My mother was an O'Brien and a great lover of tea. I grew up amidst all things related to tea brewing and tea drinking: infusers, teakettles, teapots, mesh tea balls, tea filters/strainer, tea cozies, teacups--only thin bone china, of course. She had a silver teabag holder, but it was more decoration since my mother was not a proponent of teabags. She had an extensive teapot, teacup, and tea set collection. My mom passed away last year; I am giving every family member a teapot as a remembrance.

[ click here for full article.. ]

A popular trend in the 80's in Ireland was the pub quiz. It was like jeopardy. My friend Teri belonged to a pub team in Meath. Pubs would play each other, then counties would play each other, etc. until a champion was crowned. Her team played a pub in Wicklow. I remember sitting by the coal and peat fire every night for months asking her questions on every possible category to prepare for the contest. I remember driving to Wicklow like it was yesterday, and I remember the many Irish coffees!

[ click here for full article.. ]