We were traveling that summer to visit family well beyond the Mason-Dixon line where my manner of speaking was obviously somewhat entertaining. I remember feeling the heat in my cheeks and my father patting my hand. I looked up to see his eyes greeting mine with a quick wink, a signal he'd heard.
I've since grown into my drawl and have been known to pour it on just a little thicker than normal on occasion - especially when I'm reminded of the wildly laughing lady from the restaurant of my youth. And on those days, I embrace afternoons hot and heavy with the smell of gardenia, evenings watching my son hugging his Mason jar as he chases fireflies, and porches filled with loved ones sipping sweet Southern nectar.
Southern Sweet Tea
Ingredients
4 Tea Bags (Family size bags)
2 cups Granulated Sugar
1 Gallon Water
Step 1. Heat tea bags until the water *just* reaches the boiling stage. Remove from heat and allow to steep for five minutes. (Do not allow the tea to become cold)
Step 2. In a gallon pitcher, add sugar and cover with hot water just until sugar is dissolved.
Step 3. Pour steeped tea into pitcher, fill the pitcher with cold water. Stir.
Serve over ice with a wedge of lemon, lime, orange or a sprig of mint.
You never know, you might just develop a bit of a drawl, too.
