I was thinking about how nice it was for all the family
to sit around the table together and how it encourages
conversation and gives the children a chance to participate.
I regret that meals are often eaten in front of the tv or
on the fly.

When we went to my grandmothers house the dining
room was small and she had two sittings for dinner. The
men ate first and then at the second sitting the women and
children ate. All the best pieces of fried chicken were
always gone and we were left with the drumsticks and wings.
I hated this custom. But I have to remember her cakes
with a special fondness. She deliberately used too much
sugar and they fell which made them ugly but delicious.
My mouth just waters when I think of her burnt sugar cake
and her Aunt Bill's Brown Candy . Think extreme caramel.

My other grandmother was a better all around cook and her
specialty was apple pie. Only Laura and Celeste achieved
the same result. Celeste no longer cooks since her
dementia has increased and perhaps I can persuade Laura
to make one the next time she is here.

I am very sad for Celeste. Her physical health is outstanding and Red's is not. I think he tries to stay
alive to care for her. I think she will live a long time
in her altered state. Death is not the worst thing that
can happen to you. The worst thing is when your body
becomes a prison with your mind on holiday.