Flowers when I went for Pumpkins

Just the other day I went to take pictures of pumpkins,

but the flowers captured my attention.

Oh the colors of fall flowers just sings to my soul.

Do you hear them singing?  Zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos,

oh MY!!!

The cloudy sky just magnifies their beauty.

But stepping into the farm shed these candy apples tickled me.

Oh there were indeed things, seasonal

beauties to make me smile.

And there were pumpkins!!!

So many pumpkins!!

Pumpkins awaiting each and every one that came visiting at the farm.

Do you love the colors of Autumn/Fall?

Are there pumpkins and flowers on your radar?

Do you love them as much as I do?

I hope so!!!

Happy weekend, dear friends!

Adventure to Sauvie Island

 An adventure to the country always touches my heart;

but especially when it involves a historic apple orchard.

 Apple orchards are part of my DNA.

I just love wandering under the trees.

 Searching for apples, but alas they were too far gone.

 Looking for the best one to climb.

 Or maybe to sit in awhile.

Wouldn't this one be fun to just sit awhile,

I think I could do it.

 The apple orchard is part of a historic farm

on Sauvie Island, just outside of Portland.

 Though you don't see them there were many children nearby 

enjoying the farm, picking pumpkins, and laughing.

Oh those clouds just made for a beautiful day.

Have you taken an adventure nearby you recently?

Fall/Autumn is the best of time to get out and take an adventure.

Falling Leaves - Dance!

 "Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” — Shira Tamir

 Autumn has come to the garden.

 The chrysanthemums and pumpkins are showing up everywhere.

 Dahlias are blooming.

Take time to notice what you notice

and see Autumn all around you.

Dance in the falling leaves.

Happy Autumn Days!!

Turmeric Tea, Feeling Groooovy!

 This comic just made me smile, especially since I was sharing 

turmeric tea with you today.  I hope it makes you smile.

When I recently attended the NW Tea Festival I noticed that several

vendors were selling turmeric tea.  Now I had never had any, but

had heard that it was good for so many things like:

Anti-inflammatory, Anti-depressant, Anti-coagulant,

Reduces arthritis pain, Helps gastrointestinal problems,

Inflammatory bowel disease, and lowers cholesterol.

With all those good things I tasted several and most I didn't like.

Chado Tea company had one that I thought was worth

bringing home.   It is called Tumeric Zest and zesty it is.

It is a combination of hibiscus, rooibos, turmeric, orange flavoring

and quite delightful.

Do you like turmeric?

Take turmeric pills?

If so, I can recommend this tea for an added touch to your day.

Funny, but I don't usually recommend herbal teas (tisanes)

as I drink tea with caffeine.  

Just thought I would share something different.

It's pretty in the cup too.

Walk with Me - Round Lake, Washington

Saturday I went walking with a goal in mind.

I was walking with my friend, a photographer,

and her family; but the goal was to take pictures

of my D, grandson, for his parents for Christmas.

We had so much fun!

D was the best model ever.

He had fun!

And he and the photographers oldest daughter so enjoyed

seeing each other, holding hands, and just running and playing.

While D was getting his picture taken,

I was just enjoying the sights as we hiked.

Here we were stopped to listen to what we could hear.

And then D and C had to listen to each others heart.

It was so sweet.

What a fun way to do a photo shoot and a hike with friends.

The weather was perfect.

The sun was shining through the trees.

And the waters danced down the rocks

and splashed with each rock D tossed into the lake.

Are you walking, dear friends?

These posts keep me walking, but then I love to walk too.

Sassy!

Did your mother ever tell you not to "Sass"?

Mine did!

Or did someone tell you, you look sassy today?

Two different meanings,

but so much feelings in either word.

It's kind of a funny word,
not one I often use.
I imagine it is me as a young girl
full of confidence
standing strong with legs somewhat apart
a stance that says, I dare you!
That gleam in my eyes that says
I will do damn well do what I want to do.
Ok, that is my alter-ego, Myrtle, speaking there.
But you know that look.
Then later as we grow older
stepping from the beauticians chair
with a flip of the head
and a glimpse in the mirror
we say, look at me now, I'm all grown up.
I have mountains to climb and places to go.
What happens to that sassy girl as we grow older?
Do we lose her along the way?
Or should we embrace her with every step?

Something to think on, dear friends.
Have a "sassy" great weekend!

Joey just peeking out on the rainy day in Portland to send a hello!

International Adventure in Tea

 Just yesterday I stopped by the Jasmine Pearl teashop

because I had heard Nobuyuki Konishi of Shizuka Farm

in Japan was pouring tea.  We are friends on Facebook.

I stepped up to the tea bar for a cup of tea

and he turned to me and asked about my garden.

I was astounded that he recognized me!
He definitely notices.

 How fun to sip tea with a tea farmer from Japan.

I often drink his Yuzu Black tea and always keep it in my stash.

I wanted to taste more of the teas he grows.

We sipped a green tea, which was very unique;

but since I am not a green tea fan he served a black tea.

You can see the difference above in the two cups.
The black tea is called Miyama Black, a second flush.
large, full leaf tea.
He compared his black tea to a flowery Darjeeling
and yes, I could see that.
But this morning as I sip I would say it reminds
me of the high mountain black tea I drink from Taiwan,
quite a favorite of mine.
Would I buy this tea, DEFINITELY!  It is delicious, rich, a
bowl of exotic flowers!

Now there is more to the story.

Also sipping tea at the tea bar was Jordana from Brazil.

How fun to make new friends over cups of tea.

Jordana is in Portland on a one month internship

all about gardening and has a garden business in Brazil.

Now she wants to come and see my garden.

Both Jordana and I loved the black tea.

This was definitely an international adventure in tea.

Linking to Bernideen today:  http://blog.bernideens.com/