Summer tea

I like my new tea discovery this summer!  It's a refreshing tisane brewed from dry hibiscus septa petals. 

The pretty pink drink tastes very clean, with hints of kosher pickle and cranberry juice. Here is the weblink for this unique drink among unlimited tea choices.

Nature's Wonder in Summer

Early morning and late evening are the best time of summer days for garden walk.  During the middle hot portion of the day, it's nice to sit facing the window and look out for occasional cat visitors, or baby rabbit and squirrel hopping by.  Here are some pictures from my summer garden and neighborhood.  Enjoy nature's summer display!

Fabulous spring garden 2015

This year mother nature showers us with a fabulous spring.  The new leaves are extra vibrantly green, the flower petals extra plump and alluring  Here is sharing of my garden beauties about their 2015 memorable spring show.  Enjoy!



Welcoming spring with flower arrangments

There are few snowdrops emerging in my front porch area to signify the beginning of flower season in spring.  Then I saw crocus in a cluster group sprouting out like school children at recess for fresh air.  I can't bear to pick some out away from their buddies for my indoor display. So, how should I proceed with my flower arrangements to welcome the spring?  My friend pointed out that there are many beautiful branches of dogwood and plum tree full of buds in my yard.  Also the perennial heavenly bamboo's red berries are just heaven sent to lighten up the barren winter white.  Here are few photos to share with the readers about my recent "home decor refreshment".

Celebrating Chinese New Year

If someone asks me how would I like to celebrate Chinese new year in a fun way, my choice would be to invite a few friends to enjoy a hot pot meal or make dumplings, spring rolls together.  Traditional foods from childhood memory and share together with friends create new memorable moments.  Here are the pictures I took recently to welcome the lunar new year of ram.  Enjoy!



Eight Treasures Hot Pot Soup as a center piece

 

Fruits and nuts portray wishes of long life

Shanghainese wontons arranged by a young in house artist
 



This bowl of wonton soup covers all essentials for a yummy Chinese dish: appearance, aroma and flavor!





Spices used in tea egg braising liquid in addition to black tea



 

tea eggs soon to be revealed for the unique marbled look

marbling on the tea egg and on the shells 



home fried shrimp chips--look and taste good




Happy Year of lunar year of Ram (4713)!
(drawn by my friend Yiling)