Prime is a versatile word; it can be a noun, adjective, or verb. As a noun, it can mean the time of one’s greatest success or strength, i.e. the prime of life. As an adjective, it can mean excellent or outstanding, i.e. prime member of Amazon or prime example. As a verb, it can mean to fill or load, i.e. prime a wall or a pump.

After surviving my dance with death four years ago, I am enjoying the prime of my life, even though every so often, I’m forced to prime the swimming pool pump. Also, I’m jazzed to be a card-carrying member of Amazon Prime and receive my random orders in less than 24 hours. But this week, I was taken aback at the grocery store when I went in search of a steak, specifically a filet mignon. There were none. I walked to the butcher case, and there they were! Pricey, to be sure, but I only eat a small amount.

“Do you want choice or prime, ma’am?”

A two-dollar difference. Hmm? “Which do you recommend?”

The butcher glared at me–stupid old woman doesn’t know the difference. “Obviously, ma’am prime is the best.” Thankfully, he didn’t say “Duh.” For god’s sake, I knew that!

“Prime it is, sir.”

That evening I grilled it; rare the way I like it. OMG! OMG! I was overwhelmed by its tenderness and flavor. Granted, I’d been to numerous expensive steak houses across the US, but never had I had anything that tasted so wonderful.

Realizing my days on the planet are numbered, and fully realizing there are no do-overs, when I want a steak once in a while, it will be prime!