. . . I gathered together the mixer, flour, sugar and chocolate chips hoping to whip up a batch of cookies. After all these years of baking, however, I still needed my recipe. My Mom seemed to add a bit of this or a pinch of that and always ended with a delicious creation. I envy her.

But wait, something else was missing. I can hear all of you accomplished bakers saying, "Of course: eggs, shorting, brown sugar, soda, salt…." Well, you are wrong. I needed an apron.

I have several to pick from and each has a history. I have two with red and white stripes which are over 35 years old. They were a wedding gift from my nephews. Ahhh….such fine young men they have grown to be. I also enjoy the ones made by my mother in-law from feed sacks of years ago. The flowers have faded, but the strength of the fabric is everlasting. They have endured many sloppy culinary escapades serving as good friends.

Being practical, I settled on the one I made from material my Mom gave me. The material is durable, washable and tough, a necessary component for working in my kitchen. The center of the coverall apron comes from a bag designed to hold 94 pounds of concrete and displays the logo of Universal Portland Cement. I enjoy wearing anything suggesting 94 pounds.

Being fortified with proper baking supplies, a recipe and protective clothing, I was ready to bake cookies. The process went well, the results were delicious and my apron, remaining relatively clean, was folded up ready for the next summons to duty.

May your day be filled with baked goodies and aprons to complement your endeavors.