Making Choices
Posted: September 10, 2011

The last 6 weeks have been insanely busy with catering. The next week promises more of the same. Post Labor Day and pre-Rosh Hashana, erev 9/11 amidst a climate of economic uncertainty and terrorist threats, famine and floods, fire and general inane political postering, the climate is perfect for personal reflection. In fact, the climate here in the Northwest is perfect with sunshine illuminating our glorious landscapes and water ways. Light adds optimism to thoughts of what might lie ahead.

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Raise the Debt Ceiling Already!
Posted: July 29, 2011

Being home most of the week, I keep the TV muffled in the background. In keeping with the spirit of Tisha B'Av, evil lurks in remote places and guns down kids in Norway. On the heels of the horrendous crime in Brooklyn, I wonder what is up with people.

The cable news channels repeat the same debt ceiling crisis situation with breathless anticipation, incredulous frustration and baffled intolerance. I'm exhausted from listening to scripted platitudes. Get a brain! The Rabbi has often said, with hopeful encouragement, that I don't suffer fools gladly. Yep, the Rabbi is very astute. So, I haven't written a blog this week; "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything."

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No Summer Vacation
Posted: July 17, 2011

Apparently, it isn’t happening this year; I’ve made no plans to go anywhere. I’ve been to San Francisco, Acapulco, New York, and Bali in the past 15 months. I have no desire to travel. My catering schedule is lighter this summer with “the three weeks” being pushed into August. Traditionally, not a time for parties, I have an extended off-season. I’m enjoying time to decompress and not be crazy night and day. I like sleeping in until 8:30, I like staying up until 1:30 am. I still have a dinner here and there, a Kiddush now and then, but no brain straining logistically challenging major event….but soon. No, I’m enjoying the down time. I'm enjoying my family and friend time.

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"Larry Crowne" - College Days
Posted: July 3, 2011

I frequently take my mother to the movies. Not working today, I pick her up 15 miles south of where I live and double back to the multi-plex closer to my neighborhood. Southcenter is closer to my sister's but I can't stand the sprawl of the huge mall and surrounding satellite discounters and chain stores. On the way back north, we zip through downtown on the freeway. Can't stop there either; parking is a drag. Five minutes further I can park easily and get my mother into the theater with few obstacles.

Three Dog Night (and Leah!)

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Five Part Chinese Sisters
Posted: June 28, 2011

I had big plans today to upload tons of recipes and photos and write a blog. It's 11:43 pm and I'm just starting my work day. It's a hard day. Officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's earlier in the afternoon, my mother struggles to find the words and courage to tell me and my sister Leilani. My sister Terri has already called to break the results of the testing. She asks us to wait for mom to tell us before we say anything. The four of us sit with watering eyes and aching hearts. Sister Dawn calls while we're struggling with the situation. She's working and can't join us. Sister Jeanette is on the way back from Florida. We'll speak tomorrow.

"The Five Chinese Brothers" by Claire Huchet Bishop and Kurt Weise 1938

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