Monday they spent most of the day doing wash. They saved the overalls for last because they were so dirty. The weather was warm so most of the white clothes were dry, taken down from the line, folded and put away.
This is Tuesday and they are in the living room where a cool breeze comes through the screen door slightly fluttering the lacey curtains on the big window. They are talking about the tomatoes that are doing good thanks to all of the rain they have had lately. Talk shifts to neighbor's and their illnesses and troubles. Their voices are quiet, interspersed with chuckles and outright laughter, as outright as two dignified farm ladies can be. They have history and know the background for each story. They nod and add details that are left out. They don't have to explain. They are neighbors. Just the next farmhouse down the road.
Supper needs to be started soon, so Ruth has stopped her lazy, peaceful rocking, and must leave. But the chat continues about Club that's coming up next week and maybe Colon would like some molasses cookies.
My mom's best friend, Ruth. She's a tall, big-boned woman wearing those fancy bead necklaces and earrings to match that she always wears when she comes visiting. Mom puts a few more sticks of wood in the cook stove while Ruth stands at the door. Mom will make those molasses cookies on a rainy day when heating the oven won't make the house so hot. Maybe tomorrow.

Here's the recipe:
Ruth's Molasses Cookies
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. lard (shortening)
2 teaspoons soda
1/2 c. molasses
1 cup strong coffee
cinnamon
salt
4 cups flour + a little more

Note: I found the recipe card in my recipe box. It has creases in three places and looks ratty. This is a really old-fashion cookie recipe. The cookies are soft and tasty. No fuss. It makes about 4 dozen cookies if made by the teaspoon and dropped on a greased cookie sheet. I bake them at 350 degrees for about 8-10 min. It's one of those recipes that you have to watch to make sure they don't burn. When I try a few warm cookies, I think of Ruth, a sweet, old-fashioned friend.