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...