Life has gotten in the way of my three chapter "Food Is Love" dissertation. My apologies and a confession.. I am easily distracted. We can talk about adult ADD another time. :)
This morning I dug through my old photos looking for this picture. I know that Patrick is just adorable at one year old but what I really want you to see is my brown "earth-tone" refrigerator circa 1970-80! Notice the stuff on top of it also. I can guarantee you that it was "stuffed" inside as well. Just look at little Patrick. Does he look like an underfed child? A couple weeks ago I was invited to a brunch at a friend’s house and I was riveted by their large and fancy two door side by side refrigerator with the water/ice component in the door. I opened it to look inside and it was chock full of food. I have fantasized about that refrigerator since then. Several years ago, in a very timely manner, my then very plain and functional white frig decided to retire in protest of Peter my youngest son and biggest eater’s exodus for college life. It created quite a stir in my house. "Mom! You don’t need a big refrigerator any more. We’re all gone!" This resulted in a group shopping trip- seemingly a rite of passage for me into the empty nest phase of life- with Robert and Patrick- #1 and #2 sons. We settled on a tidy and sensible 18 sq. foot frig that seemed to be appropriate for one single woman who would prefer to have a glass of wine and a handful of peanuts for dinner. (Is that what happens after 25 years of cooking dinner every night?) At the time I could not identify the pall of sadness that had come over me. Hmm.. an 18 sq. ft. refrigerator. Not much room for an abundance of food. Certainly a sign of minimal love. But I understood the rationale behind it and succumbed to wisdom of my well fed sons. After this purchase every grocery shopping trip put me into a tail spin as I tried my best to fit everything into that little icebox. It seemed that there was only one spot for each item- much like a puzzle that you have to work on for hours. The moment of truth arrived when Peter came home for a weekend from UCSB, tried to get the milk back into the frig and hollered "Geeze! I can’t get anything into this frig!" He was certainly stunned with my knee jerk reaction which was to call the store and have them come and get it- restocking fee and all. Money is no object when it comes to love! Peter strained to see the connection at the time and so did I.8 Responses
Really enjoying your blog Rosemarie. I finally got it bookmarked so it is easy to find.
Rosemary, life would be flat without you as my friend and ethnic diva partner in crime! I know that you understand that food is love. I have been the recipient of wonderful and heartfelt meals at your house- have always felt welcomed and very loved! Love you 2!
Kim, I remember coming over to your house on Tedemory Drive one afternoon when you were painting your kitchen white. Had so much fun being your next door neighbor. Miss those wonderful days. Soooo impressed with your beautiful family. I wonder if David would like to be FB friends with Peter?
Rosie..I bought a new Kitchenaid refrigerator LAST NIGHT! Just under 20 sq. It came down to Kitchenaid vs LG. Passed on the door dispenser but went for the counter-depth. There is another way to look at it. If it’s small, what you have in there is FRESH! There is only room for one mustard, one ketchup and one hot sauce…. and that’s a good thing. Far too many fridges are stuffed with way too many condiments…like the one I have now, that is until delivery day.
XXX
Anne Marie
P.S.
With you I ate my first artichoke and my first tabouli and don’t even start me on the champagne. I still love those foods and think of you every single time.
Anne Marie you are so funny! Do we live parallel lives or what? We ate some weird things at my house growing up. I’m surprised my mom didn’t talk you into cow’s tongue and sheep brains scrambled into the morning eggs! Hey! Were we old enough to drink champagne or did we sneak the left overs after my brother’s wedding?
I do agree with you on the “fresh” issue. My frig is embarrassingly bare quite often. I can tell you what’s in there right now without even looking. But the space is there if I need it so come on down with Jimmy and let’s have dinner and champagne!! Tabouli and artichokes and love!
Well, I’m sure we’ll fill that fridge up and empty it out during our divas weekend!
We recently replaced our 15 year old white fridge, on which every inch of space on the front was always covered with photos, with a new double door stainless model. (and yes, one with a water/ice dispenser on the door). Yes, it’s functional, shiny and pretty, but, alas, this fridge remains free of clutter on the outside as it’s not magnetic. I sure miss having those random photos stuck haphazardly on the outside — it was always a conversation starter when guests came over. I’m searching for another spot for my fun, ever changing, goofy photos — the ones that don’t necessarily warrant a more coveted spot in a pretty frame on a shelf or table top.
Again, thanks for sharing. You always get me thinking. I look forward to chapter 3!
Oh Dawn! No magnets and pictures?? Oh Lordy!
I wonder if there will be a whole new movement now that stainless steel appliances seem to be the preferred. Perhaps you can invent something for those people who are at a loss as to what to do with those random pictures and souvenirs of life!! When life gives you lemons.. make lemonade. When a door shuts a window opens.. You know the rest!
Having been a recipient of all the yummy foods that have come from your garden, the supermarket or the fridge and prepared lovingly by you, I can say without hesitation – I feel abundantly loved! Next year it will be 30 years of sharing food, fun, and lots and lots of heart to hearts. I love you my Ethnic Diva partner in crime. Rosemary