We Called Her Granola. Evelyn's Kitchen.

But then, sister and I could be mean little kids when provoked. It's amazing how little it took to provoke us. Or perhaps it was just a case of 'hurting people hurting others'.

Debbie is the one who came up with the nickname 'Granola'. We were in our teens so it had to be sometime in the early 1970s. More than likely made while eating cereal straight from the box. Grandmother probably warned us not to spoil our supper and Debbie gave her some backtalk ending with 'granola'. Regardless of circumstance the nickname stuck. But this is a story about her - not us grandchildren. Shall we progress?

This is a photo of Gran as a small child. Isn't she lovely with her cute little bonnet and velvet jacket. Those chubby cheeks and legs make you want to pick her up, hold her close and hug her, don't they? Such a cutie. Too bad photos weren't colorized back then or you could see her lovely auburn curls.

When I think of Gran, or Granola if you prefer, I think of her kitchen.

That's where we all seemed to end up. Gathered around the table. Talking about life in general. Lots of laughter and tears were shared in that simple place.

There's a picture I take out from time to time to look at and simply remember.

Along the left wall for the entire length of the room are cupboards. Upper and lower. Painted avocado green with strawberry contact paper brightening the center*. Brick-patterned contact paper covers the little bit of outer wall exposed to the room. Inside the cupboards are the usual dishes, pots and pans. The prized rose pattern stoneware plates saved for 'good' and used only on special occasions. But the cupboards also contain treasures gained with a lifetime of living. Wax candles shaped like pilgrims and bunnies and Christmas trees, Easter baskets, decorations for every holiday and celebration you can imagine. Serving plates and bowls of all colors shapes and sizes. Memories of days gone by.

All shapes and sizes of copper Jello molds adorn the walls. A lobster, fruit basket and several star-shaped molds that we used to call 'Charlie' after the Star-Kist Tuna ads. Remember the "Sorry, Charlie...Only the best tuna makes it into Star-Kist Tuna"? From time-to-time when growing up, Gran would make us 'special' jello using the Charlie jello mold. It was just one of the little things she did to show her love.

Smack-dab in the middle of the long wall above the sink is a window with scallop-edged cafe-style curtains embroidered with strawberries. Plants in various states of health line the window sill. Above the sink hangs a wind chime. From the curtain rod hangs a strawberry and a hummingbird sun catcher. Strawberries and hummingbirds were two of Gran's favorite things.

The counter-top is so full a stranger would wonder how any work got done there. There's a toaster oven, can opener, coffee pot and small electric chopper. [Lest you think I have forgotten -- the Strawberry-shaped cookie jar sat across the room on the buffet/bureau] Cook books galore, pink plastic spice jars and not just one but TWO canister sets: one square and wooden, the other a cream colored ceramic set with a raised strawberry design.

Along the back wall is a utility cart for the microwave, the washing machine, chest freezer, another window and the back door. On the right wall just out of photo range is an unfinished dresser [we used as a buffet and to store linens, hot pads and the like] and the refrigerator. Atop the refrigerator is the little AM radio.

Smack dab in the middle of the room is her maple table and chair set with its matching strawberry-print cushions all plumped up and tied securely to the chairs. Lazy susan in the middle of the table atop strawberry-print cloth. The tablecloth changed with the seasons or holiday, but most of the time was berry themed.

I should mention that scattered about everywhere you looked were knick-knacks. Many were the small items we gave her for her birthday or Christmas or 'just because'. Flowers, plants, candles, pottery, old calendars with pretty pictures [san calendar]. Empty baskets were artfully hung from the low ceiling and placed on every available flat surface. [watch your head when walking through] The fridge had magnets of all shapes and sizes, kid-art and articles cut from the newspaper... poetry more than likely. The last clipping I remember was an article about Bob Hope's passing that contained the full lyrics to "Thanks for the memory". Back in 1993 that was.

What brings it all home and evokes so many memories is the pink-and-grey variegated hand made sweater casually draped across the back of a dining room chair. She wore it to keep the chill off. Hottest day in the middle of summer - didn't matter. Her house was always cold. And she always had a sweater on or close by. Does anyone else remember that?

No one ever left her kitchen hungry. If she knew she was 'getting company' a feast was ready to be taken from stove to oven upon your arrival. Surprise visits were not usually a problem either. She'd pull a frozen dish of soup or chili or spaghetti sauce out of the freezer and whip up some biscuits to boot. She always made enough for all and most times there were enough left-overs for a couple TV dinners. One of her 'pet peeves' was being invited out to dinner and not getting enough to eat. Never happen in her home!

More to follow in another post.

In the meantime, the picture below shows her kitchen at the time of her passing.

RIP, Gran. We all love and miss you.

* Some would say Gran influenced my sense of style or lack thereof.