It’s the week after Christmas, and I find myself completely conquered by a cold. I don’t know what is more to blame: the extreme weather changes we’ve had the past week (only in Mississippi is it nearly 80 degrees one day and below 30 the next) or the fact that every house I’ve been in (except mine) has had spruce, pine or fir in every room. But, whatever the cause, I have succumbed.
Problem is: I still have two little kids who need a mom who can think straight…and speak. Neither of which I could do when I first woke up this morning. So….
I made a cup of hot tea. Let me tell you, a warm cup of tea in your hands, a calm moment before the kids get up, and the fragrant steam wafting straight to your sinuses does lift your spirits if it doesn’t completely clear your head. It soothes the throat, too.
This morning, I am enjoying Bigelow Orange Spice Tea. (Thank you, Mrs. Ginger!) The citrus and spice is perfect for the way I’m feeling today.
Often, when I need a cup of tea, however, I long for Ketepa Tea from Kenya.
I mix it with sugar and milk (or half & half), and say to myself “wakati wa chai” (time for tea)…makes me feel better just thinking about it. If only I wasn’t out…..
And, don’t relegate tea to cold, dreary days in December…it’s perfect year-round. “Hot tea on a hot day cools you down.” Or at least that’s what someone I knew in Africa used to say….