The making of sweet tea and other euphamisms ;)

I’m sitting out under the trees where it’s nice and cool.  Table is set with delicious goodies and the sweet tea is nice and cold.  I have a friend who is coming to see me today. she hasnt told me that, but I know she’s on her way. I soon see her walking down the road. Walking in her unhurried way, just enjoying the feel of the sun as it caresses her face.  A butterfly dances in front of her and she is amused.  As she comes closer to where I am, she looks at the table under the trees.  ”I said nothing about coming today” she begins. “A little bird told me” I say, and we both laugh. I offer her refreshment, and tell her that I know she isnt a fan of sweet tea, but do have something stronger if she cares for it.  She accepts the tea, saves the other for later.  We sit and talk about various things,people, places. “You know, ” I begin”tea is a lot like people on their walks”.  she looks at me..”Did you add rum to your glass while I wasn’t looking?” she asked. I laugh.  ”Nope.  Think about it.  Making a great glass of tea is an art form”. She raises her eyebrows over her glass, trying not to laugh out loud at my silliness.  ”Ok, let me explain before you lose your self control”, I laughingly tell her. “Some people are always in a hurry to learn everything, adding lots of knowledge into their path.  Others learn just enough then run off never knowing there is so much more available. Then those who try to find a balance.  Making tea is the same.  Some want to toss in the tea bags, add water, boil the hell out of it.  It makes tea no doubt, but is so strong, the only thing its good for is dying fabric. Still others boil water and then just kiss the tea bag into it making potted tea..weak as fuck with no flavor.  The way I was taught was to boil the water, remove from the heat, add the tea, cover and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.  Just enough time to pull out the flavor,but not overwhelm the palate. Don’t get me started on the sweeteners”. Side eye..I laugh.  ”Ok ever see people order unsweetened tea in a restaurant then add that vile artificial shit to it”? she nods. “Yep..all they get is colored water with harsh chemicals in it.  You can NOT sweeten cold tea anyway. The trick is to add sugar while its hot..not so much that it becomes saccharine sweet, but delights the tongue with its sweet refreshment.  It gains sweetness as it cools”. Same as those of us walking.  Some try hard to add shit to their path that contradicts what they believe, how they were meant to practice.  It’s not good for them, but to fit in, they add it anyway..to be one of the kool kids..It doesnt work. Others add so much that it soon overpowers their original intent. The balance is to find that which fills your spirit with delight much as that first drink of cold sweet tea..it makes you want to finish that drink..seek out another taste.” My friend holds her glass up, observes its amber color glinting in the dappled sunlight as it filters through the trees. “Who knew so much was held within the depths of sweet tea”. “Shut up”, I say and we both laugh. We both sit and talk more on the value of sweet tea in our lives.  I’ve always enjoyed it..she is learning to accept it..and me.