“Before Sunday dinner, Mother spread a snow-white linen cloth across the oak table and folded neat napkins beside each place. Next, she brought out the treasured family china, setting wide dinner plates and deep soup bowls with loving care. Brother laid polished silver forks on the left, while placing bright steel knives and soup spoons on the right. Father carried a heavy roast on a magnificent silver platter, alongside an olive oil bottle. Into each crystal goblet and tall water tumbler, we poured cold spring water from a heavy glass pitcher. Finally, sister brought a lacquered tea tray laden with delicate teacups and matching saucers, ready for dessert.”