Flush Community Picnic

Well, the Manhattan Mercury called me at the last moment, asking if I'd cover the St. Joseph parish picnic. Of course! I was going to be there anyway; and had spent the previous day part of the crew of ladies cooking 2,000 pieces of chicken. I must say, it is quite the operation!

The whole picnic is a real accomplishment for such a small parish - they really pull together in a way the larger parishes can only dream about. I went and helped The Man's sister in an outdoor booth selling baked goods, pies, jam, produce, etc. If you want a deal, go next year, as everything was priced to SELL! People came from all around the region for the chicken dinner and the games and pies. Not as many home-made pies as there used to be, I think. "Younger" women such as myself just don't make pies like the women used to. My mother could bake an excellent pie, with meringue three inches high on top and a wonderful crust. I just never learned; and several other women said the same thing. I guess I'll have to figure this out before next year. For my pie donation for the dinner, I went and bought pies, but for the booth, the pies need to be home-made.

There is so much more a woman can do if she doesn't have to work full-time. I feel very lucky to have not had to work this summer, although I'll be working in the fall. We lost a lot as a society when women had to go to work, either to support themselves, or to help out with the family. I've worked pretty much my entire life - through pregnancies; through trauma; when I was the only one with a job. Until you've been the sole breadwinner, you just don't appreciate the pressure; keep this job, or live under a bridge (or in your daughter's attic.)

My daughter is so lucky to have a husband that supports her - she is able to stay home with the kids and do all the volunteer work, little trips here and there, that make for a wonderful childhood. She can focus on her family - and she still has time for some "career development" in terms of studying to be a midwife, etc. without the every day, incessant pressure for money. Good deal if you can find it. I hope the women who have it appreciate it.