Recently, in this series, I wrote that “I would just make a list, as we went, of things which I was seeing, and heard, which I don’t see or hear much of, north of the Line.”
I also clearly stated that “this is not a “better than” or “worse than” type of recording.”
Well … here goes … as I read from the notes which Carol and I jotted down, as we just took it easy this summer, traveling through the Southland…
I wrote of the “significance” of that “Line.” It matters not to me, but, to others, the “Line” seems to be a big deal.
Still.
Sorry … but, the way that I was raised, the “North/South Thing” just doesn’t matter anymore. I’m glad about that.
See, when I think of a “Line,” one which is drawn, and people have to choose which side to stand on … I only think of the line which William Barrette Travis drew in the sand at the Alamo … the line which Jim Bowie, sick and on a stretcher, had his men pick him up, and move him “across the line.” That’s it.
However … it must still be an issue, this North and South thing … right?
No, you say, it can’t be.
I noticed that, yes, even the “National Geographic” Channel has a new program (maybe not new, I don’t watch a lot of television) which, I gather from the commercials I’ve seen, pits the North vs. the South. It is some kind of fishing reality program … hey, I’m not making this up … it is about tuna fishermen … yes, tuna fishermen, and it is called something like, “Tuna … North vs. South.” You may think I’m crazy, but, apparently, this is the premise of the show. No … really … (I feel like I should say something like, “‘No, don’t hang up!”) … This is National Geographic Television … I haven’t watched “network” television in years, but didn’t National Geographic used to be legitimate …??? I mean, I still see their magazines in the dentist’s office …
Sweet Tea: This would be close to first on the list. I love “Sweet Tea.” Here we go … Sweet tea is a staple of the South, I must admit. I can’t recall how many restaurants I’ve been to, in the “North,” at which I’ve attempted to order “Sweet Tea.” Yes, Sweet Tea. They will always say the same thing: “We only have unsweetened tea .. We can bring you the unsweetened tea, and we have sugar packets on the table.” Here goes … the formula for “Sweet Tea” can’t be a secret … can it??? The answer is always the same … they will bring you a glass of tea … you have sugar packets at your table … but, apparently … the formula for combining the two has not been discovered …
Sweet Tea: Prepare the tea, as unsweetened. Then, add sugar.
Have I just revealed a secret recipe?
Yes … that’s correct … to make Sweet Tea … combine the tea with sugar:
Fact: If you don’t add the sugar, it is not “Sweet” Tea.
Fact: (Critical): If you don’t add the sugar, it is “unsweetened tea.” This is a fact which you apparently already know.
Fact: If you don’t add the sugar, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Fact: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. (I just wanted to throw this in-When was the last time you heard this?)
Added Fact to Above Fact: McDonald’s is the only source I know of which has “Sweet Tea” in the “North,” and, frankly … it’s really good.
Fact: McDonald’s Sweet Tea is really good.
Fact: It is also on sale.
Fact: Love their milkshakes, but “Sweet Tea” is always on sale.
Fact (Additional-TMI): I’m a “Dollar Menu” kind of guy.
Fact: You can sit in your truck in a McDonald’s parking lot, go in, and “fill ‘err up” with real Sweet Tea …
Fact I Just Learned by Going to the Official McDonald’s Website:
You are not going to believe this … I mean … you are not going to believe this …
Remember, I just wrote that, up North, when it comes to Sweet Tea, which requires the physical pairing of both tea and sugar, “the formula for combining the two has not been discovered …”
I know … you think I am just making that up …
But, when I did a Google search for “McDonald’s sweet tea” (actual search term), here is what came up, first, after the official McDonald’s links:
“Top Secret Recipes | McDonald’s Sweet Tea Copycat Recipe.”
Yes, when you search for “McDonald’s Sweet Tea,” the first link that comes up is “Top Secret Recipes.”
I’m not making this up: The fact is that, yes, the fact that you can combine tea with sugar, making something called “Sweet Tea” (because of the tea being mixed with sugar), is, in fact, considered a “Secret Formula.” I am really not making this up.
Note: There is also a link, when you search for “McDonald’s sweet tea,” which has this for the headline: “Copy Cat McDonalds Sweet Tea.”
Additional Note: There is also a link which, is a “must see” on YouTube, which is this:
“How McDonald’s sweet tea is made! Must see – YouTube.”
Again, I may have just given away a secret, which, apparently is widely regarded as a mystery:
Please allow me to repeat:
Sweet Tea: Prepare the tea, as unsweetened. Then, add sugar.
Yes … that’s correct … to make Sweet Tea … combine the tea with sugar:
Hint: It is the sugar which makes it sweet.
Fact: If you don’t add the sugar, it is not “Sweet” Tea.
Fact: (Critical): If you don’t add the sugar, it is “unsweetened tea.” This is a fact which you apparently already know.
Fact: If you don’t add the sugar, you don’t know what you’re missing.
What a country!
Blessings,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.
pastorappreciationblog.com 