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Yeah, we caved…just like half the metro population who weren’t at work today, we ran a couple of legitimate errands, then tootled about aimlessly, bemused at the traffic and the number of people still scrambling around shopping for no good reason. (I’m one to talk—I grabbed a handful of no-good-reason things, too.)

But a small dose of silver bells and crowds running home with their treasures is enough—it’s good to be back at our shabby house on Turkey Creek watching the cats sleep.

While doing so, I’m really relishing a cup of this chai adaptation by Twinings; a stray teabag that must have come from Christmas elves; I know I didn’t buy a box. The addition of apple gives it a spiced cider feel; mild and drinkable without milk.

After a pleasant recent experiment with chamomile and vanilla, a conversation on LibraryThing’s Tea group page mentioned cambric tea, which is really just warm milk with a nominal sploosh of tea in it.

Inspired by both, I threw a bag of Honey Vanilla Chamomile into a mug of milk and warmed it in the microwave. Sweet and gentle and tranquilizing enough I may not make it all the way through “Scrooge.” (The 1970 musical; Albert Finney and Alec Guiness; mandatory viewing at our house.) Wake me up in time for my favorite song from the whole thing, “Thank You Very Much.”

I don’t remember buying a box of this recently, but there’s a ton in the tea chest, so I’d best get to sipping. Nothing new to say about it, just cinnamon/vanilla goodness on a green/black base. Bigelow’s recommended steep time is just 2 minutes, but in this case, they know what they’re talking about—keeps the green tea from becoming obnoxious.

Tomorrow is Tea and Cocoa Day with my Sunday kiddos. Must remember to tuck in a few bags.

Part of a novelty trio from a friend that came in cute little corked glass test tubes. The entire assortment is called “Morning Tea Mix,” which surprises me a little because there’s nothing morning-y in this blend at all…lemongrass, lavender, and the like are nightcaps. However, the addition of redbush, oat, and grape elements give the blend a fruity, cereally base that’s a nice offset to the herby stuff. Enjoyed it greatly.

I don’t generally choose EG for myself; this sachet was a little trinket from a work friend, but a welcome one. I’m a silvertips fan, which is one of the base teas, all of which actually take some precedence over the bergamot. Made for a nifty little morning break!

Haven’t written about this one in (literally) years, but it’s a pantry staple at my house for medicinal purposes, whether it be stress, colds and flu, or a case of “just one more bite of Cheryl’s chocolate chiffon pie” at the work Christmas feast. (I’ll let you guess which one it is tonight.)

Other than that, comments from my very first review are still apropos:

… boy, this stuff will cure whatever ails ya because it’s:

An immuno-modulator that balances and improves the immune response of the body in fighting antigens (disease causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, microbes, allergens etc.) and maintaining health

I won’t get radiation poisoning either.

So here’s to good health, a better day tomorrow, and not glowing in the dark.

Know how little sample packets sent by friends get woodged down in the bottom of a container? I un-woodged this morning! I am a roo lover and this mix of sugary, boozy flavors blends in nicely. A previous note from Michelle mentions that this resembles butterscotch. Absolutely.

Tried a sample of this little Adagio custom blend: half decalf orange and half honeybush chocolate. As much as I love chocolate and orange together, I expected something swoon-worthy. No swooning, but I was a distracted sipper; multitasking, so it may not have gotten the attention it deserved. Got the orange, got the honeybush, but the chocolate didn’t hold up its leg of the tripod.

There’s been some of this in my office stash for what seems like forever…at work, I tend to go for heavy caffeine to prop me up or herbal/decaf when I just need something to warm my hands. I grabbed a neglected but handy bag today and was reminded why I do keep it around. No nonsense; not finicky or flowery; doesn’t shrivel your tongue; just a little toasty goodness that reminds me a bit of Rice Chex.

When ashmanra sent me a little sample of Lost Malawi, I had to look twice at the note she enclosed: 1-2 minutes at 185? For a breakfast tea? “You’ve got to be kidding me,” said the little sloppy stewed tea cartoon angel on my shoulder, “Ignore that and give it four minutes like any self-respecting builder’s brew.”

“Halt and desist,” said the precise and gentle tea angel on my other shoulder. “Look at it. It’s CTC nearly ground to powder. It will be plenty strong as directed. Ashmanra knows what she’s doing. Do what she says.”

The gentle angel won this round (he doesn’t very often). But wowzers! That’s all this stuff needed. It’s deep, malty, fruity, and fragrant like good Christmas fruitcake. I need a candle that smells like this. There will be tea like this in Heaven.