January 5, 2012

Rose playing in the dirt in the backyard.

I've been cooking all day. Our friend Dave Steitz's father died on New Year's Eve and he has family coming into town tonight for the memorial service tomorrow. I told Dave's wife, Sandy, that I would make food and take it to their house. Back in the summer, when Byron's mother died and I was preparing food for after her funeral, I sliced off the tip of my finger – remember that? While friend Keith took me to the emergency center, Sandy came to the house to finish what I was doing. It's very comforting to have friends, and food, in times like these.

I'm not much of a casserole person, but I made one today. They take a lot of preparation! Chop and dice, but don't slice a finger. Saute. Bake. Boil. Measure and mix. Season. Pour all into a casserole dish and top with cheese. Wrap with foil and print baking directions. Then hope that it's all good when it comes out of the oven, since I won't be there to sample the finished product. Food allergies? Special dietary requirements? Too bad!

Today I'm creating dinner for the Steitz family. While I was cooking, I opened the back door because it was hot in the kitchen. When I finished cooking and was ready to close the door, I found Rose sunning herself in the backyard. Last week we had part of the deck removed and are waiting on the rest of the flagstone to be put in place. So Rose was out rolling in the dirt, being a dog. She was so happy!