Turned on Pandora, Spa Suite radio. Nice. Warm the tetsubin. Light the tea light candle.
Measure the leaves, change mind about basket wanting to give leaves more room, get confused about which basket, drop tea all over counter beside salt pig, which for the first time I have ever seen has salt around it on the counter. Sob! Wash leaves, discard the ones closest to salt pig.
Steep. Read reviews and realize you have used too many leaves and for too long. Sob! Drink anyway, not bad, but a ittle astringent. Steep leaves again briefly and add to tetsubin. Burn fingers on lid. Cast iron is very hot. Replace lid. Cast iron is STILL VERY HOT. I refuse to be undone!
The tea had a wonderful floral aroma as I poured the first water on the leaves, and upon steeping smells very vegetal, like something we call tender greens here in the South. With the second short steep added to the pot now the astringency is somewhat abated. Very nice tea. Lovely floral upper note. I shall endeavor to enjoy every sip. It was hard won.
Thank you, Quiltguppy! Today is prep day for school starting and I was determined to enjoy a little peace before I begin!
