Positive Press

I enjoy tea often and coffee on occasion. Hot chocolate is a friend of mine, palate-wise, and hot drinks are good for me all winter (and summer as well)

Back in the 1980s, I was at the home of my sister’s friend’s parents. She was an attractive, wavy raven-haired twenty-something, whom I liked to hang out with on occasion when living in Brooklyn.

We were in Soho, at her parents’ loft. I’m not sure how we got to that location but it might have been around the time we went to a play of hers.

He parents’ home was super-sweet. A cozy loft in lower Manhattan with nice furnishings and pleasant surrounds.

For some reason, I was wanting a cup of tea, so I figured they’d put on a kettle and brew some up for as many as wanted.

I was mistaken. There weren’t that many takers, and a few mugs were passed out (unless I was the sole participant, not sure), and they directed me to the kitchen sink.

Were my hosts going to suggest I use the hot tap? I figured that was okay; beggars can’t be choosers. But no, there was an extra faucet, and it dispensed boiling hot water on demand.

I brewed up my instant tea and it was great. How convenient it would be today, when many have instant hot water heaters, while back then, it seemed I was in a home of the elite.

Sometimes it would be awfully nice to brew up hot drinks at the drop of a hat, but on reflection, I enjoy the process of filling the kettle, turning on the gas flame, and waiting for the whistle to sound.

Setting out my favorite black mug, I add a tea bag, half & half and Stevia. Working whatever job or project or amusement is at hand, the kettle soon shrieks, and I am in business.

Carefully pouring the steaming hot liquid, I cover my cup and head to my workspace or reading nook.

No, I think instant hot water would be awfully nice, but my old-fashioned mindset enjoys the old-school process.