bees and teas...

During my second summer here, in the beginning of August, I was arrested in my footsteps

by the most heavenly scent...where was it coming from??

I had to track it down...

...and there it was..

A Linden tree!

Have you ever had the joy of taking in this intoxicating scent?

I take a deep breath as I sit here writing...

it engulfs the property and so I throw open all the doors and windows to invite 

the linden laden breeze in.

With basket in hand, I go out to pick the precious and pretty little flowers...

Before I even get there I can hear the bees at work...

Thousands of them, I'm sure...they are here collecting a most lovely pollen...

 As I work at picking flowers, I'm distracted and high on the fragrance...

No wonder this tree has so many beliefs around it.

Apparently in days of old court was held under a linden tree because it promoted a sense of justice.

Medicinally it is good for breaking a fever, detoxifying, easing stomach pain 

and promoting a restful sleep among many other things...

I think Griffin would agree on that one...

The drone of the bees under this tree on a quiet summer morning is heaven on earth to me...

There was even one working away in my basket!

The flower is a funny little thing with lime green leaf bracts.

I suppose this is why it's also called lime flower...

I spent a few hours under that big canopy with the drone of bees and the warmth of the sun.

Hypnotized, mesmerized by such a gift from nature...

Finally coming in to lay them out on the drying rack

so I can open a jar of summer in the midst of a cold and rainy winter day...