Ode to Spring

I was watching the weather carefully because I knew it was time to have tea under the apple blossoms out on a little island called Sauvie Island, not far from Portland. The island is situated where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers come together. It is an island of farms and a bird sanctuary. On the island is a historic house with a historic apple orchard. It is open to the public, yet very few people know of it or visit. Each year I go to have tea under the blossoms and again under the apples in the fall. My tea friend that often went with me has moved to Hawaii; thus my recent trip was to have tea with her in her new surroundings. 

Jim went with me this past Friday because it was the day we could determine there would be no rain. The lawn was covered with little daisies as we walked to the orchard. I was so glad they hadn't mowed it, as it was beautiful. The apple blossoms probably will be at their most beautiful in about another week, but there were plenty in bloom. There are only three picnic tables under the trees, but we could choose which one we wanted. We chose the one in the sun because it was still a bit cool. We sipped Secret Garden Oolong from Floating Leaves, which I thought was most appropriate. I also pack some nibbles of salami, cheese, crackers, olives, and dried apricots. It was a lovely adventure to the countryside and sitting under the apple blossoms.

The house is called the Bybee-Howell House. When my children were young they had events here with old time games such a gunny sack races and live "down home" music. The location was taken over by another organization and they no longer have events, but still open to the public. It is my own "secret garden" and I love, love having tea under the apple tree branches. It is indeed my "ode to spring".

Bluebells blooming under this tree. Lilacs were in bloom next to the house. All the glory of new blooming flowers makes my heart sing.

Happy Springtime!

Sending love,

Marilyn