Blast from the Past

In our crazy 21st century world I find that it’s comforting sometimes to spend time with my kids doing something that is so old-fashioned and so un-cool that it feels like I’ve just taken a trip back into my own childhood.

We did that last night when we attended a local church’s Lenten Fish Dinner. It felt like I had stepped back into the 1960’s. First, the prices seemed like something out of the past. An adult dinner was $8.00. For that amount I got a bowl of New England clam chowder, coleslaw, baked fish, fresh fries and a beverage. And get this – kids under 10 (yes you read that right) eat for FREE. So Little Zo Peep ordered Fish, Slaw, Mac n Cheese and a beverage. I got Fish Sticks, Applesauce and Mac n Cheese for Libby Doodle Doo. So net, net I fed a family of three for the unbelievable, anachronistic price of $8.00 – my gosh you can’t even do that at McDonalds.

Second, the evening was so relaxing. Grade school children from the Church’s school wait tables and bring your order. Our 13 year old waitress fetched a highchair for Libby Doodle Doo, gave us extra saltines to keep her satisfied until her meal came and refilled my root beer 2 times. I offered a $5 tip to her at the end of our meal. At first she refused it, but then finally and gratefully accepted it.

Finally, the evening was soooo sweet – both literally and figuratively. Zo Peep visited the home made desserts table for us when our dinner was done. Desserts are 50 cents each. She got me a piece of homemade apple pie. For herself she selected a homemade Rice Krispies treat. My gosh even the desserts were a page out of my childhood.

On a way home the sweetness continued. Libby Doodle Doo is still in a rear facing car seat so I can’t see her as I drive. A few minutes into our drive, Zo Peep asked for the small blanket that I carry in the diaper bag. I handed it back to her assuming that she was going to use it to cover herself to keep warm.

Then I heard her sweet, little soprano begin to sing You Are My Sunshine and I realized that Zo Peep was singing lullabies to her baby sister (and using the blankee to tuck in Libby Doodle Doo).

I especially appreciated Zo Peep’s selection of song. My fondest memories of my dad (who unfortunately passed away in his 50’s – much too young) were when I as a little girl would climb into his massive lap. He would cradle me in his burly arms and gently rocked me as he would sing his favorite song --You Are My Sunshine. – another childhood memory reinforced on this very magical, nostalgic night.