Toni lives next door to Dad. For the past 1.5 years she has brought gourmet, homemade, delicious meals to Dad through out each week. I mean, the woman makes her own noodles for the chicken noodle soup...as Grandma Brooks used to say, delish.
Probably over 10 years ago Dad made a suggestion to one of the locally German Baptist owned markets to add blue cheese to their cheeseball. It was a hit with customers and Windy Knolls still carries it in their deli case. Reminds me of Dad's Pringles story, remind me to tell you another time.
Toni invited Dad over for her family Christmas celebration tonight. Dad wanted to bring something to contribute. He stopped by Windy Knolls, picked up a blue cheese cheeseball and a box of fancy crackers...his contribution to the festivities.
When Dad told me this yesterday, I got a stirring of Mom. Mom always made a contribution (or three) to bring to people's gatherings. It was always something homemade, signature Mom.
Dad is picking up his creation, his blue cheese cheeseball from Windy Knolls, might as well be from his own fridge, signature Dad. He's getting the fancy crackers, not just any old saltines, pulling out all the stops.
I'm sure there will be stories told tonight of how he suggested to Annie that the blue cheese would be another added layer of flavor to her cheeseball recipe. Laughter, perhaps. People may ask where the market is located, they may go to get a blue cheese cheeseball to take home for themselves. They may get the fancy crackers, maybe some dill dip or sourdough pretzels.
Thank you Toni. Not only for feeding the old man day in and day out, but for providing an opportunity for Dad to LIVE. To share his experiences, his recipes, his cheeseball.
Note: Toni is sending one of her grown kids over to get Dad this evening. She lives one driveway over in the sub-division. Dad and I laughed and giggled over that...and are both so appreciative.
