My First 'Patty Melt'

It had seemed like the beginning of happiness, and Clarissa still sometimes shocked, more than thirty years later, to realize that it was happiness; that the entire experience lay in a kiss and a walk, the anticipation of dinner and a book.
-Michael Cunningham
from THE HOURS, a novel

Alan's mom (Gloria) gushes with excitement at the very phrase ("patty melt"). Have you ever had one? Is it true? Is happiness a "patty melt"?

All weekend I have been hearing about the delicous-ness of a "patty melt". I have had a "tuna melt" and I do enjoy those but I have yet to try a "patty melt". Today IS the day. I will be eating a "patty melt" at lunch today. I believe it will make my tummy happy (hopeful anyway).

I did a bit of research on the sandwich:

A patty melt is a type of hamburger sandwich consisting of a hamburger (or other ground meat) patty, pieces of sautéed or grilled onion, and cheese between two slices of bread (traditionally rye, though sourdough, or Texas toast have recently been substituted). The sandwich is then grilled so that the cheese melts thoroughly.

In Belarus the addition of fish roe and chicken egg is common. In Canada it is often served open faced and with gravy.

The name Patty Melt is also used by a cartoon character used by state beef councils to promote the nutritional benefits of beef [1] at public events. She has made appearances at state fairs, NASCAR Races, children's events, and beef cook-offs. Patty is a large plush cheeseburger with a pink ballhat and long blonde braids.

Twenty-five years ago today:

February 2, 1984, Thursday

Today I paid for my Downtown Oakland monthly public parking. The day passed rather quickly. Salima liked the Cocoa Puffs breakfast cereal I brought in to the office (as a snack). I'm cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Salima couldn't resist not having a bowl of cereal.

I received the most wonderful call from a customer today. She was an elderly woman in her 80's. She liked to talk and shared the joyful feeling of her Indian Summer Days as a young girl. She painted a picture in my mind. She gave me a bit of advice that I made sure to write down:

'No matter how mad you get at her...Never forget to kiss her good night!'

My conversation with this woman was a wonderful change to the monotony of my usual work day.

I gave Helen a call while at work. She is still ill.

I broke down and called Nancy. She wasn't home. I left a message. Now it's her turn to 'make a move'.

At dinnertime I found myself enjoying a meal and light conversation with Dad. Mom had already gone to work. I had a brief chat with my brother, John, and Sherri. They were leaving for a Golden State Warrior basketball game at the Coliseum.

I exercised and showered. I have a damn itching in my crotch area. I know it's from the excess bike riding. I hope it will come to pass soon. I'm clean and powdered now.

I watched a couple of sit-coms and 'hit the hay' early. No one called me on this evening.