Commentary by Chris Clegg
It might have been Leon. Or Cathy. Bryan or Brenda! It was so long ago I don’t remember!
But I do remember one day it was me!
Whenever a kid in Grade 1 or Grade 2 at the McAuley School in Fairview, which I attended, forgot lunch it was a special day. Almost every kid in the class, which numbered about 25, contributed part of his/her lunch. A sandwich, apple or orange, a piece of cake. There was literally a mountain of food on the desk and kids were still lining up to contribute. It was a glutton’s dream!
No way anyone went hungry at lunchtime at the old McAuley School!
I wonder if any kids ever “forgot” lunch intentionally so they would have the pick of the crop from the other kids.
I remember this each time I hear about money needed for a school breakfast program. No kid should go hungry, but is it society’s responsibility to feed the children? What about the parents?
Oh, well! I guess the end result is what matters most!
One of the great pleasures in life is eating. Are there many things better than a good meal, especially after working all day?
I spent part of a winter as a jughound working seismic. After working all day, supper was a welcome relief.
Every meal was scrumptious! Friday was extra special because it was steak night. Never knew if we were lucky to have a good camp cook or whether hunger made everything taste better. Probably a bit of both.
Then there was mother and grandmother’s cooking. In addition to the great cakes, cinnamon buns, pies and tarts there are two specific dishes I remember most.
Mom was an excellent baker. She made tasty bread and the best-ever buns! I remember how much I loved them on cold Sunday evenings, just before Walt Disney at 6 p.m., with homemade raspberry jam. Still hot out of the oven, the butter melted into the bun. It was my favourite!
My grandmother Mary Luka’s Christmas dinners were out of this world. In addition to a delicious turkey, she made perogies that I loved. No one made them like her, not even mom! Sometimes they were so big three or four of them would fill a little kid. Not much else on my plate except those perogies! Until later in life, I didn’t know the other joys in life I was missing!
I find it fascinating when I hear people tell me about their favourite memories. Most memories include a family gathering which always involves food! Hey, deep down, we all love to eat! I tease a man and a lady I know (Breakfast of Champions at A&W, Heather!) that I have never seen anyone enjoy a meal as much since Fred Flintstone. That’s saying a lot!
When I get a chance, I like to cook. I am certainly no expert, but I love to make chili. Stir fry dishes are also a favourite and so easy to make. Top it off with any of several dozen sauces available at the market and it’s a delicious, nutritious meal ready in 5-10 minutes.
I also love a simple hotdog! Yes, a simple hotdog! Always better over a campfire, however!
So, all the fat cats and residents of Snob Hill can have their gourmet meals, prepared by the best chefs. I am perfectly happy with a simple hotdog, delicious hamburger or pizza, or any of the aforementioned food, however.
My only regret is I am not at the old McAuley School. No forgetting lunch to enjoy a smorgasbord offered by my fellow students! Those were the days!