It might surprise you to learn of my kitchen help – 3 invaluable servants, one of which I’ve had on retainer almost since the beginning of our marriage. I put these ladies through their paces regularly and it shows. I think it’s time for some public acknowledgement of their steadfast service over the years. Here they are from oldest to youngest:
Helper One:
Helper One was a gift from my mother, probably in the first year of our marriage. Naturally, my mom made it, including the smocked section which to this day seems like a fantastical bit of magic to me. I don’t want to know how it’s done – it would ruin the mystique for me. I love the whole concept of aprons – garments actually designed to get dirty and greasy. It’s like kitchen armor, really. I’m a messy cook and my armor is essential. It’s PPE for my clothing. I’ve never understood the concept of a half apron – what good does that do? Helper One and I got along quite well, but then another helper came on the scene to give Helper One some badly needed time off.
Helper Two:
Helper Two is an exotic lady from the tropics, a gift from my husband after one of his many work-related trips to Hawaii. The astute among you will immediately discern Helper Two’s best feature: you can spill ANYTHING on this charming apron and it will just become part of the pattern. Capacious pockets on the front house two matching pot holders. I’m sure Helper One struggled with a little bit of bitter envy when Helper Two breezed into the kitchen with all her bold colors. Ne’er fear, I reassured her – I’ve got room in my life for two of you. And then there were three…
Helper Three:
She’s dainty! She’s floral! She has frills and feminine wiles! Helper Three was a gift from my son and daughter-in-law a few years ago. I think between the two of them we all know who actually picked this out, though. Helpers One and Two smoldered in the background when I became smitten with this addition to the kitchen. I especially appreciated Helper Three when it came time to make raspberry jams – it’s as if she was made for that very purpose. Even now if you look carefully, are you SURE those are all flowers on the apron? Could some of those red blossoms be raspberry stains? It’s ingenious and attractive all at the same time. When I wear this one, I want to twirl around the kitchen singing the song “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story.
Even so, I’ve got room in my life for all three of these Helpers. Each one serves well in her own way and without complaint. I rely on each one and they all co-exist quite happily now. Don’t you love a happy ending?
I’ll probably delete this in the morning while wearing either Helper One, Helper Two or Helper Three.
Lynniebeemuseoday 