INTRODUCTION: About fifteen years ago, I began inviting people to "Tea and Talk" gatherings in my humble home. I kiddingly called my place "The Dew Drop Inn," a pun on "Do drop in." One Tuesday a month, friends came by to sip lemon tea, nibble on apple cinnamon cake, home-made jelly and biscuits, and whatever anyone brought to the potluck party. We chatted in a circle near the fireplace, at the kitchen table, or on the front porch. It was a warm and...