My mama was constantly amused by the serendipity of life. She loved the railroad crew made up of Mr. Gulley, Mr. Waters and Mr. Shore. She just about rolled on the floor when she found out there was a Miss Best, a Miss Good and a Miss Worst in my high school graduating class. She loved that everybody in the blessed family sneezed twice on the corner of Iowa Avenue and Second Street every time we stopped there.

She believed in the power of dreams, good "mouser" tomcats, the inate goodness of true-hearted people, the healing power of hot tea and toast, the artless comfort of goose down pillows and fresh air, and the wonderment of Shakespeare, the Bible, The Grand Ol' Opry, and us kids. She insisted that we all sit down to dinner together, every evening. That was a special time for pleasant, witty conversation and more than enough food for everybody to be well fed. Looking back, it was a phenomenal thing. I miss her like crazy. Mama's Chili-Beanie Burgers

1 Tbl. olive oil
1 pound ground beef, lean
one-half yellow onion
one-half sweet bell pepper
one stalk celery
1 Tbl. Chili powder
salt and pepper
1can chili beans
one-fourth cup ketchup
Oversized hamburger buns

Chop the onion, celery and the bell pepper into largish pieces (as opposed to a dice). Brown the onion and pepper in the olive oil in a heavy iron skillet. Add the ground beef to this mixture and break up and brown it too.

Add the chili powder, the salt and pepper. Add the chili beans with juice-do not drain. When well mixed together, add the ketchup. Heat through.

Open the buns and place both pieces on the dinner plate. Spoon the burger mixture over the open buns, sloppy joe style.

Mama always served this with carrot sticks, sharp homemade pickles and pineapple upside down cake for dessert. Always eat with someone you love.