Dear Glenda, Traditions have died for many as both husbands, wives and adult kids all work and often not close to home. Some retired people still have a substantial tea. My mum lived on her own but she always when in her 70's had sandwiches or a pork pie, a dessert and cakes with her pot of tea and no t-bags either. Hot toast etc in the winter. Her trifles were to die for. A great pastry cook. My neighbour is 80 but by gosh; take lunch if I pop in or do a job for her. My last one there: 1. Bowl of Cawl, like Scouse, made with lamb and veg & pots in a bowl 3 1/2" deep 9" across, full! Served with cheddar cheese and bread & butter. 2. Then roast beef, roast chicken, home grown potatoes, & assorted veg, bottles of home made pickles on the table and more bread and butter, two kind of bread! 3. A bowl the same size of hot apple and topped off with hot custard. 4. Pot of tea with asssorted cakes and jams. Then asked if it was enough and she meant it!! Its hard work in these hills. Even crossing the fields to visit, especially at this time of the year. I am not allowed to leave in the dark without some hot food inside me if I have popped in to see how she is after 6pm. Bacon and Eggs, pot of tea bread & butter etc.......... I or anyone that visits are not asked it gets presented on a tray in front of a roaring fire. And an ashtray too. She has spent her life looking after the home for her now deceased brother. Has never been to the pictures, hasnt got a TV only had a phone in 2 yrs ago. Reads the papers and listens to the radio. Is very happy and content and looks like a cherub but by gosh she is sharp. Only a few years ago if some stock got loose out with a stick and gone. I would really have to run to keep up with her. Farm meals around here are much the same in many farming households. You work you get fed in the house no ruddy brought sannies as in England where only if you are part of the family and even then not so common. Tea was always the same in my home, my Grandfather set up a tea & coffee importing and packing bus in Nottm and his son ran it. So teas were a part of our household, but never China tea. Only Celylon & Indian. Regards, Mikey. > > You made me hungry...so much sounded just delicious (others, I > confess, I don't know what they are) ...how come those traditions > haven't passed on down through the years ! > > What is high tea ? > > Am I right to suppose that the English are the ones for the tea > time tradition beginning ? > > I may have to begin a new thing in this part of the world ! > > Thanks, Mikey, > > Glenda