I could pick the house out from a mile away even though it was connected to one and too close for comfort to another. A chain linked fence with peeling white paint older than me guarded half of the walkway leaving the newly paved cement driveway wide open. Lining the scarcely used walkway were little patches of plants embedded in rock chips secured by white stones the size of golf balls. Pretending to be Dorothy as I dreamily glided to the door I was greeted by the shrieking, high pitched barks of Lucky the Pomeranian fluff ball and Cinnamon the ancient Chihuahua. Circling my feet like hungry sharks and leading the way to the ever-changing front door, Lucky and Cinnamon managed to let the entire house know "Cori's here!"
Grandma would never miss our cuddle and kiss in the cramped entryway of the house. Only moments until I am bum rushed by the clan consisting of Grandpa, Papi the Great Grandfather, and Titi the sister-like Aunt. Always cozy, the house is redecorated frequently but the feel never changes. You walk into a wide open living room with a swirly pastel sectional sofa with matching window curtains drawn enough to let the sun beam in. Porcelain collectibles line the shelves underneath the window and reflect their colors onto the walls and ceiling making it look like an aquarium. Above the sofa is a paneled mirror along the wall that never ceases to catch my attention, and my reflection.
Walking through the living room sharing the dining room the aroma of food hypnotizes your senses. Once you see the sauce boiling on the stove the basil and tomato start to run circles through your nose. Perfectly browned meatballs are frying in oil and popping their succulent juice in the air provoking your fingers to pluck one out of the pan. The fresh golden Arthur Avenue bread is so soft and flaky that it melts in your mouth as you chew. Dessert cannot come soon enough! The typical soft chocolate covered donuts complimenting the perfectly brewed colombian coffee light enough to pass for chocolate milk and stirred with loads of sugar!
The perfect food and love at Grandma's house could never be replaced. There is not one flaw to the comforting smell and feel of her, the house, and of course the grub! I will forever look forward to the redolence and aura of it all.
