On 2/20/2005 5:41 PM, Bluesea wrote:
> "Serendip" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 2/20/2005 5:05 PM, Bluesea wrote:
>> > "Douglas" <*@*.*> wrote in message
>> > ...
>> >> On Sun, 20 Feb 2005 14:50:57 -0600, "Bluesea" >
>> >> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> >Please report back when you get a chance to try the others.
>> >>
>> >> Ok. I just tried the Earl Grey, Yumman Jig and the Irish Breakfast
>> >> and they were just as bad as the English Breakfast. I dumped them all
>> >> and kept the tins.
>> >
>> > [insert bad word(s) of choice]!!!
>> >
>> >> The four samples I got from Upton were all usable.
>> >
>> > I usually order from Upton because they've been so good. I seem to
> recall
>> > someone getting something that wasn't fresh, once, but that was a long
> time
>> > ago. I was planning to get my friend a selection of organic tea samples
> from
>> > Upton for my friend anyway, but am unhappy about what my neighbor's
> mother's
>> > birthday gift will be like.
>>
>> Is it being shipped to you? Toss their tea, insert your tea... sounds
>> like she would be very grateful.
>
> Yes, it's coming to me.

You are saved!!

> I called my neighbor to let her know but she's busy w/ term paper so will
> receive the bad news when she calls back later.

> The starter set will get the free gift wrap, so that would have to be undone
> carefully.

This is easy... use a razor blade, or utility knife, and the tape will
easily give way. Refrigerate, or leave outside if cold enough, and you
may be able to just gently tug. Not that I've ever done this with
presents as a child, mind you... (whistling innocently)

> Then, there's the matter of the tea - I don't do Yunnan or Irish
> Breakfast so the labels wouldn't match the contents. A 4 oz tin of Irish
> Breakfast is included in my Pot of Gold set, so that'll work if it isn't
> stale. I ordered it for the tin since the price is the same as the teapot
> w/o the tea.

That's okay - I would be so excited that someone didn't think the tea
that was enclosed with the gift was worthy, and took the time to dump it
and include teas that (s)he thought I would like, that it would be high
on my favorite gifts list. A handwritten label over the label works great!

> Another option is to change the order (it went in late Fri. so, there's a
> chance that it hasn't been filled) to only the teapot + different samples
> from Adagio (a high risk at this point) or from Upton.

Right now, I'm searching google looking for positive posts about Adagio
teas. But, even if it's just that the sample tins are really old... that
makes me think twice about Adagio teas. They should know better - if
anything, this should be their BEST tea!

> Other ideas?

I'm still liking the dump the Adagio tea, and fill the tins with good
teas idea, mostly because I think the IngenuiTea is such a great gift,
and those little tins have a very high cuteness factor. But I'm still
thinking...