One sweltering summer afternoon my mom called my in from baking my mud, figs and mulberriy pie on a hot rock behind the house. She had a tea party set up in the garage with a table cloth, real china cups, some cookies and my dolls. I will never forget it.
About 12 years ago, visiting my husband's parents, I saw a beautiful teacup peaking out of the overstuffed cupboard. "Mom!" I said, "Where did you get those!" I grabbed a cup as though I were 4, delighted and in awe of such a surprise find. "Oh, Vi had so many of them in her house, she gave me that set because I was admiring it." Vi was one of those odd cousins who collected stuff - good stuff - antique stuff and had it everywhere in about 4 homes from Iowa to Wisconsin to Chicago. "Have you used the set?" I asked secretly hoping the question would encourage her to put on some tea. "Oh heavens, no." There's nothing but boys around here.
It was silent for a few minutes, we both realized we were alone because the "boys" had gone to the Hardware store. Without a word she put on the tea kettle, I grabbed two saucers and two cups, from the cupboard delighted at their delicate beauty, a couple of tea bags and sugar. We shoved the mail, the newspapers and a pair of gloves to the side to make room at the table.
We sat, poured our tea and admired the cups. She giggled and shared stories of her youth. Now my mother-in-law was a talker by anyone's standards and she talked the tea kettle cold! I saw her young and beautiful, full of dreams. I saw her in dispair with baby Timmy who died as an infant. I saw her a young mom, trying to work full time, cook, clean, keep house and be a mom without the conveniences we have today. It was a special moment for us.
We don't have much from Wisconsin and his parents who have both passed away. We live so far, it isn't practical to have much. But I have the tea set. Royal Albert Old English Rose.
Here is Betty Burke Bucklew at 17 years old. What a cutie she was!
