Louie & Don
One of “The Greatest Generation,” Lucille Van Pelt (1918 – 2003) was a wonderful cook. During The Great Depression, she learned from her mom, Nettie, and dad, Edward, to be resourceful, while still making tasty dishes. Her comment, when asked about that era, was, “We always had food on the table.” Her dad worked for the Pasadena City Schools and always had a job, unlike Don V.P. in Iowa.
During WWII, she and her sister, Delpha, opened a beauty salon – “Dixie’s” and often cooked for the family, never knowing who was going to be there, as all were coming and going from the far reaches of the globe.
During the 50’s and 60’s Louie fixed breakfasts, packed lunches, and prepared dinners for a family of 5. Thanksgiving and Christmas were fun for all with family gatherings, turkey dinners, of course, and homemade cookies and candies wrapped for gifts.
As the kids grew up and Don worked the night shift, Louie often said she felt like a short order cook. With part-time jobs and school, the kids were in and out at any time. She could do it, though, and fix something on the spur of the moment.
When Gary, Greg and Cassandra had married and moved out, Louie found it difficult to cook for two. However, the kids visited often! They would stop by anytime and a meal would unfold in the kitchen or the barbecue would be lit. She enjoyed having company. The house was small, but it didn’t matter. At holidays or anytime, everyone was invited. There was always room at the table!
As Cassandra rediscovers the best of the best, take a look at “Louie’s Recipes.”
CJJ Explores California 
Great job with Don’s line up of the cars. I do remember some of them.