In My Kitchen is a slightly wilted bouquet from my beloved, presented upon my arrival HOME over a week ago! (I try to make blessings last as long as possible.)
It’s said that absence makes the heart grow fonder and I can attest to that truth, especially after being away from hearth, home, hubby, and you (not necessarily in that order) for 3-1/2 months while I took care of my Mom in Minnesota. There was a lot to attend to — moving Mom to an assisted living apartment, cleaning and downsizing her home (60 years’ worth of “memorabilia”), and ultimately bringing part of it home to sort at my leisure… which is why my kitchen currently looks like this. (Sorry for the lighting; we’ve had a few storms blow through.)
But, that batch of chocolate chip cookie dough lurking between the “rubble” and the pile of dishes on the far side of my sink attest to the fact that I’m finally cooking and baking again, yay!
In My Kitchen… is tilapia en papillote seasoned with Old Bay, freshly ground black pepper, tarragon, Vidalia onions, lemon slices, black olives, and capers, nestled on a bed of asparagus and julienned carrots. My grown-up “Happy Meal!”
It feels so good to cook again.
(And eat.)
In My Kitchen… is a vintage cookie jar (rescued from the dusty recesses of a hutch at my Mom’s — I haven’t seen that thing since I was a kid) to store The Man Of Few Word’s treats in.
He even called it a real cookie jar — nice that he “noticed!”
And I obviously got that batch of cookies made. :)
Looking forward to perusing your kitchens, in between “sorting” and unpacking. Many thanks to Maureen at Orgasmic Chef for hostessing this monthly gathering of kitchen goodies world-wide. If you’d like to participate (or ogle), head over to her link above. It’s a LOT of fun and I’ve been sorely missing it — and you!
Enjoying week-old bouquets and being back In My Kitchen again,
~ Kim
a little lunch 
Welcome home. I am sure you are exhausted. The emotional tole of 60 years’ worth of “memorabilia” alone can be overwhelming. Hang in there. Let the Lake calm you and know that you can get it organized. One step at at time.
Thanks for your gracious advice, Pamela. (FYI, my daughter’s name is Pamela!) Slowly, but surely, things are getting under control, or at least manageable enough to work around. (Access!!!) I’m determined to reclaim “my” life. :) Thanks again!
Great name. She will go places. You will reclaim your life. Hang in there.
welcome home. my goodness what a huge undertaking to help your mum in that way. my husband’s mum had to go into a home some years ago and it was an incredibly exhausting and emotional time of it. i don’t think the siblings ever recovered from getting their mum sorted. have a great time at home…
Sherry, you touched on the oft unexpressed (but ever-present) “emotional” REALITY… I so hear ya! I hope you and your siblings will recover one day… I’m still workin’ on it. :) I don’t think anyone ever expects to deal with that many “memories” (or memorabilia) all at once — not only was it “Mom’s stuff”, it was my Dad’s, sister’s, brother’s, Grandma’s, and an Uncle’s, too — whew! Thankfully, I have the “calm” of the lake once again to balance the tumultuous preceding months — and I intend to spare my kids from that kind of chaos! xo
Your mom is lucky that you have the resources and the will to help her so much. I imagine that having you adopt some of her memorabilia is very meaningful. I admire you.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Mae! I agree, I was blessed to be able to “step away” (for 3-1/2 months!) thanks to my understanding hubby and unpaid leave of absence from my “day job” (church pianist/choir accompanist.) I’ve always admired cultures where elders are absorbed into the family home; unfortunately, it just couldn’t happen that way with my Mom’s current medical needs, but the treasures I was able to bring home are lovely reminders of our family history. Again, thanks for your compassion.
Thats a very big and very hard job you have done. it is not easy going into someone elses life and soul and culling. Glad you are home and were missed!
I was thankful to have the assistance of my son (more on that in a future post), since my sister and brother are both passed away. It was up to “me” and I couldn’t have done it alone or I’d STILL be there. I loved how you phrased that experience — very true. Thank you!
I love fish cooked in parchment too, it’s such a versatile dish. We were just talking today about getting a glass cookie jar, make the cookies be the decor rather than the container. Caring for aged parents can be draining, it must be good to be home..
Sandra, I hadn’t thought about the cookies being the decor, but I like your idea! Hope you find a glass jar “just right.” Never did I think I’d be gone so long or accomplish everything that needed to be done… whew. Yes ma’am, it’s definitely GOOD to be home!
Oh How Wonderful to have you BACK Kim!!
You’re in My Kitchen short & perfect! Memories, great photos and your beautiful descriptions a blessing to read. x
Madison, I almost didn’t post, but sometimes you have to set everything else “important” aside and do something “just for you.” Tickled to rejoin IMK and write something besides a “to do” list, lol! Thanks for the welcome back, xo.
Kim, your fish in parchment “Happy Meal” has inspired tonight’s menu, I had almost forgotten that delicious preparation. Welcome back, and enjoy the re-entry into life as usual (whatever that is). Life keeps throwing surprises into the mix, but your calm, positive attitude is inspiring.
Dee, it’s fun (and delicious) to change up the infusion of flavors, depending on what ingredients you tuck in with the fish. (I make it often, many different ways!) One tip I read that’s made all the difference: set the fish fillet(s) on top of the veggies (anything from spinach to broccoli to you name it) instead of directly on the parchment — that way it steams instead of “boils.” Have fun and enjoy dinner! Thank you, xo.
Welcome back, Kimby! Nevermind the wilt, that’s a lovely home coming gift, my dear.
Shirley, it’s great to “see” you again here — thanks for the welcome back, xo! Wish you could’ve seen that bouquet when my hubby first gave it to me (I was too tired to take pictures, ha!) — he’s thoughtful that way.
What a lovely welcome home present. There are never enough flowers in the world!
Isn’t that the truth, Anne? Wishing you a flower-filled day, xo!
Welcome home! Love the vintage cookie jar, so pretty.
Glad to be back, thank you! I always liked that cookie jar and was tickled to “rediscover” it again after so many (many…) years.