Grocery List

Found on the floor of the check-out aisle at 11 pm.

Pull up a chair. It’s time to eat.

Just move that floor lamp if there’s not enough room to get around. Doug, you sit next to Amy.

God. Thank you for the blessing of family, for everyone arriving safely and being together again. Thank you for this food. Amen.

I looked everywhere for the fruit recipe. Almost got Marie to read it to me over the phone. Then I found the card tucked into an old Woman’s Day. Good thing I did because Marie’s on a cruise! I ran into Bee at the gas station and she told me. Here’s what I remembered: crushed pineapple, Mandarin oranges, toaster strudel. But I forgot the orange jello. Remember when you were here last summer, you nearly ate the whole platter by yourself? Ann was furious you didn’t save any for her.  This time I set a plate a side for you, Ann. I’m not telling where. But I will tell that the secret ingredient is Cool Whip.

No, we’re not on dessert yet. Have I spoiled your appetite for savory? No, honey, we don’t eat dessert first at Nanna’s. Unless your mother’s out for the evening, then we’ll talk. Want some pizza? Grandpa likes Tombstone, so that’s what I got. Children, pick off the pepperoni if it’s too spicy. I don’t care for pepperoni, but Grandpa wants authentic Italian. It gives him heartburn. Here, have some cottage cheese to cool your mouths.

Tomorrow morning Uncle Ned and Aunt Clara are coming. I told them you children like to sing. They can’t wait for the concert. I got Bagel thins and cheese for afterwards. Low carb. Kraft singles or Philly cream cheese, you choose. Yes, you can have both if you want. You’ll be running around plenty working up an appetite.

I read that the grocery’s changing names. Got bought out. There were specials on every aisle, cleaning house for the makeover. Hunts tomatoes. Delmonte fruit, Green Giant Steamers, Oreos. Ice cream. I got some of each. Check with your mother tomorrow, we already have a dessert for tonight. Also got Grandpa two bottles of Pace salsa. Gives him reflux but he likes real Mexican. I take my hearing aid out an hour after he eats because I know he’s complaining.

Church on Sunday is at 9:30 and 11:30. It’s my week to bring the Coffee Mate so we need to arrive a little early.  Yes, you may be excused. At the bottom of the porch steps is a tin pan. Scrape your leftovers in there for the dog. He’s friendly, don’t you remember? Just wait to pet him until he’s done eating. He likes pepperoni. Never give him tomatoes, though.  A grandpa dog? Maybe he is. He’s old enough. I’ll call you when we bring out dessert.  Ann, you get the first plate.