Tea is not just a beverage. Wars have been fought over tea. It accompanies me throughout my entire day, from my early morning cup as I make rounds in my greenhouses, to the one often sitting by my bedside. I could give up any other drink, except tea.

I think teapots aren't just an utilitarian item, but sort of an icon to the cult. :-) I only have three of them. None of which are fancy. The one used most is a simply little Brown Betty. If company comes, I get the Pfzaltgraff one off the kitchen shelf, and there is also a large old Nelson McCoy pot my mother gave me years ago.

I suppose many are just as centered on their coffees (as opposed to those who don't really care as long as their drink is hot and strong). But, tea is very much like wine. It has a bouquet, and good ones can be quite complex. It has a base and overtones like a fine perfume as well. It has choices suitable for every occasion or taste.

I am a purist. Although I'll have a cuppa spice or herbal tea on occasion, I like a pure tea and keep an assortment on hand for my moods. Most teas available here under American brand names are pretty pathetic, I hate to say. Dusty, and sharp. Some brands look like floor sweepings. LOL. Long live tea.

Oh, I love tea, especially in the winter when I am chilled and want to curl up with a book or even just watch the boob tube. However, unlike Suzy, I am not a purist. I love my herbal teas, the taste, the comforting smells and just how they make me feel overall. I drink all kinds of tea but some how in the summer I don't "treat" myself like I do in the winter.

Before mom had her stroke we would go to the local garden center for their "teas". We had so much fun and good food, it is a time I will always remember and a time I already miss.............

Linda J

Oh Linda, I am sure that the teas with your mother were something really special. You'll have them always in your heart to remember. I find myself in that same situation with places my mother would be particularly fond of.

I have started going out once in a while with my fav cousin. It's helping me to re-establish the ability to again face those places and building new pleasant memories.

Grab a friend or your Dad and start doing it again! I remember once when my Daddy and I were out shopping for a household project he was helping me with, and he turned the car into a doughnut and coffee shop. I must have looked surprised, because he just smiled and gently said, I don't get a chance to just go and share some time with you by myself, so I thought I would. It is one of my very warm fuzzy memories. Men must sometimes feel left out of things women generally hold as their territory.

Love the first quote, Marda, & how appropriate that it's from Saki who was pretty chatty himself. There is something about sitting down at the kitchen table with a good friend & a good cup of tea, that is so intimate. Of course down here, the iced variety is usually substituted & while I drink it as much as any other southerner, it's just not the same as cozying up to a nice pot of hot tea.