It isn’t my favorite ice cream flavor, I’m a jamoca almond fudge girl. Nevertheless, I go to Baskin Robbins every year on your birthday and order a small cup of pralines ‘n cream because it was your favorite, GRANDMA. That’s right, every December 18 this is my ritual. My way of remembering your birthday because I don’t want to only remember the day you died (this year marked 10 years).

I have memories of GRANDMA and PAPA throughout this city. It is one of the reasons I love living here. Though they moved to Oceanside and then San Diego shortly after we moved to Minnesota, lots of those favorite restaurants are still around (or at least their buildings are and the type of food is as I remember it. I guess the name could be different).

So GRANDMA, I had pralines ‘n cream just for you because I love you and I remember you and other Baskin Robbins trips together (and yes there was a slight problem when pulling up to the location on 3rd street seeing it covered in paper. Apparently they’re remodeling. This is probably a good thing after at least 25 years. Don’t worry. Another location was found).

Happy birthday, GRANDMA!