Summer Morning

I have always had a thing for the 'four seasons' and am drawn to stories, objects, photos and even scrapbook supplies that differentiate between the seasons. Perhaps it is because I was born and raised in southern California that the idea of four distinct seasons is appealing. There are basically only two seasons here, and my favorite time of year, Fall, is swept aside by an over long summer. In keeping with the variety that four seasons provides, I like to eat seasonally as well. It gives me the opportunity to live in the 'now'. Right now strawberries are plump, red and sweet and I make sure to have plenty on hand for meals and snacks. 

  And what pairs well with strawberries? Well, if I am just having a simple snack I like to sprinkle balsamic vinegar over a bowl full. But this morning strawberries sounded wonderful for breakfast, so I grabbed an apron, heated the oven and made scones! I also steeped a pot of  Kousmichoff  Troika Tea, which is a fragrant melange of China, Ceylon and India teas with bergamot and mandarin. A small dollop of berry yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted pecans and I was ready to sit outside and enjoy my breakfast.

 I chose my Brambly Hedge beaker, Homeward Bound, to drink from. Yep, you guessed it....the sweet Brambly Hedge dishes from Royal Doulton depict the mice in lots of seasonal activities. I love the size of this teacup too. It holds more tea than the typical teacup and saucer!

 Notice the scallop footed bottom? Jill Barklem is the artist and storyteller for this series.

 I prefer handles that I can actually slip a finger into, and this cup has a comfortable style and size.

             An added bonus is the decorated inside rim~

After this lovely breakfast, it is time for a bit of yardwork. I actually don't mind because I enjoy the garden. And, today, I have to trim the herbs! That means the garden and my hands will end up smelling of Mint, Thyme, and Lavender. Mmmm...the scent of the Mint Geranium  reminds me of Thin Mint cookies.

 See how soft and fuzzy the leaves are? What a nice summer morning~ strawberries, teacups and herbs.

I am sharing this Summer Morning with;
Terri at Artful Affirmations http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Trish at Sweetology http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/2011/07/tea-party-tuesday-stuffed-dayliles.html?showComment=1310446761104#c2781215619603434871
Miss Kathy at The Writer's Reverie http://thewritersreverie.blogspot.com/2011/07/tea-pudding-purging.html