“Do you want to visit the king, the queen, or the kingdom?” That was our playful way of asking if we were craving Burger King, Dairy Queen, or McDonald’s during my middle school days. These outings were special treats; rewards after soccer practice or those long hours spent at the library working on our first research papers. After staring at microfiche for too long, it was time to refuel.
Want to know how to enjoy a chocolate-dipped cone without the ice cream dripping down your hands? Just bite a small hole in the top of the shell and suck the ice cream out like a milkshake. Bonus points if you manage to keep the shell intact while you work your way down to the cone. It’s like a food version of Jenga!
Fast food has always been a rare delight for us, a break from the usual meals. In our household, we consumed enough spaghetti, casseroles, and vegetable soups that I could’ve sworn I’d had my fill for a lifetime. Mom’s Pyrex dishes were a constant presence in our kitchen. But occasionally, I’d hit the jackpot with a flame-broiled burger and crispy fries. I may have gone a little overboard during McDonald’s Monopoly promotions—did you know a hash brown guaranteed you a free small fry or drink? Unlike the burgers, you could always count on the hash browns for an instant win.
Our fast-food excursions were infrequent, much like finding a four-leaf clover. However, my grandparents’ visits ensured a steady flow of indulgent treats. When they came for a week or two during the summer, it meant my parents were often away, giving me a taste of glorious freedom.
I would eagerly await their old gold Chevy pickup to roll into the driveway. Grandpa would step out in his faded jeans and plaid shirt, while Grandma donned her pastel pants—either stylish capris or an accidental hem job. As soon as the engine stopped, I was at the truck, ready to hop in.
With my parents out of the way, Grandma and I made nightly trips to Burger King, and we had no shame about it. We always ordered the same thing—she had a Whopper, while I opted for chicken tenders with sweet and sour sauce. We shared the fries and settled into our plastic booth, unwrapping our fast-food treasures. I suspect these meals were a fun break for her too.
This was a woman who had a cellar in Oklahoma filled with jars of okra, tomatoes, and beans from her garden. She prepared catfish that my grandpa caught, using her own secret blend of flour, cornmeal, and spices. Most of what she cooked came from her hands, not a factory assembly line.
Yet here we were, happily sipping Cokes and enjoying food that could practically survive the apocalypse. During these dinners, I shared everything from school gossip to fishing tales, even the occasional nightmare about someone breaking into our home. She would listen, munching away, and hold my hand on the way back out to the truck—even though I was well past the age for that.
Perhaps having lived through the Depression made her appreciate a good deal, which might explain why we indulged in these meals when she couldn’t cook. Maybe she wanted to avoid the unfamiliar grocery store down the road. Or perhaps, like me, she needed a little escape. These fast-food adventures were our break from normal life. We didn’t worry about the saturated fats or sodium content; we simply enjoyed our food and each other’s company.
I recognize the importance of healthy eating, and we typically prioritize that at home. But my twins had their first hot dog at a Sonic drive-in with the van doors open, summer breeze flowing through. Their faces lit up when the carhop glided over on skates. And my oldest son, who has special needs, learned to chew his first French fry at McDonald’s. While I advocate for meals from farmers’ markets and home-cooked dishes, there’s value in the deep-fried delights too. For more insights on home insemination, check out this excellent resource on IUI, and if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to home insemination kits, visit Cryobaby.
In summary, fast food holds a special place in my memories, serving as a delightful escape from routine. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the moments shared with loved ones.
Keyphrase: fast food memories
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]
