My mama said! I find myself using a new mantra lately. It’s one of my mom’s most recent statements to deal with all the @#$% that has dropped on our family in the last four months, “Put on your big girl/boy panties and deal with it.” Ok, so that’s how I’m dealing with my broken front tooth, my hip that has been out since my hike with my family, my ear that is in constant pain due to my TMJ, Lutz stuck in Germany, and family illness. It seems to be working! I’m going to stay positive in this travel letter since there is so much negativity hanging around, not just our family but the world. So, I begin with a great big thank you to my sister for the beautiful month at her beautiful home. My month-long stay with my sister and family was filled with delicious food, visits with my mom, meeting new friends, and day trips to the river or hiking. Plus, we got a brief visit from my daughter and my sister’s daughter, Oceanna, and their family for the first time in two years. But there is more!
I spent a few days setting up my mom’s new home. She said it was like fitting a ten-gallon jug into a 5-gallon jar (or something like that). But I did it! After adding the final touches to reflect her passions, I headed to Seattle for a few days to visit my son. We cooked together and made a couple of day trips to check out the area surrounding Tacoma. On his motorcycle, my son had previously explored a mountain area adjacent to Mount Rainier and found the perfect spot to view it without sitting in a long line of tourists to drive through the park. This idea was beyond amazing, it was spectacular!
Of course, we had to head to Vashon Island by fairy for a day trip to check it out and…
Sample one of the best banana cream pies in the world from The Hardware Store Restaurant. Yes, I did taste and plan to recreate this luscious pie gluten and dairy-free.
It was a great stay with my son, and I sure enjoyed the downtime and tours. Monday, the 6th of September, I flew down to San Diego to help out my daughter and her family while waiting for Lutz to arrive. It was so wonderful to hug them and feel their arms around me finally. Lots of tears of joy and hugs!
I even got to be there for Eva’s seventh birthday party! It was also an excellent opportunity to catch up with Albert’s mom and dad as well!
Just a great day, and new roller skates were the hit of the day. Opa and Oma felt pads were the optimal gift worth receiving.
We had a great surprise while hanging out in San Diego. My son flew down from Washington for four days, and we all headed to the beach! Jarrod bought new buggy boards and wetsuits for the girls.
By the end of the day they were both ready for a professional contest, and my son needed physical therapy! He threw his back out during the training!
The only thing missing this month was Lutz. We were so sad he wasn’t here to help and join in the fun. We spent a lot of time on Facetime sharing our days. Jarrod’s visit was just what the doctor ordered.
The girls sure love this guy!
It’s been a great time visiting and helping the family through these rough times, family is everything, right? Speaking of the family, we got to send Jarrod off with a goodbye meal with my sister’s daughter and her family, Oceanna, Chris, and Autumn. Levi, their son, is a lifeguard (third generation) and was unable to attend due to work. We had just received the news from Oceanna that she had spoken to my mom. Oceanna said my mom raved about her first authentic, delicious meal since moving out of the rehab to her assisted living location. This event was something to celebrate. My mom (91 years old) is an exceptional cook and a food critic, as many of you know! This bit of news was very encouraging for her smooth transition. Cheers to my mother from all of us!
I’ve been cooking for my daughter and mostly revisiting old recipes and making new ones! Here’s a few I think you might like!
Fav Recipes this month:
Pineapple Upside-down Pound Cake
I found a great resource this month for those looking for great gluten-free items you can order online. Check them out!
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.
Loved reading the recap on the adventures! Sure glad you’re here