Soul Feeding

There are times when one needs to feed the soul .All those articles for dementia caregivers advise such times to "keep the tank full "...all the better to care for those so afflicted . When my son visited us with his wife,he began to regale her with all the foods I'd prepared when he was younger .Homemade this and that...he went on for quite awhile,to my surprise .Surprise because it had such a lasting and pleasant impression on him and also because I'd forgotten some of those things and how much enjoyment the process had brought me . The next visit to the market brought another "aha"moment . If I worked in small batches,early in the morning (when Mom was still asleep ),it could be done again ! It was so much fun !!! Old recipes were unearthed and jars of deep-hued pantry jewels emerged...Cranberry Catsup,Spiced Pears(a sauce that's great added to chopped onions and garlic and poured over a baking chicken ),Blueberry Jam,Peach Chutney, Mint Sauce, Plum Honey Preserves...and my most favorite...Gingered Pears -cooked with fresh and crystelized ginger !!! The bounty became gifts to cheer others and treats to slather over toast or drizzle over good vanilla ice cream ...oh,the joy !!!