Scone Sundays

A good friend of ours has a tradition. Two years ago she included us in a group email to all her friends and family. It was a very unique invitation (excerpts in red) to attend Scone Sundays at their home in London.

A scone is a single-serving cake or quick bread, originally hailing from Scotland. They are usually made of wheat, barley or oatmeal, with baking powder as a leavening agent, and are baked on sheet pans. They are often lightly sweetened and are occasionally glazed. 

Before Megan's second cousin Jon passed away, he opened his home in New Brunswick to anyone who would like to drop in EVERY Sunday. The door was basically 'open'. The invite was to come anytime mid morning to mid afternoon for a homemade, fresh out of the oven scone with tea, coffee or whatever your pleasure.

"yes - just drop in unannounced - this alleviates any stress of you feeling obligated to up or any stress for us wondering if something awful has happened to you if you don't show up"

Megan and Mom

After he passed on in 2012, Megan talked to her mom about carrying on the tradition, with a few changes, They thought this would be a nice way to honour his memory. Megan and Neil began opening their door every second Sunday of the month from January 2013 between 10 am and 3 pm. The first year was a hit and now we are nearing the end of the second year.

Megan, almost ready!

Don't knock, just walk right on in! Come for 10 minutes, come for an hour, come and stay as long as you like! No rsvp required, just come when you can!

".......our doors will be open every Second Sunday of each month whether you show up or not"

Tadah!

I'd never heard of anything so quaint and definitely wanted to be a part of it. I let January and February pass by without going. I mentioned it to Bill and he would shrug without interest. He didn't know Megan yet and didn't think it would appeal to him, more of a ladies gathering, he thought.

"expect a simple menu: coffee, tea, or hot chocolate (or water) to drink - do not expect anything gourmet like a 'grande non-fat vanilla latte'" 

March rolled around and I had decided I was going. I invited my friend Brenda to join me and we had a really nice visit, many chuckles not to mention some absolutely delicious scones!! It felt odd at first walking into someone's home without knocking, without letting them know we were coming. It felt odd once. After that it felt like coming home.  The next time I went, Bill went with me and was soon caught up with this neat little tradition.

Serving them up on a platter

It is part of our winter, spring and fall. As often as we can make it, however brief, we go. Our hosts always make us feel welcome no matter how many times we show up.

"if you expect a meal, eat elsewhere" "if you do not like scones, we will not be offended - share your 'peace' of mind with us over a cup of coffee/tea/hot chocolate" 

We've met other friends of theirs, we've bumped into other acquaintances of ours and we've met members of their families. It is a real treat.

Dad, Neil, Bill and Megan

Finally, I remembered to take my camera.

"do not bring gifts or treats - if you do, expect to take them home again with you................"

Michael, Laura

Summer for us is too busy and we seem to miss the scones and the visits from June through September or October depending on when Thanksgiving falls. It is marked on our calendar every second Sunday just in case we are free. This month, November, we made it and had a fun chat fest as if we'd never missed any!

"drop in on your own or bring your friends and/or family you............"

May all your scones be warm served up with some delicious company!

Thank you for stopping in, and thank you Megan for allowing me to share your wonderful story.