Mamma had me when she was 26 years old and my sister was just six years old. She ran the farm with Daddy. I can’t remember a time that she wasn’t a room mother, Girl Scout leader, field trip chaperone or band booster when we were kids. She cooked, cleaned, canned, froze and other wise preserved our garden for the winter. She sewed most of our clothes and some less fortunate kid’s clothes too. She was involved in the Home Demonstration Club, Country Woman’s Club and was active in various church groups. How tired she must have been! You would have never known it!
Mamma and Daddy both taught me a sense of responsibility to those around me. I am very thankful for the inspiration they gave me to become active in my community and more particular my desire to be a part of the solution. On this Mother’s Day, I think of all the love and energy Mamma pours into her family’s life with a warm heart full of gratitude.
The mere mention of a dinner party, house guests or even just a potluck and Mamma’s eyes start to dance. If she has a bad day, nothing puts a sunny spot in her heart more than setting a pretty table. She is forever in pursuit of the perfect potato salad bowl. You can always bet on Mamma’s potato salad to be served on special occasions. In fact, it was served at Pank’s and my wedding, along with her slaw and Daddy’s barbecue. I asked her last night to show me her favorite bowls. She had a hard time narrowing it down to her top four. The picture I chose to head this post shows her Depression glass, McCoy, Waterford and Lenox favorites.
It is a pleasure to share Mamma’s recipe with you on Mother’s Day:
SANDRA JANE’S TATER SALAD
8-10 large potatoes
4 boiled eggs
1 small onion
1 rib of celery
1/4 red bell pepper
1/4 green bell pepper
1 cup Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons mustard
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
salt and pepper to taste
Peel and dice potatoes and boil in salted water. Drain and cool.Chop the 4 boiled eggs and next 4 ingredients very finely. Mix together with the Miracle Whip, mustard and pickle relish. Let set for approximately 30 minutes before serving.Garnish if desired prior to serving with fresh parsley,crumbled bacon,olives and/or paprika. ENJOY!
