Just as our warm fall temperatures dipped and cooled, I discovered that I was out of both herbal tea and chocolate chips! If only the solution were as simple as adding the items to my grocery list and picking them up next time I am at the grocery store. But these pleasures, some may even call them essentials, are not easily found in China.

How could I make it through baking season without chocolate chips? and how could I make it through the chilly, no indoor heat, evening temperatures with no herbal tea?

A timely gift of both chocolate chips and herbal tea, from friends who had just returned from the States, was such a warm comfort as we move into holiday preparations. A welcoming in of the festive season, the time when generosity and friendship are most appreciated.