Hazel Mayfield usually cooks the Thanksgiving meal for her extended family in Houston, Texas. She usually welcomes friends and neighbors eager to sample her fried turkey, green bean casserole , candied yams, homemade cornbread dressing, and dirty rice -just a few of her signature dishes. Known as Suga Mama, because her grandchildren think she’s so sweet, the 91 -year-old typically likes to do her own shopping for the ingredients to make her special dishes.
“My mother is the head cook of the family,” said Paulette Mouton, Mayfield’s daughter.“Because of her reputation, you know, there’re people in and out all day, everybody’s family comes through. They want to get some of Suga Mama’s cooking. We’re from Louisiana and we cook all that.”( One in six Americans could go hungry in 2020 as pandemic persists. )
But Mayfield hasn’t been to the grocery store since March. And there is little about Thanksgiving 2020 that’s usual. Hundreds of thousands of American families have re-imagined the holiday with virtual celebrations, canceled or delayed travel plans , or for small gatherings with people in their households in response to COVID-19, the deadly virus that has killed more than 250,000 in the U.S. and spoiled life around the world.
This year, Mayfield’s family members are lamenting( 悲叹) the absence of a big gathering. They’ve explained to their young children and grandchildren why this year’s Thanksgiving is different. Mayfield’ s youngest daughter, Michelle Sanders, says it’s tough helping her grandchildren understand why they can’ t see some of their other family members.
“It’s really hard, trying to explain to them,”Sanders said. “When you’ re talking to them and they want to come over, you have to tell them no. They really don’t know how to be careful.”
Sanders added,“And, they don’ t understand that, being three, four, and six, you know they don’t really understand that.So, it’s ... it’s really, really hard, and heartbreaking. ”
8. What kind of person is Hazel Mayfield?
A.Helpful and kind-hearted. | B.Stubborn and enthusiastic. |
C.Talented and instructive. | D.Grateful and sensitive. |
9. Why are there people in and out of Hazel Mayfield’s house?
A.They like to talk to Suga Mama warmly. |
B.They come to help cook meals as they like. |
C.They come to satisfy their stomaches. |
D.They come to cook various meals. |
10. How do people react to this year’s Thanksgiving?
A.They try to get together with their family members in the open. |
B.They have to avoid big gatherings even with family members. |
C.They feel difficult to persuade their children to get together. |
D.They are pleased with the absence of Thankgiving celebration. |
11. What can we infer from Sanders’words?
A.Children are delighted to celebrate their Thanksgiving Day. |
B.Adults feel it difficult to get together with their children. |
C.Children are still too young to understand the situation. |
D.It’s tough helping children overcome their problems. |