Conversation and Tea

January 20/15

You just got a text or a phone call from your neighbor down the street, or maybe your co-worker who "just happens to be in your area", and would like to drop in. It's 2 pm, too soon for supper and too late for lunch and custom dictates you offer her or him a beverage. ( Sorry, didn't mean for it to sound like Sheldon Cooper!)

What to do??  I'm  assuming that you asked me what I would do.... we are, after all,  Besties.    "Well", I'd say, "put the kettle on and get the tea cups out".

If you're still reading, then you are probably thinking about your mother or grandmother, and wondering "do people still do that"? Although far from an expert, I have, over the course of many years, served tea to a very large number of people, before we settled down for a chat.

Holding a vessel of hot tea, of  any kind, seems to put us on a common and comfortable level with each other. There is, however, a great controversy.... OK,not so great... but a definite preference, for the type of vessel that is preferred.

There is an accumulation of tea cups and saucers in my china cabinet that seldom feel the warmth of a hot beverage. The reasons for this vary but it boils down (pun intended) to preference, as stated above. I've heard it said they are "too fancy". Whenever someone shares time and food or drink with me, THAT is special and deserves "fancy", in my humble opinion.

Others prefer the oft used mug. These will certainly do the job with the greatest of ease. Larger, easy to hold...and  will warm your hands on cold days, and definitely not considered delicate. If that would be your preference, "fill 'er up"!

I tend to stick to my old stand-by when unsure. Glass mugs - seem to provide the best of both worlds.

The whole point of this is that sharing  conversation.... real conversation, where your vocal cords get a work out and not your thumbs or fingers.... is important.  People are choosing to spend some of life's precious moments with you,  discussing what is important to them at that time.  Enhance this time,whether celebrating, comforting, or just plain chit chat,with a hot cup of tea  or beverage of your choice. Oh, yes...... Enjoy!