2170 Tasting Notes
Today is a day for feel-good teas only. It’s our long-term foster kitty’s adoption day, and I’m trying to keep my emotions in check. It’s not an easy feat. The adoption is an absolute perfect match, so I’m really over the moon for our sweet Holly. She’s going to have the very best life. Goodbyes are really hard for me though, so I’m also feeling sad that she’s leaving. She’s been here almost 15 months, our longest foster yet, and I’ll miss her. I wish I could explain to her that this is going to be the best thing that ever happened to her. I wish she could know that she doesn’t have to be scared anymore. That she isn’t being abandoned all over again. I wish I knew how to help her understand. This is the hardest part of fostering for me, but it’s also the part that gives all the rest of it so much meaning. I remember when we adopted each of our cats how excited we were and how much we loved them right away. Seeing that same excitement in each of our adopters’ faces is so very special because I know exactly how they are feeling in that moment. It’s safe to say that today is going to be an emotional day. Please send happy thoughts my way.
I’m starting the day with my absolute favorite. I don’t have much to add that I haven’t already said before. It tastes like strawberry candy. The base is strong and bold, good for a breakfast tea. It’s also wonderful as a resteep. This is a nostalgia tea for me.
Flavors: Candy, Strawberry
Preparation
I hope the day is far more gentle on both of you than expected. Good on you for fostering and loving little creatures until their forever people come along. <3
I have the utmost respect for fosterers, because a) I could never do it as I get far too attached/emotional, and b) I prefer to adopt from rescues/fostering programs because I know they’ve received so much love and care previously.
Oh, Shae! Thank you for fostering, and know that you did a great thing for that kitty and she WILL adjust and be so happy!
We fostered twice, and the first time was Sam (our dog now) and his mom and siblings. It was SO HARD to say goodbye to his brother and sister. It was so hard to pick just one to keep and heartwrenching to let the others go but they have had a good life.
Hugs to you on this difficult day!
<3 You guys are awesome for fostering! One of my cats was in a shelter for a whole year before I adopted him. I always feel sad when I think about that year, and I wish he could have had an amazing foster family instead!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, everyone! Everything went well on Sunday (as in I didn’t cry while the adopter was at my house), and I’ve gotten updates every couple of days which really helps. Her first two nights were hard for her, as expected, but she started opening up a bit on Tuesday. Now she’s demanding her snuggles and pets, so I know she’ll be just fine. I still open the curtains each morning and expect to see her in her favorite spot by the window. I miss her, but I know she’s getting so much love right now.
Evol – I can’t say it was gentle but we made it. Thanks for the love. <3
Mastress Alita – I hear a lot of people say they could never foster because they would get too attached, but if that were the case you’d have to count me out! I cried nearly nonstop from Friday to Tuesday. We become invested in our foster kitties. I hear the trick is to immediately go and get another foster, but I haven’t tried that yet. :D
ashmanra – I feel for you! I know it’s so hard, even when you know they are going to happy homes. We love them like they are our own. ((hugs))
AJ – I think about that too. I wish so much that I could have gotten to them sooner, before they had to experience some of the things they did. At least we have them now and know they’ll be loved for the rest of their days. <3
Just came across this note from last year and wanted to give an update. I keep in touch with Holly’s mom and she really IS living her best life. She is so loved!
<3
I’ve never really been impressed by this one. It pretty much tastes like their Chocolate blend to me, which isn’t a favorite either. I meant to mix this one with their Rose Scented tea, but I completely forgot until after I made the cup. Just wish I could have picked up on the florals with this one but never did. Dropping the rating just a bit from 70.
Flavors: Chocolate
I’ve been craving uncomplicated black teas today. I had a lemon tea earlier and now this mint tea. Both were/are just what I wanted.
Flavors: Spearmint
Preparation
This one makes a good office tea.
I second this! One of my favorite office teas. It’s a perfectly uncomplicated tea.
I agree! One of my coworkers keeps a box of this in her desk. That’s actually how I first heard of it. She gave me a bag to try because it’s one of her favorites.
One of our cats woke me up, kept me up, throughout the night bringing me small toys and proudly, loudly, announcing her great achievements one by one. So, needless to say, I needed caffeine this morning. A maté and black tea blend seemed like just the thing. Plus, it’s another sipdown!
I’m not sure this flavor is still available. I didn’t see it on the Stash website, but it looks like Amazon might still have it. It’s too bad if so – this one is pretty tasty. It reminds me a lot of a cookie dough ice cream. Maybe the caramel is translating into cookie for me. I can also taste chocolate, which now I remember is because there are cocoa shells in this.
Flavors: Caramel, Chocolate, Cookie
Preparation
I had a cup of this yesterday morning with breakfast, and since there was only one sachet left I decided to finish it off today as a sipdown. It does have an interesting floral element, but I’m not familiar at all with osmanthus flowers. According to the tea flavor wheel from ITMA, these fall under summer meadow flowers which is a nice image to think on this morning.
Flavors: Floral
