Mosaic Monday

"A perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one. And it would not be a wasted life."
-The Last Samurai

Hello! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mine was very nice - I actually relaxed somewhat! Today's mosaic is of Cherry Blossoms which are one of my favorite blossoms/trees. Hydrangeas are the only flower that I like better! Enjoy!



Cherry Blossom Facts:

* A cherry blossom is the flower of the cherry trees known as Sakura. In English, "sakura" refers to the Japanese flowering cherry, the fruit cherry comes from another type of tree.

* Japan gave 3,020 cherry blossom trees as a gift to the United States in 1912 to celebrate the friendship between the two nations. Those trees replaced an earlier gift of 2000 trees which had to be destroyed due to disease. The 3,020 trees were planted in Manhattan and on the shore of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.

* Cherry blossoms are thought to be an omen of good fortune and an emblem of love and affection.

* Cherry blossoms represents spring and are a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, and are depicted as so in many works of art.

* Cherry blossoms are indigenous to many Asian countries including Japan, Korea, and China. Japan has a wide variety of cherry blossoms, over 200 varieties can be found there.


"In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger."
-Issa

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Showoff Sunday!

Hello and Welcome!

There are so many things that I enjoy, so showing them should not be a problem! However, it is difficult to narrow down the choices. Since spring is right around the corner and thoughts of Cherry blossoms are swirling around my head - why not feature Cherry blossoms?!

They are one of my favorites: flower, tree, scent, color, etc... When you take a look at these products featuring Cherry blossoms you will see why I love them so much! I found so many lovely things and could go on for pages. This is my pared down list, Enjoy!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual celebration in Washington, D.C. This celebration commemorates the March 27, 1912, gift to the city of 3,000 Japanese cherry trees from the Mayor of Tokyo to strengthen the growing friendship between the United States and Japan.




CHERRY BLOSSOM BANGLES - Copper and Sterling Silver Bracelet


A cherry blossom is the name for the flower of cherry trees known as Sakura. In English, the word "sakura" is equivalent to the Japanese flowering cherry.



CHERRY BLOSSOM - 12x12 Silk Screen Print on Wood


Cherry blossom is an omen of good fortune and is also a symbol of love, affection and represents spring. They are also an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, and as such are very frequently depicted in art.



Cherry Blossoms - 6 Color Card Set


Cherry blossoms and leaves are both edible and used as food ingredients in Japan. Salt-pickled blossoms are added to hot water, this is called sakurayu and is consumed in place of green tea.



CHERRY BLOSSOMS - Makeup Bag


Cherry Blossoms are indigenous to many Asian countries including Japan, Korea, China. Japan has a wide variety of cherry blossoms, over 200 varieties can be found there.



VINTAGE BIRDS IN SPRING TRIO - Set of 4 Tags


Vancouver, BC is famous for its thousands of cherry blossom trees lining many streets and in numerous parks. Each year, Vancouver holds the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.



SPRINGTIME IN PARIS - Cherry Blossom Wreath


"If only we might fall Like cherry blossoms in the spring So pure and radiant."
-Anonymous



JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM - Soap Cake


"Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with bloom along the bough, And stands about the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide."
-Alfred Housman



HAND PAINTED WOODEN BOWL - Spring Time Cherry Blossoms



Cherry Blossoms Adrift

Pink petals passing
Scents above so high
Painted porcelain perfection
Blossoms caress the sky

Swaying silent shroud
Suitors strolling by
Pink petals passing
Lover's gentle sigh

Pastel hues falling
Slow fluttering grace
Pink petals passing
Lining streams in lace

Pink petals passing
Smoothest transit by
Soft essence floating
In most subtle lullaby

Inducing springtime slumber
Upon a satin shore
Sailing with the current
Pink petals pass before

-Mary Fumento


Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!

Temptation Tuesday!!

Hello!

I have been very lax about posting lately - sorry!

Summer vacation is upon us and my days have become even busier! (is that possible?)

This past weekend was crazy:

*My son, Zachary, turned 7 on Friday!

*I made a 3 tier rehearsal dinner cake, for Friday night.

*My 25 year-old cousin, Anna Teresa was married on Saturday!

*Zachary chose to go to a cherry festival and cherry picking on Sunday as part of his birthday weekend!


I have so many pictures to share, but it would be impossible to post them all!

Therefore, at my son's insistence I am sharing pictures from the cherry festival and our wonderful lunch that followed!


The Cherry Festival was held at:

Cobblestone Farm Winery
5102 Route 89
Romulus, New York


Tasting Room

It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day - sunny and in the 80's!

We picked 10 Lbs. of cherries, the kids were able to run around, play games and take a hay ride!







We had a wonderful lunch at:

Dano's Heuriger on Seneca
9564 Route 414
Lodi, NY 14860


Front of Restaurant


Dano's is one of my favorite restaurants!


Though modeled on a centuries-old Viennese tradition, there's never been anything quite like Dano's Heuriger on Seneca, America's first heuriger (pronounced Hoy-rig-er). Dano's on Seneca combines the traditional Viennese Winery Restaurant concept with the region's award winning wines and the superb Viennese-inspired cooking of Dano's chef/co-owner Dano Hutnik and pastry chef/co-owner Karen Gilman.

The food is wonderful and the view is amazing!

The Heuriger overlooks Seneca Lake and they offer outside seating!

We were able to sit outside and eat while the boys ran around the large expanse of lawn to their hearts content!



Front of Dano's (herb/edible flower garden)


They have a special that I ALWAYS order!
I know - it seems boring, but it really is not!

Dano's calls it their: Viennese Bento Box

If you are familiar with Japanese food, then you know what a bento box is!

Well, Dano's has changed it up to suit their style!

You get a flavorful, melt-in-your mouth pork shank, a lean-yet tasty piece of knockwurst and several sides!

I happen to get braised red cabbage, spatzle, marinated cucumbers, viennese potatoes and liptauer spread!

As usual, I ordered a large basket of assorted bread and a trio of spreads for the table!

YUMMY-IN-MY-TUMMY!!!



Apple Strudel (my dessert)


Well, I hope you enjoyed this small portion of my weekend culinary adventures!

I hope you are tempted to create your own!


Ciao!

Wordless Wednesday!