Thanks for the Memories….. 

The little plum pot is traveling to its next adventure in Florida.   

Thank you to everyone who left such nice comments and for the many private notes letting me know you enjoyed your virtual visit.  It has made it all worthwhile and I am thrilled beyond words that it was enjoyed by many of you.   

We traveled 3,068 miles together during the month.  It also logged 5669 air miles from Paris to The OC and 2056 air miles from The OC to Florida for a total of 10,793 miles for the little plum pot. 

As I gather herbs and edible flowers from my kitchen garden each day, the little plum pot stepping stone will bring many memories. 

  

When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things - not the great occasions - that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.
Bob Hope

 

Sunset Farewell at the Montage Resort

 

We started our virtual visit to The OC with Lotus tea at Saddleback Mountain at Sunrise.  I am choosing to close it with champagne and a tisane with the Sunset view from the beautiful Montage Resort grounds.

 

 

Thank you for joining me for this virtual adventure exploring The OC  with the little plum teapot.  I hope that you have enjoyed visiting our beautiful mountains, canyons, historic places, resorts, shopping, ocean and other little surprises.   It was fun to share many different teas and chocolates along the way. 

The little plum pot is steeping a lovely Mary Louisa tisane made from snips of fresh lemon verbena, lemon balm and French thyme from my kitchen garden to sip from a 19^th century loving cup for our farewell celebration together.

 

 

Godiva chocolate ganache.

Cheers!

Great love affairs start with Champagne and end with tisane. ~Honoré de Balzac

Golden Celebration

Hohin  (or Hobin) is a small Japanese teapot without a handle and is used  together with a Yuzamashi  to cool the water to the proper temperature for steeping.  The tea is served in Yunomi cups.  The small size is suitable for the slow brewing of highest grade teas for a deep, mellow, and full flavor.   Hohin means "Treasure Jar" or "Magical Jar" in Japanese.

The little plum pot poured water for the Japanese Hohin set which is steeping our *Golden Celebration Gyokuro* tea leaves grown in Uji in Kyoto.

 

The smooth flavor of Gyokuro creates a peaceful atmosphere, and the lovely glimmering gold flakes as they float on the surface of the tea delights and occupies the mind.

 

 

Godiva Raspberry Truffle

 “Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea.  the afternoon glow is brightening the bamboos,

The fountains are bubbling with delight, the soughing of the pines is heard in our kettle.

Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.”

Okakura Kakuzo (1863-1913), The book of Tea