We had our Second Annual May Day Tea Party yesterday with a family from our Waldorf Homeschool Group. Since we are now out in the woods instead of in town, I thought it made sense to invite one family to stay for the afternoon, as opposed to the 5 girls who were dropped off by their parents last year. We had a lovely time eating the Flower Cakes we had made (well, I made). They were lemon Genoise (French Sponge Cake) with homemade lemon curd filling, and Italian Meringue Buttercream Icing. Yes, I am a firm believer in real desserts. Translation: truly delicious and worth eating! And they did take me almost all day on Wedsnesday. But boy, were they good. I probably ate half of the total quantity, sneaking off into the kitchen when they kids weren't loooking.
But the definite climax of the event was when we encountered a garter snake in the middle of consuming a live frog. No doubt about it, nature is riveting. Those kids could not tear their eyes away. Sad, creepy, but soooo fascinating. I love living out here for that very reason. It is the first time I have seen so many creatures outside (and inside, unfortunately) the house I am occupying This week alone we saw the following: insects, of course, snake (with frog), turtle, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, sparrows, and today my first sighting of an Indigo Bunting! This bird is absolutely beautiful, and increasingly rare due to the loss of its habitat in some areas. If you want to see a photo and hear its lovely song, you can go to the Learn Bird Songs website.
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6 comments:
The table top looks so beautiful and special.
Nature is fascinating like you say. The other day I found a dessicated baby bird. I couldn't tear my eyes away, and tried not to feel too sad.
that is beautiful and very substantial for your children...
This is the kind of stuff they will remember when they are older....not going to the movie theater and getting popcorn.
I might take a page out of your book and do the same thing next year
Hello Celandine!
So, what is it about the Indigo Buntings this year? I have never seen one of these birds in nature, until yesterday. I was completely enamoured. Then today, in another part of town, I saw another. They are so beautiful aren't they?
I have been woefully behind on my blog, but have so enjoyed checking in on yours -- one of my favorites!
All the best to you!
Andrea
First of all, your desert sounds scrumptious. YUM
And you story about the snake is awesome. We live outside of Tucson, and the wildlife around here is amazing. The bobcats, coyotes, nightly visits from javelinas... we just love it!
Bitte konnen wir das rezept haben?
Ich werde essen diese Torte.
I think that says please may we have the recipe so that we can eat the delicious cakes ourselves. :)
Liz of www.stonehengestones.com (also home educating)
Your tea cakes are look beautiful. I love the flowers on them.
We have also seen a snake consuming fresh food before when hiking. I can't remember the details exactly, but I think it was a frog too. We watched for a long time though. It was amazing.
I am also so glad you posted this bird call website. I have been wanting to buy a book that has a cd with it, but now maybe I won't have to!
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