I haven’t had liver and onions in a long time, but tonight I fixed it for dinner. It makes my daughter gag. She told me that when she first started waitressing (in the 90s), an old guy came in and ordered liver.  As she took his order, she exclaimed “Liver?  Gross!”  She was new at waitressing, and didn’t get a tip on that table.  She also told me that she remembered if her and her brother acted up in the supermarket when I was buying groceries, I’d pause in the meat section and say “I think I’m gonna’ fix liver for dinner tonight.”  That usually did the trick.  I don’t remember that.

I’ve always liked liver.  I remember when I was about nine and had just moved in with my dad, aunt, and grandpa after my folks split up.  I was moody and depressed and wasn’t eating much. This condition never lasted long, however, and I don’t think it’s happened since. Anyhow, my aunt told my dad to ask me what I would like for supper and she’d fix anything I wanted.  I said mashed potatoes, peas, and liver.  I must have been a weird kid.  And why do I remember that?

I do recall that as a child I hated cauliflower. Wasn’t found of cooked cabbage or beets either. Cauliflower was the worst, though. Just the smell was more than I could stand. Funny how your food preferences change with age. I’m still not totally in love with cauliflower or beets but I can eat them. And I love cooked cabbage.  I always hated cooked mush for breakfast if it had any lumps in it. Cream of wheat with no lumps was delightful, however. I wonder why I never eat that anymore.

I don’t know why I’m writing about food tonight. I suppose because I’ve been trying to get in the mood to diet for weeks, and it just won’t kick in.  I get like this every May when it’s almost time for my high school alumni reunion.  I’ve got two weeks to lose 20 pounds and all I can think about is all the food we don’t have in the house that I am craving.

But I’ve got to be realistic and at my age, who really gives a rip if I’m trying to deny there are a few rolls under that large oversized shirt of mine.  And I do love my new shirt!  And my hat. For once my hair isn’t going to ruin every picture I’m in!  So drop in June 10^th from 4 to 6 at the social hour at the Elks Club out on Otto Street. I’ll be selling my book too so bring money!