ABSTRACT
It was a cold morning and the earth still smelled rich from the last rain. The air was clean and the golden browns and evergreens of the northern California winter were washed and bold. José and his mother and godparents had been to church in Redwood City and were gathered near the kitchen where the women were preparing homemade waffles on the heavy waffle iron. José's sisters, Leonore and Teresa, both of whom lived in Redwood City, had come over to share breakfast. It was a favorite Sunday breakfast of the family. The sweet bread smell of waffles filled the room and warmth radiated from the kitchen. The radio was on, and soft music played in the background. The family casually discussed the day, the sermon, the approaching holidays. Would Dolores be coming down for Christmas as in past years? Maybe a menu change this year? Or not.
