Fire Gazing

It was so wonderful to be there, safe at home, sheltered from the winds and the cold. Laura thought this must be a little bit like Heaven, where the weary are at rest. She could not imagine that Heaven was better than being where she was, slowly growing warm and comfortable, sipping the hot, sweet, ginger tea, seeing Ma, and Grace, and Pa and Carrie, and Mary all enjoying their own cups of it and hearing the storm that could not touch them here." -Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Long Winter

When Someone Mentions Coffee or Tea

My mother started it. A little snack after school. Then a little afternoon tea. I passed the tradition down to my children. It became a ritual. Every afternoon between the hours of 3-5 (depending on when we walked in the door) the tea kettle was put on and a little cookie or cracker was added. Now coffee has been included. I've also learned to make scones. Add books and music to this and we have all we need. So whenever our family wants to gather together or have a conversation we MUST include coffee or tea. In fact, we cannot gather our thoughts without one or the other.