" But our waking life, and our growing years, were for the most part spent in the kitchen, and until we married, or ran away, it was the common room we shared. "
- Laurie Lee

The kitchen serves as a central gathering place during our formative years and continuing well into young adulthood before marriage or leaving home. It's where meals are prepared, shared stories are exchanged, and daily routines unfold around its warmth and activity.

Beyond mere functionality, the quote suggests that kitchens act not just as rooms but as communal spaces that shape interpersonal relationships and foster a sense of community and belonging. They become places where individuals learn about life, share their experiences, and develop bonds through routine interactions. The kitchen's role extends beyond cooking; it plays a crucial part in nurturing social skills, cultural traditions, and familial ties.

Laurie Lee was an English author best known for his autobiographical trilogy, which includes "Cider with Rosie," reflecting on his rural upbringing in Gloucestershire during the early 20th century. His writing often explores themes of childhood innocence, the beauty of nature, and the impact of social changes on personal identity, all conveyed through richly descriptive prose that captures a bygone era.