My mom, like Rose Elaine, has the knack for bringing out the best in people

 

Things have indeed changed since I lived in England. In 1984 there were only four television stations - The British would broadcast dart games, and the soap opera The East Enders quickly became a favorite show. We lived at the Master Brewer Hotel for a month while my parents looked for a place to rent. We ate at the restaurant every night because we did not have a kitchen, and green peas came with every meal. A steady diet of green peas for a month was enough for a lifetime. We learned that the apple pie came with natural cream and not the whipped cream we had become accustomed. We learned to ask for a "jug" of water rather than a pitcher, and I learned about tea. Our hotel room had an electric kettle, an assortment of teas, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Instant coffee. There is a coffee pot in every hotel room in America, but it is all about the tea and biscuits (we called them cookies) in England, AND THE SCONES were too delicious! - We would see teapots in all colors and sizes and a knitted/crochet tea cozy to keep your tea hot. But on special occasions, my mom would bring out the Old Country Roses by Royal Doulton. A popular china pattern with my mother and her friends. By the time we left England, she had the entire set. It is very fancy and so beautiful. My mom is a magnificent hostess and could plan a proper tea party with all the sumptuous accouterments. I genuinely enjoy a well-set table with flowers and matching napkins. I thought of my mom when I wrote the book On Rosy Lane - My mom, like Rose Elaine, has the knack for bringing out the best in people and knowing what people need when they need it the most.