Dear ,

This will be a first-time hello to some of you who subscribed but were not migrated to my mailing list until now. My apologies. As a refresher, my name is Katie and I write (not too terribly) spooky mysteries featuring interior designer-turned-medium Lindsey Dell.

When subscribing, you may have downloaded one of my short stories. You can find them again here:

https://www.katieokeene.com/thank-you-for-subscribing/

It's nice to have you here, but if you decide the Tuesday Tea is not a good fit, please scroll to the bottom of this email and click 'unsubscribe.' Thank you. 😊

Now then, Mother Nature's cruelty seems to know no bounds. I can't tell you how many times we've seen 40 degree weather for a few days, only to have our dreams of spring dashed by flurries of snow.

I love winter and find snowflakes and the shine of icy branches breathtaking, but even I'm ready for new growth. Thankfully, it's easy to grow herbs from the comfort of your kitchen. In just a few days, you can get a taste of spring in your tea cup!

Fresh Lemon Balm Tea

Have I told you about my obsession with hydroponics? You can grow plants with water, fertilizer and grow lights. No dirt required! I'm especially fond of this video overview of the process by Tales from the Mutiny on YouTube.

It turns out that Lemon Balm is incredibly easy to grow hydroponically, but it's also available from many nurseries and big box stores year-round.

Whether you grow or buy your fresh Lemon Balm, you'll want to add two or three sprigs to a cup, add boiling water and then wait three minutes for it to steep.

This tea has a light lemon-y flavor. It aids naturally in relaxation and can help you get a good night's rest when sipped before bed.

As always, please be aware that herbs can interact with medications and aggravate certain health conditions. Please do your due diligence before trying any recipes.

Fix yourself a cup, then settle in for this free, sweet Easter-themed story:

Cats, Crime & Creme Brulee

by Polly Holmes

Nothing spoils an Easter Bonnet Parade like a cold-blooded murder!

I’m Evelyn Grayson, and I’m a witch, but today I’m just plain old Evelyn. At least that’s what I’d hoped when Tyler and I agreed to attend the Noble Crest Assisted Living Easter Family Fun Day in nearby Hallows Creek. But the invitation said nothing about jealous lovers, a cover-up, a talking cat statue, and murder!

The festivities are in full swing, the sweet treats freely flowing, and Tyler was about to whip the pants off the competition in the Chess tournament when a bone-tingling scream sent my witch radar off the charts.

Elderly resident Madge Bromfield is dead, and all evidence points to foul play.

Besides magic, there’s nothing I love more than a good mystery, so with my trusty feline familiar in tow, I don my investigator hat, determined to unmask the killer before they strike again.

Until next time,

Katie O'Keene ☆