Friday, May 1, 2009

Put It On My Bill

Every summer I would spend time with my Grandparents at Lead Hill, savoring the sweet freedom from the rules of my parents and basking in Grandma’s love! Their little rock house smelled of fresh baked pie, cooled in the summer by their black Emerson fan that set on the kitchen table. Grandma’s kitchen had a white enamel table where she and Grandpa would have breakfast. She spoiled anyone who came into that house with meals fit for a King. Hot bread for every meal, big fluffy “cat-head” biscuits or golden cornbread baked in an old cast iron skillet that she had used since they married in 1921. Grandpa had a sweet tooth so jams, honey and sorghum set in the middle of the table on a lazysusan.

My Grandpa couldn’t slip out of the house without me wanting to tag along! He would check on the cows then on up to town. Pruitt’s was just a small country store in the 1950’s. I loved to go in that store with Grandpa, even as a child I realized the respect he had of his friends and neighbors. A closeness that is hard to find these days, they would smoke and whittle laughing and joking with each other. Politics and farm prices were discussed freely and opinions were welcome. Mamie Pruitt was always behind the big glass candy case where a penny would buy you a "poke" of sweets. She would ring up the groceries on that ornate cash register and place them in brown paper sacks for customers to carry home. Pruitt’s Store also had a meat counter with bologna and Longhorn cheese or long strings of hot dogs, customers would say, "Put it on my bill!"

To me it seemed like everyone in town knew my Grandpa and he loved visiting with his friends and neighbors. In small towns across America that feeling of trust and long-lived friendships still thrives. We need each other now more than ever, to confide in and encourage in these hard economic times.

7 comments:

  1. I loved this post. I feel badly for any who haven't experienced life in a small community. We march on but we leave so much behind.

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  2. What a lovely remembrance of your grandparents and a nice time in our world.

    The Raggedy Girl

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  3. Loved your story about your Grandparents Joy. I have those also. Their house always smelled of something delicious baking in the oven. Helping to bring in a pail of water, pumped from the well out back. Or watching my grandfather shear the sheep. Going to the outhouse..Ha! Ha! Never had any more memories after I was about 11. Grandpa died and Grandma ended up in a nursing home till she died. Those were the only grandparents I had. Thank heavens for "good" memories.

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  4. It is so wonderful to remember grandparents - Love the picture - what a treasure!

    I love the Ozarks - they are so beautiful. My Dad lives in Branson and I have enjoyed visiting that area.

    Thanks for visiting my blog:D

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  5. Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories of my grand parents' home. I remember going to stay there and walking the four blocks to the post office with Granny to fetch the mail. (They had no home delivery.) If I was lucky she would get me one of those orange/vanilla popsicles at the little shop nearby. And then we'd walk back home to tend her roses, or hang out laundry on the clothesline.
    I don't know if I can recommend a climbing rose for your climate, but maybe if you asked at a local nursery they could help. I don't think you could go wrong with Cecile Brunner or Austrian Copper though. Good luck,
    Laura

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  6. When I was a child, I had a great-great aunt who owned a little quaint rock/stone store. You could buy penny candy or ice cream. It wasn't far from the elementary school. I loved that place. Haven't been back in many years to see if it's still standing.
    Brenda

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  7. Put it on my bill... can you imagine what that would be like today? Wow! What a wonderful description of your memories of g'ma & g'pa. Blessed you were.

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