Monthly Archives: June 2010

I wanted to write a piece on this, and for a few hours I thought about what to write. Now I know that a lifelong family friend, Helen M, has died. How long did we know one another? I was born in the same hospital she died in, just the other day. Our thoughts and prayers are with an educated, talented loving wife and mother and grandmother who taught me about Italy and Italian food. While I don’t make pastries (you know I don’t bake) the tastes and ethos of Italy were transported to me through Helen.

Yes, there were other surprises to share with you but that will have to go to tomorrow’s post. I knew Helen every day of my life and I’m old. Helen had a je ne sais quois that few people have. It was a treat to meet her, spend weekends at her home with all the cuckoo clocks, and as a child I lived in their pool.

My Aunt and J just got back from a trip and visited the memorials they made to my late mother. They will drive half a day and attend the funeral. I hope Mom and Helen get together and dish and share recipes. That is my wish.

Here’s to Helen’s family and to strong women everywhere. Helen, you will be missed. Dee

What is this bizarre tradition? I’ll ask a guest to do so after visiting but not when she goes to the grocery store or goes on a trip elsewhere. Jim’s mother left early this morning and I asked her to call when they get home. She did one better and let me know she was on the plane, last to board, before she shut off her cell phone.

My guess is that it gives the host closure to the visit. You’re home now, you’re safe, and thus no longer my responsibility to care for. Is that it? Pretty selfish for the host but if you’ve other ideas please chime in. I just find myself saying it and don’t know why.

Since they left at seven, the guests have called and my brother-in-law has already called to say thanks for entertaining his wonderful son. I’ve done 1/2 towels already and have the first set of sheets in the washer. Two more loads and I’m done with laundry. But I may take a brief nap today. After a week as cook, maid, laundress and chauffeur I’ve earned it. Cheers, Dee

Take two brothers, a year or so apart. They grew up together and are much the same, and different. We entertained our seven year-old nephew for a week and I see his daddy all over, but some of my husband as well.

Both boys grew up on a dairy farm in Texas. When I asked my husband about family traditions at Christmas he answered “we milked cows.”

My brother-in law married a good Christian woman with two lovely girls, they had a son, and he’s owned homes since he was probably twenty years old. He remains rooted in the farming tradition with a modern twist.

My husband trained as a physicist but turned to software. The market was good for a while, busted out and built back up. We stay where there’s good honest work and go if there’s none to be found. We’re renting a lovely small home with a gorgeous view and great amenities but it’s transitory.

It’s hard work to move but all of our worldly belongings are half a country away and at this point, we don’t mind so much. When we get an unfurnished home we’ll bring our stuff. If the world goes sour we’ll pick up and move to the next great job.

So brother-in-law has a family, schools et al. We have the freedom to travel for work or move to a new town. I showed my nephew the mountains this morning, so he could appreciate all he’s had this past week, knowing that next time he visits we may no longer be in this beautiful setting.

But if we’re not, we’ll be in another. We’re temporary, John is permanent. Jim and I together are permanent, a fact that makes the moving tenable.

Their parents allowed each of their boys to be what they could be, and that meant letting them leave the farm. That was a selfless and brave decision on their part. Each went their own way but their roots are in the dairy and hard work and getting things done. The dairy is now a ranch and will be moved because their land will be flooded to serve the ever-growing Dallas metroplex. I love my husband and in-laws, love them when they visit and miss them when they leave. Cheers! Dee

A menu was a great planning tool for a week of guests that are particular about meals. I can tell you that the menu was not adhered to even for a day, but the last day I managed to get in the first day’s dinner because it was apropos.

Flexibility is the key. I think it exists on the piano between E and F, but they’ll never admit it. Just ask E. You have to go with something your guests didn’t have for lunch, and please a picky palate of a young boy.

At my age I’m the mom. I ask what guests like, plan menus, shop, send them on their merry way and when they return, it’s magic. Dinner’s on the table.

Why don’t I go? Most of the time I’ve been there, done that and want them to have their own experience. The rest of the time I want to make sure their time with us is enjoyable, even memorable. We love having family and friends here as long as they know that the menu is based on fresh ingredients, my tweaks and whims that are all gauged to please our guests. Cheers, Dee

Jim’s mother has been building the lightweight white denim jacket I bought today. The iron-on peace symbol fell off and left a mark and she seems to think I need to cover up the peace symbol mark but I think the stain gives it character. The minimal sewn embellishments, silver on a white jacket, make me think of the late Elvis suit.

There is one reason for this jacket, ok two. First is a very light summer jacket for all kinds of events. Second is for my husband to be able to find me at the local market. Yesterday one of our party was in bright red, another in bright green. We stayed together easily as crowds were minimal.

The white jacket may not allow my husband to find me as easily as he’d like, so I bought a perfect bag for wallet, and many fruits and veggies from future markets that has white and many other vibrant colors so there is no way I can be “lost.”

Too many people in the house and more lights needed to get a photo for you but I’ll get one. Cheers, Dee

ps After the buttons are on.