Lisa Hood

My grandmother would cook dinner every Sunday, at least until she got too sick to do it. She had an open door policy, “If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by.” I think we all knew our presence was expected if not required.  It seems like everyone was there, at least most the time, my mom, Berta, Roger and a cast of characters who have enriched our lives over the years: Curt, Bill, Chuck, Melinda, Charlene, April.  Unfortunately, Grandma stopped having Sunday dinner about the time I married Alan, so he and the kids have never really had that experience.  I want to revive this tradition for them and for me. I especially want the kids to feel like they can come home once a week, because before too long, they’ll be off to college or doing their own thing. I’m not going to just leave our future relationships to chance and the only way to ensure we have time together is to make the time. And there’s no time like the present.

I planned to start having Sunday dinners the first of the year, but I just didn’t feel comfortable with the state of our house. I’m already a nut case about having company over, trying to be perfect, freaking out over the most ridiculous things, like cob webs or dust bunnies.  I have to give up some of that fear to just relax and enjoy entertaining.  Maybe with practice I’ll get better.  Ok, so now the house is in better shape and we had Sunday dinner this week.  Hey, better late than never.

It was very nice. Roger and Curt played pool.  Mom, Tay and I played Scrabble. Tayler killed us by the way. That kid is so darn smart!  And Alan made beans.  Curt was joking that there was a bean party at the Hood house, but he quit laughing once he tasted the frijoles, cuz they were delish.  I told the kids they can invite one friend a week and I really hope they have some friends over too.  I don’t care if it seems weird to other people, I remember hanging out with my family growing up and everyone knew my friends.   Berta’s friends and Mom’s friends were around too.  We all knew each other and spent time together. 

Grandma, thanks for giving me that experience.  I took it for granted when you were here and now I realize how much it really meant.  I hope you’re with us every time we get together, laughing and enjoying the day right along with us.  If so, you could give me a little help on Scrabble because Tayler is brutal!