July 14, 2014
My Instead: I took a borrowed
container back to my mom's and actually filled it with something (hobo stew)
instead of bringing it back empty.
I had the cash and the
time and I was strategically located near the grocery store. My mood shouted for
hobo stew so I got some ground beef and canned mixed vegetables. Also, I wanted
to make that peanut butter cake that I devoured during my weekend at Annette’s.
My cart accommodated the ingredients for that, as well. After I chose a few
other items to populate my empty cupboards, I headed home and then off to
finish the rest of my day’s chores.
That night, I was a
cooking fool. The hobo stew was easy enough, but there is still that mess
afterwards and, as usual, I am the only one on KP (Kitchen Patrol) duty. After
the stew was made and enjoyed, it was time for dessert. But I still had to make
it. Unfortunately, I found I had all the necessary ingredients except for the
baking soda. Ahhh! My mom will have some. I called and, of course, she had four
boxes on hand. As I was getting ready to head over to her house, I saw her
empty container. It had held the cucumber salad she made for my pool party. In
return, I picked up a 9-volt battery and a gallon of milk for her.
I proceeded to wash the
container to give back to Mom and then it dawned on me. So many times I have
heard (mostly from Mom) that when someone gives you leftovers, you should
return their container filled with some goodies to give to THEM to show
appreciation. For once I had something to give back…the hobo stew! I proudly
filled the container with my leftovers and made the familiar trek to Mom’s.
Very pleased with my “neighborly”
gesture, I displayed the filled container to her. She was not prepared for my
generosity, especially with food. Food is not a focus in my life and definitely
not in surplus. She showed her mild surprise and pleasure with my unexpected gift.
I’ll take it!
Maybe there is hope for
me yet to carry on some of the traditions from simpler times…ones that many of
us don’t know about or have forgotten. It felt good…doing the right thing usually
does, right?
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