Monday TeaDay 2/16/09 Better TeaYear?

[toastedtoads]

I voted "better". I'm starting to develop my personal tastes more, (which apparently includes everything), but I am so looking forward to getting the fresh shincha and chinese greens this year as I've never had so many people to talk to about it, and never had shincha.

What I'm really looking forward to is the summer. I joined TeaChat late in the year last year, so I'm excited to start drinking tea and taking pictures outside when it starts getting warmer. Then I'm going to have to get an extension cord for my zojirushi. ^_~

No tea yet, probably a Chinese black when I get to work as that's what Hill seems to make every morning.

[Shelob]

Hip hip hooray for Third Place winners!

The Chinese Greens are about the only area that never seems to sizzle in TeaChat ... here's an inspirational photo toward correcting that!

• 

Maybe this year will take off as we soon enter the Chinese greens Spring harvest.

OMG Sal, what is my dragon doing in your picture???

Lovely, lovely photo Sal! and congrats on your 3rd!

Geek, your da bombe!!! That photo is stunning!

In my cup, something very different for me. It was a gift from a friend, Momo from Lupicia, I believe it is a white peach and it is very delicious for a flavored tea. The subtle peach undertone is very nice and extremely easy to enjoy.

Have a FAB TeaDay everyone

[GT500Driver]

Voted "cannot read the tea leaves, too hard to predict" based on harvest, I have no way f knowing other than what you guys say. My personal tea year should improve, I'm trying new things and have plans to get some tea ware.

Also no tea yet today, probably goin g to go with Irish Breakfast from Adagio again, as my selection here is lacking...

Speaking of trying new things though, as soon as I get back home, I have around 22 teas to try that are completely new to me, including my first Oolong, Gyokyro, and Sencha

[snafu]

Rumour is that the weather in Japan and Taiwan this year is good for tea. Also discovered a local tea/teawares shop that is pretty exciting. Looks like I might even travel to Darjeeling this year.

Currently drinking Uji Sencha Miyabi. Thinking about making a pot of Genmaicha later to have with lunch.

[Smari]

Too hard to predict for me
Lovely photos on this Monday morning!

Drank alishan this morning. Might go for genmaicha after lunch.

[balmung135]

since i am new to tea i have no idea how the leaves change, hopefully it is better than last year.

[Shelob]

Ooops!!!
Foirgot to answer the poll question, duh!

It will definately be mucho better since I found TeaChat! Sooo many teas to try and not enough time

Matcha, in my new bowl!

[horsencl]

My tea year will definately be better. Last year was my learning year. This year, as others have said, I know what I like and I think I will be focusing more on appreciating those teas.

[Chip]

I can only hope for about the same as I cannot ask for it to be better than last year. So many great teas. I am sure there will be some changes regardless.

Began the TeaDay with Den's Shin Ryoku sencha, just a very approachable sencha that is hard not to like. SweeTea approached it repeatedly. Wulong was a shouldertop observer while TEAh wanted a closer view.

Next up, homemade genmai with Awacha sencha added, an enjoyable, casual tea I will enjoy on and off today.

[Victoria]

In my cup this morning - Bohea from Tao of Tea.

Have a nice day everyone!

[geeber1]

Congratulations Gaiwan Photo Winners!
The photos and gaiwan(s) were all so great, it was hard to choose who to vote for.

Speaking of photos, lovely ones today as usual, Sal and GeekGirl!

Sal, is that a Brown Betty (but in yellow)? I have always wanted one, so just ordered a brown one this weekend.

I'm hoping this will be a better year for tea as I have discovered more about what I like and what I don't like, although there is still so much to try!

No tea yet, but it will be Keemun Rhapsody when I get up to make it.

Happy Presidents' Day!

[Drax]

So far, everybody seems to be pretty optimistic about the coming year...! Maybe we're all just stuck in the "it can't get any worse" mindframe?

Yes, I forgot to say congrats to the gaiwan contest winners! It was awesome to see such a wide variety of beautiful gaiwans!

[Victoria]

Congratulations Gaiwan Photo Winners! The photos and gaiwan(s) were all so great, it was hard to choose who to vote for.

Hopefully people voted for their favorite gaiwan and not favorite photo composition.
Although a lovely composition and photograph does enhance the beauty of a gaiwan.

[GT500Driver]

So far, everybody seems to be pretty optimistic about the coming year...! Maybe we're all just stuck in the "it can't get any worse" mindframe?

Yes, I forgot to say congrats to the gaiwan contest winners! It was awesome to see such a wide variety of beautiful gaiwans!

Tea brings hope to people in suffering economies? Maybe? A little?

It's an adventure, and as such, the more you get to know, the more you're going to enjoy it. As long as you keep expanding your horizons in this hobby, it can't get worse, because even if you run into things you don't enjoy, you can always buy a nice new gaiwan

[olivierco]

I had a very good tea year last year so I reasonably don't expect this year to be much better.

Ujibashi san no ma sencha right now.