chanoyu

It's been a while, but I finally had some time to give another tea, and, in honor of Chip's work on the patio, I had a Garden Tea outside this past Saturday. Patti came up for the event (staying the weekend) and helped with some of the prep, making it a good way to ease back into this pastime of mine.
The weather looked a little spotty in the morning, but the sun managed to peek through the clouds every once in a while during the tea, and it was warm in the afternoon. We enjoyed the cool breeze that came through every once in a while.

I think I enjoy giving teas for a number of reasons:
1. I get to make invitations and send people 'real' mail.
2. This is a great way for people to relax for a couple of hours.
3. I get to experiment with fun foods.
4. Tea is a thing to share.
5. China cups are soooo pretty.

6. The art of tea and tea time is losing ground in America.

For the most part, I've always done small teas, for logistical reasons. We did a ladies' tea for church a few years ago, and that took a committee to get that event planned and executed. Everyone enjoyed it, but I'll stick to the autonomy of a little group.

Thanks again to Patti for all her help!

Book recommendation: Lush by Natasha Friend
Recipe recommendation: Lavender Tea Cake
Television recommendation: The Office

saturated sculling

Well, the annual canoe trip was this past weekend, and Chip and I have now done our first bit of camping as a married couple! Our tent came in the mail a couple of weeks ago (L.L. Bean) and we found our two-person tent to be a snug, waterproof deal. How did we discover it's wonderful water-repellant capabilities?

Why, because it thunder stormed at 4 a.m. on Sunday!

But let's back up to Saturday first. We all met at Faith Chapel at 5 a.m. to head up to the Sauk City/Mazomanie area, where we launched on the Wisconsin River. This year, Chip and I borrowed some kayaks to cruise downstream, and despite the extra energy that takes, I really enjoyed it! I look forward to having our own and being able to go out and paddle and explore more rivers and lakes.




At this point, the weather was nearly perfect--a bit overcast, but that meant less sunburn! We all paddled for a couple hours and then stopped for lunch and a swim. Then it was off to find a sandbar on which to camp. Once there, everyone unloaded canoes and set up camp, including the fire and 'kitchen'. We all started to relax: a little more swimming, some snacking and setting up the grill to make brats and hotdogs for supper. I discovered I was really, really tired, so shortly after it got dark, I went to bed.

And woke up to rain and thunder and lightning! It kept raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining and raining...



We cut our experience short--skipping church and lunch--to pack up and head back. That was sad, but the wetness was getting unbearable! As soon as everything was packed up and ready to go, the rain stopped (Murphy's law), though it remained cloudy all the way back.

All in all, it was a good trip, and like many of the others I was on, there was some adventure with the weather!

I apologize for the quality of the pictures, but it was rainy and it was a waterproof camera...

Book recommendation: Machine Teen by Marc Sumerak
New product recommendation: Vanilla and Black Cherry Diet Pepsi
Recipe non-recommendation: Meringue Mice (Martha Stewart is evil!)