We’ve probably played Solitaire, worked a jigsaw puzzle, or played “Store,” with pictures of groceries cut out from magazines and coins made out of cardboard disks.
But the real treat is yet to come. Grandpa has gone off to work, leaving Grammy bus fare for us to go downtown, do a little shopping at the “5 and 10,” and eat lunch in a real restaurant!
We walk up to the Corner to catch the bus, making sure we push the walk light before we cross, and always remembering to hold hands with Grammy as we venture across the busy intersection. It doesn’t take long for the Portland Coach bus to convey us down Forest Avenue, then up to Congress Street, for our big outing downtown.
After picking out some special treat, maybe a pretty necklace, or a set of barrettes for our hair, it’s off to lunch at The Puritan! And the counter just won’t do; it will be a booth for us, with water, and a waitress!
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Grammy is always so friendly to the waitress, chatting with her about how long she’s worked there, and whom she might know. It doesn’t take me long to decide. It’s always Chicken Croquettes.
There’s probably some red or green Jello on the side, along with the standard green vegetable, and usually mashed potatoes (no French Fries back then). We’re always complimented for how nice we look, and how well behaved we’ve been, and Grammy is so proud to show us off.
The meal is presented to each of us in turn, the croquettes crunchy on the outside, but moist and delicious inside, and dripping with gravy. I gobble mine up, thinking this is the best meal ever.
And, we still have that thrill of a bus ride back to Mayfield Street, and the excitement of telling Grandpa all about our Big Day!
Lisa Alzo of The Accidental Genealogist blog is presenting her Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women’s History Month series in honor of National Women’s History Month.
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