You would think that if I were going to write a post about my Dad that there would be a photo of him. No, this warming cover is more a portrait of my Dad then a photo would be.
It's a warming cover for food from World War II. It brings back the most delicious memories for me each time I see it. I use it often, especially on the weekends when I allow myself a large country breakfast.
Dad was in the Navy. He headed up the Cook and Baker's school in Portsmouth, NH. The base was a place where German prisoners were held during the war until they were released and returned home. My Dad always loved to cook and it is amaizng that during the time he was in the service he helped to provide nourishment for those who needed it so much.
After the war we always waited with great anticipation on the weekends for Dad's homemade biscuits. Oh my gosh. They were about two inches high. I have never been able to match his exquisite creations. But, as I eat my home made biscuits on the weekend and use the warming cover, he's there with me, each and every time. Dad's secret for fabulous biscuits was a teeny bit of beer .........he was in the "beer business" as he said after the service.
It's funny how one thing jogs all the memories. When Dad died, of his personal belongings, all I wanted was this Navy issued warming cover and the Readers Digest condensed books that he had accumulated. In my mind's eye I remember him falling asleep at night reading these books. Others might have wanted jewelry or something of value, but I must say each time I look up at the bookshelves and see those books or use the warming tray on the weekends, my memories of my Dad are as strong as ever. They are treasures and priceless.
Do you have something from loved ones or friends that jog your memory on a regular basis? Isn't it wonderful?
11 comments:
I want to see if my settings are set to prevent "spam".
What a sweet post. It is interesting what things we choose to remind us of the ones we love.I really enjoy your blog. You bring me such inspiration. Have a Happy Thanksgiving in SMA. We were there two years ago for Thanksgiving week. Jan in Mississippi.
Yes Babs, I have 2 cast iron skillets that belonged to me Great Great Grandmother. Although I never met her, I think about her each time I use them. I use the larger one nearly daily.
When my mom died the things I wanted most were her gravy dish and liner and silver gravy ladle. I have dragged them from Anchorage to Seattle to Mexico City to Guaymas and now to Salem, Oregon. When I see the gravy dish in the cupboard or the ladle in the drawer memories rush back to me about big family feasts when my mom made gravy. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Brandt Ranch Oak table and chairs. My grandfather thought this stuff was wonderful, sturdy and would never wear out, so he bought practically everything Brandt made. He was right on one count: it would never wear out. I am stuck with this for life.
I'm thinking about using my grandmother's Haviland china for Thanksgiving. When my aunt (who died in May) gave it to me several years ago, I promised her I'd actually use it.
Love this post Babs. I have a lot of little things from my family's past in this home.
Funny that two things come to mind that where my mother's. A big yellow bowl that she use to make banana pudding in and a backscatcher. The yellow bowl is what I have made banana pudding in every since she gave it to me. I use it for nothing else. I am not even sure I like banana pudding, but somehow when it is made in that yellow bowl I can feel my mother with me. And that damn back scatcher is awesome. I use to think what a stupid thing to have, but the older I get the more I understand the value of it.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving
Chrissy, cast iron skillets remind me of the miraculous food my mother-in-law made in her kitchen in Mississippi! Wish I had one now.
Speaking of Mississippi, thanks Jan, I have strong ties to your state as my husband was from there. Some wonderful memories of times spent on the farm.
I understand Cynthia - I have dragged my Dad's stuff all over the place and will continue to do so, forever.
Ha, Jennifer - I'm not familiar with Brandt Ranch oak furniture - I'll have to look it up on the internet!
Life's a Beach - always use the good stuff - it's fun!
Paul and Robyn - love the yellow bowl story!
I left my favorite reminder of my Dad in Salem -- him, or rather, his ashes. They are in a cardboard box sitting on my piano. Each Father's Day, I dress the box in a good tie and take him to church to introduce him around. It shocks some folks, but it gives me a feeling of being close to him.
When my grandma was diagnosed with cancer, she began to knit again. She never made anything fancy, but I still have some dish cloths they made for me before I moved to Mexico. She passed away last summer, and those dish cloths are more special to me than anything else she could have left.
Having dinner on my grandmother's china...haven't used it in years..but you posting inspired me to get it out today...I had to wrestle my aunt to the floor to get it after my grandmother passed. Hope your day was filled with love, laughter, holiday cheer, and good eats.
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