Thursday, August 1, 2013

Tea On My Patio

 “Everybody needs some time to rejuvenate, refresh, recharge, and begin again.” 
~ Revathi Sankaran

Hello, my bloggy friends! Once again, I have no excuse for not posting in awhile, except that it's been very busy for me on the lake this summer. This is my favorite time of the year, so I am outside doing something just about every day....fishing, swimming, bbq'ing, gardening, or just soaking up the sun!

I haven't sharing a teatime post in quite a while and wanted to share some things I've recently purchased and was gifted with, as well. The weather here has been pretty awesome lately.(It actually got a little chilly during a couple of days this past week.) But, today it's another perfect summer day....great way to start the month of August off!!! 

I decided to have a late morning snack and teatime on my back patio.  The sun was shining and there was a light breeze. I love having tea alfresco!
 The intoxicating smell of my "Sweet Allysum" wafted nearby, as I sat on my small paio, next to my flower-coverd wall.

 Teatime is one of my favorites daily activities! I used one of my newer teapots today (purchased at TJ Maxx).
 

  I drank my tea from a cup I purchased just recently for $1.00 at the Dollar Tree Store.  The phrase written around the top and bottom of  it says:
"Unwind with your favorite cup of tea - take it easy - chill out - put your feet up - let go"
 For a light snack, I had some of my homemade Apple Crisp, my hubby's favorite! I don't have a written out recipe, as it is one that I have made so often that I don't even use measuring cups or spoons to make it. The secret in this recipe, though, is that I use real maple syrup!!
 As I sat and took in the sights, smells, and tastes, I read from my Bible and opened a new journal book I recently purchased. 
Integrated throughout this journal are verses from the book of Psalms. Below is what is written on the back of the book.
 I also brought out with me a plaque, gifted to me by a friend as a housewarming present last year, soon after we moved into our cottage. I love what it says:
  The potted tomatoes are nearly ripe for picking, as seen in the background of the picture below.
The small handmade Amish quilt I used as a tablecloth was purchased by me several years ago at a flea market. I love old quilts, and have a small collection.
I love gardening, but as I have indicated in earlier posts, our smaller property doesn't allow the space for me to have a big garden. I loved planting sunflowers at my old house. For temporary enjoyment, I pulled my silk sunflowers out of storage and used them as a centerpiece! So bright and cheery!!

 http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c9/c4/c6/c9c4c649774f90ace64ecd2f081acffe.jpg
Hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!
Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb


23 comments:

  1. YOur tablescape is gorgeous love the quilt and your dishes are so pretty. The setting is spectacular, on the lake, how fabulous is that. What a serene and peaceful place to also visit with the Lord. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Marty! I always enjoy linking up on your blog and reading all the posts your readers share there! Have wonderful weekend!

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  2. Ann this is lovely and so welcoming. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. xo

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    1. As always, I enjoy hearing from you, Katie! Love reading your posts and joining in the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop!

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  3. HI: I think your outside tea spot is wonderful. I love your sunflowers. Blessings, Martha

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    1. Thanks, Martha. I love that spot, too! Especially when all my flowers are in bloom! Wish the sunflowers were real, but they still are beautiful!

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  4. What a great place to have a cup of tea. I am glad you are enjoying the summer with all the special and fun times!
    Your teapot is so pretty. Have a lovely week!

    Pam

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    1. Thanks,Pam! I also stopped out and saw your awesome red and white table setting! So inspirational and unique! Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Better joy in a cottage is right! I often say that as we get closer to retirement! What a sweet table you have set up and your flowers are lovely! So glad you linked to Tea In The Garden!

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    1. Hi, Bernideen! I'm so glad you stopped by and left a comment. As always, I enjoy reading your blog and meeting new bloggy friends at you blog party!

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  6. Wow, Ann...I love your style and spirit! I just followed you on bloglovin' and am now going to head over to follow you on Pinterest. Your beautiful blog is like a breath of fresh air!

    Blessings,

    Cindy at Notes in the Key of Life

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    1. Oh, thanks Cindy! So glad you could stop by and check it out!! Thank you for following, too!

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  7. It's so pretty and looks so relaxing. The street is so nostalgic looking. Even though it is not the Cape, it reminds me of someplace we use to go in the summer.

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    1. It REALLY reminded me of Maine a few evenings ago, when an eerie fog hovered over the lake! I really love summers here! Winter is a bit less appealing.

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  8. Thanks so much for stopping by!

    What a charming post and what a delightfully inviting area you have to sit and have a sip of Tea while reading a good book!!

    Love it!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  9. I love how you've taken just a corner of your yard to create a lovely place to "escape"! So very pretty! I've been enjoying having tea lately using heirloom cups and saucers. I figured, why just keep them in the cupboard? Tea is not just a drink...it is an experience, don't you think?

    Blessings, Joan

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    1. Absolutely, Joan!! I have several antique and heirloom cups/saucers and teapots, too! There's just something about having tea, whether with friends or by oneself, that calms and replenishes the soul!! Bless you, Joan, for taking some time to share these thoughts with me!!

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  10. Just letting you know - I featured this tea from last week on my blog today!

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    1. Oh, wow! Thanks, Bernideen! I'm stopping over right away and checking it out!

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  11. hello
    prendre un thé sur une aussi charmante terrasse
    un vrai plaisir , que je partage avec vous
    tendresse
    edith (iris) France

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  12. Lovelypatio - your flowers are marvelous - you truly have been enjoying summer - love your tea, the sweets and the beautiful quotes! I am delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  13. Hi Ann,
    What a pretty spot for a cup of tea. Your flowers are so lovely and I can imagine the scent! That is a cute teapot you found. It sounds like you have been enjoying your summer at the lake. I'm so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your tea with us at Tea Time.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  14. Thanks for sharing..
    When you have a tea,you must be feel so wonderful.
    The place full of flowers.

    Herbal

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