Things I Learned From My Grandmother

The other day we ran out of tartar sauce at home. I know this is a big deal for my husband — since he loves the sauce whenever I make fish for dinner.

No problem… I recall watching my Grandma Martha whipping up her own version of tartar sauce when she was visiting us. She grabbed the mayo and pickle relish from our ‘fridge, stirred them together, and we had the tastiest, tangiest sauce for our dinner that night.

“Wow, look at you, Grandma!” I cried in teenage-like wonder. “How do you know how to do that?”

Grandma chuckled. “How do you think things are made? You can do it yourself and not bother with buying everything pre-made.” She shook her head and went on with her dinner preparations.

Needless to say, I was impressed!

Grandma taught me other things as well.

During my high school years, typing and shorthand were part of my curriculum. Since she once worked as a secretary for the airlines, Grandma had some advice for me. “Now, remember,” she advised. “Speed will come with time and practice. For now, be sure you focus on accuracy while typing.”

Of course, I can’t say I liked this advice… since I typically like to rush through things. But we all know she was correct… exactness is critical, especially since taking time to go back and correct my typing mistakes took unnecessary time.

Grandmas are good for reminding of these fundamental practices.

I adore a solid IBM Selectric!

I also learned a bit about dating from my grandma.

“You know, I kept dating other fellas even after I got engaged to your grandfather,” she confided to me one afternoon. “I figured I wasn’t married yet, so I still had every right to see other men.”

“Grandma!” I gasped. I could only think of my kind grandfather, who had no idea (or did he?) that his fiancée was still kickin’ it with other gentlemen.

Grandma just smugly smiled to herself. Even though it was many moons ago, I could tell she was satisfied with her decision and that’s all there was to it.

Grandma was full of surprises.

Another time — years earlier — our grandparents came to our home to “babysit” us while our folks vacationed in Germany. One evening, as my sister and I sat up late on a school night watching television, Grandma came downstairs in her flannel nightgown. What did she have in her left hand — of all things?? … a wooden rolling pin!

Immediately, she started chewing us out for not being asleep in our beds. I started laughing at the irony of her raising the rolling pin over her head, threatening to use it on us. Do people really use those things? I thought to myself, giggling over the scene enfolding before us.

But Grandma didn’t find it funny one bit. Still waving the rolling pin, she chased me and my sister until we ran upstairs and out of her rage. I guess Grandma wasn’t messin’ with us that evening.

pic: Dreamstime.com

Grandma was a good cook.

Like most grandmothers, my grandma was a good cook. Our entire family loved her homemade potato pancakes, Lithuanian sausage, and a bowl of steaming sauerkraut. My mouth waters each time I envision those delicious meals at her table.

Grandma make some kick-ass orange juice as well. When we’d visit her home in Florida, she’d get up extra early to squeeze oranges for us, using the ripe oranges right off the tree in her backyard. Talk about FRESH! I can’t begin to explain the difference between fresh-squeezed juice and something from the grocery store. There’s just no comparison!

Pic: Spruce Eats

Grandma had a lemon tree as well. She took the fresh-squeezed lemon juice and used it when making her beloved lemon meringue pies. Mmmm! That tartness hit just right on your tongue. A bite of that creamy dessert had the perfect amount of sour, with sweetness to balance.

What a delight that was!

Oh, how I miss it.

But most of all, I miss her.

Myself, Grandma Martha Johanna, and my daughter on Grandma’s 99th Birthday

Thank you for reading – PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST

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Author: Pizza For Breakfast

A writer sharing stories of life: its hope, humor and pitfalls. All blended beautifully together.

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