I fell asleep after supper after removing 7 large poplars complete with large taproots one Saturday. Wanted a snack when I woke up. Popcorn. Got the hot air popper out and loaded it... with split peas. The stink when they burn.

I was about 13. My job to have supper on the table when my parents got home from work. Decided... surprise! Johnny Cake (corn bread, pone) with sausages and molasses. Smelled heavenly. Dad took a bite and screwed up his face and said (Irish temper) "What the fuck is that?!" Me mum's recipe said baking powder... NOT baking soda. Me old man cooked pancakes and didn't say very much whilst at it after mum took a strip off him. Although he did say quietly to me, "If you ever touch my pancake iron, I'll use it on you."