CLOTHING ROTATION - NOT PART OF MY WORLD

     This morning, I awoke to rain and mid-50 degree spring weather.  The ideal day to wear my favorite red/black plaid flannel shirt.  At first, I didn't think twice about wearing it AGAIN this week [I wore it Sunday-sshhh].  I've decided I could wear this shirt everyday.  Yes, every single day.  It would be as if I were wearing pajamas 24/7.  What could be better than that.   

     The flitting thought that someone may notice was my only apprehension in wearing the shirt.  It actually took me a minute to remember if I had already worn it to work this week.  Seriously, I had to think of it.  It's not in my clothing rotation.  Hahaahaha.  

     No, I really don't have 'the' clothing rotation.  However, I do know several people who live by a clothing schedule, so as not to overlap or wear a particular piece of clothing too many times or often.  Funny, right! Normally, I just grab something out of the closet and hope it still fits nor has a stain [ie. spilled coffee or sauce].  We've all done it.  Let's not pretend that I am the only one who is a 'spiller.'   Tide sticks are manufactured for a reason. I happen to carry one in my purse. 

     This is the perfect opportunity to test the worlds' clothing paranoia.  I will set everyone's mind at ease this week. Because I have nothing better to do [absolutely kidding], I think I will experiment with my red/black flannel.  I am going to wear it again this week.  It already feels like a Friday shirt.  Rain or shine, I will wear the flannel.  Tune in Friday to and I will mention if anyone notices or remarks on the fashion 'redo.'  

     Stand by.

     

THE VALUE OF A FAMILY HEIRLOOM

     My brother flew into town this week for a visit from south Florida.  He decided to prepare his famously delicious chicken parmesan. I was told to be at my Mother's house after work around 5:30PM.  Together with his 'sous chef' wife [my sister in law] they prepared dinner.  My mother and I sat in the kitchen watching and talking and loving the fact that we did not have to move 1" from the table to lift a finger.  We both thoroughly enjoyed all of this with a glass of wine. 

     Out of the blew my Mother mentioned that the pan R [brother] was using was a wedding gift from her Grandmother. The pan is 57 years of use and still thriving as a choice instrument in her kitchen.  It's a white rectangular baking pan that shows lots of love and use and will continue to do so for many dishes.

Early this morning, as I was washing a pot after an evening soak, it dawned on me the priceless gem in my own hands.  I have my Grandmother's deep dish casserole pot. Deep seeded in my head are countless memories of dinners prepared in this pot at my Grandmother's house.  As soon as walking into her kitchen and saw the pot I immediately knew it was a chicken soup [aside from the delicious smells wafting through the house]. This was her favorite use of the pot.  It's a simple steel casserole pot that makes perfect soup.  

I have continued to use this priceless heirloom piece of 76 years old as it's now adorns my kitchen stove. She would be thrilled to know I use it for the chicken soup, brisket; and, even Moroccan tagines. 

Friends and other relatives insist that the best casserole pots are the  caste iron pots with high price tags.  I, of course, debate them insisting that my Grandmother's pot is the best.  There is no end to the debate other than it's a standoff. Kudos to the heirloom! Thanks, for the gift Grandma!  

BTW - The chicken parmesan was perfectly delicious!  Thanks, R.