accumulating dust - or a scrawny duck almost popping through its skin -
I think of Frau Hummel and her willow basket. . . .

But Frau Hummel isn't here now - and they don't build ducks and geese
like hers any more - and her old willow basket is probably in some
collection while we use these machine-made things that fall to pieces
when you accidentally stub your toe against them in the cellar. . . . We
are hurrying along so fast that we don't see anything until it's cooked
and served. . . . We just use the phone and let them send us any old
thing that they can charge on a bill. . . . But in those days
grandfather and grandmother inspected everything - and it just had to be
good - and there weren't any trusts - or eggs of various grades from
just eggs to strictly fresh eggs and on down to eggs guaranteed to boil
without crowing. Every Frau Hummel in the country wanted the Van Alstyne
trade - and Frau Hummel knew it - and she never brought anything to that
back kitchen door unless it was perfect of its kind.

No wonder grandfather lived to be 92 and grandmother 86 - in good health
and spirits to the last!



The Sugar Barrels



Do you remember the three barrels of sugar in the dark place under the
stairs - or were they in the big pantry just off the kitchen?

Well, anyway, there were three, you recollect - two of white and one of