This past weekend, daughter Angela and I took an an amazing journey. Following are thoughts and meanderings about our trip. This is long, you might want to read it in stages.
Friday Morning: I'm 16,000 miles up in the sky, Bloomington to O'Hare where I am meeting #5 daughter for a trip to New York City. As I am flying over pale green earth - newly planted fields - and traveling in a machine that weighs several tons, I wondered just how much that first plane of Orville and Wilbur's weighed. I looked it up! Fifty pounds. A typical passenger plane today weighs over 75,000 pounds. (It's awesome what you can find out on Google). Angela had a wheel chair waiting for me so we boogied right over to our gate for NYC and in a few moments I was joined by Angela. She had booked our trip in First Class - which I always enjoy. (I left the house this morning at 8:27. Thirty five minutes to Bloomington and then thirty more to O'Hare.)
We noticed there were buttonholes on the napkins. The attendant told us that a previous President of American Airlines was notorious for spilling his meal on his ties, so his wife had a button hole added to the napkin, so his ties would stay clean. Thoughtful wife! Wanting her spouse to make a good impression. I am always wearing my food, so I am really considering that buttonhole idea.
Mary had booked us rooms at the Waldorf Astoria and so up to the tenth floor to a really lovely room. Our room overlooks St. Barts Episcopal Church. Jim, our bellman, has worked at the hotel since 1977, so he told us wonderful stories about who had lived in the hotel and some of the people he had met. He also told us that the piano in the lobby, had been in Cole Porter's suite when he lived there and after his death, it was brought downstairs. In the evening you can sit and listen to musicians, singing or playing, or both.
We got unpacked, and headed out for the evening. Cold, rainy and very windy tonight (when the daughters and I were here in 2010, it was up over 100 degrees each day, total contrast tonight)
We are going to a play in preview this evening ,"The Explorers Club", We found the Manhattan Theater between six and seventh. We were early, so we walked across the street to a darling little Italian restaurant and had 'little plates', appetisers basically, - Nonna's meatballs were exceptional. Back across the street to a cute play, funny, even silly and great fun. - The drink passing/catching scenes were hilarious. Just a funny premise. Talked to one of the actors as we were waiting for a cab and he said one particular funny scene, they had added that day. That is what 'being in preview' is about. Back to the hotel, I'm cold, so Angela ordered Jamisons and we sat in the lobby, listening to a singer, playing Cole Porter's piano and singing, "It's A Wonderful World", and sipping whiskey, what can be more New York than that?
Saturday: Big day today, Angela went out for a run this morning and brought back bagels, cream cheese w/lox, coffee and orange juice. We lazed around until 10 a.m and headed out. First stop, the ticket place on Times Square. The line went really fast. (Let me back up a little here: At Easter, I had mentioned that I had seen that a play named "A Trip to Bountiful" starring Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams and Cuba Gooding, Jr. was playing on Broadway. I had liked the movie made years ago, and thought seeing Miss Tyson in the role would be major. Angela said: "Let's go!" and we made plans. Lately, I have been having severe back pain and wasn't sure I'd be feeling good enough to go, but last week after a visit to the Chiropractor and a masseuse, I decided to try it. We planned to see "Bountiful", any play in preview and one of four other shows: One with Mathew Broderick, "The Nance", with Nathan Lane, "Matilda" and Angela's pick, "Kinky Boots" For me, tops was Mathew, last would have been "KB".) When we got to the ticket booth, there were only seats in the third mezzanine for "KB" and Angela was concerned about me so was going to go for "The Nance" I could see she was disappointed and told her to go ahead with "KB", I'd hang on to her. She has been so good to encourage me to do what I wanted, I hated to see her disappointed. We then walked over to the Times Square museum, saw the big ball that drops at midnight on New Years. They encourage you to write your wish for 2014 on a piece of confetti to be dropped when the ball drops. I wished for good health. Found the theater, and a restaurant around the corner - another great Italian. Sat next to a couple from New Jersey, discussed Governor Christy, had a great lunch - politics and Italian food, what could be better? Over to the theater, Seats third row from the top but they were center and good and the rows were steep. "Kinky Boots" was full of energy, one of the best musicals ever. Even that high up, you felt surrounded by the enthusiasm on stage and in the audience. Powerful! Word to Old Folks: Listen to your kids!
Afterwards, we went to the Drama Book Store. If you like theater, it's a must do. It's a one of a kind store. Bought some cool books. We couldn't find a cab, so we took a bicycle rickshaw back to the hotel. I felt every bump in the street and the gas fumes really kept me coughing. It cost $90. for the two of us, plus tip. We had talked about traveling that way and we did. Enough said!
Back to the hotel for a short rest and then back out for the reason we came, "A Trip to Bountiful". Probably half the audience was African Americans, 60s plus. The most wonderful thing happened, in the play, Cicely sings a couple of hymns and the audience, quietly at first, started to sing along. By the time, she was done with the second hymn, it was a sing-a-long, the audience full voice, beautiful and stirring, as well. I even hummed along. joyful, joyful!
What a contrast from "KB", this afternoon. But seeing this play was like seeing history, this iconic actress, overwhelming the stage. I have a lot more respect for Vanessa and Cuba as well, their parts are small and they are definitely taking a backseat to Miss Tyson. I think it says a lot about the people they must be to do this. All around, an outstanding event. Our cab karma was working after the show and back to the hotel. No drink in the lobby, we were both tired and went immediately to sleep.
Sunday: Angela out for her morning run and brought back coffee and orange juice. She said" "Mom, St. Patricks Cathedral is 800 feet from the hotel, do you think you can walk that far?" My standard answer: "As long as I can hold on to you" We made it to the side door and up the steps and we were in the front of the Church. They are doing a lot of renovation, inside and out, scaffolding everywhere. I asked the usher if there was handicap seating and he pointed to pews on the side with no view of the altar. I asked if there wasn't something where I could see the altar. Now, here I am going to sound like a bragging mother - and I am - but Angela looked beautiful. She was wearing a deep royal blue sleeveless Jackie O type dress, her hair was pulled up in a chignon and she looked quite elegant. I really think he thought she was someone important. He walked over to a couple sitting in the first row, and asked if they would make room, which they did. So we at right in front of the altar. God is good! I thanked the couple who had moved. They were Brendan and Katherine from Tipperary. His first visit to America. He represents St. Killian's Candle Company who supplies the candles for St. Patricks as well as the Cathedral in Pisa, Italy and others. I, of course, was walking with a cane and he said, the next time He was at work in a Cathedral, he would light a candle for me. Is that just the dearest thing?
We then walked behind the main altar to the crypt of Fulton Sheen. A diocesan Priest up for sainthood. If you want to visit the crypt, you must request to do so in advance. Just seeing where he is buried is cool. I told the attendant, partly joking, that we here in Peoria want the body back but New York isn't eager to send it back to his birthplace.
When we came out of Church, the Puerto Rico Day parade had started. Angela wanted to walk and she put me in a cab. The driver said that over a million people participated in the parade. it is one of the biggest of the year. it closes several streets so the parade halts, so that police and let traffic and people flow across the side streets. Lots of police presence. Angela was making better time than I was. I saw her window shopping at a Mackenzie Childs store and then a little later, be part of a crowd going around a barricade. Me I'm still idling in the cab having a nice conversation with the driver.
Back to the hotel and then a carriage ride through Central Park. Angela checked out the horses eyes and hooves before we got in one. Dermot from Ireland was our driver. I asked him if there were many Irish drivers. He said: "Ah, yes, that's the thing about Irish lads, they're either driving them or betting on them." Good tour, Saw boaters on the Lake, Strawberry Fields, which is maintained by Yoko Ono, passed the Sheeps meadow and the building that was the restaurant "Tavern on the Green" It closed a couple of years ago but is being totally redone and opening soon. Dermot said the building was originally the sheep barn. It was near perfect weather, 82 degrees. Loved the outcroppings of rocks all over.
Lunch at Rue 57. Another great restaurant.
A nap in the afternoon and then getting ready for the Tonys. When we made plans for the trip, we thought it would be great to order room service and sit in our room and watch them on TV. Angela went to the website and you could buy tickets. We decided it was too good a chance to pass up going and so buy tickets she did. The tickets said black tie - I called my friend, Sue Sepich and asked if she would let me borrow her outfit that she wore for her son's wedding - and we must be in our seats by 7:00pm. They are held at the Radio City Music Hall. We are in the third balcony again. but much more comfortable seats. I had my binoculars. A young woman named Casey, an intern for Chris Mathews show, struck up a conversation and we so enjoyed her. Once, I looked at the audience around us, everyone looking so elegant, it was just nice, just nice. People should just dress up more. This was my first time at Radio City, just an awesome place. Before the broadcast, there is a pre show where awards are given out. Jane Krasinski and Jessie Ferguson from Modern Family hosted that portion. He is very witty, had everyone cracked up. My impressions: There are a lot of kid shows on Broadway, It was cool watching the logistics of changing scenery etc. and LIAM NEESON was in the room! Actually seeing him and other stars - through binoculars - but in the same room was really neat. Would i go again. No. Am I glad I went once, absolutely. We didn't see any commercials in the room, so it will be interesting to see the program with those added. The show just continues through commercials and then is edited. Very interesting.
Monday: Off to Bloomingdales this morning. Bought a new purse. Ate at their restaurant, 'Forty Carrots' Very good and healthy. Back to hotel and airport. Angela was surprised and impressed, I think, of the perks of traveling with a handicapped person. - Right to the head of the line - I was telling her of when we traveled to Italy a couple of years ago and my sister and niece were with me and they bring those traveling with you through too. Niece, Michelle, that sweet child, was so embarassed to be going in line before hundreds of people waiting in long lines, that she kept apologizing to them.
Yesterday was a long day, but I was eventually home
We met some wonderful, interesting, charming people. New Yorkers were friendly and helpful. This was a trip of a lifetime. I wish my legs were stronger and I had more stamina but the Lord provides. Best experience: being at Mass at St Patricks with one of my children. Most memorable: The sing-a-long at "Bountiful" Best food: Angela's daily bagels, and orange juice. Biggest surprise: How much I enjoyed "Kinky Boots" I am blessed. Life is good!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
GALLIMAUFRY
A couple of weeks ago, on Trinity Sunday, I attended Mass At St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Now, the world knows that, St. Patrick gave the definitive explanation of the Holy Trinity - Three persons in one God - when he picked up a clover (okay, a shamrock) and noted 'three leaves on one stem'.
Father Henderson, the homilist at that Sunday's Mass gave one of the most beautiful explanations I had ever heard. This quote is attributed to Meister Eckhart, a German philosopher, mystic and theologian from the twelfth century.
"Do you want to know what goes on in the core of the Trinity? I will tell you.
In the core of the Trinity the Father laughs and gives birth to the Son. The Son
laughs back at the Father and gives birth to the Spirit. The whole Trinity laughs
and gives birth to us."
I love this. I love the thought of God laughing. Of course, I've always believed God had a sense of humor, after all, he created we humans.
* * * * *
I've been having quite a bit of back pain lately. Lower back, left side and upper back, right side. The Chiropractor suggested I see a masseuse. I traveled up to Dunlap yesterday. He suggested some of the pain, particularly the lower back might be caused partly by bad posture. It brought to mind a favorite quote of my mother's. She continuously admonished her daughters: "Shoulders back, chin down, stomach in and knockers out." Always listen to your mother, it might eliminate back pain in your mid seventies.
* * * * *
I noticed the other day, that there was a new pizza place attached to the Family Video store a couple of blocks up on Sheridan and Glen. I stopped in yesterday, Very good pizza. I got a small 'White Cheesy" - Bacon, tomato and Feta cheese. I think I can get three meals out of it. I haven't had good pizza since I stopped making it myself. The company's name, by the way, is Marco's Pizza. Try it!
* * * * *
I have explained previously the Gallimaufry is an Elizabethan word that means hodge-podge, a mixture. This post has certainly been one, from quotes by Meister Eckhart to pizza recommendation. But that's the way the mind of a septuagenarian rolls!
I end with one more Eckhart quote: "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."
I
,
Father Henderson, the homilist at that Sunday's Mass gave one of the most beautiful explanations I had ever heard. This quote is attributed to Meister Eckhart, a German philosopher, mystic and theologian from the twelfth century.
"Do you want to know what goes on in the core of the Trinity? I will tell you.
In the core of the Trinity the Father laughs and gives birth to the Son. The Son
laughs back at the Father and gives birth to the Spirit. The whole Trinity laughs
and gives birth to us."
I love this. I love the thought of God laughing. Of course, I've always believed God had a sense of humor, after all, he created we humans.
* * * * *
I've been having quite a bit of back pain lately. Lower back, left side and upper back, right side. The Chiropractor suggested I see a masseuse. I traveled up to Dunlap yesterday. He suggested some of the pain, particularly the lower back might be caused partly by bad posture. It brought to mind a favorite quote of my mother's. She continuously admonished her daughters: "Shoulders back, chin down, stomach in and knockers out." Always listen to your mother, it might eliminate back pain in your mid seventies.
* * * * *
I noticed the other day, that there was a new pizza place attached to the Family Video store a couple of blocks up on Sheridan and Glen. I stopped in yesterday, Very good pizza. I got a small 'White Cheesy" - Bacon, tomato and Feta cheese. I think I can get three meals out of it. I haven't had good pizza since I stopped making it myself. The company's name, by the way, is Marco's Pizza. Try it!
* * * * *
I have explained previously the Gallimaufry is an Elizabethan word that means hodge-podge, a mixture. This post has certainly been one, from quotes by Meister Eckhart to pizza recommendation. But that's the way the mind of a septuagenarian rolls!
I end with one more Eckhart quote: "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."
I
,
Sunday, May 12, 2013
On Having Daughters
Written for an English Class in 1993. The subject was reflection.
Buying Mother's Day cards for daughters who are mother's themselves, makes you reflect on all the stages of their lives and the fact that giving birth to a daughter and having a daughter are two different things. (The former is a natural act with some hardship and a little pain that is over in a few hours. The latter is a calculated risk with some hardship and a lot of gain that lasts for life, hers and yours.)
Having daughters can be a long term economic investment. It's years before you see any profits. First there is the expense of years and years of formal education, from nursery school to college. Plus all those countless hours of teaching her 'how-to' experiences and basic social skills. Also, there are the medical expenses, baby shots, school shots, allergy shots and braces, eye glasses and then contacts. And because she's sure to lose them, contacts and more contacts!!
Then comes the day, when some fellow with testosterone oozing from his veins comes ambling along and without a backward glance she's gone to a new life.
The gains, however, far outweigh the risks.
Nothing prepares you for the way a baby nuzzles into your neck when you hold her close. One of the best times is having her take those first tentative steps to your outstretched hands or having her snuggle beside you while she's engrossed in her favorite television program or while you're reading - again - her 'bestest' book.
Her accomplishments - learning to ride a bike, playing her fist clarinet piece all the way through, winning a blue ribbon at the State Fair, or coming in first at the track meet, can overwhelm you. There's also her pride - and yours - in actually wearing something she's made as a 4-H project, and watching her perform at one of those endless dance recitals can make your heart burst.
And then there's sitting in bleachers. One of those parental obligations about which you have mixed feelings. Nothing is as uncomfortable as bleachers but you'd never miss watching her in a school play or concert, playing a sport or cheer leading and, of course, graduations. Usually sometime during one of those times she will make eye contact with you, a slight wave or a wink or just that look that says, "I'm glad you're here".
The first time you visit her at work and the receptionist announces you with, "Oh, yes, we've been expecting you". And then the smile that's in your daughter's voice and eyes as she comes to usher you into her office.
There is no way to describe the experience of watching her on those special occasions: The innocent stance as she receives First Communion, the way her eyes glisten as she glides downstairs in her prom dress, the confident march at graduations and the self-assured stroll as she walks into the Church on her wedding day on her father's arm.
There comes a time when you cease to be just mother and daughter. You become women friends with a special bond. Friends who trust each other and care for each other. These are the best times. These are the times that make all that came before worthwhile. And best of all, when you see your daughter as a loving, caring mother and she says, "Mom, I never appreciated all you did until I had a baby of my own." Then you begin to know that maybe somewhere, sometime, you did something right.
The rest of the story......this picture was taken today - Mother's Day, 2013, of five of the six. The oldest, Leah, is enjoying her day in a special place. We visited her and her dad this morning after Church and said a prayer for them both. You can see that I am blessed! Oh, and by the way, I received an A- on the paper!
Buying Mother's Day cards for daughters who are mother's themselves, makes you reflect on all the stages of their lives and the fact that giving birth to a daughter and having a daughter are two different things. (The former is a natural act with some hardship and a little pain that is over in a few hours. The latter is a calculated risk with some hardship and a lot of gain that lasts for life, hers and yours.)
Having daughters can be a long term economic investment. It's years before you see any profits. First there is the expense of years and years of formal education, from nursery school to college. Plus all those countless hours of teaching her 'how-to' experiences and basic social skills. Also, there are the medical expenses, baby shots, school shots, allergy shots and braces, eye glasses and then contacts. And because she's sure to lose them, contacts and more contacts!!
Then comes the day, when some fellow with testosterone oozing from his veins comes ambling along and without a backward glance she's gone to a new life.
The gains, however, far outweigh the risks.
Nothing prepares you for the way a baby nuzzles into your neck when you hold her close. One of the best times is having her take those first tentative steps to your outstretched hands or having her snuggle beside you while she's engrossed in her favorite television program or while you're reading - again - her 'bestest' book.
Her accomplishments - learning to ride a bike, playing her fist clarinet piece all the way through, winning a blue ribbon at the State Fair, or coming in first at the track meet, can overwhelm you. There's also her pride - and yours - in actually wearing something she's made as a 4-H project, and watching her perform at one of those endless dance recitals can make your heart burst.
And then there's sitting in bleachers. One of those parental obligations about which you have mixed feelings. Nothing is as uncomfortable as bleachers but you'd never miss watching her in a school play or concert, playing a sport or cheer leading and, of course, graduations. Usually sometime during one of those times she will make eye contact with you, a slight wave or a wink or just that look that says, "I'm glad you're here".
The first time you visit her at work and the receptionist announces you with, "Oh, yes, we've been expecting you". And then the smile that's in your daughter's voice and eyes as she comes to usher you into her office.
There is no way to describe the experience of watching her on those special occasions: The innocent stance as she receives First Communion, the way her eyes glisten as she glides downstairs in her prom dress, the confident march at graduations and the self-assured stroll as she walks into the Church on her wedding day on her father's arm.
There comes a time when you cease to be just mother and daughter. You become women friends with a special bond. Friends who trust each other and care for each other. These are the best times. These are the times that make all that came before worthwhile. And best of all, when you see your daughter as a loving, caring mother and she says, "Mom, I never appreciated all you did until I had a baby of my own." Then you begin to know that maybe somewhere, sometime, you did something right.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Flooding On The Illinois River
No matter where you live, if you've been listening to National newscasts, you know that the Illinois, Wabash and Mississippi have all been way over there banks and have caused a lot of mud, damage and havoc here in our state. The thing about Illinois is that the Wabash partly borders to the East, the Mississippi to the West and the Illinois River slowly meanders down the middle. So our state, the one with all the Governors in jail, and no money in the bank has now been designated a disaster area - those of us who live downstate and take the brunt of the political mess from Chicago and Springfield -have known this for eons but now it's official. The Federal Government says so! (I digress)
Our dad and Uncle Stan were the only two of the seven Scovil brothers who did not join the Navy during the Second World War. Both of them had three children and were deferred because of their jobs. I can't remember what Uncle Stan did - streetcar driver maybe? - but dad worked at Caterpillar. And during that terrible flood of 1943 he did sandbag duty. In fact, when he retired they presented him with a plaque that stated that he had logged more hours working on that line than anyone else. I remember him coming home and mother having a dish pan with hot Epsom salts water to soak his feet. We lived on Smith Street at the time. Somewhere in the family archives - which means another sibling has the picture - there is a shot of him standing by that fence of sandbags.
On the night of Vern's wake, Connie Essington said to me: "Did you know Vern saved East Peoria?" No, I had never heard that story. Connie said that during the big flood in the 1970s, Connie was working for Vern and one night they were patrolling the levee on the river. (Put in after the flood of '43) He said that everyone else had taken a break and just he and Vern were there. Connie was walking along checking for leaks, he on one side and Vern down the other. Connie said he yelled for Vern that there was a pretty big gash in the wall and getting bigger and to come quick. When Vern saw what was happening, he ran over, got on a D9 tractor that they had been using to strengthen the levee and began moving dirt to fill the gap. The thing was, management was not supposed to be on the equipment, it was against union regulations but there was no one around except the two of them - the drivers were on a break. (Hopefully enough time has passed that Vern won't get in trouble with the Union). So there you have it, Vern Mall and the Little Dutch Boy. Two of a kind!
This time around, one of the things that the local media has mentioned time and time again is how everyone has pitched in and worked together to save those businesses built years ago below the flood plane. I think people who live in the Midwest, people like Dad, Vern and all the High Schoolers and others who have worked so diligently, personify what Illinoians are about. Despite our crooked politicians and officials, for the most part, the real population of this state are mighty fine folks.
Our dad and Uncle Stan were the only two of the seven Scovil brothers who did not join the Navy during the Second World War. Both of them had three children and were deferred because of their jobs. I can't remember what Uncle Stan did - streetcar driver maybe? - but dad worked at Caterpillar. And during that terrible flood of 1943 he did sandbag duty. In fact, when he retired they presented him with a plaque that stated that he had logged more hours working on that line than anyone else. I remember him coming home and mother having a dish pan with hot Epsom salts water to soak his feet. We lived on Smith Street at the time. Somewhere in the family archives - which means another sibling has the picture - there is a shot of him standing by that fence of sandbags.
On the night of Vern's wake, Connie Essington said to me: "Did you know Vern saved East Peoria?" No, I had never heard that story. Connie said that during the big flood in the 1970s, Connie was working for Vern and one night they were patrolling the levee on the river. (Put in after the flood of '43) He said that everyone else had taken a break and just he and Vern were there. Connie was walking along checking for leaks, he on one side and Vern down the other. Connie said he yelled for Vern that there was a pretty big gash in the wall and getting bigger and to come quick. When Vern saw what was happening, he ran over, got on a D9 tractor that they had been using to strengthen the levee and began moving dirt to fill the gap. The thing was, management was not supposed to be on the equipment, it was against union regulations but there was no one around except the two of them - the drivers were on a break. (Hopefully enough time has passed that Vern won't get in trouble with the Union). So there you have it, Vern Mall and the Little Dutch Boy. Two of a kind!
This time around, one of the things that the local media has mentioned time and time again is how everyone has pitched in and worked together to save those businesses built years ago below the flood plane. I think people who live in the Midwest, people like Dad, Vern and all the High Schoolers and others who have worked so diligently, personify what Illinoians are about. Despite our crooked politicians and officials, for the most part, the real population of this state are mighty fine folks.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Bacon Grease
Today daughter Mary wrote on Facebook about having a jar of bacon grease in her fridge. She and I were talking this afternoon and she asked me if I did as well. It used to be a staple in my kitchen. It sat on the stove in a jar that had matching salt and pepper shakers. I think we originally got a set for a wedding present.
Bacon Grease was a staple like Crisco and butter. And they all had their place in the kitchen. Actually we very seldom bought butter. Maybe at Thanksgiving I would buy a pound and squirrel part of it away for Christmas. We used margarine for toast and sandwiches. Butter was way too expensive for a family of eight. Vern's mother made butter but she waited until the cream had soured before she churned it. When I was there visiting and doing chores, I would wash and wash the butter hoping to get rid of that sour taste but it wasn't possible. She always insisted we bring some home and I tried 'doctoring' it up with salt and sugar and washing it some more but it still was not my taste. Vern would have been beside himself if I had thrown it away and, of course, he liked it because he had grown up with it. So I usually had margarine for me and Clara' s butter for him. I'm not sure what the daughters used. I'm sure Leah ate the same as her dad because if he was for something so was she.
Crisco was used for baking. I was never good at making pie crust - I tried everyone's 'fool proof' recipe but this fool could never do it right. I was thrilled when Alissa became old enough to want to bake and she made amazing pie crust. In fact, at least one year her cherry pie won a blue ribbon at The Heart of Illinois Fair. After she moved to California, when she would come home for a visit she would make about a half dozen Dutch Apple pies and we would put them in the freezer. This was Vern's favorite. I did manage to piece together enough pie dough to make an occasional peach or blackberry cobbler. Not much to look at but pretty tasty!
The bacon grease was used for frying eggs, frying potatoes, I even fried chicken fried pork chops in it. And, of course, the only seasoning for home grown green beans was bacon grease. In fact every year sometime early in the season, we would have green beans, new potatoes and some bacon slices that had cooked slowly all day plus fresh lettuce with bacon crumbles with a little of the grease, a little sugar and vinegar - wilted lettuce. One of Vern's favorite meals. Rereading this, I realize it was no wonder he had his first heart attack at 49! Vern's parents grew their own pop corn and used bacon grease and salt to season it. yikes!
How times have changed. The bacon grease/s&p set went to good will. For several years I kept a small amount in the fridge for just green beans, I don't have it in the house anymore. If I cook bacon, the grease gets thrown out. I don't use Crisco but coconut oil and never have margarine, only butter and used sparingly. I fix scrambled eggs in the microwave with a spoon of butter for flavor. If I bake cookies, I use butter. I fried onions and peppers recently and used a mixture of olive oil and butter. I probably use olive oil for cooking most and I always buy extra, extra virgin and a good quality. I don't use much so feel its worth it.
Actually, I seldom eat fried foods but if I do cook bacon, I cut each slice in threes. It fries up easier and I can use it for a sandwich or crumble it for a salad. A favorite salad is fresh spinach, feta cheese, dried cranberries and crumbled bacon with a vinegar and oil dressing. Sometimes I might add celery, grape tomatoes and green onions, depending what's on hand.
For the most part, we all tend to eat a little healthier but every once in awhile fresh green beans, new potatoes and a little bacon rendered including the grease makes life just a little better. And life IS good.
Bacon Grease was a staple like Crisco and butter. And they all had their place in the kitchen. Actually we very seldom bought butter. Maybe at Thanksgiving I would buy a pound and squirrel part of it away for Christmas. We used margarine for toast and sandwiches. Butter was way too expensive for a family of eight. Vern's mother made butter but she waited until the cream had soured before she churned it. When I was there visiting and doing chores, I would wash and wash the butter hoping to get rid of that sour taste but it wasn't possible. She always insisted we bring some home and I tried 'doctoring' it up with salt and sugar and washing it some more but it still was not my taste. Vern would have been beside himself if I had thrown it away and, of course, he liked it because he had grown up with it. So I usually had margarine for me and Clara' s butter for him. I'm not sure what the daughters used. I'm sure Leah ate the same as her dad because if he was for something so was she.
Crisco was used for baking. I was never good at making pie crust - I tried everyone's 'fool proof' recipe but this fool could never do it right. I was thrilled when Alissa became old enough to want to bake and she made amazing pie crust. In fact, at least one year her cherry pie won a blue ribbon at The Heart of Illinois Fair. After she moved to California, when she would come home for a visit she would make about a half dozen Dutch Apple pies and we would put them in the freezer. This was Vern's favorite. I did manage to piece together enough pie dough to make an occasional peach or blackberry cobbler. Not much to look at but pretty tasty!
The bacon grease was used for frying eggs, frying potatoes, I even fried chicken fried pork chops in it. And, of course, the only seasoning for home grown green beans was bacon grease. In fact every year sometime early in the season, we would have green beans, new potatoes and some bacon slices that had cooked slowly all day plus fresh lettuce with bacon crumbles with a little of the grease, a little sugar and vinegar - wilted lettuce. One of Vern's favorite meals. Rereading this, I realize it was no wonder he had his first heart attack at 49! Vern's parents grew their own pop corn and used bacon grease and salt to season it. yikes!
How times have changed. The bacon grease/s&p set went to good will. For several years I kept a small amount in the fridge for just green beans, I don't have it in the house anymore. If I cook bacon, the grease gets thrown out. I don't use Crisco but coconut oil and never have margarine, only butter and used sparingly. I fix scrambled eggs in the microwave with a spoon of butter for flavor. If I bake cookies, I use butter. I fried onions and peppers recently and used a mixture of olive oil and butter. I probably use olive oil for cooking most and I always buy extra, extra virgin and a good quality. I don't use much so feel its worth it.
Actually, I seldom eat fried foods but if I do cook bacon, I cut each slice in threes. It fries up easier and I can use it for a sandwich or crumble it for a salad. A favorite salad is fresh spinach, feta cheese, dried cranberries and crumbled bacon with a vinegar and oil dressing. Sometimes I might add celery, grape tomatoes and green onions, depending what's on hand.
For the most part, we all tend to eat a little healthier but every once in awhile fresh green beans, new potatoes and a little bacon rendered including the grease makes life just a little better. And life IS good.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Nostalgia Tour
Whenever our friend, Russ Epperly, would come back to Peoria from San Diego, sometime during his stay here, he would take what his wife, Mary Lou, would call his 'Nostalgia Tour'. He would visit all his old stomping grounds throughout the city - but mostly in the Southside and reminisce or bemoan the fact that things had changed. Mary would roll her eyes and comment that he HAD to do it every time he came back and often he wanted her along too. I think she seretly enjoyed 'looking back' with him because her being with him was so important to him.
Today, I went to lunch with some friends. One of whom has been having some health issues and I told her I would pick her up and drive her home. She lives on Airport Road and it had been years since I had been out that way. What started as a lift for a friend ended up being one of Russ Epperly' Nostalgia Tours', Norma Style.
After lunch, instead of traveling back the shortest route via I474, I asked Rita if it was still possible to get through Bartonville from East Peoria. She said absolutely and we headed West. I took an alternate route (I never admit to getting lost, only that I want to get the 'flavor' of the area). I got the 'flavor' of North Pekin. After a slight detour, we were over the Shade Lohman Bridge, down the off ramp and a right turn and we were in Bartonville. The old Bartonville Bank Building is still in the middle of the cross street. (It is recycled as a cake supply shop and has been for years.) - I don't know how long it has been since I have traveled this road but probably more than twenty years. We took the fork to the right, Smithville Road, and started up the hill. The landscape is still a little bare from winter but some new undergrowth peeking through. I think there are a few more houses now, not so much on the road itself but bulldozed and cleared out into the hillside. Not really fancy homes, but newer ones.
At the top of the hill, I could see the new runways for the Airport, and a plane was approaching low towards one of them on my left side. I took Rita home, and instead of getting back on I474 I headed down to Harmon Highway, crossed the Kickapoo Creek Bridge, under which Vern and I used to park and 'spark'. Up past the Kroger Store where we shopped when our children were very young.
I didn't drive in those years we lived out by the Airport. Vern would take me and one, two, three or four daughters to Krogers.(depending where we were in the baby chain) (The younger two were born after we moved back to the Southside). I would go in with all of them and my list. He mostly worked third shift at that time and weather permitting would stay in the car and sleep. He never liked grocery shopping.
I would put the current baby in the child seat in front, Leah in the shopping cart and Alissa and Lora hanging on each side. If I had a lot of groceries, Vern would come in and he would push a cart as well. We had milk home delivered, had a large garden and I canned and froze vegetables. Vern's parents, every other year or so would give us a quarter of a beef, so we shopped for essentials every two weeks. Lora would get bored hanging on the side of the basket and take off and Alisa would decide to do the same thing, so it was look at the list, round up kids, look at the list, round up.... etc. I have never liked grocery shopping either!
I took the left turn to Seventh Street, past The Elks Club - we went to a lot of parties there - and left on Sterling past Madison Golf Course. The first stop sign past the golf course, I noticed some stone pillars. I went right and it was Fairway Drive. I babysat for a family up there in my teens. One night, the boy about eight got mad at me, he didn't think he should have to go to bed. A few minutes later, he came out with his dad's shot gun, he was going to shoot me. I called my Dad who stayed with me until the parents came home. I can't remember the family's name but I never babysat there again. I had forgotten the incident until I saw the stone pillars today.
Back to Sterling, and right on Rohmann and a stop at Haddads Market. This is the second time I've been there since the fire on New Years Day, 2010?. A lovely store and the heart of West Peoria. I needed laundry soap and cheese and I picked up a frozen Davis Brothers Pizza - Davis Brothers Pizza, more memories - from the Freezer Case.
Rohmann to Main, left on University, right on War Memorial left on Sheridan, right on Crestwood and home and all the while memories, people and places running through my head. I certainly enjoyed my Nostalgia Tour. Thanks, Russ, it is a good way to remember.
Today, I went to lunch with some friends. One of whom has been having some health issues and I told her I would pick her up and drive her home. She lives on Airport Road and it had been years since I had been out that way. What started as a lift for a friend ended up being one of Russ Epperly' Nostalgia Tours', Norma Style.
After lunch, instead of traveling back the shortest route via I474, I asked Rita if it was still possible to get through Bartonville from East Peoria. She said absolutely and we headed West. I took an alternate route (I never admit to getting lost, only that I want to get the 'flavor' of the area). I got the 'flavor' of North Pekin. After a slight detour, we were over the Shade Lohman Bridge, down the off ramp and a right turn and we were in Bartonville. The old Bartonville Bank Building is still in the middle of the cross street. (It is recycled as a cake supply shop and has been for years.) - I don't know how long it has been since I have traveled this road but probably more than twenty years. We took the fork to the right, Smithville Road, and started up the hill. The landscape is still a little bare from winter but some new undergrowth peeking through. I think there are a few more houses now, not so much on the road itself but bulldozed and cleared out into the hillside. Not really fancy homes, but newer ones.
At the top of the hill, I could see the new runways for the Airport, and a plane was approaching low towards one of them on my left side. I took Rita home, and instead of getting back on I474 I headed down to Harmon Highway, crossed the Kickapoo Creek Bridge, under which Vern and I used to park and 'spark'. Up past the Kroger Store where we shopped when our children were very young.
I didn't drive in those years we lived out by the Airport. Vern would take me and one, two, three or four daughters to Krogers.(depending where we were in the baby chain) (The younger two were born after we moved back to the Southside). I would go in with all of them and my list. He mostly worked third shift at that time and weather permitting would stay in the car and sleep. He never liked grocery shopping.
I would put the current baby in the child seat in front, Leah in the shopping cart and Alissa and Lora hanging on each side. If I had a lot of groceries, Vern would come in and he would push a cart as well. We had milk home delivered, had a large garden and I canned and froze vegetables. Vern's parents, every other year or so would give us a quarter of a beef, so we shopped for essentials every two weeks. Lora would get bored hanging on the side of the basket and take off and Alisa would decide to do the same thing, so it was look at the list, round up kids, look at the list, round up.... etc. I have never liked grocery shopping either!
I took the left turn to Seventh Street, past The Elks Club - we went to a lot of parties there - and left on Sterling past Madison Golf Course. The first stop sign past the golf course, I noticed some stone pillars. I went right and it was Fairway Drive. I babysat for a family up there in my teens. One night, the boy about eight got mad at me, he didn't think he should have to go to bed. A few minutes later, he came out with his dad's shot gun, he was going to shoot me. I called my Dad who stayed with me until the parents came home. I can't remember the family's name but I never babysat there again. I had forgotten the incident until I saw the stone pillars today.
Back to Sterling, and right on Rohmann and a stop at Haddads Market. This is the second time I've been there since the fire on New Years Day, 2010?. A lovely store and the heart of West Peoria. I needed laundry soap and cheese and I picked up a frozen Davis Brothers Pizza - Davis Brothers Pizza, more memories - from the Freezer Case.
Rohmann to Main, left on University, right on War Memorial left on Sheridan, right on Crestwood and home and all the while memories, people and places running through my head. I certainly enjoyed my Nostalgia Tour. Thanks, Russ, it is a good way to remember.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Come Fly With Me
We've been planning a couple of trips and pricing plane fares, and I started thinking about some of my experiences with flying. One year at the Heart of Illinois fair, Joanne Billings and I, having saved our pennies, took a helicopter ride over the city. This was my first experience flying. The copter went from the fair grounds off of north University to downtown probably in about a half hour in all. It was pretty exciting and about the only thing I can remember is how many swimming pools there were in that area.
For one of my birthdays, I think it was the 30th, we were on Cat vacation in Missouri and as a surprise, Vern and b-i-l, Claude Young - one of my favorite people - planned to take me on a plane ride. Claude had a friend who had a four seater small plane. Vern's sister took care of all ten of the children and we traveled to a Springfield flying field and we went up. Claude and Vern in the back, me up front. I loved the adventure and we flew over Mary and Claude's house and even Vern's family farm thirty miles north. As I remember it was pretty cool and I can still remember the smiling looks on Vern and Claude's faces because they had pulled off such a great surprise.
I think the first commercial flight I went on was to Washington, D.C. I was selected to go to the National Leaders Conference for 4-H. That is another story, a good experience. There were three of us going and we were in the waiting room when an announcement came over the intercom: "Would Norma Mall please come to the ticket counter" Of course, I thought something had happened to one of the girls and I hurried towards that area. I turned the corner and there sat Gail Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Rathbun, Phyllis Calliss and Linda Nieukirk (and maybe some others) dressed in their bathrobes, slippers, shower caps holding towels and who knows what else. They said they just remembered I was leaving and left in a hurry to say goodbye. Crazy, crazy ladies and, I'm not sure what the other two women I was traveling with thought of this tribe. Lots of fun times.
The first time I traveled alone, was to Kansas City. Brother Russ and his wife were going to a convention and they asked me to come and stay with their three kids. The trip was on Ozark. I loved Ozark airlines, (remember how noisy those old planes were?) and went a couple more times on Russ's nickle to babysit.
When Mary and Gregg bought their travel agency, several times we were able to travel first class to California. Vern loved traveling first class, he always ordered champagne and by the time we made it to the west he had a nice glow.
In 1993, when my friend, Rita and I went to Europe for the first time - coach - I did not get comfortable on the whole trip over but loved, loved the hot wash cloth before we landed. We flew on Virgin Airlines. And I remember coming back, and one of those traveling with us, said: "Look, Norma, we are now over the United States". Lump in the throat time!
When we went to Italy in 2011, a client of Mary's gave me points enough to travel first class. (Thanks again, Elena) What a way to go! I had my own little cubicle that made into a bed and I slept coming and going. I think my traveling to Europe has ended, don't think I would want to go any other way and cannot afford it on my own.
Haven't I had some wonderful adventures, a lot of them provided by others. I am blessed.
For one of my birthdays, I think it was the 30th, we were on Cat vacation in Missouri and as a surprise, Vern and b-i-l, Claude Young - one of my favorite people - planned to take me on a plane ride. Claude had a friend who had a four seater small plane. Vern's sister took care of all ten of the children and we traveled to a Springfield flying field and we went up. Claude and Vern in the back, me up front. I loved the adventure and we flew over Mary and Claude's house and even Vern's family farm thirty miles north. As I remember it was pretty cool and I can still remember the smiling looks on Vern and Claude's faces because they had pulled off such a great surprise.
I think the first commercial flight I went on was to Washington, D.C. I was selected to go to the National Leaders Conference for 4-H. That is another story, a good experience. There were three of us going and we were in the waiting room when an announcement came over the intercom: "Would Norma Mall please come to the ticket counter" Of course, I thought something had happened to one of the girls and I hurried towards that area. I turned the corner and there sat Gail Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Rathbun, Phyllis Calliss and Linda Nieukirk (and maybe some others) dressed in their bathrobes, slippers, shower caps holding towels and who knows what else. They said they just remembered I was leaving and left in a hurry to say goodbye. Crazy, crazy ladies and, I'm not sure what the other two women I was traveling with thought of this tribe. Lots of fun times.
The first time I traveled alone, was to Kansas City. Brother Russ and his wife were going to a convention and they asked me to come and stay with their three kids. The trip was on Ozark. I loved Ozark airlines, (remember how noisy those old planes were?) and went a couple more times on Russ's nickle to babysit.
When Mary and Gregg bought their travel agency, several times we were able to travel first class to California. Vern loved traveling first class, he always ordered champagne and by the time we made it to the west he had a nice glow.
In 1993, when my friend, Rita and I went to Europe for the first time - coach - I did not get comfortable on the whole trip over but loved, loved the hot wash cloth before we landed. We flew on Virgin Airlines. And I remember coming back, and one of those traveling with us, said: "Look, Norma, we are now over the United States". Lump in the throat time!
When we went to Italy in 2011, a client of Mary's gave me points enough to travel first class. (Thanks again, Elena) What a way to go! I had my own little cubicle that made into a bed and I slept coming and going. I think my traveling to Europe has ended, don't think I would want to go any other way and cannot afford it on my own.
Haven't I had some wonderful adventures, a lot of them provided by others. I am blessed.
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