We all have that one special treat that we look forward to having. For me, it’s a tossup between something chocolate and somebody doing the laundry. My Mamaw Jo had a treat that I could never understand: milk and cornbread. In all fairness, I did try it, but I didn’t like it. For one thing, milk and I don’t get along.

Mamaw crumbled up cornbread into a tall glass. Yes, it had to be tall. Next she poured milk over the cornbread; filling the glass to the brim. Mamaw Jo smiled every time she plunged her spoon into her treasure. While rocking and eating, she’d tell how milk and cornbread was often all they had for supper when she was growing up on Hogskin Road. Obviously, Mamaw Jo had fond memories of being raised on a farm by her Uncle Luther Janeway.

As for me, I grew up on my Papaw E.O. Clark’s farm. And like my Mamaw Jo, I have fond memories of that time and its treats. One was Papaw’s homemade ice cream.

At one time, milk came in a cardboard carton. Once the milk was used up, my mom and Mamaw Jo would wash the milk cartons, fill them up with (well) water, and place them in the freezer. I still remember watching my Papaw, daddy, and uncle slam those frozen cartons against the concrete carport floor to bust them up into smaller pieces.

Papaw had an old-fashioned hand crank ice cream maker. I watched in fascination as he cranked and put in the ice, special salt, and other ingredients. And like my Mamaw Jo, I smiled each time I plunged my spoon into my delicious treat.

Now, if we were lucky, my great grandmother, Mamaw Myrtle, would make one of her cobblers to go with Papaw’s ice cream. She made the crust from scratch and used whatever fresh fruit she had the most of at that time. Usually it was either peaches, strawberries, or blackberries. Let me tell you, that combination of ice cream and cobbler was pure Heaven. I miss those times so much.

You know, simple is often time the best version of anything and people often underestimate it. What special and simple treats may you be taking for granted? Be thankful for them and enjoy them. And it’s okay to go for seconds or even thirds.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7 King James Version (KJV)