Great essay. I appreciated how you braided this personal essay with a scoop of Alex's memory, a scoop of your memory, and a dollop of neuroscience to go with the deeper understanding of re-membering.
Diane, this post brought up several memories, but before mentioning them, that is one of my favorite of Ann Patchett's books. When I think about memories, I remember being at a party many years ago, sitting on the couch next to my friend Marsha. A week or so later, we were out somewhere talking to friends, and she started telling them about the party. I couldn't believe we had been to the same party!! I learned then that everyone has their own truth. My grandfather, during corn season, would sit down at the table, also dressed in his undershirt. He'd grab an ear of corn from the serving platter and cut an inch-square of butter grandma had put out early to soften. He'd place it on top of the ear of corn, and then put his mouth over the butter and, like a buzz saw, go side-to-side, eating all of the kernels. I laugh just thinking about that. Thanks for the post and the memory sparks.
Oh this is a wonderful example! My brother, sister and I have very different recollections, or as you say, our own truths. Hard to believe we grew up in the same family! my uncle Bob ate corn the same way with butter dripping off his chin!! lol.
Diane, I always wondered how my siblings were all so different, yet we were raised by the same parents. Years ago, when my brother met my then-husband Pat, John welcomed him to our family. "You got the sanest of the Heines, but that's not saying much!"
This was fascinating and reminds me of conversations with my adult son, who similarly has fond memories of events that dismayed him at the time. Thanks for the explanation!
My family watched “60 Minutes” on Sunday nights. Usually we had a large filling meal after church around mid day. I think the real reason we had popcorn was because Mom didn’t want to cook, she needed a break. Now, whenever i heard the ticking of the seconds of the “60 Minutes” theme song I crave popcorn, My husband and i usually have popcorn on Sunday nights. but I don’t think he fully understands why it’s important to me ,
I loved the trip down memory lane. We make our ice cream as well. We use 18% cream for the entire base. And home made vanilla ice cream is the best! ❤️ We experimented with lots of flavours but I'm with James on just adding the fixings-- or making it a float.
I only use coffee cream, which is 18%. Do you have that in the states? half and half is 10% here in Canada so using coffee cream gives it a richer texture, but without being too oily like it can be with too much heavy cream.
I started using coffee cream because I always have it on hand, and tend to have extra that needs using up.
oh, that's funny. Another difference between Canada and the US. We have 4 different creams: half and half (10%), coffee cream (18%), whipping cream (35%) and old-fashioned whipping cream (36%). I have no idea why we have both 35% and 36%, lol.
Do you have 4 different milks as well? skim, 1%, 2% and 3.25% "whole milk"
Great essay. I appreciated how you braided this personal essay with a scoop of Alex's memory, a scoop of your memory, and a dollop of neuroscience to go with the deeper understanding of re-membering.
Thank you and so glad you enjoyed it. I treasure your comments, Jill!
Diane, this post brought up several memories, but before mentioning them, that is one of my favorite of Ann Patchett's books. When I think about memories, I remember being at a party many years ago, sitting on the couch next to my friend Marsha. A week or so later, we were out somewhere talking to friends, and she started telling them about the party. I couldn't believe we had been to the same party!! I learned then that everyone has their own truth. My grandfather, during corn season, would sit down at the table, also dressed in his undershirt. He'd grab an ear of corn from the serving platter and cut an inch-square of butter grandma had put out early to soften. He'd place it on top of the ear of corn, and then put his mouth over the butter and, like a buzz saw, go side-to-side, eating all of the kernels. I laugh just thinking about that. Thanks for the post and the memory sparks.
Oh this is a wonderful example! My brother, sister and I have very different recollections, or as you say, our own truths. Hard to believe we grew up in the same family! my uncle Bob ate corn the same way with butter dripping off his chin!! lol.
Thank you for sharing this.
Diane, I always wondered how my siblings were all so different, yet we were raised by the same parents. Years ago, when my brother met my then-husband Pat, John welcomed him to our family. "You got the sanest of the Heines, but that's not saying much!"
😊btw it was wonderful meeting you today. Where are you located?
Great meeting you too! Southern Indiana - Newburgh IN.
I’m in nj! I hope you are sending some warm weather our way!
This was fascinating and reminds me of conversations with my adult son, who similarly has fond memories of events that dismayed him at the time. Thanks for the explanation!
Ohh I’d love to learn more!!
My family watched “60 Minutes” on Sunday nights. Usually we had a large filling meal after church around mid day. I think the real reason we had popcorn was because Mom didn’t want to cook, she needed a break. Now, whenever i heard the ticking of the seconds of the “60 Minutes” theme song I crave popcorn, My husband and i usually have popcorn on Sunday nights. but I don’t think he fully understands why it’s important to me ,
Hahha he just wants the popcorn — without the deeper meaning! Thank you for sharing this!!
Oh my, Diane, I’m so touched. I love everything about this entire discussion. Now I need that Sundae. 🥰
It was such a great idea, Barb. Thank you for the push!!
And as a bonus, there’s ice cream as a “cherry on top” 😎
I loved the trip down memory lane. We make our ice cream as well. We use 18% cream for the entire base. And home made vanilla ice cream is the best! ❤️ We experimented with lots of flavours but I'm with James on just adding the fixings-- or making it a float.
Ohh. Thanks for sharing this. What is your ratios? Do you use heavy cream or half and half?
I only use coffee cream, which is 18%. Do you have that in the states? half and half is 10% here in Canada so using coffee cream gives it a richer texture, but without being too oily like it can be with too much heavy cream.
I started using coffee cream because I always have it on hand, and tend to have extra that needs using up.
I’ve never heard of that!
oh, that's funny. Another difference between Canada and the US. We have 4 different creams: half and half (10%), coffee cream (18%), whipping cream (35%) and old-fashioned whipping cream (36%). I have no idea why we have both 35% and 36%, lol.
Do you have 4 different milks as well? skim, 1%, 2% and 3.25% "whole milk"
We have whole milk — but I’ve never heard of it having 3.25%% lol.