64 this morning, overcast, 93% humidity. As I write, the skies are clearing a little, it's 72, and humidity has dropped to 85% with a nice breeze. Not bad for late August. Storms or showers are forecast later in the day.
Sunday morning, and here I sit on the porch, thinking about what I should be doing besides sitting and drinking coffee. But this feels so pleasant. And the coffee is delicious.
Speaking of coffee, have you ever tried making Kahlua? It is super easy. I mixed up a batch the other day from some Vodka I had stashed away since last time I made vanilla.
Basically, you just make strong coffee, mix in a lot of sugar, then let that cool. Once it has cooled to room temperature, add vodka and vanilla, and that's it. I mix it with milk, although I know most people probably use cream. I don't have specific amounts, just dump it together basically, but there are plenty of recipes online if you want to mix it up properly. I had a glass last night, and it tasted lovely.
Do you make any homemade elixirs like this? Do share!
Since I am on the topic of drinking, check out this gorgeous teaset my friend Nancy gave me as a late birthday gift.
I had been admiring this set for months at the antique mall, but could not justify buying it with all the teapots I already own. But when I showed it to Nancy, she went and bought it for me. So sweet. I had never actually looked inside it, or even checked to see who made it. I assumed it was made in Japan because of the orange lustre finish that was often used on Japanese china, so I was surprised to see that it was actually made just over the Ohio River, in Zanesville, Ohio, by the Fraunfelter company, with the painting being done by Robeson Rochester company under the name Royal Rochester. Fraunfelter went out of business in 1939, so this set was made sometime between 1924 and 1939.
Another surprise was hidden inside. Check this out.
An infuser, built right in!
With this handy little knob to dunk the infuser up and down. So clever.
This is now my daily teapot, and yes one of my other pots along with a cream and sugar set have been sent to our booths. The one thing in, one thing out rule, you know.
Facebook popped up with this memory today, from 2015.
How I would love to be back on the Aran Islands of Ireland! Maybe next year. First must renew our passports, though. So I better get that step taken care of.
I suppose I should get up and do something. Or maybe not. Larry is putting together a metal windmill for our booths, and I have a dresser waiting for paint, but right now I feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be, sitting in my rocker, sipping coffee, and enjoying this pretty day.
What a lovely teaset, with all its surprises! Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteI have such clear memories of Aran, and it was 1995 for me, doing research for my Master's thesis. Still think about it often. Ireland, not my thesis. And you've reminded me of a friend in CO who made his own kahlua, though I don't remember his method. What I do recall is that he served it undiluted with a twist of lemon peel, and it was delicious! And now I'm thinking about what kahlua would taste like made with (my lovely and addictive) Turkish coffee, but since liquor goes right to my head these days, maybe I'd better stick to my daily iced coffee. As it is, I'm inching toward having two of those instead of my current limit of one ;)
I have been to the islands twice, but just day trips. They are so beautiful.
DeleteI'm thinking some of that Kahlua would fix up those iced coffee drinks of yours! Oh, and thanks for posting the photos of the vertical log cabin. Very strange. I like the look of your house.
ReplyDeleteNow there's a thought! Might have to try that! Our house is pretty rustic, but when I was 23-24, using the design I drew on graph paper. I am amazed it is still standing, since we knew squat about building!
Delete*built
ReplyDeleteSunday mornings are made for relaxing, reflecting and enjoying life. There is nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible teapot -- first time seeing one like that.
ReplyDeleteNice teapot. I like your rule,something in, something out. Keeps the clutter down.
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