Tea Stories

Around the time August arrives, many of the grasses that line the roads and inhabit the fields begin to send their seeds into the wind. A few red and yellow leaves stand out unexpectedly against the summer ground where they fell prematurely from the maples, while in the pines cicadas begin to buzz on hot afternoons. The grasshoppers arraigned in their rust hued garb are easily disturbed, and fly up to eye level with a noisy rustle of wings, only to land a dozen feet ahead on the grassy road and sit still in the sun as footsteps pass by. Heavy rains have visited this late summer and washed the roads' soft layer of sand into the ditches.

It happens sometimes that life changes in ways not understood until later. What is not unknown is how very much we miss Tasha. Her rocking chair by the woodstove is empty now save for the blue check pillow on the seat and the red shawl over the back. Her many cheerful remarks and observations throughout the day are forever unsaid, and the lifelong tradition of afternoon tea those who live here are used to is very quiet now, for we miss her. There are moments when it seems, if we looked, we might see her in the rocking chair and hear her voice again as she looks over the rim of her teacup. Earlier this year she said we were all going in the same direction, that death is not something to be afraid of. Yet it is difficult to come to terms with the departure of the head of the family, and someone so loved. Her corgi Megan misses her as well, and all the green, growing plants seem a little solemn.

A great many people who have come to know and love Tasha over the years have written, called, and visited to explain why she meant so much to them and how she influenced their lives. It is both comforting and inspiring to realize the clarity with which Tasha understood life, and the traditions so important to her, are some of the greatest gifts she offered a world often preoccupied with less than positive musings.

 Here are a few things we learned from Granny: Never use the word “can” when you should use “may.” Always take your hat off in the house. Pay less attention to what people say, and more to what they do. “It is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.” Life is short, do what’s important to you. Never use tea bags, use real tea instead. Feed yourself properly. She could always tell when you weren’t eating well. “I’ll make you a real supper.” Have a wood stove in your house. Cats make the best hot water bottles. Don’t dwell excessively on the past. Be positive. Plant a garden.

-Written by Tasha's grandson, Winslow Tudor.