Monday, May 13, 2013

A Trip Down Memory Lane










Memory Lane

Lately I have been nostalgic, reminiscing about the past and thinking about the future.  I am retiring in June from the teaching profession.  I first started teaching in  1979 and worked part-time for many years while my children were small.  Time goes so very fast.  I don't feel any older but I suppose the time has come for me to enjoy life a little.

 I thought it would be appropriate to feature this dinner set today since I am re-living the past and looking at my teaching materials (filled with memories) deciding which ones to give away and which of those to keep for my daughter and her boyfriend who both plan to be teachers.
I first started collecting this Royal Albert set "Memory Lane" when I was 16 (41 years ago).  My mother emptied out one of her kitchen cupboards and that became my Hope Chest!   For birthdays and Christmas my mother would always give me pieces or a place setting.  I used to love any china in baby blue and my previous kitchen had accents of various shades of blue.

This is a very dainty Royal Albert floral design enhanced with gently scalloped edges and trimmed in precious gold.  It has a white background with tiny blue and purple flowers with a mint green foliage as well.  The pattern was discontinued between 1964 - 2009.  
The same floral design enhances the inner cup. 
The handle is so delicate. 
Although I don't use my Memory Lane dishes as much these days I still appreciate its' beauty.
 Wouldn't  you like a cookie or a piece of delicious pound cake with your cup of tea?


Thank you for visiting "Memory Lane" at the Castle!

Karen   


 



15 comments:

  1. I have always admired that china pattern..it is so dainty. Nice roses too!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Millie,
      Thank you for your comment! It is so nice to hear of others who appreciate pretty fine china pieces.

      The mini roses were bought for my 92 year old mother but I forgot to send them with her to her senior's home lastnight after dinner.

      My memory isn't as good as it used to be but the roses did add a little colour to the blog today and I will take them to her tomorrow.

      Take care,
      Karen

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  2. I love your Royal Albert set. I bet you will have a lot more time now that you have retired to use all your pretty things. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha

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    Replies
    1. Hi Martha,
      I absolutely love your Serena teacup that you featured today! I have one but it is a different shape.

      You are so right - I am really looking forward to using my pretty dishes now and especially having the time to link up with your teacups on Tuesdays!

      Thank you for commenting!
      Take care,
      Karen

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  3. You chose a pretty pattern to collect, something I never did as a young bride. The roses on the table add a nice touch of colour.
    You'll have more time for tea parties when you retire!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lavender Cottage,
      Thank you for commenting. I am looking forward to having more time for tea parties and meeting lovely people like you.

      I just love your teapot wind chime! It is so unique.

      I hope you have time to enjoy a cup of tea today.
      Take care,
      Karen

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  4. Congratulations on a lifetime of teaching! I wish you the very best in this new chapter of your life.
    Your Royal Albert set is beautiful! You picked the perfect pattern as it fits in perfectly with today's styles as well. The table must look stunning when you have all of it set up!
    Time really does seem to go very fast. My second child just graduated from UNC. I feel very nostalgic myself lately.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  5. Hi Terri,
    Thank you for commenting. You must be so proud of your children. That is so wonderful!

    I just love that photo on your site from Country Living Magazine. I have that magazine too and it has inspired my next photo and blog. I found a mini chandelier and put it outside too!

    Take care,
    Karen

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  6. Hi Karen,
    Congratulations on beginning this new chapter of your life! I love your Memory Lane china! You know, when I started my mother's Lavender Rose, it was a toss-up between these two patterns. I chose the Lavender Rose and now they are mine. Sometimes I think the Memory Lane would have been nice. I found out several years after I started Mum's set for her that she would have liked the Memory Lane instead. :) Oh well, they are both very beautiful and you cannot beat Royal Albert china. Thank you for coming to my tea party and sharing your gorgeous china with us. Have a lovely day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Hi Sandi,
      I love the Lavender Rose too. I am so happy that you have the set to remind you of your mother. You are always so kind.
      Take care,
      Karen

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  7. Wow - that is quite an accomplishment! I think you will love retirement!I hope you are linking this post to Tea In The Garden!
    Just beautiful!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Bernideen,
      I am trying to link up to your Tea in the Garden with a different post. I hope I am able to.
      Thank you for commenting.
      Take care,
      Karen

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  8. It came through and looks great! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  9. Thanks Bernideen,

    I guess I need to be patient.

    Tea in the garden is such a great idea!
    Take care,
    Karen

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  10. i started collecting china when i was ten i have the piece that you have how much do you think its worth

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