I'd like to invite you into the citrus grove with me...
For a blue and yellow lemon infused tea party.
With way too many photos, alas it's impossible to choose.
But if I know you, you likely will not mind.
You see, it all began on a beautiful spring day.
When the new season beckoned us into the garden.
With French bread and baked brie, fruit and of course the aforementioned tea.
Not wanting to lose a morsel of time with the lemony goodness hanging off the trees.
Our two snows took hundreds of lemons out, but luckily so very many have survived.
And so, in celebration, it was only appropriate to have a tea party in their honor.
Wouldn't you agree?
I picked early flowers from the garden.
I am always overjoyed to see a narcissus unfurling.
One of life's most wonderful treasures have to be lemons.
In my opinion at least.
The freshness, the flavor, the color!
And why, pray tell, does yellow work so well with blue?
Of course, the Tombstone roses turned up just in time for our little soiree.
They can't stand to miss out on such an event.
It was truly an explosion of yellow goodness.
I say was, but I should say is, because truth be told...
I have spent every single moment possible this week out under the lemon tree.
Right next to the grapefruit, lime and orange trees.
Chatting with the birds, enjoying delectable morsels, and I even brought out some paints.
I've made sweet little flower arrangements in glass bottles...
As the boys run around, trying to steal French bread nibbles here and there.
I made the most incredible discovery.
Kiwi tastes delicious with lemon squeezed on it.
The "tartnesses" sort of cancel each other out and you get the most refreshing delicious flavor.
I was truly utterly amazed by that.
I am having too much fun running up into the citrus grove every day for a neverending tea-time.
I try different teas throughout the day, all decaf since I have a bad reaction to caffeine.
Which, I don't mind at all because I adore an herbal tea.
Especially fresh mint tea.
My other two go-to's are orange spice or lemon ginger.
I always keep fresh mint in the garden.
It's so wonderful to always be able to pick a bunch, no matter the time of year.
The weather has been just beautiful, cool with nice sun.
Making this the perfect place to be.
A springtime celebration is just the thing...
To help wash away the winter chill and begin to enjoy garden days galore.
I can not believe how quickly early climbing roses are blooming.
Once it begins, it all unfolds quickly and wonderfully.
And so, I sit out here, writing to you...
Just as the sun shifts into golden hour magic.
One more slice of lemon poppy seed cake is good for the soul.
As evening starts to sneak in, wanting to be a part of the tea party fun as well.
Wash the dishes and begin again, but this time for dinner.
We simply can not help but just want to live out here.
It's wonderfully inviting and calming.
Of course, I couldn't resist turning this spot into my studio for a few days.
Some lovely paints and lovely treats from morning, to golden hour, to evening, and begin again day after day.
I am content hiding in my secret garden, with lemons galore.
Of course, lemonade and lemon bars and candied lemon peel are always on the menu.
I will make lemon curd soon, as well as marmalade.
I freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays, a wonderful way to always have it when you need it.
That way lemon bars can happen all year.
The apple trees are almost done blooming, and I already see little baby apples growing everywhere.
There are so many poppies, and some might begin shooting up blossoms soon.
The quince tree is in full bloom at the country house and the peach and plum trees just finished blooming.
I almost can't keep up with it all.
But I make time to just be with them, standing in the breeze, watching the bees amongst the flowering fruit trees.
Just this morning I thought, I can't believe it's spring again, and I felt a flutter of butterflies in my belly.
Oh, glorious days!
I hope you are extra well in your neck of the woods.
Down the flowering path of wild blooms.
I'm sure I shall run into you soon.
We are all well here, where the desert meets the forest.
Painting a whole lot.
Cheers with teacups to another season.
A lovely time to be alive, with bees buzzing around madly!
I hope to see you again very soon.
Sending all my best wishes your way!
Love,
Vanessa
