Little surprises

My son went out with friends recently. He came home and told me how one of his friends bought my son a handful of items when they stopped at a specialty food store, just because. I had a chuckle at the randomness of it, but then he pulled out some tea that was part of the purchase and told me he thought I'd like it. It was Earl Grey with Lavender. Well, blow me down. So now he and I enjoy this relaxing tea.

Mixed blessings

Hubby took some vacation days last week. They are always a mixed blessing. On the con side, his being home disrupts my weekday routine, especially when the vacation is a staycation rather than going somewhere. The pro is that my mornings are much more relaxed. I know I don't have to get up sooner than I'd like to see what needs handled for the day, because I know he'll have taken care of it. I'm not suggesting we have daily upsets, but like the Picard meme, sometimes I feel like I'll look at my phone and query "Damage control".

However, another thing about him being home is I am more likely to eat breakfast, because I can do it leisurely. Other mornings I get up and tend not to eat, having my first meal at lunch, because I'm busy from the time my feet hit the floor. When he's home, I'll sit in bed and read for awhile, before getting up to start my day. I guess in reality, his disrupting my weekday routine is sounding more like a blessing!

Today's breakfast tea was a peach cobbler - a black tea with peach, cinnamon, and apple.

Tea is the perfect companion for reading

Despite having several bookshelves full of books, and fewer bookshelves than books, I've been getting a lot lately from my local library. There are two much closer to me, but I still prefer to drive to the one nearest where I grew up. They know me there. They don't look at me peculiarly based on some of my reading selections, lol!

Anyway, nothing is more pleasant that curling up with a good book, and having a cup of tea by my side.

Currently it's a vanilla chai.

Tea is a pleasure

With the outside temps being soooo hot, I haven't been drinking my morning tea as often. I still drink iced tea on a daily basis, but hot sometimes gets skipped. I live in a blessed air conditioned home, so the heat doesn't really touch me, but still, just the thought of hot beverage can make me think twice. I've known people who drink hot coffee while working outside in the summer; I don't understand it.

However, sometimes at night, I'll stay up late reading, and I'll make myself a nice cup of herbal tea. That tea tonight is a mint tea, with both spearmint and peppermint.

This mug carries a couple of meanings for me, and those who know me will one get it immediately. The other is because when it is hot outside, a little bit of suggestion (winter!) helps.

Birthday dining

My mom and I typically take one another out to eat for our birthdays. Lately, though, my mom hasn't much enjoyed any of the places we've gone. So, when my birthday rolled around, my mom suggested cooking for me. We recently attended an event at a local grocery store that featured southern foods, so I guess it gave her the idea. She made one of my favorites, something I haven't had or made in a very long time, Savannah Red Rice. I was in heaven! I came home later, filled with love and food, and sipped another herbal tea.

The Tempest

I recently had the pleasure of seeing The Tempest performed by the Houston Ballet. It was absolutely fantastic! I always admire the athleticism and grace of ballet dancers. Just so beautiful! What made the event amusing was the major storm I encountered on the way home. I adore a good storm, but not when I have to drive in it!

I was happy to get home and get into dry clothes, and sip a nice cuppa herbal tea. I found another mug with a little pocket to hold the tea bag.

Time for me

I am by nature a very politically active person. But these days, it's never ending. I finally had to say enough is enough and take some time out, free of news, and just for me. So I am. I'm luxuriating in personal care and reading up on more ways to indulge. I'm also listening to gentle music.

Today it is one of my favorites, a jasmine green.