On Monday, I had a wonderful surprise on several fronts! First, my friends Bob and Ashly came by with their four boys—Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison and Hamilton—to trick-or-treat at the office. I was in their wedding years ago, and Ashly is one of my closest friends and also one of the only two women I know who can be relied on for power shopping. But more important, Bob has just finished his second tour of duty in Iraq and has arrived safely home! If that's not something to be thankful for this month, I don't know what is! Because Bob was away when Son #4 was born, I had the happy opportunity of being present for that sweet child's birth.
Anyway, imagine how touched I was when Bob said he wanted to thank *me* for my support with a gift he picked up while abroad. It was this charming lunchbox containing Al-Otuor Earl Grey Tea! Bob started to apologize for it not being "very Victorian or anything," and I said, "Are you kidding? This is even better because this is something I've never had before!" He said, "See Ashly, I told you she'd like it." Indeed I do!
And inside are not just a few packets of tea but two great big ole packages of loose leaf tea!
I was very carefully opening the top of the bag so it wouldn't explode on me (haven't we all done THAT before), and I laughed when I looked inside. Another bag! Smart!
The black tea had a nice fresh bergamot scent, and the flavor is terrific, one I'd rank right up there with Twinings Earl Grey. I brewed one heaping teaspoonful and let it steep for just a few minutes, and the tea was perfect! Bold but not too bold, and no astringency at all. This will be my go-to tea for a while (one bag for home, one for the office). Every time I drink it I'll think of my thoughtful soldier friend—and how grateful I am he's back in the U.S. of A.!
On Monday, I had a wonderful surprise on several fronts! First, my friends Bob and Ashly came by with their four boys—Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison and Hamilton—to trick-or-treat at the office. I was in their wedding years ago, and Ashly is one of my closest friends and also one of the only two women I know who can be relied on for power shopping. But more important, Bob has just finished his second tour of duty in Iraq and has arrived safely home! If that's not something to be thankful for this month, I don't know what is! Because Bob was away when Son #4 was born, I had the happy opportunity of being present for that sweet child's birth. 
Anyway, imagine how touched I was when Bob said he wanted to thank *me* for my support with a gift he picked up while abroad. It was this charming lunchbox containing Al-Otuor Earl Grey Tea! Bob started to apologize for it not being "very Victorian or anything," and I said, "Are you kidding? This is even better because this is something I've never had before!" He said, "See Ashly, I told you she'd like it." Indeed I do!
And inside are not just a few packets of tea but two great big ole packages of loose leaf tea!
I was very carefully opening the top of the bag so it wouldn't explode on me (haven't we all done THAT before), and I laughed when I looked inside. Another bag! Smart!
The black tea had a nice fresh bergamot scent, and the flavor is terrific, one I'd rank right up there with Twinings Earl Grey. I brewed one heaping teaspoonful and let it steep for just a few minutes, and the tea was perfect! Bold but not too bold, and no astringency at all. This will be my go-to tea for a while (one bag for home, one for the office). Every time I drink it I'll think of my thoughtful soldier friend—and how grateful I am he's back in the U.S. of A.!
A very special thank you to Bob for his service to our great country and a hug to his wife and children for their love and support while he was overseas. And kudos to Bob for finding such a unique and special gift from Iraq. I love it! What a very thoughtful gift! You have shared a wealth of treasures today.
ReplyDeleteTea from other countries can be so iffy. I got some from Kenya once and it was not drinkable. It was coarsely ground and some of the grounds were not tea-like so I drank it cautiously. It wasn't tasty so I didn't feel bad when I ditched it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your friend's husband is safely on our shores again. Thank both her and her husband for their service to our country.
What a sweet and thought gift!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bob for your service to our country. And, what a beautiful family. Welcome Home!!!
What a great looking family! This is a very thoughtful gift from wonderful friends. I'm thankful for Bob's safe return from Iraq to his family!
ReplyDeleteHope your soldier will be able to remain at home with his cute family. And what a neat way to thank you for your support!♥♫
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartwarming post today! I
ReplyDeletelove seeing the joy on the son's face who is sitting on his daddy's lap. Posing for the camera seems to be the farthest thing from his mind -- he's just happily looking at his daddy!
God bless the soldiers who defend our country and their families who sacrifice so much.
What a thoughtful gift with such unique packaging.
What a special and touching gift! I love the colors.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful gift. Please thank Bob for his service.
ReplyDeleteVery, very cute! Blessing to your sweet family friends and his service to us all.
ReplyDelete