I sometimes wonder what Grandma Annie would think of what I have written about her on this blog. Would she blush at her little bit of fame? Would she cringe? Or, would she scold me and then turn away with that secret smile on her face?The latter, I like to think. Maybe I am wrong.
She certainly never sought any kind of fame, or even fortune. Her marriage was 100 years ago now, and in the early days of that marriage she lived next door to her in-laws and then a block away from her parents. Within 10 years of her marriage, she moved back into her parents' home, taking the downstairs flat, which had been a general store. She raised her four daughters there until 1930, when the building was converted into a stately home, close to the street on its south and west sides but with a spacious yard and garden on the north and east sides.
She never traveled farther than Chicago, to my knowledge, but she loved the bustle of the city and shopping at big old department stores like Marshall Fields. Her life centered around her home and family: Cooking, cleaning and sewing. Cooking especially. She was known for her quality baked goods, and quality they were: No one else knew how to make such wonderful rolls, cookies, breads, pies and cakes as Annie's, not even local bakeries. (Naturally, she loved other people's baking.)
Annie was a whiz with a sewing machine, too, and when she left school she worked for a time as an apprentice seamstress. She took aging garments and remodeled them, a skill that surely put her and her daughters in good stead during the Depression and World War II. She made aprons, tablecloths, napkins and hot pads out of sprigged or flowered cotton, often giving them as gifts. I still have an apple-print set she made for me when I moved out on my own. It's much too large for my table now, but I cherish it.
Tomorrow I will set my table with her goblets and her her sherbet bowls summoning her spirit as I prepare food for the people I love most.
I know she will be there. I need no empty seat to assure that.
May you and those you love find many reasons to give thanks tomorrow.
14 comments:
It sounds like you'll be having a wonderful day! Happy Thanksgiving. Love the photo of the apples too.
have a wonderful holiday. I'm sure Grandma Annie will be with you in spirit, as she always seems to be.
Thanks, Kalyn. I will certainly make your soup soon, as I expect to cook my turkey on the weekend. Enjoy your holiday from school!
Lydia, I hope you have a great day, too! I've learned so much about ingredients from you and for that I am thankful!
Thanksgiving really is the most wonderful holiday, isn't it? No gifts or nonsense—just food and family and friends. And loads of wonderful memories.
I think Grandma Annie would smile in appreciation, glad to be remembered and celebrated on your very nice blog ! She will definitely be with you at your table today.
Grandma Annie has a very interesting story too.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all in America.
Mimi - Happy Thanksgiving . Its turkey time in your neck of the woods and I hope you have a lovely day with Grandma Annie looking down and smiling.
What would she think of this internet? LOL
I so enjoy the old things from my mother & grandmother. The sherbet bowls are so lovely and the pressed glass. I have some of the green glass and even though green is not really my color I love it in my kitchen.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
The treasures from our past, especially the memories, warm our hearts. May you and those you love have a wonderful holiday.
Mimi:
You have such a gift - both in cooking and in writing. I have wished many times that I lived next door to you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving -
Trish
TerryB, I must agree! Who doesn't love a holiday centered around food, family and friends.
Thanks, Fiona. Annie was a woman of her time and her social circle. Very down to earth, but lovely and elegant just the same.
Lady Jicky, I wonder the same thing myself!
Tanna, I know you will have a wonderful day, surrounded by your family and good food. Wish you were making the rolls for my table today!
Mary and Trish: Have I seen your lovely photos before? I wish you were here around my table - all of you - what fun we would have!
Happy Thanksgiving to you Mimi! I'm certain that Grandma Annie would be proud that you remember all that you do about her. The stories you share of her are so charming, I could see the general store being converted into a home as sure as if I'd been there.
I'll be waiting for the book version with baited breath. ;)
Erika! I've been thinking about you and must make it over to your blog today. I was in your neck of the woods yesterday - now with the double highway almost completed it really feels as though we are all one big community - I like it!
I love Grandma Annie stories. I think I've said that before but always smile when I see you are posting another story about her. She was a wonderful lady.
Thank you, Judy - she was indeed! I miss her, but I see her face every day in the mirror, too.
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