Puttin’ on the Ritz

Written by on in Snacks, The Lazy Chef, Tidbits and Treats

Have you seen the well-to-do
Up and down Park Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare
With their noses in the air

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High hats and narrow collars
White spats and lots of dollars
Spending every dime
For a wonderful time

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Now, if you’re blue
And you don’t know where to go to
Why don’t you go where fashion sits
Puttin’ on the Ritz

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Different types who wear a daycoat
Pants with stripes and cutaway coat
Perfect fits
Puttin’ on the Ritz

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Dressed up like a million dollar trooper
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper
Super-duper

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Come, let’s mix where Rockefellers
Walk with sticks or “umberellas”
In their mitts
Puttin’ on the Ritz

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Tips his hat just like an English chappie
To a lady with a wealthy pappy
Very snappy

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You’ll declare it’s simply topping
To be there and hear them swapping
Smart tidbits

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Puttin’ on the Ritz

Recipe: Maple-Raisin Pumpkin Bread (minus the raisins)

I found out this past weekend that my grandpa’s nickname for my grandma (her name is Rita) was Ritz. I immediately found this Fred Astaire video and was brought back in time to what life must have been like for her back then. I’ve heard so many stories from my aunts, uncles and Dzia Dzia (our Polish name for grandpa) these past two weeks, and it has made me realize just how little I really knew about her. My goal is to get better acquainted with the woman who battled difficult childhood circumstances, bore 10 children and battled cancer as long and as hard as she could.

My grandma passed away at 10:30 pm last night, surrounded by the family she has nurtured and loved for 78 short years. She is now in a better place and no longer in any pain. I know she is being taken care of and even though my heart is heavy, a part of me is smiling in memory of a wonderful woman.

Rest in peace, Grandma Rita (April 23, 1931 – September 27, 2009)

86 Comments

  6. This is so sweet, and I feel like it’s such an appropriate and beautiful way to honor your grandma’s memory. You know I’m thinking of your family during this time – it’ll be trying but you’ll get through it. Love you!!

  7. So sorry of your loss, but it’s a good thing that she is no longer suffering.

    In a completely surreal moment, and hopefully a good sign that she’s in a better place, as I was reading this post the Young Frankenstein version of Puttin’ on the Ritz started playing on the Internet radio station I’m listening to.

  12. Sorry for your loss Jenn. I’m really close with my grandmother and I can imagine how hard it is to lose someone that amazing in your life.

    We’re here for you! <3

  15. My heart goes out to you and your family! Keep strong, and indulge in all the maple pumpkin bread you can 🙂 Your grandma would want it that way.
    Youre still in my thoughts and prayers!

  18. I am sorry that your Grandma was taken from you, but like you- I’m glad that she is no longer suffering here. At my Mom’s memorial earlier in the year I read something aloud that my step sister made up…I thought it was beautiful: ‘We are born of our mother. She nurtures us and sets us free. Later, we nurture her, and finally, Nature sets her free’. Same can be said for Grandmas. Thinking of you.

  19. What a great post in memory of your grandma. She sounds like one lovely lady. I’m very sorry for you loss Jenn. Know that you are in my thoughts.

  23. Sorry to hear about your grandma. You are right, she is pain free and in a happier place. I like to tell myself the same thing about my own grandparents. In light of your loss, your post was very fun, and mouthwatering 🙂

  24. what a beautiful post- she sounds like a truly incredible lady. my heart goes out to you and your family, friend. thinking about you.. and that bread…and singing that song…and doing the tap dance i did to it for one recital 😉

  25. Jenn, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I agree with the above commenters–you couldn’t have chosen a better way to honor her life. I’ll be thinking of you, and feel free to call me if you want to chat:)

  26. I’m so, so sorry Jenn. That post was a beautiful tribute to your grandma – she must have been so proud of you and all of your amazing accomplishments (getting engaged, your new JOB, being named one of the top food blogs out there, your recent race, and the list goes on!!) Please keep in touch and let me know if you need anything dear!

  31. What a great tribute, Jenn. I’m so sorry you lost your dear grandma, but I know she is smiling down at you baking her lovely bread. When my grandma passed five years ago, I spent weeks making her apple strudel. It was so therapeutic. You are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.

  36. aw jenn, i’m so sorry for your loss, you’re family is in my thoughts!

    what a lovely tribute, sounds like she had a life full of love and happiness!

  43. I’m so sorry to hear this Jenn, but what a fun tribute to her. I’ve found out a lot more about my grandfather and nany who I lost in the past 2 years, too, and it just makes me appreciate the time I had with them more.

    (((hugs)))

  44. Sweet post Jenn! I know your grandmother must have been proud of you and is smiling down on you still. My prayers are with you that you and your family heal quickly.

  56. Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We all love ya very much. You and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

  57. Jenn, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please take extra good care of yourself during this sad time.

  58. I am so sorry for you loss. My grandma, who is 79, has also been battling cancer and recently was given the term “terminal”. I know how difficult it is to see your loved ones in pain. Keep your head up.

  64. Hey Jenn, I’m so sorry about your grandma. I’m sure she’s so happy knowing that you and the rest of the family love her so much. I’m also sure there’s probably no grand daughter more wonderful than you. Let me know if I can do anything at all for you to make life a little bit easier!! Really, anything at all!

    Love,
    Michelle

  73. What a wonderful post in honor of your grandmother. I hope your fond memories of her are comforting during this difficult time for your family. Hugs!

  75. jenn, i’m so sorry for your loss & i hope you and your family are doing well. your grandmother sounds like an amazing and well loved woman.

  80. Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone. Your words, support and love have really helped me get through this difficult time. I appreciate you more than you know and hope that I can provide half as much guidance and thoughtfulness as you have for me!

  81. I’m sorry to hear about your grandma Jenn. It’s never easy to lose a family member, but you will always have the good memories of her with you, and you know she’s no longer in pain. Keep that with you when for when you feel sad.

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