Tommy is a guy my father has hired on-and-off again over the years. He helps out at the pub by cleaning and stocking the bar, manning the grills during football, mowing the lawn and taking out the trash. He’s in his 50’s, and has fought a mostly losing battle with drug addiction over the years. He’s also a kind, gentle and hard-working man who is more open about his faults than anyone I know.
One of my ongoing hopes is that Tom will kick his habits for good.
Anyway, my ex-husband, although he works now as a computer guru, was trained as a chef, and spent many years in the business. When he left stoves behind for hard drives at work, he took up cooking more at home. One of his specialties was pumpkin rolls. Seriously – these things were melt-in-your-mouth good.
The ex didn’t spend much time in the family bar. But when fall rolled around and our football party season geared up, he always sent a batch of pumpkin rolls with me to the bar. They became a dietary staple for the regulars and the football crowd, as much in demand as the popular shot of the moment.
When I told everyone we’d be getting a divorce, one of the regulars looked at me with big, sad eyes and said “does that mean there won’t be any more pumpkin rolls?” His friend scowled at him and said “at least tell her you’re sorry first!” He said “I’m sorry. Now, will there be any more pumpkin rolls?”
But far and away, Tommy was the biggest pumpkin roll fan. His eyes lit up when I came in carrying the familiar foil-wrapped packages. He’d pass up the burgers, chicken wings or potato salad to leave room for extra pumpkiny goodness. It got to the point where I’d bring in an extra roll for Tommy to take home. I sometimes swore that if we could keep him in constant supply of pumpkin rolls, he might overcome his other addictions.
Tommy stopped working at The Bar shortly after the ex and I split. He came back, in better shape than he has been in a while, a month or so ago. Since he hadn’t been around for more than a year, he hadn’t met The Boyfriend yet. I introduced them the other day, when we went up to catch a football game. They shook hands and chatted a minute, then Tommy went about firing up the grills.
Later in the day, I turned away from the TV to find Tommy standing by my side. “I’m happy for you,” he said. “He seems like a really nice guy.” I thanked him. Then he leaned in, put a hand on my shoulder, and said:
“Is there any chance that he makes pumpkin rolls?”
Some habits never die. I’m thinking that since I didn’t put “must make pumpkin rolls” in my specs for a new partner, I may have to finally learn how to cook myself.
And yes, I’m aware that the pumpkin picture above looks nothing like a dessert product. I’m just proud of the bit of fall going on in my front yard these days. Never fear, those guys are slated to become jack-o-lanterns, not bar food.
One of my ongoing hopes is that Tom will kick his habits for good.
Anyway, my ex-husband, although he works now as a computer guru, was trained as a chef, and spent many years in the business. When he left stoves behind for hard drives at work, he took up cooking more at home. One of his specialties was pumpkin rolls. Seriously – these things were melt-in-your-mouth good.
The ex didn’t spend much time in the family bar. But when fall rolled around and our football party season geared up, he always sent a batch of pumpkin rolls with me to the bar. They became a dietary staple for the regulars and the football crowd, as much in demand as the popular shot of the moment.
When I told everyone we’d be getting a divorce, one of the regulars looked at me with big, sad eyes and said “does that mean there won’t be any more pumpkin rolls?” His friend scowled at him and said “at least tell her you’re sorry first!” He said “I’m sorry. Now, will there be any more pumpkin rolls?”
But far and away, Tommy was the biggest pumpkin roll fan. His eyes lit up when I came in carrying the familiar foil-wrapped packages. He’d pass up the burgers, chicken wings or potato salad to leave room for extra pumpkiny goodness. It got to the point where I’d bring in an extra roll for Tommy to take home. I sometimes swore that if we could keep him in constant supply of pumpkin rolls, he might overcome his other addictions.
Tommy stopped working at The Bar shortly after the ex and I split. He came back, in better shape than he has been in a while, a month or so ago. Since he hadn’t been around for more than a year, he hadn’t met The Boyfriend yet. I introduced them the other day, when we went up to catch a football game. They shook hands and chatted a minute, then Tommy went about firing up the grills.
Later in the day, I turned away from the TV to find Tommy standing by my side. “I’m happy for you,” he said. “He seems like a really nice guy.” I thanked him. Then he leaned in, put a hand on my shoulder, and said:
“Is there any chance that he makes pumpkin rolls?”
Some habits never die. I’m thinking that since I didn’t put “must make pumpkin rolls” in my specs for a new partner, I may have to finally learn how to cook myself.
And yes, I’m aware that the pumpkin picture above looks nothing like a dessert product. I’m just proud of the bit of fall going on in my front yard these days. Never fear, those guys are slated to become jack-o-lanterns, not bar food.
5 comments:
Somehow I don't picture you as a cook.
Good luck and try not to burn down the house :-)
CaptainRon
Too bad you couldn't get the pumpkin rolls written into the divorce agreement.
You can't picture me as a cook because you know me pretty well, Ron : ). Maybe I should have a fire extinguisher in the house before I try!
Now that's an idea, Bud. We did actually work out pet custody agreements, so why I never thought of the pumpkin rolls, I'll never know!
As a loyal reader and fan, I'm going to have to demand pictures and a posting of the recipe.
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