nothing that a good cup of tea can't fix

After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world!  As I wrote a few months ago in the hectic lead up to school I find there's something very gratifying in drinking a cup of tea.  Now that I'm amidst the furor and overwhelming workload of research in a greenhouse, I rely on this immensely calming, soothing ritual.  Maybe its all the English heritage in my blood, but a good cup of tea (or three) is an absolutely essential part of my day.  

The entire British Empire was built on cups of tea ... and if you think I'm going to war without one, mate, you're mistaken." — Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

"If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you." ~ William Gladstone

On a daily basis I drink multiple cups of Orange Pekoe, with milk.  If I run out of milk then my next choice is Earl Grey .. no sugar in either!   When I get home and have a few minutes to think about it, my afternoon cup of tea is usually a loose tea -- blackcurrant black tea, orange ginger black tea, green tea or yerba mate <- these ones preferably from a market vendor I've known a long time.  Later in the evening, especially when I'm taking a bath I drink fruit .. infusions? (its been debated whether I can call it tea when it contains no "tea") guava "tea", blueberry-pomegranate or jasmine white tea, hibiscus rosehip tisane any of which are also very lovely when poured directly into the bathtub :)  Lastly -- as its that time of the year I have sachets of mulled apple cider spice and cinnamon sticks to stir with mmmMMmm
Even the Orwellians get tea: Tea is one of the main stays of civilization in this country,George Orwell wrote, along with this very particular recipe for "A Nice Cup of Tea"