Banter Bites

Cookies, Brownies, & Thanks

Yes, flowers are definitely nice. Cards are good, too. But nothing says "thank you" like a fresh baked treat.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Actually, don't tell Black, but Red does still make those triangular brownies, but she just knows better than to share them with Black who has a "love/hate" relationship with them. But if truth be told … those brownies are all Black's fault.

Many years ago, when Red's daughters were younger and Red seemed to bake several times a week, Black gave Red a wonderful stick-free pan designed specifically to make scones (or cornbread, if you're from the south). Black, who claims "bake" is one of the 4-letter words she doesn't use, mentioned to Red that when she saw it, she thought it might even be good for brownies, as Black's favorite part was always the edges. Red suspected it was more of an offhanded comment than a request, but thought she'd give it a try.

And the result? Well, let's just say that Red's brownies were – and remain – an instant hit with whoever is lucky enough to receive them. Even her younger daughter's teenage friends have been requesting them lately, so it looks like Black unknowingly started a tradition.

Anyway, "all of the above" is more of an aside than a backstory. The reality is that today's Banter Bite almost didn't happen, and the reason why ended up becoming a "confession" from Black as well as yesterday's post, Chocolate Chip Cookies Made Me Admit I Was Wrong? And it has nothing to do with triangular brownies.

Today’s a national holiday … for a reason. And although it may be a day of fun, festivities, and maybe even relaxation, it’s important to stop and think about the true meaning of the day …

We all “celebrate” Memorial Day differently, but we all should remember it’s a day to honor those who gave their lives serving this country.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Memorial Day may be the unofficial start of summer, and Red remembers celebrating over the years with family get-togethers, barbeques, and pool parties; whereas Black “celebrates” most holidays by having a quiet day to work uninterrupted, but it’s important never to forget the significance of the holiday.

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If you’re looking for a reason not to mow, there’s logic behind letting it grow …

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: As is often the case, Red hadn’t heard of the latest trend, “No Mow May,” which is all about lawn maintenance (or the lack of it) until Black started sending her articles about it.

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It’s hard to imagine one holiday celebrates … spring, women’s fertility, workers, and labor rights. But it shouldn’t surprise you that even though it dates back thousands of years, we each “dance around” different aspects of May Day.

If you’ve never thought about May Day, don’t worry, most of us haven’t.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red appreciates that some holidays have historical significance, some have ancient traditions, and some are opportunities for one of Black’s unexpected, but often amusing and clever, comments, but May Day checks all those boxes.

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