Potpourri

- I love daffodils!

- I love iris.
My Granny and my Mother grew the most beautiful bearded iris.
All different colors. They were amazing.
I have not been able to grow bearded iris here, although I do know folks who do.
Perhaps I'll try again.
But, I did try growing Louisiana Iris and have my first blooms.

- The Louisiana Iris is a native American iris.
This is Black Gamecock.
I planted the rhizomes 2 years ago and this is the first year they have bloomed.
Dark and dramatic, it's really hard not to touch the velvety looking petals.

- I've been walking into the village early in the morning to have breakfast.
The earlier the better as the heat and humidity are arriving.

- Time to have the AC serviced.

- Do you like urban fantasy or magical realism?
If so, I've found a new author for you ... at least he was new for me.
Alex Bledsoe.
I started with The Hum and The Shiver and recently completed Wisp of a Thing.
The Hum and The Shiver was named one of the Best Fiction Books of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews.
Set in the mountains of Tennesse. Who are the Tufa? Lots of music and myth.
You'll ask yourself if you feel the hum or the shiver!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

A big THANK YOU to Nancy for hosting Random 5 Friday.

This and That

- Got my hair cut and then had a lovely lunch at the Black Walnut.
I sat outside enjoying my salad, ice tea, and book.
And, I admit, I listened to some nearby conversations.
People are funny!

- I haven't found my Easter wreath.
I know I had one.
I looked in all the carefully packed bins marked Easter.
No luck.
So while I was out and about yesterday,
I found this little guy who now welcomes everyone at the door.
Better late than never!

- I'm becoming addicted to iced chai tea. Spending way too much time at Starbucks.

- Easter is just around the corner. I'm sharing a reproduction vintage postcard. Fun!

- I'm spending most of Easter weekend at the ballpark. The Rice Owls have a three game series this weekend. They always have an Easter egg hunt for the kids. It will be colorful and fun!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Happy Easter

A big thank you to Nancy for hosting Random 5 Friday.

Here Come The Bunnies!

Easter is just around the corner.
I pulled my favorite bunny porcelain tea pot and mug from the cupboard.
They were made in New Mexico by a husband and wife team.
He did the hand building of the pieces and she was the artist.
They are some of the first ceramic pieces that Mr. Dragon gave to me.

I love the bunny wearing tennis shoes.
Guess he's getting ready for a busy Easter!

The teapot reminds me of Old MacDonald's Farm with the veggies and bunny!

Then there is the mug with all the wonderful hearts filled with bunnies.

The egg-shaped bunny plates I found at Pier One.

Orange-cranberry scones.

Yum!

I selected Tazo Zen tea to steep in my bunny pot. 

It is a green tea blend made with pan-fired green teas from China

and blended with lemon verbena leaves, lemongrass and spearmint leaves.

It has a sweet, lingering taste ... very Zen.

I decided on Tazo tea today as a way to celebrate the life of Steven Smith,

the co-owner of Tazo tea who passed away recently.

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a wonderful cup of tea!

I'm joining some tea parties in the Land of Blog:

Teatime Tuesday
where Sandi is celebrating with an Easter Tea.

Teacup Tuesday

Friends Sharing Tea

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Share Your Cup Thursday

Potpourri

It must be spring.
How can I tell???
I walk out into my postage stamp back yard (Musashi's Garden).
It smells like orange blossoms.

- My Satsuma, Clementine and Grapefruit trees are blooming!

- I love rain drops on blossoms.

- It's loud around here again. The guys working on the streets in the neighborhood have made it back to my street. I'm like a little kid! Sitting on the balcony watching them with their big machines tearing up more of the old street before they get to the oiling and then asphalt for the new surface.

- I've almost finished reading THE BOOK STOPS HERE, a Bibliophile Mystery by Kate Carlisle. It is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Brooklyn Wainwright is a bookaholic. She is a bookbinder and knows her rare books. She has been asked to appear on t.v. show as a rare book expert and appraiser. Her first subject is a first edition copy of THE SECRET GARDEN. A dead body can't be far behind when Brooklyn is around! 

- The weather has been nice. Coolish long enough in the morning (before the humidity gets to be too much) to walk up to the Village. I did a little shopping at Half-Price Books and then had breakfast.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

Thanks Nancy for hosting Random 5 Friday.

Tea With A Lady

Let me introduce you to Lady Carlyle by Royal Albert.
She was a gift from one of my sisters (by choice).

A classic example of the romantic, floral tradition of Royal Albert,

Lady Carlyle draws inspiration from the extravagant rococo styles of the 18th century.

The Lady is decorated with a highly stylized floral design,

a deep pink border and elaborate gold scrollwork

I've paired her with a teapot with roses by Grace.

I made a pot of Harney and Sons Chinese Flower tea.

Chinese Flower is a beautiful blend of hand plucked green tea with flowers and citrus.
There is a light aroma of orange and flowers.
One sachet makes two cups of tea.
A real delight with Lady Carlyle.

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a wonderful cup of tea!

I'm joining some tea parties in the Land of Blog:
Teatime Tuesday
Teacup Tuesday

Friends Sharing Tea

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Share Your Cup Thursday