My husband is up now. I know it because I hear the percolator  working in the kitchen, water bubbling  in it, and the smell of coffee. He needs his morning coffee to start the day. He, like many others.  Now I don’t mind the smell of it brewing, but I don’t drink the stuff. I’m one of few in my family who doesn’t drink coffee, but I like the fellowship that often goes with, “Shall we go out for coffee?”

My friends and I have certain coffee shops we patronize. Starbucks, Tim’s, and William’s, but it’s not the particular location nor the choice of beverage that’s so important as it is a time to catch up. Time to share what’s going on in our lives, time to share news about our families and talk about our own needs for a change.

Judy and I talk about the books we have read and about trends we see happening. Our discussions often go to the literary, but also the pragmatic, as what’s the solution to this problem. She tells me about things she learned from students in her classrooms and what her tasks are this week and how she feels about them. She asks me about writing and editing. Always, it’s in a spirit of caring about each other.

Jane and I talk about our kids and what they’re doing as well as the changes in our lives. We also share our dreams  and hopes and our faith in God, and how that has affected our lives and still is.

Maryann is too far away now to go for coffee regularly, though we still do that when she visits me or I go to the East. If we’ve had a meal together, it’ s over coffee or tea that we discuss what is new or old or bothersome. Mostly those conversations happen over long- distance telephone wires. We might have a cup of coffee or tea handy, but most likely we don’t. It’s the friendship that’s the factor… and the listening ear.

Conversations vary. One drinks coffee, I usually have tea, but the beverage doesn’t matter, only the persons in the gathering, our support of each other and a continuing friendship.

Speaking of coffee, the percolator has stopped. Time for breakfast with my partner. I’ll have tea.