My Mary Poppins Lunch Bag

Yesterday, my husband Russell and I spent the afternoon chaperoning our youngest daughter, Mia's, high school football game. Our day chaperoning began hours before the actual game so I decided to pack a lunch and snacks for us. I brought two types of sandwiches, pretzels, homemade cookies, crackers and air-popped popcorn for me I flavored with olive oil and good sea salt, the way I like it. We also had plenty of water.

The day was perfect. The sun shone and a cool breeze was blowing. The game however, was not so great. "Our" team lost to their rival in a penalty-ridden and not very well-played game. Things started off rather poorly for us when the opposing team blocked the punt and scored within the first 30 seconds of play! Things went a bit downhill from there and by the end of the fourth quarter, many of "our" team members were injured due to the unnecessary rough grabs and tackles of the other team. It was a bit of a blood bath and upsetting to watch. 

Partway through the second quarter, Russell and I began to eat our sandwiches. I made chicken salad sandwiches with a touch of mayonnaise, cider vinegar, grated onion and minced celery. I mounded the mix onto toasted Kaiser rolls and added crispy romaine lettuce. Next, we shared a ham and turkey sandwich with mozzarella cheese and a sharp mustard. After that, Russ had crackers and I munched on my popcorn. I had not noticed the other parents around us had been watching the various goodies come out of our lunch bag. One mother began to tease me that I had a 'Mary Poppins's lunch bag!' I just like to be prepared... After all, chaperoning and food go together like marching bands and football.

---