Bena Mae’s Kitchen: If I could save time in a bottle

“If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do. Is save this day ‘til eternity passes……”
I thought about those words of Jim Croce on Easter Sunday. I was sitting on a bench under a green leafy tree at my son’s house.  A sleight breeze was blowing, temperatures were mild in the mid-eighties, a brilliant red bird was on the tree branch above me, singing to the world that spring was here at last. Squirrels skittered up and down the tall oak trees. I could hardly concentrate on the novel I was reading.
Everywhere I looked I was distracted by the beauty of nature. It was a “God’s in His Heaven, all’s right with the world” kind of day.”
Cars driving leisurely by, some with their tops down. Would slow and wave. Like a magnet, the sunshine had drawn them out of their closed doors and stuffy houses. The whole scenario was one of tranquility.  How could anyone improve upon this day, I thought.
My daughter-in-law Kathy, was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on Easter dinner… stuffed chicken breasts, potato salad, roasted asparagus, and a dreamy chocolate silk cheese cake. Son Steve was on hand watching the yeast rolls in the oven. Grandson Sam was just enjoying being home from college.
It was a flawless day, like a day lost in time.
I remembered another time when my family would be visiting my mother on such a day as this. Over the mountain we came, anticipating good times, good food and the camaraderie of getting together with family and friends. When it came time to load up the  car and retrace the miles back over the mountain, I remember the feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction that prevailed on the way back home–more memories for the memory bag. Memories filled with good food and laughter over old stories told and retold as happened during all our family get-togethers. We always laughed in the same places.
Sadly, times are different now. Families are scattered from one end of the country to the other. Long distances, the economy  and busy lifestyles dictate our comings and goings. Family gatherings at special times of the year are no longer the norm.  That is why, when they do happen, they are so precious.
Was it prophecy when Jim Croce sang the words “But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do once you find them?”

Easy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
from Kraft

1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 env.  GOOD SEASONS Italian Dressing Mix
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
6 small  boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.)

HEAT oven to 400°F.
MIX cheese, dressing mix and garlic powder.
MOISTEN chicken with water; coat with cheese mixture. Place in single layer in shallow baking dish.
BAKE 20 to 25 min. or until chicken is done (165°F).