Did I fail to mention I don't like hot tomatoes? I think I won't be trying tomato gravy, I believe I'll stick with Rick's salsa. I use tomato paste or sauce or juice in soups and chilis, not whole tomatoes. But that's just me.
Barb, poignant, I think. Writing about them makes me feel poignant, both happy and sad. The memories are happy, most all of them seem to take place outside and during summer. I guess I've blocked any unhappy memories because they don't come creeping in when I write. But I was with Ninna so much she's just woven into my soul.
Some winters she spent with her daughters, so she'd be gone for months at a time. I don't seem to have memories of those times. Her name was Susan, and though I was the oldest grandchild, and the last to have children, my daughter was the only one who had her name. Her name is Ashley Susan and as is custom in the south and in my family, she was called both names growing up. Ninna was so proud to have a child named for her, she thought that was the ultimate gift. It had never been mentioned, the name, so I think it was her best surprise ever. I was very sick after she was born, and it was Ninna who came here and took care of my children while I recovered, 400 miles away from her home. Part of that time I was in the hospital in Louisville which is about 200 miles away from here. So Ninna spent a lot of time alone here with my babies. She was 76. That should tell you a lot about the relationship she and I had.
The fun stories about the medicinal plants took place mostly with Aunt Bett (Mom's aunt), but all the gardening and values really came from Ninna.
More than you wanted to know?
Probably, but I'm rarely lacking in words
She gave me all my good memories.
