Monday, June 16, 2014

T Stands For PaTrioTism



Welcome to patriotic tea.  Actually, I took these photos last Friday, the 13th, one day before Flag Day.  I always leave them until July 5th, when I return them to their box in the basement.  I used to have more, but they only last so many years before they are no longer usable.

Please ignore the shape of my walk and driveway, but we've had storms every day for the past eight days, except today.  At first, I'd go out and clean the messes, then the winds and rain would come, and I'd have another mess to clean up.  I think I'll give up until we get out of this rainy pattern we've been stuck in for many days.  I'm not complaining, though, because it's been so hot and dry here, the rain is a welcome reprieve.   I suspect I should apologize for the shape of my porch, too, but I'm making an assemblage, and it's easier to leave the bigger pieces outside where they will need to be assembled.

But you didn't come to read about my weather or the state of my porch, but rather to see that I've made some loose leaf Alishan Oolong tea that I picked up at The Spice Merchant a couple of years ago.  I hope these teas have a long shelf (actually refrigerator) life, because I'm no closer to finishing them than I was two years ago.   You might even be able to see some of the leaves the strainer missed.

The view from my porch shows my patriotism is showing, even as the wind whips these flags around..

I even have a small one I place in my rusty copper house I use to decorate my front porch during the summer months.

So how will you celebrate T this Tuesday?  Will it be with art, scrapbooking, journaling, teapots, a funky movie that's drink related, a cup of coffee, glass of wine, a poem, or even TEA?  As long as you can relate your post back in some way to a drink, even if you were out and about, please link below and we'll be by to visit.



20 thoughtful remarks:

Linda Kunsman said...

Lovely views Elizabeth. We like to keep certain flags out but use special banner flags during US holidays. I LOVE your rustic copper house!! I'll be seeing you soon from the SOC link too:)

Anonymous said...

Lovely pathway with your flags...and the tea looks good too. Great assemblage. xox

Ariel said...

Lovely view from the front porch Elizabeth. I love the many wind chimes that are hanging on the porch.I've never heard of this tea brand. Thank you for sharing all this.
Happy Tuesday

Darla said...

Enjoyed seeing your patriotic display. What a pretty glass you are using for your tea today.

Darla

Hettie said...

Oh! And I thought you were sharing a glass of inkohol!
Love that rusty decoration but the thing I am most in love with is your post box. I wanted one so badly that Hubby ordered me a bare metal one a few years ago. I still haven't painted it yet as I cannot decide!
Well done for being patriotic. There is not enough of it about I think!
Hugs
xx

Hettie said...

Oh! And I thought you were sharing a glass of inkohol!
Love that rusty decoration but the thing I am most in love with is your post box. I wanted one so badly that Hubby ordered me a bare metal one a few years ago. I still haven't painted it yet as I cannot decide!
Well done for being patriotic. There is not enough of it about I think!
Hugs
xx

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Lovely patriotic display! I'm looking forward to seeing your latest assemblage, too!

Divers and Sundry said...

I have never made iced tea with loose tea. I just never thought of it. But I'm thinking about it now! lol

I like your flag-lined walkway and your patriotic copper house. :) Mother always got out flags for Memorial Day, Flag Day and July 4th, but she didn't leave them out. I usually just get out the flag for the front door for the 4th.

I hope we get a rest from our rain. All that cloudy grayness was gettin' me down. It's been sunny here for the last couple of days, and I'm wanting it to stay that way! lol

Halle said...

I love that glass...my mom had a whole set of them that only came out for "fancy" dinners. She'd set them with water at each place setting.
I know what you mean about raining, windy weather...geesh.
Your flags look lovely all lined up.
Happy Tuesday!
I'll be back later...ceramics camp for Little J this week. So I'm stuck out in the country for half the day. Could be worse places right?

Robyn said...

the 4th is huge here in Montreat, and there is much discussion how early we can start to decorate, tho all agree it needs to come down quickly.
thanks for T-ing into paTriotism!

~*~Patty S said...

Your patriotic yard looks wonderful and just perfect combined with the universal color of green!
It is as if you read my mind showing that cool metal house sculpture up close because when I saw it from far away I thought ooo how neat...
Your new camera and you are getting along so well and I really am enjoying your crisp clear photos E.
Happy T day to you...
oxo

Caterina Giglio said...

no tea or coffee, these days, trying to figure out what is causing such allergic reactions... but your tea looks good and such a lovely patriotic tea on the porch... hope you had a chance to sit and watch the grass grow... x

Krisha said...

It's always great to see those stars and stripes!

I really enjoyed the view from your porch. I think I would be sitting there listening to the rain............rain? OMG we need rain so bad! But we are already out of the rain season and now into the fire season. The resent fire was up where we used to own a cabin.

I love your rusty house decoration.

Happy T-day

Rita said...

We've had rain and wind off and on for the past week so I fully understand. Your patriotism looks good, though. I am just going to read a good book today and rest. ;) Happy T-Day!!

Rita said...

Man! I am having so much trouble with blogger today. It wouldn't publish my comment so I will try again...

Your yard looks good. We've had rain and wind here all the past week, so I can empathize. All I am up to today is reading a good book. :)

dawn said...

Hello and Happy T Day!! I am writing from the library computer. We have VBS at church all week each night but they won't need me tonight, so I'm hanging in here for a couple hours till Summer is ready to be picked up.
Happy I had this little time to say hello and see your T post.

Renee had her orientation at DQ and has a manual on how to make all the yummy things on the menu, YAY!! She has to memorize it and will start working next week, YAY!

Enough about me, LOVE LOVE your flags, so wonderful that you do that also. I had a bunch everywhere and like you said they get old after many uses. CUTE little copper house!! You may have storms there but we are up to 90 again today and very humid, went to the pool twice already. Your tea looks pretty out there in the sun. Thanks for sharing your red/white/blue yard!!

Have a great week!

creatorme said...

Happy T-Day!
Your flags and the lush green front yard look great and inviting!
I just keep my loose tea leaves in their tins in the cupboard and the last forever. I am sure yours will last for a good long time in the fridge. Love that glass!

Cindy McMath said...

Great photos Elizabeth, and I love that rusty house! I wanted to thank you for giving me the "recipe" for coral paint! Turns out I didn't need it but I appreciated your thoughtfulness. I bought that paint ages ago and I think I had something in mind but never ended up using it - it was still sealed! Also to clarify - when I say "super mailboxes" they are probably like the "neighbourhood" ones they are going to put in in your neck of the woods. Unfortunately paper mail is going the way of the dinosaur. Well time for bed - thanks again for all your kind words!

Dianne said...

sorry I didn't get to the party this Tuesday...I had house guests, and they were helping us replace our fuse box. so...a portable generator was running the fridge and the computer was off. fun to see your flags and walkway (hmm, my steps are covered with cottonwood pods...) and love the view of the copper house! stay cool...! :)

Denise Price said...

That oolong tea sounds good, and it looks so fancy in that glass. Sorry I didn't make it for tea this week, things just got too busy around here. Thanks for visiting my blog anyway. :)