Country Girls Cook

...when the going gets tough.









Late October in central Ohio is a kaleidoscope of colors changing quickly as the leaves turn from green to deep reds, oranges and yellows just before fading to brown and grey. Today was a grey day. There were plenty of bright colors remaining but the mood was grey aided by the overcast sky and the drizzly precipitation. While driving Dad to dialysis, he began to speculate as to why the farmers were procrastinating in harvesting the corn and beans. The crops were obviously ready and yet there was little activity in the fields. "What were they waiting for?" I reminded him that the world had changed and most of these farmers had other jobs in addition to the family farm which could no longer support their families. He doesn't like to be reminded of how much the world is changing. I suspect it only adds to his frustration with the uncontrollable changes in his body and his life. Farming was not what it used to be and neither was he. The once strong and athletic marine, always up for a physical challenge is dependent upon crutches, wheelchairs and dialysis. His life expectancy is cut short by an aggressive cancer for which there is no treatment. He quickly switches to stories about his time in Korea, the powerful vehicles he drove and his top secret clearance. It is easier to talk about war.

When I dropped him off at dialysis, another patient greeted him saying, "this must be that daughter from California you were waiting on. I can tell by the smile on your face." The thought that I put a smile on his face brought tears to my eyes, but I fought them back. Marines don't cry and they won't put up with tears in the ranks.

As I drove away I was sad and the whole world looked sad. I have never seen so many sad faces, crippled bodies, old and infirmed. Were there any happy people in this whole entire county? Walking into Kroger's no one smiled at me, everyone looked gloomy. I wanted to go home; this has to be the saddest place on earth. But my plane doesn't leave until tomorrow morning. How will I survive this grey day?

I just came into the grocery store to get a latte from Starbucks, but it was a good thing I came to a more important realization before I left. The only thing to do when I feel this bad is to cook! I had a whole day to cook something savory, rib sticking and smile inducing. Chicken Pot Pie was it! Suddenly the world was brighter, my pace increased and there was a purpose in my day. I think I caught someone smiling at me. Each ingredient had to be carefully chosen for the perfect color, texture, and flavor. Over the next few hours, I manged to create quite a mess in my mother's kitchen. Hardly a surface escaped my preparations. Every burner on the stove was in use, the dirty dishes were mounting and the floor was a little sticky. Who cares if there were flour hand prints on my behind, the grey was lifting and the aroma of garlic, onions, and thyme were chasing away the tears. I could see the smiles to come when everyone gathered around the table to gaze upon my masterpiece and chicken pot pie filled their stomachs.

I was not disappointed. Cooking works every time!

Three generations sat around the table that had been in my family for 5 generations, laughing, joking and eating too much. I learned to cook in this kitchen forty years ago. Thank God, I remembered.