Surprises on the Last Day of April!

Late yesterday afternoon my hubby went out on the front porch and came back in saying, "Someone left you a package."  Inside a clear plastic bag appeared to be a box of tea-themed stationery.  Since we're on lockdown and no one is out and about much, I thought one of my neighbors must have put it in the mailbox.  

It wasn't until this morning that I gave it closer look.  When I lifted the lid I decided to open the notecard on top.

I discovered it was from my thoughtful friend, Lori, who had tucked a surprise gift underneath the notecard.  Are you ready to see the gift?   Wait for it!   Drum roll please...

A cute tea-themed face mask for when I return to work at The Whitney.  How cute is that!

Of course I had to try it on!  Nevermind my hair!  I usually get my hair colored every other month, but the last time it was done was Jan. 29th.  I had an appointment for April 3rd, but it was cancelled when the governor ordered all salons closed.  So I've got about 2" of dark roots showing. If salons are closed much longer I'll be back to my natural brunette color, with strands of gray mixed in!  ;-)

Thanks so much for the fun surprise package, Lori!  I'm hoping face masks won't be required because no matter what type or style I try, they make my glasses steam up, but I'll do whatever I have to do.

Now for surprise #2...  When I had my COVID-19 test done on Tuesday afternoon, I was given a phone number to call for my test result which was supposed to be ready in about six days. Imagine my surprise when I opened my e-mails this morning and found one from my Dr.'s office with my test result - which thankfully is negative - in just a 2-day turnaround.

I didn't have a Dr.'s prescription for the test, rather an authorized code number from my employer [The Whitney restaurant]. At no time during my phone call to get an appointment, or the day the test was administered, was I asked the name of my primary doctor.  I was, however, asked my date-of-birth and the last four digits of my Social Security number, so it appears our government keeps thorough records on us. Somehow I don't find that comforting, but it is what it is!  ;-)

I also received a phone call from my physician's assistant who was a bit perplexed when they received my test result, because they knew I hadn't called the office to report any illness. I explained the test was authorized by The Whitney in preparation for when they get the 'green light' to reopen.

She replied, "They do know, don't they, that the test will be invalid when you return to work because from the date the test was taken until the date you return to work, you could have been exposed to the virus and may [or may not] have contracted it."  Does that mean I'll have to take the test AGAIN???  I sure hope not!

On a much happier subject... I spent a good part of yesterday getting caught up on Afternoon Across America [ATAA] Facebook posts.  ATAA is a private group with 1,427 members, but they accept new member applications. It's an incredible group that shares everything relating to tea.  

I discovered Jennifer Peterson, a well-known person in the tea world [from the Pacific Northwest area], has come out with a new online publication:

To date four issues have been published. You can read it digitally for free by going to TheTeaLifeStyle.com.   It's very informative, so check it out.

Wishing you a Happy May.  We're one day closer to putting the Coronavirus behind us!

Be safe and stay well!