Country Kitchen:
Summer-The Time of the Child
By Mary Emma Allen
As I'm surrounded by grandchildren, grand nieces, and their friends this
summer, I realize that summer is a "time of the child." I sit at my
laptop, writing articles and stories while children ask me
questions...and become a source of inspiration.
Watching the children, participating in some of their activities, taking
them to the library and going on walks, reminds me of my childhood on the
farm and that of my daughter and her cousins. These are the years for
children to form bonds with their siblings and cousins and create
memories they'll share with their children.
Building Club Houses
Are children really so different from those of years ago if we let them
use their imaginations and creativity? My grandchildren make club houses
from scrap lumber, a discarded shower curtain, and fallen branches, just
as my brothers, sister and I did.
Here youngsters can while away time reading, eating a picnic lunch,
playing games, playing house, or simply chatting. It’s a world away from
the television, video games, and the computer.
Wonder with Your Children
Make summer your "time of the child", too - a time to wonder, to explore,
to enjoy, to see your world through the eyes of your children or
grandchildren.
Even if it’s only a hour after work and supper, devote this as family
time. My parents were busy with farming and housework in the days before
many modern conveniences.
However, somehow, after dark, after the long day of planting or
harvesting, we sat on the front porch or lawn. While Mother and Father
rested, we children watched the fireflies and scurried around the yard
trying to catch them.
Sometimes Grandmother was visiting and joined us. We talked about the
day’s work, upcoming events, the Sunday school picnic, the vegetables
we'd exhibit at the county fair, the latest 4-H project.
By simply taking this time as a family after the chores were done, my
parents created memories I pass along to my daughter and grandchildren.
Take the Time
Step on cracks in the sidewalk, watch ants scurrying around their hills,
listen to the birds’ cheery songs in the early morning, sniff flowers in
the garden and pick a few to brighten indoors, laugh at a puppy’s antics,
enjoy the simple things in life which children call to our attention.
Enjoy these simple pleasures with your children and brighten your days of
summer. For this is a time for discovery and a time to form memories for
later years...memories which bind the family together.
Cooking Together
Cooking together can be fun, too.
PEANUT BUTTER & TOMATO SANDWICHES - This simple recipe was a favorite
lunch sandwich my husband and his brothers made when they were
youngsters. Jim still often prepares it for his lunch. Although this
sounds like a strange combination, I learned that it’s quite tasty.
Spread bread slices (wheat, white, or rye bread) with mayonnaise and
peanut butter. Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumber if desired, and
lettuce. My husband often adds a slice of cheese. He also likes to
accompany his with a dill pickle instead of putting cucumber slices on
the sandwich.
(C) 2002 Mary Emma Allen
About the Author
Mary Emma Allen has been writing her "Cooking Column" for newspapers
and online publications for 30 years and
has compiled a family cookbook. She’s currently compiling a
cookbook/story book,
"Tales From a Country Kitchen." Visit her web site for more cooking
articles. Contact her at me.allen@juno.com
