Formerly a "tea-totaller," my trip to London, and the introduction of PG tips tea, resulted in my now being a regular indulger! I was delighted to find European-style brown sugar cubes at my local HEB Central Market. My cup of tea seems not only tastier, but more luxurious...with the little clump of raw brown sugar dissolving inside my lovely bone china cup, one of the royal designs used in Buckingham Palace. And with the cream (or in my case, almond milk) poured from one of my large collection of tiny restaurant creamers, with a little vintage linen napkin on the side.
For the British, tea and the art of serving it properly has always been of utmost importance. Almost a ritual, the art of preparing, serving and enjoying tea is an important aspect of Chinese culture as well. While teaching in Taiwan, my daughter was given very serious classes on this subject.
A lady I highly esteem once said that we should never resort to a brown bag life style, even if living alone. She took her housekeeper's brown bag lunch...created a lovely presentation on her finest china...sat her in her formal dining room and said, "Now dear, stop and take the time to really enjoy your lunch."
So...I go to a bit more effort...but the results pour a delicious calmness into a brief interlude within my busy day. It is definitely "just my cup of tea!"
