Memories about tea
I thought since the card I found had a theme of a mug that maybe some cute memories might be fun to write about.
Early in life my grandmother used to stock Nestea. It could make iced tea with cold tap water! I remember finding it delicious and we made it often. Who knows how many jars and cans of that orange power we went through?
Many times, on Sunday, we would visit my other grandparents. A large meal always included a big pitcher of sweetened tea. I noted that the flavor was different. I think I attributed it to the water being from a central supply and not from a well.
Sometime in the 1980s, we began making a big pitcher at night with our dinner. I had found a way to use a Pyrex bowl in the microwave instead of boiling water on the stove. Modern convenience! The pitcher was green plastic.
In the late 1980s, I had taken up a job at Sears in the Valley View Mall. Many days I would grab lunch at Chick-fil-A, which was new to me back then. They make sweetened tea which is very tasty and addictive.
Years later, I had the pleasure to work with a wonderful software developer named Suresh. Among the many things I learned from him is how to make the Indian treat known as Chai-Masala – a milk tea with warming spices including cardamom and ginger.
So, you see, somehow this beverage has been a thread through my entire life to date.
Now in this year, 2020, we find ourselves isolated, alone, seeking warmth and comfort. Maybe all of the world just needs to stop and have a good cup of tea.
True confession – I mostly am a coffee drinker lately. There is always room for tea. I long for the day we can once again brew some up together.
Clint Kelly
Botetourt County native
