Teavana Shaken Iced Passion Tango Tea Lemonade at Starbucks

Shaken drinks have a long history. The Egyptians were using shakers as early as 3500 BC to add spices to fermented grain beverages. "As the saying goes, all you need is love to create this alluring and flavorful drink. Well, love and invigorating hibiscus, subtle citrus, tart rose hips, juicy mango, sweet passion fruit, tangy lemon juice and ice. But mostly love, we promise." - Starbucks

"My days are in the yellow leaf; The flowers and fruits of love are gone; The worm, the canker, and the grief, Are mine alone!" - Lord Byron

 Linking to Monday Mellow Yellows, 
                   ABC Wednesday

The hot air balloon festival event now known as a balloon glow was started in Albuquerque in 1979, when local pilots inflated balloons on Christmas Eve night as a thank you to local residents. The sight of balloons lit from within at night like giant holiday ornaments is breathtaking, and glow events are now held all over the world. Turf Valley Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival continues the hot air balloon glow tradition by presenting two balloon glows. Up to twenty hot air balloons participate in this balloon glow event. Music and spectator participation make the glow a unique experience.Turf Valley in Ellicott City, Maryland brightens the skies again this year as the Centerpiece Venue for hosting the long running balloon festival. Spectators enjoyed the wonder of hot air balloons, specialty crafts, entertainment, and good food during this fun, family-friendly festival.

 Linking to Our World Tuesday

The flowers faded away, but not their beauty..

These flowers were from a bouquet my husband gifted me on our anniversary. After few weeks as I was about to throw them out, I realized that they are more beautiful than they ever were. Yes, the flowers have faded, but not its beauty. The pink rose has turned to a unique and beautiful violet rose like our love. Thus I decided to keep them for ever, because even though they have lost its fragrance they are enriched with memories....

The truth is not in the touch of a stone, but in what the stone tells you.” ― Rene Tenfold


Linking to ABC Wednesday

"Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends.” ― Aberjhan

 Why does double rainbow occur? Ever thought about that? Well, here's the answer. As the light reflects back out of the raindrop, it bends again. That internal reflection produces the arc of sunlight spread out across its spectrum of colors -  a rainbow. Pigott said a double rainbow is formed when there are two reflections inside a raindrop

The center of the Hershey’s Chocolate universe, the two-story redbrick Hershey’s Chocolate World delves into the company’s history, the production process and offers chocolate tastings. The tour sets the stage for several additional paid attractions that allow visitors to have a ‘4-D’ mystery theater experience with Hershey’s candy characters, create candy bars with customizable ingredients or explore the nuances of their chocolate palate with tasting experts.

Linking to Our World Tuesday

“The sky grew darker, painted blue on blue, one stroke at a time, into deeper and deeper shades of night.” ― Haruki Murakami

Linking to Skywatch Friday

"Were I a cloud I'd gather My skirts up in the air, 
 And fly well know whither, 
 And rest I well know where." 
                                      - Robert Seymour Bridges

 Linking to Skywatch Friday

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein

“The world is quiet here.” ― Lemony Snicket
 

The Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) occurs in North America, where it is regionally common.This species has adapted well to living in urban and suburban areas and are commonly found on lakes, ponds and rivers. This goose is easily recognized by its black head and neck, distinctive white patches on the face, light tan to cream chest and its otherwise brownish-grey plumage.

The National Cherry blossom Festival at Washington DC

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries. Today, the Festival spans four weekends and welcomes more than 1.5 million people to enjoy diverse programming and the trees. Over the years, millions have participated in the annual event that heralds spring in the nation’s capital.

Linking to Our World Tuesday

Linking to ABC Wednesday, Floral Friday Fotos

“I did what I could,
  I tried to stay away,
  I told myself that I don't need you,
  I don't need to feel this way,
 But soon I realized that I am just a fish.
 Always falling as you're prey”― Tanzy Saadi  

Linking to Water World Wednesday

“In every change, in every falling leaf there is some pain, some beauty. And that's the way new leaves grow.”  ― Amit Ray

Linking to Outdoor Wednesday

“A sunset is the sun’s fiery kiss to the night.” - Crystal Woods

 Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is your escape to recreation and re-creation. Cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, quiet wooded hollows—take a hike, meander along Skyline Drive, or picnic with the family. 200,000 acres of protected lands are haven to deer, songbirds, the night sky…and you.


Linking to Skywatch Friday, Our World Tuesday

“There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.” - Linda Hogan

 Explore 95 acres of ornamental display gardens at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. One could discover local flora and fauna in this unique collection of native plants as you enjoy the miles of available walking trails. Take in majestic lake views, explore the Korean Bell Garden, and pay a visit to the restored 18th Century log cabin. The Atrium contains an indoor tropical garden available to host any  meeting or special events. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is also home to the annual Winter Walk of Lights, a spectacular holiday light show featuring dozens of illuminated displays. Dogs are not permitted in the Garden, but welcome on the Perimeter Trail.

Linking to Our World Tuesday