Friday, August 18, 2023

Friday, August 18, 2023

Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. This was Mattie's first month of chemotherapy. It was Labor Day weekend and Mattie received many visitors. His cousins from Boston and colleagues of Peter's. Our hospital room was the size of a postal stamp and frankly if it was me who was sick, I would want NO ONE visiting me. But Mattie was a child, and I understood the importance of social connections and the need for community support. But I have to say I was operating under very little sleep and intense stress and pressure. Therefore, there were times when making small talk and communicating with others not from the childhood cancer world, was very difficult for me. 

Quote of the day: Cooking and shopping for food brings rhythm and meaning to our lives. ~ Alice Waters.

This morning, Peter discussed taking my mom and his parents on a day trip to Middleburg, VA. Our neighbor has an 100 acre farm in Middleburg, and Peter wanted to show us this tranquil setting and property. 

My dad was at his memory care center, which made such a trip possible. Given that I had not been to Middleburg in years, I quickly jumped on the computer to find out places we could pick up lunch and take it to the farm. My mother in law has to eat at certain times because of her blood sugar levels, so I knew we had to figure out lunch before touring the farm. 

I chose to stop at the Salamander Market. I made this quick determination after perusing the website and menu. When we got to the Market, look at these beautiful mason jars filled with flowers. Flowers were on every table. When we walked into the Market, we were greeted, welcomed, and the person told us the process we needed to follow to order food to go. I knew immediately I was NOT in the city. 

We ate lunch under the covered porch that you see. While sitting on the porch this was our view. Given that you are surrounded by nature, I could see that this could be a relaxing experience. Of course when I have parents in tow, relaxing and calm don't go together for me anymore. 

After lunch we went to the adjacent property where there were stables, a kennel and training ground for American Hounds. Check out this beautiful horse! He was fascinated by us. 

We met the caretakers and trainers of these amazing hounds. Try 100 hounds to be specific. To me each dog looked alike, but get this, the trainers know each dog by name! The dogs loved meeting us. The trainers keep the male and female dogs in separate kennels because none of the dogs are fixed. 

There was a separate kennel for puppies. This fellow was 8 months old and took a liking to Peter. 

After our adventure, I was a bit frazzled. I did not sleep well last night, had a long day in the car, and then came home to cook. I planned a second dinner party tonight with a friend who works in the complex we used to live in, in Washington, DC. I have known Maria since I started graduated school! Needless to say this is a long time. For almost two years now, I have told Maria I wanted to find a time to invite her and her husband to our home. Tonight I finally made that happen, and I am so glad I did! It was great fun and stimulation for our parents. 

 

On tonight's menu was:

• Grilled Shrimp
• Grilled peppers and mushrooms
• Corn and tomato salad
• Green beans with lemon zest
• Tomato, cucumber and mozzarella salad
• A homemade blueberry pie