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Tea Room in the News
Southern Belles Meet for May Social
Buffalo River Review, May 18, 2011
The Southern Belles of Buffalo River, of the Red Hat Society, met Monday the ninth for their May social get-together.
Our hostess, Louise Bates, had the most unusual day planned for the group. We went to Pineview, really to Owl Hollow, to Thyme Wisper Tea Room and Herb Shop.
We were met at the front door by Thyme, who led us to the screened-in porch for our tea party. After we were seated, our waitress, Andy Marshal, brought each of us a glass of cold lemonade to sip on while we visited. We appreciated how attentive she was in seeing after our needs, making sure were well taken care of.
Since sugar is not an option as a sweetener, Nahir Seiss brought enough for any who wanted their drink to have the same taste it usually does.
While drinking our lemonade, Thyme came outside and explained her type of cooking. She serves only vegan and gluten free complements to her teas. The menu selection for the pot of hot tea to go with our lunch contained a wide variety of flavors. A few of our choices were hibiscus citrus, rose hip, South African rooibos, and lemon ginger.
As honey is not used since it comes from bees, an animal product, we followed Debbie Hickerson’s example and use blue agave nectar to sweeten with—a liquid that doesn’t give the drink too sweet of a taste. We were quick to share our teas with each other.
We felt like Diane Hare: it was relaxing to sit outside, sip tea, and just enjoy the view on a warm Spring day.
While waiting for our lunch, our queen, Dean Mosley, had a few business items she needed to discuss with the club. We also covered our plans for the June and July meetings. In June we’re to meet at the four-way at 10:00 to go to Columbia. In July we will meet at 11:00 at the Community Center for the yearly birthday party. Bring a $5-$7 gift and a birthday card to exchange with the group.
Our meal included dishes that Doris Harlow and Patricia Pope had never tried before, but everyone enjoyed the change. The entrée was coconut rice avocado stack served with flax seed crackers, covered with apricot mayonnaise. Dessert was a lemon cookie infused with lavender buds.
Later, when we had our group picture made, we asked the birthday girls, Wanda Warren and Linda Clifton, to stand together, especially since both were wearing cute purple hats and Wanda had made hers.
As we were leaving, Thyme took the time to explain how she had the tea room built with a focus on ecology and sustainability. Electricity is provided by a solar power system, which also is used to charge batteries for the water pump. Insulation is from recycled denim and the floors are cork.
We enjoyed the warm hospitality Thyme showed our club. She made us feel at home while patiently answering our questions about something this new and out of the ordinary for us.
Not only was our outing fun, but so was the pleasant drive we had back to town, and were glad our visitor Imogene Cook could be with us and enjoy the day.
The Herb Shop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and has ointments, tinctures, syrups, herb starts and other natural health items for sale. Workshops are offered several times a month to small groups of 8 and include an Afternoon Tea. Registration for workshops is made at thymewisper.com or by calling 615-337-9791 or emailing