I picked this tea tonight because I am feeling sentimental this Christmas Eve. My husband has been sick for several days, mostly tired and achey and a bit of a sore throat with some upper respiratory issues. We hardly ever have chai and almost never have lattes, but I made him one a few weeks ago and he liked it, so I thought it would be a nice treat tonight.
The reason this is so special is because it is from the last samples ever sent to me by our Steepster friend, K S, before he passed on. You see, he could read between the lines and when he sent me a “you okay?” message, he didn’t believe my “I’m fine!” (I wasn’t.) So he mailed me some tea and an encouraging note.
I wanted it to be extra rich and comforting, so I heated some milk on the stove with a bit of sugar and put in the whole sample pouch of tea and spices. I know true chai is usually half milk and half water, but I am going for Christmas Eve level comfort here!
I strained it into mugs and we drank it while we listened to an old radio broadcast of It’s A Wonderful Life. It was very good, and I see more chai lattes in our future this winter, especially when we have cold spells, something we don’t see an awful lot.
I checked to make sure this company was still in business before posting. They are, and this tea is available on amazon. I like the Justea business model, providing sustainable jobs in Kenya. I hope they do well.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
People who liked this
Comments
Merry Christmas. I miss KS too. Always enthusiastic and making a joyful noise in the band as he described it.
I unfortunately have no chance to meet K S here, but I read several notes that he was a good guy. It makes me so happy that you guys haven’t forgot about him.
Merry Christmas!
This is just the year for remembering, isn’t it? Received word yesterday that my dear writing mentor and friend passed. Alzheimer’s. Spent Christmas Eve evening thanking God for her influence, her constant encouragement, and her love of good stories—the kind that make you snort tea out your nose. One of my prize possessions is a little black notebook with her favorite mystery novels, categorized by author and series—a reading bucket list that I will continue to chase down in her honor.
Martin: I wish you had been here when K S was here! He was a great guy!
Gmathis: You must treasure that list! I am glad you have it, and glad you are working through it. It will be almost like reading along with her. ❤️
I will drink some of my African Chai tomorrow in honor of K S — didn’t know him well, but he was one of our Steepsterers.
Merry Christmas. I miss KS too. Always enthusiastic and making a joyful noise in the band as he described it.
I unfortunately have no chance to meet K S here, but I read several notes that he was a good guy. It makes me so happy that you guys haven’t forgot about him.
Merry Christmas!
This is just the year for remembering, isn’t it? Received word yesterday that my dear writing mentor and friend passed. Alzheimer’s. Spent Christmas Eve evening thanking God for her influence, her constant encouragement, and her love of good stories—the kind that make you snort tea out your nose. One of my prize possessions is a little black notebook with her favorite mystery novels, categorized by author and series—a reading bucket list that I will continue to chase down in her honor.
Martin: I wish you had been here when K S was here! He was a great guy!
Gmathis: You must treasure that list! I am glad you have it, and glad you are working through it. It will be almost like reading along with her. ❤️
I will drink some of my African Chai tomorrow in honor of K S — didn’t know him well, but he was one of our Steepsterers.