix together cereal like Cheerios or Rice Krispies with gold fish, crackers, raisins or pretzel sticks. Then put in baggies for the kids to take on the go.

Another idea—Smores. Put some graham crackers on tin foil and put chocolate chips and marshmallows on them. Wrap them up and put in warm toaster oven for a few minutes or just out in the sun. The’re done when toppings are melted.  Pretty yummy.

Just a few snack ideas your kids will love. Try them this summer and enjoy.

Margo

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Watermelon Wisdom RSS

  Wednesday, July 07, 2010

It’s funny how certain tastes will bring back memories from the past or certain seasons of our lives. I call these memory foods because they stir up so much of the emotions that we associate with them and lead us back in our minds to a different time and place.

Take the taste of watermelon, for instance.  For most of us, it’s synonymous with summertime fun and the carefree days of childhood. There’s no other food I can think of, that so captures the heart of summer and its refreshing and relaxing vibe.

I can remember as a kid having to go outside to eat it because it was so messy to consume. You probably do too. Remember mom booting you out to the backyard? She had a good sense about the physics involved and the probability of the sticky juice getting everywhere.   

But, that’s the great part about eating watermelon. You don’t hold back. There’s no etiquette. No rules to follow. No care for appearance. No criticisms, except from mom. Nothing...just pleasure. 

You just devour it with gusto and enjoyment, and try not to hit anyone spitting out the seeds.

Icy cold…sweet…refreshing…carefree.

So often, I think our approach to life should be the same way. No holding back. We should just live life with gusto and enjoy the simple pleasures God has given us.

I think we forget how short life really is and that tomorrow quickly comes and goes. There’s no better time than now to enjoy the moment with the people we love and care for.

Remember, life is a gift from God to cherish and enjoy, but it doesn’t last forever.  

Savor the here and now like a sweet, refreshing fruit you remember from childhood.

Enjoy it with gusto…and always remember to spit out the seeds. 

Blessings,

Margo

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Gift of Yourself RSS

  Wednesday, June 16, 2010

One day recently I sat down and starting thinking about all the gifts we give in our lifetime that people soon forget.

Birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, gifts for weddings and new born babies. Sure, they’re exciting in the moment as we try to show the person how much we care…but how often do they quickly forget what we’ve given and go on to something else?

I then started to remember the gifts of myself that I’ve given over the years…and how they’ve meant so much more to people. Whether it was giving time to a friend or caring for a someone who needed help, the gift was special because it involved meeting a need and sharing God’s love in a real and personal way.

I believe when we give of ourselves and love others we’re doing God’s will for our lives. It’s the kind of gift that is eternal because it touches people in a personal way and extends His love greatly through our caring.

If you want to give a gift to others that will have an eternal impact…let me encourage you to save the coupons and store bought items.

Try listening to others and giving of yourself.

I believe you’ll find there’s no better way to be a blessing to others…and to show the love of Jesus to those who need it most.

Blessings,

Margo

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The Perfect Pot of Tea RSS

  Friday, May 28, 2010
I’m often asked how to prepare the perfect pot of tea. It seems an odd question since tea making appears so simple, but believe it or not, there is a certain knack to it that some people have and others can learn.

My advice is make it simple and add your own touch and personality along the way.
  • Fill your kettle with fresh, cold filtered water and bring to a boil.
  • Pick out your favorite teapot (you must have a favorite) and fill it with hot tap water.  
  • Let it warm until your water boils in the kettle.  Then pour out the warm water.
  • Add the best gourmet, loose leaf tea you can find to the pot, about one teaspoon per serving.
  • Add your water and steep for 3-5 minutes. Make sure you time the steeping process.
  • Pour through a strainer into your favorite cup and enjoy with a friend or a good book.
Enjoy,

Margo

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Savor the Moment RSS

  Monday, May 17, 2010

Have you ever wondered where all the precious moments in your life go?

I often do, and I wonder if I’ve taken life for granted or I’ve savored every good thing God has given me. Sometimes we’re in such a hurry, running around from activity to activity, that I think we fail to stop and enjoy the here and now.

Psalms says “You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath.”

And, nothing could be truer…we are all just a breath that will soon vanish. God has given us a life to fill with what we choose and just a short time to make the most of it.

Question is…how will we spend it? In busyness and stress or in deep appreciation to God for His gift of life and for giving us the love of others?

As I go through my days, I want to appreciate every moment in life and the ones who make it worth living. I encourage you to do the same.

Today, thank God for your blessings and for the gift of life. May you make the most of your days and honor Him by savoring each moment that you live.

Blessings,

Margo

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