A Pie a day keeps the doctor away

I have always had a love affair with pie making and baking. It started when I was small. My grandmother made pies like all good women back then did...on a daily basis. She could whip a pie together with about as much effort as it took her to open her favorite novel. My father loved pies. Before we were married and I was in dreamy land about the reality of my days at home, I planned on making a pie every morning. My days were going to go so smoothly that making a pie each morning would require as much effort as eating breakfast. I love my red pie dish. Before we were married, I spent time each summer on the east coast with my aunt and uncle. This was my first encounter with strawberry pie. To top it off, my aunt used this cherry red pie dish. I was enamored by it. Right after we were married, I was home visiting my mother and noticed this red dish in her cupboard. My aunt had given it to her. I flipped out. My sweet mother handed me the pie dish with hopes that I would fill it often for John. He loves pie more than I do. He remarked last week after coming home from work to find an apple pie waiting for him, "NOW, that's a fun way to come home from work." I love the way the dish is worn. I love that it is cracked on one side. I love the burn marks underneath. I think if it breaks I will gorilla glue it back together with duct tape and cement. I love it.

I have maintained my desire, but my output in that endeavor didn't quite keep up. I was lucky if I made one pie a year. Due to little practice, I lost the skills required to put together these masterpieces. I don't know what has gotten into me, but I can't stop baking pies. Last week, I made six. We had Strawberry Pie, Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Strawberry/Rhubarb Pie, Lemon Meringue and a French Silk Pie. My sister called this evening around 9:00 and told me she was running behind on meeting us at the gym to workout. I told her not to worry as I was in the middle of making a pie. We decided to go to the zoo last night, but before we left I had to make a pie so the pastry could cool while we were out. It was rather thrilling to come in the door and find a pie cooling on the counter top.

At the library today, I was able to find a few books on the art of pie making. Everyone has their own opinion on how the procedure should go. Some swear by lard, or butter, or Crisco. Some suggest vodka in the crust, cooling all your ingredients and utensils. I skipped nap time today to read my pie books. The kids ask me each morning what type of pie will I be making that day. Tonight, the kids were up late watching the NBA finals with us. I had three tired little faces all staring at me watching me form my crust.

A pie in the oven especially at night or in the early morning lends itself a certain calm over the home.

To top it off, my sister and her husband had their beautiful little Esther last week. Please take a look at this child. After visiting her at the hospital for a viewing, I told my sister that it was very nice of her to contribute to the world in such a way as this beautiful child. I refrained from sleeping outside her hospital door and made myself only visit her twice in the hospital. She was asked several times by the hospital staff if they were done having children to which my sister told them "Why in the world would we not want more of THIS!!!"

So, that pretty much sums up my philosophy on life BABIES and PIE. Can't have too much of either.