The year is 1953. Your husband is out at the bar. Again. The house is clean. You’re hungry, but the pantry is empty.
Clip on your best earrings because you love a good piece of jewelry, even of the costume variety. Apply some red lipstick. Spritz some floral perfume. Slip into your trench coat and pearl-dotted gloves.
It may only be Toledo, and it may only be the grocery store, but you never know. Elvis could make an appearance in produce.
Plus, even when money is scarce, it’s important to always look your best.
Begin your one-mile walk downtown.
At Tiedtke’s Department and Grocery Store, add Spam, Kraft American Cheese, and Wonder Bread to your cart. Pay with change from your pocketbook.
Head home, sandwich ingredients in hand.
Once there, open your bag of bread and can of meat. Add slices of each straight to a warmed skillet with a bit of butter. Let your ingredients sizzle and brown before flipping. While the Spam is cooking, place a piece of cheese on top of one piece of bread. After both sides of bread and meat are cooked, smoosh the slices of toast together around the Spam. Open a can of peaches for dessert.
Leave your dishes … On purpose.
Apply some rouge and settle down to watch the latest wrestling match. You know it’s scripted, but you love watching those muscly men like Buddy Rogers duke it out in the ring. Take your first bite, savoring independence before your husband returns, blitzed and ready to argue about a woman’s place.
*Photo taken in 1953. It’s Danielle’s grandmother and great aunt, likely just before they headed out to Tiedke’s.
Danielle Dayney 
This is so gently and lovingly told. I love a story that takes me to the quiet, alone places.
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This would have been perfect for Dead Housekeeping. Your grandmother sounds like a such a character, resilient and fun. I can see some of her in your face.
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Thank you so much, Margaret! She was! And that’s about the best compliment I could get.
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