Pewter key ring fob

Who would have ever thought that cheesecake would be so magical?

We all have different belief systems that get us through the day. Some of us carry charms that protect us, others utter strange little bits of pagan, animistic ceremonial stuff that help get us through doorways, handle spilt salt or propell us down freeways. I love that whole sign of the cross thing that my Abuelita, my father's mother, would do as she pulled onto the freeway on ramp. A quick once over, just to make sure that she would not only get past the merging traffic part of the ordeal, but get us to the next offramp in one piece.

I still do that little thing, that quick sign of the cross as I jump into traffic, but my onramp experience also throws into the mix a quick hand sign. To the uninitiated it must look somewhat like a sign that gang might throw down, but what I'm throwing is not some cryptic hand gesture signifying my territorial affliations, but rather, a quick tally of the number of folks in the car that need to be spiritually covered should we eat it along the way.

I can appreciate the strangeness of religious ceremony. I can't think of a better example than Sunday Mass, when all our acts and genuflections and utterances are placed in a precise order in order to please the that watchful and blessed Trinity. I also love the little things I do to please those little "g" gods out there, such as pitching a bit of salt over my shoulder if I should spill some or touching a plant or a bush before I go into the house to leave behind any and all bad stuff from the day so I don't drag it in with me. I find, too, that my pewter key fob is a wonderful talisman, and I find that before I get on the road or leave the house that I touch it, bring it to my lips and utter a quick word before I start my journey.

Haven't had a breakdown or a lockout for a long time. Is it because of the power of the pewter key fob, or is it because I have sense enough to check my pockets for keys before I leave?

That key fob came into my life a couple years back, almost a year after it's mission was scrubbed. Actually, there wasn't a fob at the beginning, and I suppose that one was only made necessary when the number of housekeys, and the reason for them, grew from one to two. See, it was all about cheesecake, a way to get to the cheesecake, that made that whole key business necessary. But, in the end, it was just one more way to give that gal M a reason to get into that house of mine.

For awhile I was flying solo, didn't have a back up or close family close in should I lock myself out of my car or need a pickup or whatever from the road. I already had a lockout system in place and so needing someone to open up the door for wasn't the point. But it was nice to know that someone could check on the house on my frequent journeys, that somehow someone could have access if I was injuried or ill or whatever. Nothing worse than the authorties taking down the door because a neighbor notices that you've been missing awhile. I'd rather have someone knock and enter instead. Save wear and tear on that door.

But it was, as I said, cheesecake that started the business of the key and the fob and the wee little ceremony that I do with that ring. Cheesecake for birthday celebrations, cheesecake for Valentine's day, cheesecake for the heck of it. I had so many cheesecakes coming and going out of that kitchen and through the house that eating them all by my lonesome was out of the question. Needed a compatriot to help with the noshing. And, wouldn't you know it, a couple days a week that compatriot of mine worked right up the block.

But cheesecake access led to other things, and needs and reasons crop up as fast as spring grass in April when you are in love and wish to change the way you do business. Not only was a key issued for those back house cheesecake and coffee rendevous, but it became apparent that the back door key to the big house was needed as well. Never can tell when an extra slice of cheesecake might be needed for the road. What if she was going by and needed to use the bathroom? Make a call? Powder her nose?

But in the end M took that nose powdering and bathroom using and cheesecake nibbling somewhere else. Pity. But I did get the pewter key ring fob out of the deal. Every time I see it I think of road trips taken and the La Boheme saga and legal pad notes left on my pillow. It went way past cheesecake, my dear, but know that that fob is one of my most treasured possessions for the magical powers it still contains.

So, thanks, M, for leaving the notes, the lipstick stained coffee cups and for being such a sweet member of the Cheesecake Clean Plate Club. But more than that thanks for leaving me with a very interesting and powerful little pewter memento of the enduring legacy of your love and affection for both me and my cheesecakes.

Your WHMB