So you are probably thinking this is another one of my Spring has sprung photos and yes it is but, “Let me tell you a story”.
When I first moved into my house 30 odd years ago my Dad bought me this Magnolia Tree, he had always heard me say if I ever have my own place I wanted a Magnolia Tree so I could sit under there in the summer drinking Mint Juleps, (why I don’t know, maybe I was southern in my past life). Anyway about 2 weeks after I moved in my Dad drove up and in his hands he had this twig which grew up to be this beautiful Magnolia Tree that now sits in my front yard.
People are always asking me don’t you get sick of cleaning up all those leaves, don’t you think it is two big for the front yard…… and I always say “nope”. Two years ago I thought I almost lost the tree; the people that redid the cement in my driveway had to cut into its roots and as anyone that has a Magnolia knows the root system is something else with these trees. Anyway it lost lots of its leaves and I kept going out there fertilizing, watering and just praying it would not die and by some miracle it came back just as strong and beautiful as ever.
Why do I care so much about this tree, well 3 months after Dad and I planted it he passed away. So every summer on August 28th no matter what the weather is I go out there with my Mint Julep and me and “Dad” sit there and watch the people walk by and we toast to life.
If you have nothing to do on August 28th and you fancy a Mint Julep, take a minute and join us, Cheers
How to Make A Mint Julep
Gather 3 sprigs of fresh mint
Measure 2 teaspoons of cold water.
Measure 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar.
Gather about 1 cup of crushed ice.
Measure 2-1/2 ounces of bourbon.
Tear off the leaves of 2 of the mint sprigs and place them in the bottom of a tall glass.
Add water and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved and mint is bruised.
Fill glass with finely crushed ice and pour bourbon over the ice.
Stir and garnish with remaining mint leaves.
Serve with a straw under a magnolia tree.
what a lovely image, and a beautiful tribute to your dad!
ReplyDeletei am so happy I stopped by...what a truly fantastic tradition ...and one amazing tree!!
ReplyDeleteYour remembrance of your dad is so touching...I loved reading it. I lived in Louisiana for 5 years and loved the magnolia trees in our backyard...and yes, the leaves are a pain to clean up, but so worth it! Marking August 28 on my calendar!
ReplyDelete