These frigid, dreary days of midwinter can be challenging.

Some of us slowly plug away at winter projects in the basement, take an afternoon nap, and heave great sighs of general antsy-ness.

Some of us slowly type away on writing projects on the computer, read English novels, and heave great sighs of contentment.

To inject a little joy into our hum-drum days, I’ve started a new tradition—tea time.

Between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., (depending on the length of the nap) the tea kettle goes on, the tea biscuits come out, and PB humors me by being a good sport. It’s a fun little break in the day. I don’t make him lift his pinky finger or speak in an English accent (although I want to so badly). He would rather be in the woods or in the garage or…. probably anywhere else, but alas, the wind chill is dangerous and the garage is not heated. So he’s stuck inside with me, drinking Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea and munching on shortbread biscuits.

I think it’s absolutely lovely.

I think he secretly likes it.