Peaches and Porches and Sweet Tea

The sky has been dark for several days, and heavy with rain. While the rain is refreshing compared to the muggy summer days of late, I look forward to the evenings on the porch when lightning bugs twinkle in the dark, and the rain and humidity are suspended for a while.

Porches are part of Southern history, and I cannot imagine life without one. It is wonderful to sip a glass of tea and enjoy homemade peach shortcake while watching the sun paint the sky in magnificent colors. Simple conversation with family members about such things as planting a dogwood in the garden, the new coat of paint on the house, or how this farmer sells more tomatoes than that farmer, transcend generations of Southerners.

I recently read that the key to Southern happiness is sweet tea; I would add peaches and porches to that, and I think the neighbors would agree.