In The Cat Cave

Side note... longer than I thought but worth the read... click video below as you read.

Imagine being born in 1915?

Well, Queen Elizabeth Susan Matthews Decker was born on June 3rd, 1915.  My great grandmother.  A woman whom will live forever through her meatballs.

Meatballs?!? What?

Yes. This is one of those recipes that was handed down through my mother.  And its usually the item that my brother, sister and I share with others for potlucks, etc.  If done properly (unlike sister Heather who did not use cornstarch the last time), they are to die for.

These meatballs remind us of the gatherings we had.  She lived six hours away from us growing up so usually our meetings consisted of a couple times a year while driving across the Island from Corner Brook to St. John's. My mother always requested meatballs to be prepared.  And so she did.  With her hair properly curled and her knee highs on, we joined her for tea... and usually candy until we all jammed into the car once more.

Where is this coming from? This weekend we are celebrating her long life. She passed away peacefully on Friday and we are here in beautiful Springdale, Newfoundland to ensure that her memories live on. As we talk to one another about the stories, its these silly things that will ensure that literally she will be remembered.  So next time we make "Nanny Decker's meatballs", I shall toast to Miss Jane... who helped me make them a couple weeks ago... (Did I mention she licked the raw meat...Shes still alive... and we had a very serious lesson about washing hands and licking things like that.  She didn't think it tasted very good anyways.)

Not only that but when I get home, I will give you the recipe... try it for yourself.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  And they are easy. I think we need to properly named them though.  A woman who was named after Queen Elizabeth should have meatballs named "The Queen's meatballs".  Look forward to it.

And another quick story... isn't it funny how our talent lives longer than perhaps the rest of our bodily functions.  It was up to about 6 or 7 months ago that she played in the church on the piano.  She was very skilled in the musical department... yet she did not always know who you were or could talk for the last couple years.  Isn't that interesting?

When I was pregnant on Mr. J last summer, I came to visit.  She did not seem to know who I was.  She was still "walking" around the retirement home in her wheelchair... I certainly could not understand her.  But she knew there was a baby in my belly. She grabbed my shirt and started singing.  She was singing to the little baby in my belly.  I have no doubts that we lifted her spirit that day and it certainly will be something I'll remember for the rest of my life.  At the end of the day, sometimes life is so busy that you can convince yourself that 'she doesn't know who you are...'... you don't know what anyone at that age is thinking or feeling. So take five minutes out of your day to bring a card or say hello.

I have to say that my mother has taught me this.  She is adamant.  I am telling you. Every time I go anywhere in the province, I take the time to see my relatives. I just think it's so important but so easy not to do. (In fact I should visit out family at home more)  I think it's something I am spreading to my own family as I insisted we go down to see our family in Ohio last year.  We could have went anywhere but we wouldn't have had more fun if we went anywhere else.  Watching my mother-in-law in her glee, hearing the truly unbelievable history, schedule road trips and zoo adventures was so memorable.  And to tell you the truth, I cannot wait to go again.  In fact, I am secretly thinking we should meet them all in Disney World with the kids... wouldn't that be fun?

You didn't know you were getting life lessons today, did you?

And in case I forget to tell you, Great Nanny Maude Boone will be celebrating her 101st birthday on June 1st. I will show you some layouts that I have done with her, celebrating the five generations. Lets hope we can all be so lucky to be "live longers".

As I was writing this, I was listening to this audition that my sister told me about.  It's a student in Wesleyville, Newfoundland in grade 10. Shes entering the MuchMusic Cover Me Contest.  Since I love this song... and since I love to support my family and local talent, please share and like... but most of all. Click play... you won't be disappointed.