Traveling to Boise Idaho

My son Rodmond took me on a road trip to Boise, Idaho to visit his brother my oldest son Walter and his family. It was a relaxing and fun trip. We stopped in M…… overnight and did some gambling. Rod showed me how to play poker on those gambling machines, so much fun. I lost $5.00 Rod only lost $2.00. The next morning after breakfast we took off for Boise.

Walter and Veronika were waiting for us, Jesse and Janine were in Church. Oh yes, we arrived in Boise on a Sunday. The first impression of their property and home was so unexpected. Beautifully landscaped and enclosed by high fences with a gate which makes it look like a little estate. Actually, the home sits on about 2 acres. Walter and Veronika added a huge master suite, a to die for bathroom which includes a tub with jets and a sauna. A Living room/music room also was added to the original 3 bedroom house.

After Rod cooked this great breakfast the next morning, Rod and I went sightseeing. Boise built a European style village with beautiful gardens and a big fountain which was music driven, the sprays went up and down by the tunes. We thought the music was a little loud. The stores and restaurants all had a European flair. We loved walking through it and sitting on one of the benches to relax. Flowers everywhere!

Jesse and Janine off to school

Back at Walter’s home, Walter and Rod worked on window frames to get ready for Walters next project. The girls went to school and Veronika and I got better acquainted.

The time went by so fast and we were back on our way toward California. Rod decided we should drive all the way to my home in Healdsburg, it took us 11 hours, not bad. Rod stayed about two hours and left for his home in Sacramento. I am forever grateful that I got to go and see how my oldest son and family are doing. It was a wonderful relaxing and scenic trip.

Less than 18 hours later I got sick. I ate a yoghurt which was in the hot car for almost 8 hours and got a staff food poisoning infection, yikes, how to spoil the homecoming.

The Big Surprise:

Three weeks ago I received another surprise. My children bought me a new car, a Fiat 500 Sport, black. I still am in awe. They been talking about how I need a new car for almost a year and I kept saying no. At some point over the last month my daughter Heidi says: “Mom it is not your decision anymore”, wow. My thoughts were, ok this will pass and everyone is going to be happy with the way things are. Boy was I wrong. The surprise was total and we will try and post the video so you all can see my face when I was handed the keys to the car. Heidi and Bill and Rod where the ones who got the ball rolling. When I saw Heidi and Bill and our friend Josie besides me at that parked car which had a for sale sign saying: “FOR SALE YOU SHOULD BUY THIS FOR YOUR MOTHER”; I laughed at that and then Bill steps forward and says: “Maybe they did”.  I was so flustered. I got to drive the car to my home with Bill besides me explaining all the buttons, ha, ha. We all went home and Rod cooked lunch. Heidi and Bill had to leave for home after lunch which is in Santa Cruz and Rod decided he was leaving also. Neal was the one who directed Rod to the parking lot where the Fiat was parked. Neal of course also went home, he lives here in Healdsburg.

After everyone left I had myself a good cry! The generosity of my children overwhelmed me and still does. I am forever grateful for my thoughtful children.

Celebrating 81 Years

July, 2016/ Celebrating 81 Years!

It is a good day to write if I can just get my head around it. I been avoiding my manuscript! Perhaps I am afraid that my book will bomb but I will never know unless I finish it will I? It is time to change my attitude and my time management. Making a new schedule for writing is the first thing I need to do. Stick with it every day and voila, I will finish it. I am retired and have the time. Unfortunately, I always find a different project to do, more physical than sitting at the computer. The sun is peeking out and it will be a very warm day.

My 81st Birthday was July 15, and my daughter Heidi was here one day before my Birthday. Heidi took me for a facial which was fun, even though I am not fond of facials.

Bill, Heidi’s husband came on my Birthday so did Rod and of course Neal. We had a great time. Chinese was on the menu at the 8 Dragon Restaurant and it was good. Saturday morning Heidi and Rod made breakfast. Then, Bill, Rod and Neal left. Heidi and I went shopping and Heidi left for Santa Cruz on Sunday Morning.

I feel blessed. My other children and grandchildren called. My home was filled with flowers from my children and friends. Cards galore, I really do like my birthday, ha, ha.

Weekends are strange when I am alone, I really do not know why but they seem more lonely, even though I am alone most of the time. I also have not been very social for the last couple of years, not healthy they tell me!

Slowly but steadily I am evolving again and will entertain more and also travel some. Las Vegas and Boise are on my bucket list and I hope one of my children will travel with me in the next year or two. I feel bad that I disappointed Walter for not being in Boise for his Birthday which was in April.

Heidi had a Birthday July 28 (she’s past 40 years old), oh boy no wonder I feel so old some of the time.

Neal had a Birthday on August 1 (he’s past 50 years old).

July ended with a sad note. Kurt passed on 17 years ago on July 29. August also has sadness my husband Marc my children’s father passed on 40 years ago on August 23.

As for a favorite recipe that all my children and Marc loved is in my blog: The California Adventure 1982-1996 I believe it is blog number four.

The recipe is: “SIGRID’S CHILI”

Christmas 2015, January 2016

Our Christmas had its ups and downs. We really did have a nice Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The sad part was Heidi got sick the day before Christmas Eve and was under the weather until the 27^th of December when she started to feel better and she and I went shopping. Heidi stayed an extra day, her hubby Bill and my son Rodmond left the morning of the 27^th, Neal of course lives in Gyserville so he was back and forth.

Our new tradition of having live Lobster, which we started about seven years ago was so decadent. I tried to convince my children that it is too costly but of course I was out voted. Heidi’s hubby Bill really insisted and bought dinner for us.  It certainly is so much easier on me since I used to cook Duck with all the trimmings. I miss it at times and tell myself I will cook one just for me, ha, ha.

As usual my kids surprised me and I received a Robot Roomba vacuum - so much fun and it helps my back. I still need to learn more about the Robot Roomba because even though I schedule the time I want to vacuum he has a mind of his own and starts vacuum in the middle the night sometime, yikes. Have not had a chance to study the whole manual because I got sick and was sick for about four weeks. I’m still not at a hundred percent but getting there. Neal was a big help these last few weeks and I am so grateful to have one of my children live close by.

Once I felt better and ventured out my car broke down and I had to take it into the shop, no fun! In the meantime I also had to have two new front tires. Isn’t the saying unexpected things come in threes? Hopefully this is the end of it and all will go smoothly from here on out. When unplanned obstacles happen I wonder at times why did I choose to live alone?! However I would not like it any other way, ha, ha.

I love living alone and love the town I choose to make home. I have a beautiful apartment and great neighbors and made good friends here in Healdsburg. Visitors from near and far makes life interesting and busy which is a good thing when you are a senior.

Our traditional  Christmas Eve dinner is Curried Shrimp Leek Soup has been for more than 40 years. I believe I posted the recipe in a previous blog. Will have to check that out.

I hope who ever reads my blog will stay healthy and happy and warm. Will attach a appetizer recipe which goes great with any special occasion especially at Christmas!

Portobello mushroom carpaccio

4 medium portabella mushrooms

extra virgin olive oil

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Topping

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

1 clove garlic finely chopped

2 shallots finely chopped

2 ripe tomatoes seeded and diced

2 tablespoons capers

4 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese

6 fresh basil leaves chopped

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Mix olive oil and garlic in a small bowl. Brush the mushrooms with the garlic and oil mixture, place on sheet pan then season with salt and pepper. Bake in 350 degree oven until cooked through about fifteen minutes. (This can be done up to two days in advance).

Presentation:

Slice the portabellas 1/8 inch thick on the bias and arrange neatly on four oven proof plates. Mix the ingredients for the topping and spoon on top of the mushrooms. Put into 300 degree oven and warm through for about 3 to 5 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with fresh ground pepper. Serve with crusty French bread.

Makes 4 servings