Our granny
A visit to Granny's was always special. You knew you would be greeted by matzoh brie, potato latkes, roasted chicken, and perhaps even a pineapple upside down cake. And that was just for starters! Once inside, Granny would whisk you past the kitchen and usher you over to the table or couch, ignoring the array of pots and pans covering every burner of the stove and adorning countertops. Granny would sit across from you, grab your hand and say, "So...vus machstu" (what's happening)? Where to begin, especially when you were already schvitizing? You see, the apartment would always be a sweltering 82 degrees, and that was when the ovens were off!
If you chose to share a story about your latest significant other, invariably the next question would be, "Is he (or she) Jewish? What does he/ she do for a living? What does his/ her family do? Where did they grow up? You recall the routine, right? The questions came fast and furiously but they were always asked with love, respect and affection. Granny had the gift of being able to add something to any conversation, and it was always sage and sound advice. Always!
Your visit would go on for hours; eating and talking with the occasional back scratch thrown in. After you awoke from the nap you were lulled into by the blaring heater and ever-rising temperature in the apartment, Granny would arrange to have some of her "lady friends" stop by to meet yet another gorgeous and successful grandchild.
This precious ritual went on for many years, and then the next generation arrived. Each new baby, no matter boy or girl, big or small would receive the special Granny treatment: "I can just eat you up!" she would say, and then Granny would proceed to gnaw, gnaw, gnaw up and down their irresistible arm.
If you chose to share a story about your latest significant other, invariably the next question would be, "Is he (or she) Jewish? What does he/ she do for a living? What does his/ her family do? Where did they grow up? You recall the routine, right? The questions came fast and furiously but they were always asked with love, respect and affection. Granny had the gift of being able to add something to any conversation, and it was always sage and sound advice. Always!
Your visit would go on for hours; eating and talking with the occasional back scratch thrown in. After you awoke from the nap you were lulled into by the blaring heater and ever-rising temperature in the apartment, Granny would arrange to have some of her "lady friends" stop by to meet yet another gorgeous and successful grandchild.
This precious ritual went on for many years, and then the next generation arrived. Each new baby, no matter boy or girl, big or small would receive the special Granny treatment: "I can just eat you up!" she would say, and then Granny would proceed to gnaw, gnaw, gnaw up and down their irresistible arm.