I see huge areas of dead grass on the south side of the yard and mounds of snow on the north side. I say a silent prayer for sun to flood the yard and melt the remaining snow. It's been a long, cold, winter and I'm tired of it. I want to put on my tennies and walk down the country dirt road in front of my house without freezing from the stinging wind or slipping and sliding. "Please March, leave like a lamb now!" I say aloud.
Well, at least I'm on my deck and even though my back hurts from the shoveling, I feel content.....and I start to plan an outdoor evening with the family.
Barbecue, is the first idea that pops into my head, but I crave romance and flowers, pretty china, and table clothes. I want to emasculate the outdoor family dining experience that has become the norm of the modern person. Remembering old black and white prints, nostalgic movies, and stories from elders, I recall through them, that before camping & plastic became all the rage in the 1940's - 50's, people used there indoor stuff outside.
Why must we eat off of plastic or paper plates, wipe our mouths off on cardboard towels, while chewing on a hunk of something smothered in barbecue sauce? I have beautiful things, sideboards, table clothes, candelabras, china; why can't I recreate a meal from elegant times past?
Why is it that when we do bring our good stuff outside, it is only for a little girls birthday party or a big girls wedding?
I want to dress up and play, just because I'm happy Spring is here!
I want to do this for my family. They deserve beauty and so do I. No, I will not make them wear dresses or ties (unless they want to)....and maybe we will still eat something with barbecue sauce, but darn it, I'm bringing out the china! There will be no paper plates & cups at this meal!
Welcome back old fashioned eating with the Fam & dear friends.....loving the idea!
......now if only March would cooperate.
