Teas in the afternoon

It was a tea day, with an equivocation.

First, I shifted a Fukien Tea I picked up for a song at, of all places Sam’s Club, into a bonsai tray sent by a reader here some time ago, chosen from my wishlist.  I was feeling a bit guilty for not having utilized it yet.

The tray is rather too large for the tree, but it is far better than the hideous plastic thing it came in.

I put some screen in the bottom and threaded a copper wire from the holes.

The mix is supposed to drain well.  I put some fine gravel in to be sure..

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Having extracted the tree from its hideous captivity, I sorted out the roots with a fork and cut them off a bit.  Then I situated it in its new noble reader-sent home, wrapping the wire around.

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Finally, I gave it some ornamental gravel, a rock, and little Chinese scholars.

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I will let it get settled before trying to trim or shape.

I would like to get a small boxwood.  I understand they make great bonsai.

The other, far more famous Fukien around here is known to many of you readers.

PENJING REPORT

Penjing struggled over the winter, having lost leaves more than once and looking sickly at that.

It didn’t help that it had but indifferent care from someone supposed to water when I was gone.

Penjing is seen here with Irohamomiji, the Japanese Maple, which is starting to unfurl its leaves.  There are lots of buds coming as well.

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Penzai was not available for comment.

Penjing is getting lots of new growth now, however, and is showing promising signs.

So much is Penjing recovered but that he wants to remind you …

[CUE MUSIC]

… that the Mystic Monks, the Carmelites in Wyoming, also are happy to send you

tea.

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That’s right, it’s summer and time for iced tea.

Yum.

What could be better than to give support to these traditional Carmelites by preparing your own cool, refreshing Mystic Monk iced tea?

Irohamomiji agrees and thinks you should order the Raspberry.

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Whereas, not having an interest in the special flavors, this… ummm… unnamed…

…. ummmm….

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This tree has no name.

Hmnmm.  Now that I think about it, trees don’t have to have names.   In fact, penjing and penzai are merely Chinese words for “bonsai” and irohamomiji is just the Japanese word for this type of maple.

But this Fukien Tea tree is nameless.

No matter. Refresh your coffee supply.  Iced coffee is a great change of pace.

Mystic Monk TEA.

It’s swell!

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
This entry was posted in Just Too Cool, Lighter fare, What Fr. Z is up to and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

11 Comments

  1. RichR says:

    The “Tree-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” [LOL!] looks like he’s spooning some sugar into his tea.

    Penjing looks like he’s enjoying Memorial Day Weekend. Glad he’s perking up!

  2. tianzhujiao says:

    Father, How about calling the nameless tree “Punging” (pun4 ging2), the Cantonese equivalent of Penjing.

  3. benedetta says:

    Coffee is very important and iced tea, raspberry, or even mango, especially in summer months is essential.

  4. TNCath says:

    I am headed to Cody, Wyoming this week to visit the Carmelites and load up on some Mystic Monk products!

  5. EWTN Rocks says:

    O.k., are you finished? Please take the bot out of my computer.

  6. teaguytom says:

    I’m hoping your drinking one of the Monk blends. Great Value, Lipton and Tetley don’t count for gourmet tea. :P I need to order my next batch. I’m on my last English Breakfast.

  7. Dr. Eric says:

    I love Mystic Monk Tea! I think I have my brother convinced to sell their coffee in his restaurant.

  8. Dr. Eric, be sure to ask your brother to order it through my link!

  9. benedetta says:

    Just added a tea order to the Monthly Mystic subscription…through the Fr. Z portal of course…

  10. irishgirl says:

    Just went over on the Mystic Monks site-wow, I couldn’t believe they have all different sorts of teas!
    Still can’t buy any-no credit card and I’m ‘poor’ anyway….
    Nice to see that Penjing is getting better, Father Z!

Comments are closed.