JUMP START I made a one-week-early swing at "Father's Day" this evening due to a surprise visit by daughter Mary, John Wingfield, Rachael, Lucy and John Andrew from down in the flatlands.
Typically,Lucy was first away from the big, gray
truck in our driveway and she ran ahead of the others into our hall where she sent forth a blood-curdling scream of welcome not unlike that sounded by coveys of witches counterpoising frighten each other. Vivian was on the edge of her afternoon nap. I was sitting here at the keyboard starting that piece which this now supplants - my back to the surprise scream! Her yell blended in laughter as the others came into the house and the surprise visit was no longer a secret and soon much qieter. We learned, in time, that Barbara knew they were coming up to see us but they managed to keep it a secret rest of us.
Rachael swatted the very first ball pitched toward the mythical home plate and ran a successful home run but the roar of ridicule from adept softball player because she ran the wrong way - to 3rd...to 2nd ,to 1st and home!
For the Father's Day dinner - a week early - we descended on Harrisonburg's, Virginia's version of "Cracker Barrel" chain. I have been wanting some old-fashioned "Chicken 'n Dumplin's
and I decided I would like to face a platter thereof in active combat.
There fine Corn Bread muffin's,of course as well hot biscuits, a large platter of thick dumplings, four of five long sliver-slabs of white meat and that good, super-white-sauce based-gravy with just the right spices. All that, plus inspired refills of good, black, unsweetened, coffee, heavy-mugged coffee- hot and manly! Alongside all that - turnip greens swished lightly with and swath of true vinegar and at the other hand a bowl of crisply fried breaded Okra slices! Those are all foods you don't see at home very often these fast food days.
Feature fine foods for Father's Day! That's sure way to revive pleasant memories of the past for his annual day of stock-taking.
Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 6-11-06 [c373wds]
