Sweet Tea and Lemonade

Sweet Tea and Lemonade

Being raised in a Southern home, there were a few things that were always a given.

1) We prayed before every meal.

2) "Please" and "Thank You" were never a choice.

3) Saturdays were for yard work and Sundays were spent at church.

4) Driving the tractor was a prerequisite for driving the car.

5) The water hose supplied the water for thirsty kids.

6) Blackberry cobbler was a summer staple.

And last but never the least...

7) The pitcher of sweet tea was flowin' and the lemonade was always tart.

No matter the season called,  if the  occasion was festive,  or for even if the only reason was a random Tuesday, there was something about the constant simplicity of those pitchers of sweet tea and tart lemonade.  It meant more to me than a cool refreshment,  they  represent the hospitality of a true Southern mother.  She is simple yet inviting, comforting and dependable.  She is consistency and intense diligence which is always done with pleasure, and her stature is an innocent warmness immersed in pure grace.

When I dance in the sea of memories I tend to look at myself and wonder, am I portraying the southern mother memories in my own children or in anyone that crosses my threshold? Do I offer the simple, yet still move their hearts to those passionate unpretentious melodies?  I attempt to offer all I am even with the simplest of moments.  

Perfect Lemonade

Rub glasses with cut lemon and sugar the rims for an extra treat

2 cups sugar
1 cup hot water
2 cups fresh lemon juice
1/2 gallon cold water
1/2 gallon Club Soda

1 lemon, slicedMint sprigs, for garnish

In a 1 gallon container, place sugar and hot water, and stir until sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and cold water to render 1 gallon. Stir until well mixed. Pour lemonade over glasses of ice, squeeze slice of lemon on top of each, and garnish with mint.