Sundays at Grandma's kitchen

Created by Sarah

I want to remember what those Sundays were really like — not just the version I have in my head, but the version everyone else remembers too. I keep thinking about her kitchen specifically. Mom, Aunt Maria, what do you remember?

Sarah

I'll start. I remember the smell of garlic frying was the first thing when you walked in. I don't think she ever told us when to come over — we just knew, every Sunday.

Mom

Mama would start cooking at maybe 9 or 10 in the morning. I remember her standing at the stove with that little blue apron, the one she had for years. She didn't measure anything. Everything was by hand. She also made fresh bread and pasta.

Mom

I remember one Sunday especially — the one where we made all those potatoes. Must have been a big batch because Grandma and Maria were peeling forever. I think that was for Papa's retirement dinner.

I remember the potato day too. But I think it was just a regular Sunday? Maybe extended family was visiting. I don't remember it being for Papa's retirement — I thought that was a different gathering.

Sarah

The cups and wine glasses — I remember those specifically. The blue and white pattern. I think they were from somewhere in Europe but I don't know where. She used them every Sunday, never the everyday ones.

Mom

The sink was always full by the end of dinner. We'd all argue about who was washing. Sarah, you usually escaped that part — you were the youngest. Maria and I did most of it.

Aunt Maria

I think about her hands. The way she'd handle dough or knead bread. She had such steady hands.