Half empty or half full?
Skeptics will say I'm foolish, but being born with rose-tinted glasses blinds me to a half-empty glass; of course, it's always been half-full!
Some three months ago 
I had to think long and hard; was it ever that bad? The question bothered me and every so often had me digging into my memory bank. Speaking to old friends and family kickstarted some of the memories.
I grew up in a home where every penny was turned over twice. That never really bothered me, I thought this was just how things were for ordinary folk!
Both Mom and Dad were super creative; we probably had healthier and tastier suppers than the 'well-heeled,' as Mom knew how to turn the simplest ingredients into a meal fit for a king. Dad on the other hand would design and manufacture useful cooking and baking implements, using whatever scrap material he could find.
When I thought back to when our sons were growing up, I thought, how on earth did we manage?
They were both keen sportsmen and always wanted the best equipment, hubby felt the same! He would bend over backward to help them fulfill their dreams on the sports field.
Our older son evolved into gaming and was probably one of the first in his circle of friends to have an Atari, followed by a Commodore 64.
That was followed by a big desktop computer whereafter he started hosting LAN parties in our home. Cables were running out windows, and down the stairs to the games room. The gaming party lasted all night, and we'd wake up to see his friends sleeping in the living room, his bedroom, and others in the games room that was for table tennis when they were younger.
Photo by Alejandro Hikari on Unsplash
Hubby at that stage was working at the municipality as a Civil Engineering Technician, and later on, attended evening lectures to obtain his BTech. I worked in a Land Surveying office as a Draughtswoman.
How did we manage to do that and more on two average salaries?
Hubby with his engineering background and a natural flair for architecture used to draw building plans, and also did engineering designs to bring in extra money. Of course, if it were for friends, he would not want to charge them. Naturally, our friends felt uncomfortable, so he quoted them a low fee. Some acquaintances, who suddenly became 'bosom buddies', took advantage of his kindness, and would take their plans and make a run for it! Those plans were hand-drawn until CAD came into being, making life a whole lot easier! I still have all our home renovation and cottage plans in a box, plus a drawer full of different scales which was vital especially for hand draughting.
What did I do to help fill the gaps?
Food of course!
I was working half-day for a period, and the idea of making extra money started with my pancake stall at fund-raisers. Four of us were in charge of the pancake stall for many years at our church. We also did it at a retirement home, a local children's home, and a home for the physically impaired. When I saw how little we had to outlay, pancakes were a profitable business, but it was hard work and one would need a venue. Mom Lily always helped as can be seen in this faded old photo, note how blackened the pans were after a morning of cooking a few hundred pancakes on a gas cooker!
I did not make any money cooking pancakes though!
We had many fundraising dinners at church, and I was put in charge. It was a big learning curve, but I was not afraid! One tends to be fearless when you're young, right?
I found these fun old menus in one of my drawers that still need sorting out.
Those church dinners led me to take on weekend catering jobs.
I was young, and so was my friend Joyce, who was my catering partner. Mom Lily pitched in and helped wherever she could.
We mostly catered to weddings and other special occasions, often for friends or acquaintances.
When the function was at a local venue, another friend popped by to chat and give moral support. Mary was a florist who was widowed at a young age. (since losing Arthur I now understand why she stopped by after closing her shop!) She also was the dessert maker for all our church functions, despite running her own business!
Mary's philosophy about a ton of work was that it's all about one's mindset, something I've never forgotten!
Hubby sometimes came along to help carry those heavy crates filled with food and to wash mountains of dishes if we didn't have help.
It was hard work, with loads of laughter in between, and very rewarding.
I loved seeing the decor and how different people celebrate.
We were asked to cater for the wedding of my friend's niece. The theme was a Barn Dance, which was very popular in the 90s. I'd never seen such a laidback bride! She delivered the wedding cake some three hours before the wedding and calmly set it out on the table.
She could not wait to get out of her wedding dress after the nuptials were said, and dressed up in a checkered shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots!
After the food was served, we were pulled onto the dancing floor to join them in line dancing. That wedding was a real hoot!
I learned that there sure is money in food, especially catering, but it's hard work and long hours, and it's not easy when you try doing it part-time.
The appreciation of our clients and the fun and laughter we had in the kitchen made up for the sore feet!
Those were special times and treasured memories that I will never forget!
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