Date: 12/1/2022
At 70, I’m thankful for much. At 70, most of my friends and family are gone, which is sad, but it gives me good silent memories. My wife is still with me, good. My two older brothers are with me, good. My best friend Sarge, a 10.5-year-old black lab mix (kidney and hip issues) is still with me, good, we limp around the block every day for our constitutional, good. I make the same exact Thanksgiving dinner that my mom made for us for the 52 years that I had her around. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turnips, creamed pearl onions, green beans, cranberry sauce, pan gravy, dinner rolls. And apple pie.
My mother made apple pie that I cannot repeat. Several tries, with as many failures. It’s the pie crust that defeats me. No fancy ingredients in her crust. Flour, Crisco, salt. Basic as it comes but the best. She told me the secret was to minimize the handling. I tried it many times without ever coming close. I fell victim to the box of Pillsbury dough. I’m thankful for the 52 years I had her apple pie and I’ve surrendered till we all meet again in Valhalla for a slice of simple apple pie. Victory!
Rich Hilbert
Westfield
