Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Kitchen Notes



Hi all! It's been a while since I have written a word as so much has happened to consume my life over the last couple of months; and the saga is not one I would care to repeat.

The condensed version is that as it became evident that my almost 96-year-old mother was no longer able to live on her own, my life was consumed with hospital visits, a rehab facility and finally placement of my mother into a long-term care center.  The period of adjusting to my mother's new life was a journey for both of us. But the most arduous task of all was getting my mother's home ready for sale. There were storage places in her small house that I never knew existed.  And who knew my father had squirreled away every fan and air conditioner they had ever owned as well as every broken toaster?

I worked for two plus weeks straight getting everything cleared out. Without the help of my friends and my husband I know that I could not have done it.  We sold the house quickly and closed last week.

Phew!

But as crazy as those two months were, every day I would come home and cook dinner. I guess there was something comforting in performing that task. So here is a glimpse at some of the things that went on around here.
A birthday bouquet
Salmon packets with spinach and oranges

At one point during the craziness our son and his girlfriend blew flew in for a wedding.
A giant salted caramel macaron from Laduree on Madison Avenue
And a gigantic bowl of pork belly ramen noodles at Ippudo in NYC
A bowl of mussels
Grilled chicken thighs with lemon, garlic and rosemary
Cinnamon breakfast toasts cooling
Memorial Day Weekend

12 comments:

  1. So many delicious looking pictures! That macaron looks heavenly!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by. I had never seen a such an enormous macaron. It was delicious.

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  2. Oh, Michele. You have been through a lot. Cooking is something that brings me comfort, too. Take care of yourself. xx, Denise

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    1. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Denise. For weeks it seemed as if I couldn't breathe and was running on sheer adrenaline.Things are leveling off, but who knows what's around the next corner. I am trying to live in the moment as best I am able.

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  3. Oh dear, what a very difficult time for you and your mum. I hope she settles and finds happiness. My mother in law has found a new lease of life in her new sheltered accommodation. Sending you love from afar. K x

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    1. Thank you so much, Kath.She is adapting better than I had hoped.I miss reading about your goings on. Hope the sewing is going well!

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  4. I work in Elder Law so these issues are familiar to me, and I know how much time and emotional energy they take. Glad you are back.

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    1. Stacy, thanks so much. Emotionally and physically draining for sure.

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  5. Michele, thanks for sharing your condensed version. No doubt it has been a stressful time, but you took charge and accomplished a lot. I hope your mom will enjoy her new surroundings. What a blessing that you sold her home so quickly. The salmon/orange dish is a beauty. Enjoy some good food and drink, and take good care.

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    1. Thank you, Nancy. Your thoughtful words are much appreciated.

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  6. Love that no matter what is going on in your life that you are can turn to cooking and beautiful food for solace. And reward. Take care of you!

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