I need a hammock.

While we could have used some rain, it was a beautiful day yesterday. I sat on the deck and watched the hummingbirds around the feeders. The temperature was only in the mid 80's and there was a gentle breeze blowing. It made me drowsy so I pulled up another chair and put my feet up. Sort of fell asleep for a few moments but I decided I really need a hammock to enjoy a nap properly on the deck.

To be so small hummingbirds are really fierce little critters. Earlier we had counted over 8 at one time swarming around the two feeders. I'm sure some of them are this years fledglings. Some of the males have just started getting little patches where their "Ruby Throat" will be. The older green backs have a beauty of their own with their backs shining iridesently. If I wear white, they won't come around when I'm near the feeders but if I have red or a dark color on, I have to almost duck their darts to the feeders. I think they have even checked me out to see if I might have some nectar on me.

My sister sent me a link to a site with hummingbird nests, eggs and fledglings. It is so good. On the last page of the site there is a link to a photo of a more recent nest. Don't miss it.

I call the deck my tree house as it is two stories high and branches from one of the trees hangs over part of it. The feeders are in the open part of the deck so I can sit under the treed part and enjoy the views.

Displaying the flag.

I found a blogger that had a flag image available for the blogger's to display. I'm thankful for America and will proudly display the flag.

A good cup of tea

must be sipped slowly. Preferably in front of a cracklin' fire, or while sitting in front of a window looking out on a peaceful body of water. You can be alone or with someone you really care for. The key to full enjoyment is no conversation. It is even better if you can clear your mind of all your thoughts and just look at the fire or the water.


The time it takes to drink the tea should not exceed the time it takes for the tea to cool but at the same time, never be rushed. Take a sip slowly into your mouth. Allow in to linger like you would a sip of wine, savoring the flavor, then slowly allow it to be swallowed.

It doesn't matter what flavor tea you use; what matters is that you like the flavor. Some days I use a spice tea, sometimes a fruit flavored tea and sometimes I just want a simple cup of black and orange pekoe tea. I have a friend that thought orange pekoe meant orange flavored but it refers to the color of the leaf, not added flavoring.

When finished, you will find yourself surprisingly refreshed, and your mind clear and ready to take on your tasks. It will not "pump you up" like coffee.

Take time for a cup. I know it is summer time, but surely you can find a cool place to sit with a cup of tea cradled in your hand for a few moments.