“Once you have to start counting calories, it takes away from the joy of eating.” Mireille Guiliano, french author
My weekend trip to L.A. stretched into a week due to issues with our Lakme home apartments. My bestie friend, Cyndi, usually takes care of issues in my absence, but instead was playing Southern Belle in Atlanta visiting friends.
A leak occurred under the sink so that meant cutting through concrete and ceramic tile in the kitchen = mucho $$$$. I thought the repairs would be completed within the week so I extended my stay ‘til Friday. Well, even with all the best-laid plans … sometimes the universe has other ideas. My tenant had guests arriving starting Tuesday and wasn’t exactly tickled having a gaping hole in his kitchen floor. And besides, the plumber’s first availability was Friday … for now we’re confirmed for Tuesday morning.
Over the weekend I stayed with my tía Rita and Padrino. It was both heaven and purgatory at the same time. Let me explain … Heaven because tía spoiled me rotten with pastelitos de guayaba, homemade rice pudding (numero 1 comfort food), café con leche, pan con mantequilla and tortilla española for breakfast. Purgatory because my uncle could not remember the WiFi password – his grandson takes care of all his electronic and connection issues; so I was hot-spotting from my iPhone – cell reception was not that great.
The rest of the week I stayed with David’s bestie, Eileen, in her lovely home in Belmont Shore, Long Beach. She makes you feel so welcomed that you don’t want to leave (but you do … “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”)
So what to do with when life gives you lemons … and unexpected idle days? Enjoy them by having breakfast, lunch and dinner with old friends … and overdose on la familia.
A gluttonous week followed with family and friends:
- OK take-out Chinese (ordered by my nephew) a bit greasy, definitely not a do-over
- Súper Mex, with Denise, an old time favorite California Mexican, the poblano in my Chile relleno was way undercooked, but the chips and green salsa hit the spot
- Thai delivery from Eileen’s favorite place; I tasted why
- Little India, for vegetarian gluttony feast with Kari, my yoga teacher of many years
- Eboshi, a Japanese restaurant in Lomita, for a great big bowl of tasty ramen
- Italian with my cousin, Mari and her husband, Joe and a very tasty Frutti di Mare
- Breakfast al fresco with friends, Camille and Steve
- Finalmente, delicious sushi and cold filtered sake at Eileen’s favorite, nearby haunt
For those that I missed seeing, we’ll be back in September as previously planned. This trip was supposed to be a quick turnaround, so we’ll catch up then.
I was channel surfing and came across QVC “Christmas in July.” In the past it was fun watching all the crappy holiday and decorating items being offered – nothing has changed. David used to ask why do you watch?! My response was always, “crap porn.” Once made the mistake of mentioning an item that was “so cute” … well, wouldn’t you know what I found in my Christmas stocking?! I called him about watching the 2019 version and he said, “What are you buying now?! They won’t be shipping until October 1st!” That settled that and dodged a bullet.
Laundry challenge – haven’t done it since David and I started living together. Having packed just a weekend’s worth of clothes, there was no way out but to wash. Venturing into the unknown, Eileen has the front loader type with a digital display to rival a fighter jet. After spending several minutes looking for the soap dispenser, I decided whatever setting the machine was set for would work for me. Who knows what temperature my clothes were washed in: scalding water or frigid cold? The same when it came to the dryer – open the door – throw the wet clothes in and pressed start. Surprisingly, all seemed to go well – nothing shrunk or turned pink; everything was clean and wearable.
Arriving back home “sobrepeso” ~ overweight booty; purchasing all but one item from David’s mile-long list which included half of Trader Joe’s – with items tightly packed into two overflowing suitcases and backpack. Alaska Airlines had me pay the price of being four pounds over the limit … whatever it takes to keep David happy.
Last week I came home after a horseback ride and told David “we need to talk…” Those words immediately generate a whole lotta thoughts, images …“ I bought a saddle.” He quickly asked, “Does the horse comes with … ?” “No,” I responded, but “visions of sugarplums danced in my head…”
We made our 5th visit to the goat farm with a FUN group of our Sit ‘n Fit friends and quoting David, another”unfor-GOATable experience” was had by all. Each trip we learn new things, experience new goat and farm growth, and meet new people. And owners, Juan Diego and Laura, are always a joy to be with!
On the Menu... David cooks when I’m not at home, so why doesn’t he cook while I am home?! We might need to have a little talk. He fixed himself a burgundy marinated filet, asparagus, caramelized onions, and home fries. Now that I know he can feed himself, I don’t have to worry and will stay over two additional weeks…..he quickly replied “No way, Jose!”
