Bridge Party and Store Bought Cookies

Rachelle Bartholomew gave me the sweetest memory moment the other day when she posted about Lorna Doone shortbread cookies. She shared a picture of the box of cookies on Facebook and I commented, “Almost bought those cookies today. Next time.”?

Then I received a message from her and it turned out there didn’t need to be a “next time” because Rachelle had a plan. She wrote, “I don't know where you live, but would you like me to send some Lorna Doones to you?”

What a sweet gesture. But I didn’t want her to go to the trouble of sending so I told her I would stop by her place. It was so great. I was able to tell her how many good memories I had of having fun at their house in Utica, Neb. growing up. Rachelle’s older sister Lori was a good friend of mine in school. It was fun catching up and swapping stories.?

Little does Rachelle know how much she made my day. The cookies also made me think of Grandma Heine’s apartment in York, Neb. back when I helped her prepare for bridge party. Bridge party days were always special days for sure.?

The preparation began with bringing out little glass plates with grooves in them to hold little punch cups. It was so exciting seeing those placed on the counter next to her olive green stove. I knew fun was coming.?

Now Grandma did bake from scratch, but she wasn’t covered in flour all the time like some other sweet grandmas. Instead, she was always dressed ready to go and raring to get out visiting, volunteering, or heading to the farm. I absolutely loved being busy with her.?

I also learned from Grandma Heine that you don’t need to make everything from scratch. That’s how she made bridge fun for the ladies. She would bake a coffee cake on her own, but then she would also introduce a store-bought goodie.?

When you think about it, the women Grandma Ruth was entertaining probably got a little tired of cooking and baking. I mean Grandma herself was born in 1907 and had 12 siblings too! Can you imagine how much preparing meals was part of their lives? Lordy! A lot!?

So you can also imagine how exciting having something already made in a pretty package was for ladies who had slaved over a kitchen stove a good portion of their lives. Yes, they were ready for a break. A bridge break.?

Grandma taught me time management and to try new things. Mostly she taught me how to have fun. She didn’t have to trust me with those delicate glass plates. But, she did. She let me try. Sometimes I was wobbly and spilled, but she was never cross with me about it. The best part was getting to sit with the ladies all dressed up for bridge and to hear their stories. ?

I have to tell you. Grandma was quite the competitive card shark. If I remember right, there were bridge winners for “high,” “low,” and something else I can’t remember. She always had prizes for these placements, a pretty dish towel, package of lovely napkins, or a can of mixed nuts. Stuff like that. I was the one who got to give the prizes out.?

I never learned to play cards. I was too busy playing outdoors, dress up, or whatever else. But man do I love those bridge party memories. So thank you Rachelle for the absolutely sweetest gift. It meant the world. It made me think I need to bring back my version of the “bridge party” and have some fun. My daughter Caroline can help. We will make things from scratch and maybe get some Lorna Doone shortbread cookies too.?

Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart Rachelle. You are the sweetest. I will stop by again soon and we will share some Lorna Doones.