Getting old can change your eyesight, especially without your glasses, and I guess your sense of smell can be off a little too.

HOME COOKING WITH A TWIST

Maureen invited her neighbors, Pat and Ted, over for dinner. They had helped with some gardening projects, and this was her way of saying more than thank you. She wanted to cook her famous recipe for southern spare ribs-the ones everyone talked about.
That afternoon, before her company arrived, she dusted the furniture, tidied the bathrooms, vacuumed the carpets, and set the table. She even used her best china and the silverware her mother had left her. Maureen wanter her friends to know how much they mattered to her. What would she do without such good people to help her out when she was in need?

At Four O’clock sharp, Maureen took the baby back ribs out of the refrigerator, laid them in a glass baking dish, and seasoned them with salt and pepper and a squirt of lemon juice to give them just the right bite. Then she pulled out a bottle of barbecue sauce. She didn’t have her glasses handy so she couldn’t read the label; she relied on the shape of the container to tell what was in it. She had used this sauce so often before, she knew the bottle by feel.

Maureen poured the liquid over the ribs, then smoothed it just right with a spatula so every rib was generously covered. She carefully placed the glass pan in the oven and set the timer. While the ribs cooked she prepared a salad and vegetable and heated the dinner rolls in the bread warmer.

At five-thirty the doorbell rang, and Maureen hurried to answer it. She greeted Pat and Ted and ushered them into the living room. “Thank you for having us,” said Pat. “This is a real treat after a long day at work.”
Ted agreed. “I’ve been looking forward to this meal ever since you invited us,” he said. “I hear you’re famous for baby back ribs. And I understand your sauce is the best.”

After a round of fruit punch and a plate of crackers and cheese, Maureen invited them to the table. She set the platter of ribs, the bowl of Vegetables, and the warm rolls on the serving cart. Then she tossed the salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.

Ted went right for the ribs. “May I use my fingers?” He asked.
“Be my guest,” said Maureen. “People have told me my ribs are finger-licking’ good! Let me know what you think,” she added, laughing.

Ted took a bite, then looked up, his eyes wide. He seemed at a loss for words.
“Is anything wrong?” Asked Maureen, her heart pounding.
“No, no. Everything’s fine,” said Ted. “Maybe it’s this cold I’’m trying to kick. It seems to have affected my taste buds. I could swear the ribs are covered in chocolate sauce.”

Maureen rushed from the table to the trash container in the kitchen. This time she put on her glasses first. Sure enough. The empty container which she thought had held her famous barbecue sauce said in plain English: Hershey’s Chocolate Sauce.

Maureen felt like a wimp! But she didn’t let on. Instead she took a deep breath and made the best of an embarrassing moment. “If you think my ribs are great,” she said, “wait till you see what I have for dessert – ice cream sundaes topped with barbecue sauce!”
From the little book called “GETTIN’ OLD AIN’T FOR WIMPS” by Karen O’Connor pgs. 215-217

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Reflection
Dear Lord, it’s funny – but it’s also kind of scary
When we start doing things we’ve never done before!
At times like this I’m grateful for a sense of humor.
It might take a minute for me to laugh at myself,
But I feel better when I do.
It seems I need a good dose of humility each day
As much as I need my daily vitamins!
~~
With humility comes wisdom.
~Proverbs 11:2~
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