from Shirley's cottage

"I’m jealous–I want what you have."

The comment was said at a meeting I attended a few months ago. I can’t seem let it go. Those words are in the back of my mind like an itch I can’t quite scratch.
Maybe it is because I didn’t answer. It probably was a good thing at the time I kept my mouth shut. For once.
I take a little poetic license with the circumstances. It doesn’t matter where, when, or who. It is the words that matter and what they meant.
Let’s say this was a meeting of a new book club that had formed. The members were as different as the books that were chosen to be read, digested, and discussed. We went from old to young, Some were merely acquaintances, others came together as friends. There were several who were new and did not know anyone.
I don’t remember what the conversation was about. What sticks in my mind is what one of them said: "I’m jealous-I want what you have."
I just sat there and looked at her. I don’t know what anyone else thought, if anything. There was no comment. It was like no one had said anything, and we went on to review the book.
On the way home, I kept thinking about what she said. Maybe others had things she wanted, but what in the world could I have that she wanted, let alone be jealous of.
If I were her, I would be careful what I said. You’ve heard of that old saying, "be careful what you wish for." (Or are jealous for.) You might just get it.
Let me figure this out. I have about thirty years on her. I can’t imagine anyone wanting thirty more birthdays..
I do have a new knee, but the old one ain’t worth a darn. And they come in pairs. You can’t have one without the other.
She may want my achin’ back. It would help her keep awake to watch late night television.
No one in their right mind would want my checkbook, bills for that darn knee, or my car with miles into six figures.
What she wants may not be anything material at all. Would she want to have my disposition, sunny at all times. What about my organizational skills? How about my common sense, and focus?

All jokes aside, my family is the only treasure I have or want. They are : beautiful, loving, close, and bonded. What I would say to anyone wanting what I have, is: Work on having your own.
This family did not come about without sacrifice, hard work, and a whole lot of love. But, it is worth it. When you have it, you will never have to say to anyone, "I want what you have.. You will have it all yourself, my friend.
On second thought, I do have something someone else might want–good recipes. They are yours for the taking.
Crab Supper Pie, from the old favorite,
Ladies Harmony Singing Society Cookbook
you will need:
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 9 inch pie shell, unbaked
1 can drained and flaked real crabmeat
2 green onions, sliced with the tops
3 beaten eggs
1 cup light cream
½ t lemon zest
½ t dry mustard
½ c slice almonds
Sprinkle cheese over bottom of pie crust
top with crabmeat
sprinkle with green onions
Combine all other ingredients except almonds
pour over pie
top with almonds
Bake at 350 degrees for 34-45 minutes
Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Serve with biscuits and fresh fruit for a great meal.
Enjoy.