"We've got leftovers, Mom." College daughter gestures to her friend, paintbrush in hand, as they sit at the dining table painting gaming figures. "Yeah, we have food left over from lunch at the Italian restaurant," her friend concurs.
"But we don't have leftovers." My husband makes a few suggestions, most of which are still in a frozen state. "That's not going to work this late," I say. He says something about making a salad, shrugs, heads back into the garage to continue working. He's obviously not hungry at the moment, so I'm left alone to stand in front of the fridge and pantry. Nothing seems to be appetizing, so I chat with the girls for a few minutes.
Looking back in the fridge again, it hits me. "I think I'll have an onion sandwich. Is that okay with you?" I say to my husband, back from the garage. "Sure, go for it," he replies. "Guess a goodnight kiss is off the list for tonight," I joke back. He smiles, and our daughter comments, "He must really love you!".
"I've missed painting," she continues, as I gather ingredients at the kitchen counter. "They don't offer it every semester at college, and I didn't get a chance to sign up."
As I sink my teeth into white bread, copious amounts of mayonnaise, and thinly sliced salted onions, I silently thank my mother for my gastronomic heritage. Irish artist that she was, she would approve, this eating of an onion sandwich and painting simultaneously happening at the table.
I have just entered a new realm of gastronomical specialties: onion sandwich! Yet the conversations around the food tend to tell a better story for me: time spent together is priceless!
ReplyDeleteIt is, Jaana; we are enjoying having our daughter home for spring break. The artist streak is still strong in the family, as is the taste for onion sandwiches. My brother will bite into a whole onion!
DeleteWow! Impressive on all accounts!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcie!
DeleteI like onions, but maybe not quite that much! I always get looks from my wife when I put onions on my sandwiches :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have them often, Drew; the mood only strikes once a season or so. I get the same looks from hubby, too. ;-)
DeleteOnion sandwich...never heard of it, though my brother used to eat onions like an apple - without the core. Love onions, but not sure about JUST an onion...
ReplyDeleteI haven't met too many other folks, Donna, who grew up with onion sandwiches. It was definitely from my mom's side of the family--never saw my dad eat one. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhat a great story! I grew up in New Jersey eating the best tomatoes in the world on rye bread with copious amounts of mayo. As I read your story I felt we share similar feelings for these garden sandwiches. Thanks for sharing. I love onion stories!
ReplyDeleteOh, we're big on tomato sandwiches, too, though I've never had one on rye bread--that will have to happen soon!
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