The United States of America is 248-years old today. And although I’m not feeling particularly “independency” this year in the current political climate, I am still an American. I also know (via that whole factual-history thing) that many people have fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy today. Some of those freedoms have been taken away recently, but compared to some other countries, we really DO have a good way of life. SO, today I celebrate the red, white, and blue with low-key reverence and of course, TEA! And a little bit of pink thrown in.

MY RED

The red saucer, the red strawberry stripes of the poke cake, the background and red stripes on the round eagle box, the red strawberries, and the red chair cushion.

MY WHITE

The white teapot, the white teacup, the white stripes on the dish, the white tablecloth, the white hydrangea bloom, the white stripes & stars on the round eagle box, the white poke cake, and the yummy white whipped topping on the cake!

MY BLUE

The blue vase, the blue stripes on the dish, and the star-filled blue bands around the round patriotic eagle box.

My container rose bushes just came in to bloom! This bouquet is actually only two stems with multiple blooms! I added some fern fronds and two early cuts from my hydrangea tree. The scent from these soft-pink blooms is amazing and the main reason I purchased them. These container roses have done very well for 3 years now. I overwinter the containers in our unheated garage.

I’m not sure where the patriotic eagle box came from or when. It DOES have a Cheryl’s Cookies stamp on the bottom, so I’m pretty sure some cookies once filled it. And they are GOOD cookies.

The tea today was the bourbon-scented Whiskey Rebellion loose tea from Oliver Pluff & Co. The company says this about the tea and it’s historical origins:

“In the summer of 1794, President George Washington called out 12,950 militia to subdue violent protests by so called ‘Whiskey Rebels’ in Western Pennsylvania. The call out of the militia dispersed most of the protesters, and secured the new government’s authority. We briefly aged this small batch tea in a whiskey barrel to remember events from our country’s early history, and to enjoy the blend of aromas and flavors.”

It seemed an appropriate tea for the holiday and I really enjoy the smokey taste and scent.

The strawberry poke cake is a throw-back to my youth when my mom used to make this for me. It’s an easy recipe and a great, chilled summer dessert and wonderful with a cup of tea – hot or cold.

I suggest people read our Declaration of Independence today, especially the part where it reveals how our young nation was ruled under a King. “….let Facts be submitted to a candid world.” Just sayin’