The Pie Lady/ A Heavy Heart

The other day, I was wondering where time has went. It is almost July, which means the strawberry season will come to a close and soon the tomatoes and peppers will be shining in the spotlight.  Even though I say I crave a homegrown tomato, mentally I'm really not quite ready!  

Fresh strawberries that I delivered to friends & family on my Le Mars adventure

Last weekend, I visited my good friend Libby with strawberries and other goodies in tow. She had an adorable little baby boy who was born on St. Patrick's Day of this year. I met him for the first time because I'm not so great with life events during the Spring shipping season! I know, I need to do a better job of friends and family coming first but it can definitely be a challenge- especially with new computer systems and all sorts of changes in my (fairly) high stressed but rewarding career. I have a very short shipping window that is very weather and economical driven. In a nutshell that usually can turn me into a crazy person because anything that possibly could have gone wrong, did this year. 

Tonight I'm writing with a heavy heart. 

As you may or may not know,  my grandma was diagnosed with cancer this year during this very hectic Spring. As a side note, honestly cancer terrifies me because it runs in my family. My father passed away when I was in high school and I've seen my great grandma battle it as well. In Iowa, where I grew up is sometimes referred to as the "cancer belt" and no one exactly can pinpoint the reasons as to why. There are tons of theories out there; lots of chemical run-off from agriculture, an old paint company and other factories that were dumping toxins unsafely (but then again, that was before there was as much concern, research, and regulations), as well as other ideas.

I am very close to my Grandma Waddell who is lovingly referred to as the "Pie Lady". Growing up, I used to sell my vegetables alongside her and her pies at Farmer's Markets. I know everyone probably says that their grandma's and moms can make a mean pie, but really I don't think I can find any that can compare to hers- after all, not at all unexpected with her middle name of Delight! Every Wednesday night for the Akron Farmer's Market and Saturdays in Le Mars, she would have sometimes 50-60 pies in all sorts of flavors that she baked starting at 2.30 that morning all from scratch- cherry, apple, strawberry, banana cream, coconut cream (I melt at that one- that usually involves me vs. a cousin for that pie!), pecan and others. I groggily helped her and she really does mean it when she said she was going to start baking at 2.30 AM. But at least, the coffee was on and it usually was very, very dark! No cream, no sugar and no sunrise for a while either.

Last weekend, I visited her with a container of freshly picked strawberries- one of her favorite things because nothing compares to a local strawberry. She perked up and we sat on the deck, eating strawberries and talking but it was obvious that the chemo has taken a toll. I did take comfort with the fact, that just like old times there was a delicious, uncut pie sitting on the counter.

 Last night, we didn't get good news about the prognosis so hopefully my grandma can be comfortable and strong.  We're praying for her and would appreciate yours as well!

I've put together just a few take-aways from the many years of growing up with the legendary "Pie Lady". I thought about these on my long drive back to Ames.

1. Always treat your customers like friends- know their favorites, be kind and generous. Generous might mean going out of your way to open a door or give a few extra pies or veggies away. Chances are that you won't remember your kindness but others will.
2. Work hard, you can get a lot accomplished at 2.30 in the morning as long as the coffee is on and hot. No cream and no sugar, or maybe you can if its a special day.
3. Don't take shortcuts in life (don't skimp on the Crisco if you want a flaky crust) but it is ok to adjust the sugar for a sugar free/ low sugar pie- some exceptions to the rule but not with the crust. Also, store bought pie crust don't count as homemade pie crust. An interesting fact, actually to this day I can't bring myself to eat a store bought pie!

On the way to my Grandma's house. My cousins and I would ride bikes to "Uncle Ed's" place and sometimes pick plums from the wild thicket. There is still a great fishing pond here!