Memoir of plantation childhood: nursery life and morning routines

expected to be there on time.

One of the big excitements that I remember occurring in the nursery — was the morning Mauma Judy brought in a red bird her son had caught. Of course it got loose and flew frantically around the room — where Mauma Judy caught it — it bit her so hard she let it go. Finally Daddy Smith came up and caught the poor frantic thing —

Ellen was our cook — Mauma Judy was her sister. She came every morning and did the up stairs work — and then took the soiled baby clothes home to launder. Mauma said that if a nurse washed and ironed for a baby — then you ruined the baby — And in those days a baby was minded — held and rocked — and rocked. The big fire constantly going — with a high fender in front of it. A steaming tea kettle on one end of the hearth, and a brown stone tea pot on the other. A low rocker — with out arms — and a plaid — immaculately dressed Mauma seated there rocking a baby — home —

The nurse drank tea constantly and it brewed on the hearth all day. Some times — as a great reward — we were allowed a sip. May be that is why I like my tea very strong to day —