HUNGRY GERALD

Saturday (Feb. 10 and Sunday (Feb. 11) comprised the best weekend HG ever experienced. Saturday evening, nephew Jonathan K. and wife, Barbara, joined HG/BSK (plus HG/BSK daughter, Lesley R and Lesley’s husband, Professor Massimo  R.) for dinner at the Central Falls loft. Jonathan and Barbara reside in magnificent homes in the Boston area and Cape Cod so leaving these mansions for a trip to gritty, industrial Central Falls is an effort. HG/BSK haven’t seen Jon and B. for many years. Time has been very kind to them. They are athletically trim and Barbara remains beautiful and stylish. They didn’t come empty handed. Barbara brought a lush lemon meringue piê and almond shortbread cookies (fabulous pie and cookies created by her). Jon brought  bay scallops (these succulent wonders came from Nantucket Bay, HG presumes). Best of all, he gave HG the 1943 graduation photograph (large) of P. S. 86, The Bronx.  HG is very recognizable. (it had been in the possession of HG’s beloved late sister, Beulah Naomi Katz). Jon and Barbara also brought photos of  cute 2-year old Lesley R. and a bag of Beulah’s costume jewelry. Dinner was BSK’s Moroccan chicken tagine served on a bed of fluffy couscous. It was so tangy (dotted with harissa) that everyone had two big helpings. Sunday was Super Bowl time. BSK made a big pot of BSK’s  inimitable chili. There were toppings of chopped onions, avocado, grated cheddar–plus a stack of corn tortillas. Lesley and Massimo joined  HG/BSK in front of the living room TV and dined on the chili. Many plate refills accompanied by Black and Tans (thoughtful Massimo brought Guinness Stout). First half of the game featured strong defenses, fumbles and a sub-par Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs. The 49’ers led 10-3. Second half started with a Mahomes fumble. Looked like San Fran was on the way to win. (HG, however, felt the Mahomes/Kelce magic would become assertive.) Second half was pure excitement  with touchdowns and record breaking field goals. The teams were tied and went into overtime. San Fran had first possession and scored a field goal. That meant Kansas City would have to score a field goal to stay in the game. A touchdown would give them the win. HG thinks Mahomes is great under pressure–he can beat you with his arm or his feet. HG was serene–fully confident in Mahomes. He marched his team down the field to goal line territory. The 49’ers had their focus on Kelce, allowing Mahomes to toss an easy Super Bowl winning pass to Hardman. A very exciting game. HG celebrated with more lush pie and a snifter of elderberry liqueur.