Nice job capturing some of the moods of Hot Cocoa. It really is like a chameleon, for me that's what makes it so charming. When it blooms in clusters of a dozen or so, almost every one can be a different hue. Then as they mature, that smokiness enters in to make them even more interesting. I've taken a number of shots of mine and many of them are so radically different in color that you'd never believe they were all of the same rose.

hurrrayyyy! I am so happy, happy, happy! well, Boxofrox I would love to steal more photos and will email soon as I get done with this post... You see I made so many boo-boos with my starter garden...All I had was a list of bee-attracting herbs and didn't even understand the concept of clustering until I saw your gorgeous garden photos, then there was also Kristin's which likewise emphasized the importance of certain groupings and having enough of the same plant coverage... Instead I'd do the silly 2 of each plant-- a whole lot of good that does (roll-eyes)... I think it'd be great for other novices like me to have your inspiration to draw from... But of course, no matter how hard I try, it just won't happen... I've got no "gardening-eye", but live vicariously through the artistic eye of others and I've got an uncooperative s.o. who would love to bring out the salt shaker to my garden, lol! But still! it's great for someone who is starting their garden to have the chance to learn from and see your! garden... I saw someone recently who is a starter gardener (3 roses) and I immediately thought of you! As for me, I am still hoping that bit by bit something will sink into this turtle brain of mine, and I'll figure out how to improve on what I've got.

I love spicy chai tea. I don't drink coffee at all, but in the winter, I usually have a cup of hot tea every day to warm me, as well as my hands, up. We were in Ireland in the fall and the tea was so delicious every where. I loved how it came served in a teapot every where we went. Toward the end of our trip, I found this gorgeous teapot at a small pottery shop. At that point, I'd already bought quite a few wool sweaters, an expensive painting, and a few other things at a different pottery shop. I didn't have room left in my bags, and I didn't want to spend the money on shipping this one small thing. I didn't get it. After we got home, I told dh I regretted it - this artist's style was quite unique, very colorful and abstract. He actually called and ordered me one for Christmas - that was quite a surprise! While I normally drink either Tazo, Stash or Trader Joe's tea, I decided I wanted to try using loose tea leaves like I had in Ireland. Finally, just last week, I stopped at a tea and spice shop and bought a bag of Chai and a bag of green tea leaves. I made my first cup on Friday and it was delicious! It was fun serving myself out of my new little teapot. I also really like iced tea but never make it at home. I've been meaning to, but just haven't bothered. It is my drink of choice though if I'm out at a restaurant in the summer. While I do like some sweet tea, I prefer my iced tea unsweetened, with just a touch of sugar and lemon. Daisy, I"ll have to try the Tazo zen tea. I'm still going to use bags for when I'm in a hurry, but my loose tea when I'm relaxing!

I love my BtoB Cocoa Maker. I bought mine in Jan '07 so I've had it not quite a year now. It was recommended by someone on this list and I thought I could pick it up on sale after the Holidays but no such luck. I only use it during the cold months and maybe 4-5 times a month and I've not had any problems with mine. I like it because of the automatic heater which heats to a perfect temperature. And when the liquid cools it will automatically heat again. And the foam feature is great! Like Diane, I am not one for 1-purpose appliances, but the BtoB Cocoa Maker is one I am glad I own. I read some of the negative comments at Amazon.com and it seems to me the problem is using too much mix so it settles on the bottom and if you do not clean this it dry and be a sticky mess. But this can happen in a sauce pan too. For St. Patrick's Day I made white hot chocolate tinted green and added brandy and I had no problem at all cleaning the machine. I've seen some others out on the market this year but have not heard anything about them yet. Michelle