FLOUR -

 

     My Grandma Margaret taught me a lot about life.  She did that by spending time with  my sister, brother and me, by talking with us, and teaching us how to do things.  There are family pictures of her with my siblings, cousins and me when we were all small children.  I do not remember much of that time, but from the expressions on her face it is obvious she had a hand in the birthday parties and holidays.  It also appears Grandma did really enjoy spending time with us as I was always told.

      She did get me interested in baking.  During a short time while Grandma lived with us, I used to watch her roll out pie dough and make banana pudding (my dad's favorite!).  Her pie dough was tender and flaky and made with either lard or shortening.  Her banana pudding was not from a box, but the custard was cooked on the stove.  After cooling, she let my brother and me help assemble the finished product by layering those special wafer cookies, while she spooned on and spread the pudding.  The topping was not whipped cream, but her own meringue made from beaten egg whites and sugar.  I was always surprised at how that gooey white glob turned into something yummy and sweet.  I was even more surprised that the whole dessert had to go in the oven long enough for the meringue to lightly brown.  The first time I watched the pudding go into the oven, I thought the whole thing would come out melted.  Boy, was I glad it didn't!

This is an unbaked pie shell.  Even with crooked fingers, a characteristic of arthritis in her hands, my grandmother had a way with making the fluted edge come out just right every time.

     It was Grandma who often took my siblings and me around other people.  Many times these were older folks around her age that she and my grandpa had known.  However, they did not ignore me being inquisitive, but included me in much of their conversation.  I'm positive I had no idea just how much I was actually learning from their stories and sometimes explanations when I just thought it was nice to be included.

     But it wasn't just about being with her.  At those times, Grandma was actually teaching us about life and situations with people.  Often she introduced me to other grownups no matter where we were; in the grocery store, on the street, or in the neighborhood.  She not only said, "This is my granddaughter," but included my name as well.  Then she would proceed to tell something about me.  That always made me feel special.  I remember being with her for lunch at the home of a friend.  We ate at the dining room table with pretty dishes and silver (not a common occurrence then for someone under the age of 10!).  Not only did that enable me to participate in conversation, but it encouraged good table manners.  I never realized this until later.  I just remember being glad to be with her. 

     Caring for others was natural for Grandma as she began in her youth by helping with her younger half-brothers and half-sisters.  That carried over with her own family; my grandpa, uncle, and mom.  My mom told me once that she had girlfriends who thought a lot of Grandma because she seemed to care so much.  One even lived with them for a short while.

     But the concern for others did not stop with her family.  Yes, they were her priority, but Grandma also took care of others as she became a nurse.  As an LPN in her day, she wore the starched white dress with white stockings, white shoes, and starched and stiffly folded white cap. I already knew that my grandmother was a people person.  I think her nursing career solidified that idea from all the times any of our family heard a compliment concerning the care they received from her.

 
     When Grandma retired from nursing, she did some private duty sitting for others.  Sometimes that was for people who were elderly or ill and recuperating at home, or with young children whose parents were traveling.  Occasionally I got to go with her to spend the night with the three daughters Grandma would care for when their parents were out of town.  Grandma always took her responsibility seriously, although she made those sleepovers a lot of fun.

     As I got older and my grandmother began to slow down, I would still ride my bike then later, drive my car over to see her.  Despite continued arthritis difficulties, Grandma was always positive and cheerful.  She always wanted to know how I was and I know she expected to hear more than an "okay".  That was fine with me.  Grandma was a great strength to me.  Her support meant so much.  I hope she knew that.

FLOWER -

 

     In honor of my Grandma, I have included a few photos of flowers that were some of her favorites.  The first one is morning glory.  Every summer, Grandma had morning glory growing on her backyard fence.  She could see it from her chair on her screened porch.  There was no favorite color.  She loved them all.  Early morning was the time she loved to sit back there and watch the blooms open. 

     The second photo is a red geranium.  That was her favorite.  She liked the vivid red color that could be seen from the street, and the fact that it would bloom easily all summer. 

     The last photo is of zinnias.  Grandma loved all the colors of zinnias too, and that they were a good cut flower.  It was her idea to have zinnias in my first small flower garden.

Morning Glory vine

Red Geranium

 

Bed of Zinnias