Bobwhites and Brownies

I adore Brownies because of the kitchen in Only Child girls house. I always volunteered to be the oven watcher just so that I could linger alone in this most special room. A round table tucked into the only corner, a long white tablecloth hanging to the floor. Comfortable chairs with arms and cushions, a lamp on the table. Toaster and jams, blue and white place mats, a cow to spill milk, Delft Blue filled with yellow flowers. Magazines and books, reading glasses and newspapers, round tins of hard candies. A table that never had to be set because it was used throughout the day.

Brownies cut in squares, Bobwhites ready for Boy Talk on Danielle's bedroom floor. Rotation visits could not come soon enough for the chance to be in a bedroom designed especially for her. Pink and white strips hand painted on the walls, French Vanilla moldings before the ceiling. Window seat with underneath drawers, Priscilla curtains in pale green stripes, shutters to pull across the window. Even her closet was custom made to match her room, Family Affair come to life.

Goodbyes at the door, vanilla light over my shoulder, the long walk home. Grassy dew dampening my sneakers, sliding door patio just ahead. "How was your evening?" greetings from Mom. Tucked under feet straightened, book set aside."It was wonderful! We made brownies."