Thanksgiving

Yes, the Tea Lady realizes that this post should have come first but it is her blog and she can do what she wishes with her posts!

It doesn't happen every year, but most years the Tea Lady and her family are able to trek down to Stuart, Florida for turkey time with Aunt Roz and Uncle Jim. They have friends who are gracious to offer their spare homes and beds for us. Unlike the Christmas rush, Thanksgiving in Stuart is a very, very laid back affair. Happy hour on the porch with "Breezes," wine, and yummy nibbles sets the scene and pace for the ensuing days. Even if the weather is not perfectly Floridian, the company and atmosphere are ideal.

Some years not everyone is able to be there on Thanksgiving Thursday. In keeping with the "No Worries" philosophy the major feast might be served on Wednesday or even Friday. The important thing is that we are there - together. Even if there was no turkey and my Uncle's wonderful sausage and apple dressing the camaraderie and fellowship is more than enough to make these days precious and special.

Highlights from this year and those past include:

• arriving after a 6 hour drive with happy hour already in progress
• awaking to the sound of rain coming down hard on the skylights
• our daughter going fishing with her Great-Uncle. What a trooper she was in the not so perfect weather
• a long walk between rain showers
• sitting on the porch with laptops on hand for everyone
• amazing views of the Intercoastal Waterway
• funny stories and You Tube videos shared
• perusing the Black Friday ads prior to Black Friday and planning the attack on Bealls
• the husband setting an alarm and waking at 4:30 a.m. in order to get a Garmin at a great price
• a family outing to the theatre to watch "The Blind Side" (enjoyed by all)

But Tea Lady, you ask, where does tea fit into all of this? The Tea Lady brews her tea in the morning and takes it on the porch. Uncle Jim makes muffins that are enjoyed by all and provide a perfect accompaniment to the tea. If by chance muffins are left over, they are enjoyed later in the afternoon with more tea.

Tea is a tradition in many cultures - meant to be shared with family and friends. Thanksgiving in Florida is a tradition unique to our family and we share it as often as possible.

The Rush

Even before we begin decorating for Halloween the Christmas "rush" begins. Stores begin decorating, magazines arrive with decorating and cooking ideas, and little bits of Christmas begin popping up all around. Somehow we make it through Thanksgiving all the while listening to Christmas carols in stores and on the radio. As a child it was easy to enjoy the rush, the countdown until Christmas Day and the presents I knew would be awaiting under the tree.

Even now as an adult I still get excited about the Christmas rush but at some point I have to remind myself to take some time out and relax. That is where sitting down with a cup (or even a pot) of tea allows me to forget about the rush. For a moment in time I am able to savor the quiet, the calm, and the slowness. Sipping tea during this moment is not a time to rush. It may only last for 5 minutes but sometimes that is enough for me.

There is still shopping to be done, cookies to be baked, and parties to attend. But I would encourage you to take some time out during the rush. Even if you don't enjoy a cup of tea take a moment to just remove yourself from the rush, the noise, and the bustle. The rush will be waiting for you but you have the power to put it on hold.