A dear friend phoned the other day and said, “I have a big favor to ask.”
“No problem,” was my response. We have known each other thirty-six years, so short of asking me to change someone’s diaper I was all in.
She continued in a subdued tone, almost a whisper, “It’s a really big favor.”
Obviously, it was more than watering houseplants or feeding the cat. Perhaps it involved driving her to the airport or lending her my car.
“It’s a really, really big favor.” She continued emphasis on both reallys.
“Really really,” I responded. “Tell me what you need.”
“Will you make Joey an apple Pie? You make the best apple pie.”
Joey is her grandson and graduating high school. Although she and Grandpa Bob gifted him a college fund, what he really wants is an Apple Pie.
Now I was saying really, and hard pressed to remember if in fact I did anything special when baking an apple pie but nevertheless, said “Of course I’ll make Joey an apple pie.”
Our conversation ended with me feeling I have special talents, that is how Pat makes people feel, and recalling how we met.
It was 1981 and we were buying our first home. The purchase price was $80,000, interest rates nineteen percent. The sellers, Ruth and Lee Hardin agreed to hold a $57,000 mortgage for five years at thirteen percent. Our monthly house payment would be $630.53.
As a stay at home mom, and substitute teacher I wanted to earn extra money so responded to a New Jersey Herald ad, Avon Representatives Needed in Sussex County and met Pat.
Pat first came to our home as the District Sales Manager but soon became a guest.
The house was a beautiful Victorian on Linwood Ave in Newton, New Jersey and we were thrilled it was in move in condition. There was pink plastic tile, trimmed with black, in the bathroom, a window in the shower. Four doors consumed the small kitchen; one to the outdoors, one to the basement, a swinging door to the family room, and a paneled door entering the formal dining room. The windows were original and the drafts off set by huge silver radiators. There was green sculptured carpeting throughout and matching embossed green wallpaper everywhere. We had one couch. My mother-in-law lent us a dining room table.
The day after our phone conversation, Pat dropped off a deep dish-baking pan purchased for Joey’s Apple Pie and Mr. Wonderful set about the task of peeling the Granny Smith apples.
I tossed the apples with cinnamon and very little sugar, turned them into a bought pie crust, dotted the apples with butter, crimped the edges of the top crust and baked the pie in an oven.
I felt special, as though giving a commencement speech, and knew Joey would feel special too.
. . . . Just Saying
claudiajustsaying 
Claudia this an awesome story. I can understand how your friends grandson would want Apple pie. I believe your must be special. Nice (extremely nice) of his grandparents to pay his college education! Some people are wonderful at making pies my dad used to be, best pies ever. He doesn’t make many meals or cookies etc that are good but he did make wonderful apple pies. Ironically enough he’s gluten intolerant now 🙂
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Mandibelle, Thanks for your comment, those memories bring comfort and a smile Hugs, Claudia
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Glad to see you’re posting again. Ah yes, I remember well those high interest days. We were lucky enough to buy our house in Texas in 1979 when rates were a mere 10%, then when we moved to NJ in 1983, things were reasonable enough that I don’t remember what the interest rate was.
Too bad you left NJ–I’d be knocking on your door, happy to make you feel special. Bring on that pie!
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Shelley, Right back at you. I’m happy to be posting too, it fills a void . . . . just saying thanks for commenting. Claudia
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I remember your purchasing that house. We helped you move in. Janine disappeared that day and put us all in a panic. She had decided to walk to her “old” home, which thank the Lord, wasn’t far. I think I sprouted my first gray hairs that day. All good memories! You were, (and probably still are) a wonderful cook.
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Nancy, Lots of good memories, Hugs, Claudia
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Hi Claudia, I have to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I have tried several times to make comment, but for some reason they never post. This one really hit home as I remember your moving day, and Janine getting lost. Thanks for so many years of friendship and fun times. nan
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Back at you. You brought me chills I remember it well, and was ready to call the police, missing child thank goodness you were there. Hopefully your comment will post.
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You are an exceptional Lady Ms. Claudia, and so fortunate to have a Mr. Wonderful around to peel apples and miss his guys golf outing.. Kudos to you both and I hope Joey enjoyed his Graduation Gift from the both of you.. I also hope you got a slice of the pie!!! Just Saying!!!
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You’re the best, Thanks.
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Claudia, I enjoyed the post. I too make lots of Apple Pies they are my favorite especially in the Fall of the year. The Apple Farms have a wonderful choice of Apples around here. I have to tell you I loved seeing Mr. Wonderful with the peeled apples. He looks great. Wish all of the cousins were closer so we can see each other again. Facebook helps though and I enjoy the …just saying blog. Thanks
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Margaret, Thanks for sharing your memories, Mr. Wonderful does look great. A cousins get together has a ring. I am one of eight children but do not have a single first cousin . . . just saying.
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An apple pie, a dear friend, a graduation, the perfect ingredients for this wonderful post.Thank you for sharing.
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