“What a beautiful collection of antiques, Mama!” I remarked as I sat down at the table.

“Oh, all this was already here a long time before I was born in this house!” Mama said.

Mama had to be 80 and I know she comes from one of the oldest families in New Orleans. That had to make these antiques and this house at least 120 years old. New Orleans was founded in 1718, so really this house and everything in it could be much, much older.

Wanting to ask Mama more about her past, I thought the better of it, remembering this visit was Maggie’s idea. So I just quietly observed as Mama served me a hot cup of “special tea.”

“Oh, the tea is delightful, Mama,” Maggie said, staring at me with the “aren’t you going to drink it” look.

I smiled at Maggie and said, “Yes, Mama, it smells great. What is that, clove?”

And as I raised the cup for my first sip, Mama answered smiling, “Yes, Mr. Jim, there’s clove in my tea and there’s a lot more,” she said, finishing with a giggle.

I fought my hesitation to abruptly set my cup down in the saucer, which was being reinforced by the look that my lovely wife was giving me from across the table.