- Billy -

— Migration —

THE Sponsor, Cousin Billy Kantor, would bring relatives escaping Russian Persecuting Pogroms filtering 2-3 at a time through Ellis Island, the Immigration reception area in New York. Not far from the Statue of Liberty, "Give us your Tired your Poor." And, putting them to work in his Haberdashery. "Billy Sells for Less" Sioux City, Iowa. Of course the suit-tie-and fedora were the 'Dress Code' of the day; probably not the case today.

Our family ancestry was very limited with no archives other than a few snapshots. The sketch is from my memory of the image of Billy's from a photo that hung from our Sister, Vicky Lynn's, wall for years. Always subject to a Giggle — the kid peeking out of the upstairs window. I'll be adding a few creative license story fillers with this since we have no recorded family history. But, don't we all 'Cheat' a little on these 'True' Stories; I know I do.

Billy's family are Stiffly sidewalk 'Posing' {the 1st of the 'Say-Cheese' smile efforts} outside of the store, with a big pedestal mounted Kodak camera and exploding flash to capture them. No I-phone butt cameras then: The term 'Butt-Dial' probably wasn't even in the Dictionary; even the Oxford.

But they weren't into OverSell-HighlyPitched-Logo'd advertising or even Gorgeous Influencers - just simple slogans. No competitive shout out Bells & Whistles to promote their wares. On the corner a Chinese Cafe was called "Ok Chinese Food" and it was just 'Ok' (Seriously). Simply the neighborhood zone of influence.

Our Dad who "Accidently" had (4) Kids: "It would be cheaper to Board-Them than to Feed-Them." Always encouraging us to 'Fill-UP' on the Cheap Stuff.

The Clean Plate Club — It was suggested I ask to publish this into the 'Feast' Category. Who me, I burn microwave dinners - Nah - Cj would 'Noodle' me out anyway.

Tradition~Tradition - Same Values - Different Recipes

Cultural Exchanges: A Special part of the holidays since I'm alone now is that my Lovely & Kind neighbors bring me plates of their traditional family fare: And they really pile it on. Always a picky-eater the truth is I can't eat most of it; but it wouldn't be gracious of me to say so. I mean I don't want to waste-toss it; so what would YOU do?

— Such a Melting Pot —

The Kim's are Korean - They grow Kimchi and treat me to a variety of dishes with this 'fragrant' staple in it - Whew -

The Zen's are Filipino. They stuff their egg rolls with endless meat varieties. I've told them that I don't eat meat. Their comment, Quote: "You won't even taste the meat."...Hmm! And of course the DiAngelos MeatBalls/wit everything 'Sprinkled-On' Italian. Persian neighbors bring me grape leaf wrapped goodies that smell just scrumptious. My Ketchup on everything habit (The Dinner Disguise) would most likely highly insult them though.

- I know: Have a Block-Party I'll supply all of this food -

Noodle Kugel Casserole ~ So laden with butta' and even Lard called 'Schmaltz' recipes. But, don't think anyone ever keeled over and died eating it - at least not while seated at the table. Russian Borscht/with beets and a dollop. Herring/with sour cream. I know - not exactly a Big Mac.

Wife, Rita Louise, had a favorite sarcastic British expression when interloping her 'Happy Place' Kitchen: "Don't tell your Grandmother how to Suck-Eggs" ( really).

Family isn't just always about food: But, where else can we scrunch all together, 'Willingly.' Table 'Feast' Special Gatherings were a bit different to 'Archive' then. 35mm Videos were taken with someone following with a table lamp for light, whose cord wrapped around everyones necks, as they filmed about the table. Of course, the making of memories was worth a little neck tickling-twist, if survived.

Special Foods ~ Expressions — So What's for Dessert?

Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California

'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community