one last sip

I know that summer is not completely over, but I start back to school in one week. This basically means I am preparing my farewell  to summer, and hello to sharpened pencils, notebook paper, corduroy, and jackets. I think that fall is my favorite season. Pumpkin pie, apples, hayrides, and burnt umber leaves, I love those things, but I have to admit that I think a part of me has shifted. A part of me has fallen in love with summer.

When I moved to the beach at the impressionable age of 18, summer wooed me. Glistening arms kissed with sand and sun, the smell of salt in my hair, the feel of gorgeous exhaustion that only the sun can bring; I love every hot second of it. Now, I am older, living inland, and finding myself dreaming of endless summers with sand between my toes.

All of those factors add up to me feeling a tad bit sad about the end of summer. The end for another whole year at least. I know there is much to be looking forward to in the fall, and trust me, I will be baking enough apple pies to prove it, but don't you just want to go to the beach for one last swim?

I really think we should try and make it happen. If a beach is over a few hundred miles from your house, than at least put a kiddie pool in the side yard with a sandbox nearby. Let the kids build a castle while you flutter around among the fish painted on the plastic blue sides. Make a pitcher of this tea, and stay in the sun for as long as you can possibly manage it. There is something so healing about the warmth of the sun, the splashing in the water, and the sweet coolness of this glass of tea.

Mint Iced Tea makes 1 and 1/2 quarts

1 quart of fresh brewed unsweetened black tea
2 cups of water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 packed tight fresh mint leaves
lemon wedges for serving
a few mint leaves for serving

1. Mix two cups of water with the sugar and mint in a small saucepan
2. Bring water mixture to a boil. As soon as it boils, remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes
3. Pour water mixture through a sieve to remove all the mint leaves, and add water mixture to tea
4. Throw those steeped mint leaves away, and stir tea/water mixture thoroughly.  Let cool completely. Once cool, serve each glass over ice with a lemon wedge and a fresh mint leaf
5. Enjoy