Control Central

Summer is in full swing at our house. Being the only at home mom in our burb-hood, all the kids congregate at my home. My grocery bill quadruples. I launch into my lumbar jack cooking mode and I like it. Parents drive by on the way home from work and slow at our corner to see if their kid's bike or dog is in our yard. Most of the time it is, so they will pull in and walk into my kitchen for a visit if they have time. Some have been known to stop even if there are so sign of their kids.
The kitchen is the heart of my home. I designed it just than way knowing it is hub of activity. In my last house I had a couch and a fireplace in my kitchen, making it all the more warm and comforting. Someday I will again.
Friends walk in my kitchen and seat themselves at my counter island, giving them the best view of whatever project I am working on. They enjoy critiquing my painting attemps, my sewing projects, or the latest handicraft I am concentrating on. Often though, my buddies are most delighted when I am cooking. I always have good things to drink in my fridge and bar, and are generous when compimenting food with wine. I will have a dish simmering for dinner on the back burner, while baking. Leftovers never happen.
One dad brought his cam corder once and filmed me cooking, a spur of the moment amateur cooking show as a joke present for his wife. Of course I sent home some effete I was making so not to hurt her feelings.
In the Dakota Nation language, the name Winona means "her door". Being named "Her door" is the ultimate compliment, meaning the person with this name has a warm inviting home were all are welcome. Kinda like a caucasian Martha with a heart.
My kids friends never have to ask if they can stay for dinner ever. They just sit up to my counter with my boys. I have met many new friends over dinner. The few times that there has not been enough dinner made to fill all their growing bodies, we go smorgasboard and haul out back up food. I have served manicotti with a side of peanut butter and jelly before for example.
We have written plays, performed musicals, designed fashion shows, created small explosions, and performed minor surgery in the center of my universe.
I know I should get a real work a day job. But sometimes money just isn't worth it. I want my door to always be open to all who dare enter.