Hello, my lovelies. Life keeps getting better. I’ve had almost all the tests and while I don’t have the official results, the ultrasound guy doing the vascular imaging seemed to think I was fine. Fingers still crossed.
One day last week the doorbell rang and the postie was at the door with the heaviest box – and it was for me. I carried it inside and read the label and I knew it was from my son and daughter-in-law. Okay, my daughter-in-law. She’s the most wonderful daughter-in-law a mother could have and she’s always thinking of ways to make me happy. When she heard I wasn’t doing well, she sent me a few American “memory food” items.
I LOVE this blueberry jam. It’s made with only blueberries and they’re the small, wild kind like we used to pick when I was a kid in Maine. Rob and I have gone through one jar already.
When I was growing up, my mother would use this marinade on a London broil. I know it’s probably full of chemicals I shouldn’t have but it brings me back to my childhood and that’s a good thing too.
How can anyone survive without Coco Lopez? Seriously, I don’t think it’s possible. The piña coladas in Australia could do with some of old Coco. I stopped buying piña coladas here because they’re nothing but sour pineapple juice and a little coconut cream. Bleh. I want something that reminds me of the Caribbean when I have a piña colada. I haven’t yet cracked open one of the cans. I’m going to be good and wait for the results and then I’m going to have one. Maybe two.
Remember when my son wrote a guest post for me on Southern BBQ, Georgia Style? He’s a bbq lovin man but he’s also a very funny man. In every conversation, he’s got something to add that makes me laugh. I wasn’t surprised when I pulled these three out of the box. The Jury is still out but I think I’ll go for Memphis style. I do like Bone Suckin’ Sauce though.
My little granddaughter Jade sent me a cookbook her class made for Grandparents Day. She normally doesn’t have Yoda ears so I think the hat was pretty big. I promised her that I would make the cholet cake, take photos of it and put it on my blog. Notice that’s how she spelled chocolate. Keep watching this space.
Then just to add icing to the proverbial cake, I got lots of family photos – printed! What a luxury as usually all the photos come in my email. I now have some photos to carry around.
Finally, guess what we had for dinner the other day?? Sandwiches!! Gorgeous sandwiches with our first two home grown tomatoes – yes, the ones in the pots! Yes, it’s wet – I nearly forgot to photograph it and it’s a horrid photo, sorry. The tomato, however, was the best thing I’ve eaten in a long time.
We’ve had a lot of cherry tomatoes already and I put these in a bowl to take to our neighbours who only had a few days before their Hawaiian holiday.
That’s it. John and his dad are headed to Melbourne in 2 days. John’s mother is struggling and the family is coming together to help sort her out. I’m glad I’m not needed. So… I’ll have several days all to myself to do whatever I want. 🙂
If you’d like to see what’s in other food bloggers’ kitchens, head on over to Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. I’d love to see what’s in YOUR kitchen so why don’t you do an In My Kitchen post. I think we’d all like a peek.
G’day Maureen! First and most important of all, am happy for you!
Every day a little better, good news shared too!
Nothing like a care package from home to lift one’s spirits on the day!
Your special cookbook is REALLY special…great gift…brightening each and every recipe included in their special way! Cheers! Joanne
Thanks, Joanne. I’m looking forward to making my cholet cake. 🙂
So happy to hear that things are going well for you. I hope you keep getting good reports from the doctors. I know you must have had a big smile when you opened your box…wild blueberry jam is special.
You know what those tiny pearls of blue mean to me because I’m sure you’ve raked wild blueberries in Maine. Nothing tastes quite like them. 🙂
So happy you are doing well Maureen! Praying for great test results 🙂
I adore this post and yes you do have an amazing daughter-in-law! What a wonderful care package.
I was baking this weekend and have a loaf of
http://www.savingdessert.com/2013/10/barm-brack-irish-halloween-bread.html
to share 🙂
Thanks, Tricia and that Halloween bread.. it looks wonderful. I was expecting spooky and saw that it was amazingly gorgeous with all that fruit!
SO glad to hear things are well Maureen, you certainty have a gorgeous son and daughter in law, and they have a very special Mumma indeed. Your grandchildren are just too cute, it’s lovely to see a glimpse of them. I have to agree about printed photos, nothing quite like 6×4’s .
Your tomato is just picture perfect, and I’m especially in love with the ‘Rub some Butt’ seasoning label, too funny!
Keep resting lovely xx
wonderful! Glad to know you are doing great! Fingers crossed for blue skies and sunny days on your personal horizon 😉
I have a IMK post scheduled to be published tonight at midnight, so I will be tagging behind you…
I think it’s so much fun receiving packages loaded with your favorite things – especially, when they come from those you love. My Aunt who grew up here in the North now lives in South Carolina, and one thing she use to complain that she couldn’t buy down there is Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans. It’s funny that even in the US some things are even foreign between states. Glad to hear your getting good news from the doc.
We always made our own baked beans in Maine. Every Saturday night. I don’t know of any family in our town who didn’t have baked beans for Saturday night dinner. It’s just what was done. 🙂
So glad to hear you’re getting good news from the Dr, and favorite packages in the mail. Sounds like you might have another celebrity blogger coming up the ranks – lol!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you Maureen. Hope all the tests come back good. 🙂 Your granddaughters cookbook is totally adorable. What a treasure. :0)
One day she will rule the world 🙂
Will keep my fingers crossed that your test all come back with good results. Your granddaughter’s cookbook is adorable. What a treasure. 🙂
PS.. sorry if this is a duplicate comment… don’t know if my first one took.
Dear Maureen, The few days to yourself that you will have, rest and pamper. I know it is difficult to do. Always think of something that should get done, but try.
Your granddaughter is adorable and I think the chocolate spelling is precious! I miss those days.
I hope you enjoy the treats from the states. Bringing memories of home fills the heart.
There really is nothing like a good sandwich.
I will keep you in my prayers. Blessings dear. Catherine xoxo
What a wonderful daughter in law you have, so thoughtful with that lovely care box! It must have cost a king’s ransom to mail across the globe!
I can hardly wait to see the cake, it’ll make your granddaughter so happy.
I’m glad your doing well, I’ll have my fingers and toes crossed for you too. Hope everything works out for your MIL.
Delighted to hear that things seem to be looking up for you (although of course there aren’t any guarantees until you get the official results). I don’t think I could live without Coco Lopez. I don’t make Piña Coladas all that often (maybe twice a year), but there’s no substitute for Coco Lopez — at least I haven’t found one. So I’m glad you got some. Maybe you should hint for a monthly Coco Lopez care package would be a dandy Christmas gift. 😉 Fun post – thanks.
Ahh, someone who understands! 🙂
Awww, this post is so sweet. So happy for you. I am positive that things will all be better.
Now, you are definitely a lucky one to have such a nice family. Your little grandbaby’s pictures is adore, with ears big and all, absolutely Precious. That book she sent is a treasure. Take care.
What an amazing care package and I’m so happy that things are looking up. Stilettos crossed that your tests show that you are in perfect health!
LOL stilettos crossed – I love it. If only I could wear them. 🙂
First of all – glad to know that you are doing well…
Your family is so kind and loving… Loved reading about your updates….
First and most important sounds like *fingers crossed forever* you are doing better and tests sounds encouraging. I am so happy.
Second, I used to teach primary aged children. The way your granddaughter spelled chocolate is normal and very good, especially since most of say, “choclet” (not choc-o-let) – with a short e sound.
From the looks at that recipe she is well on her way to becoming a first rate chef!
🙂
I haven’t had an unexpected package arrive in ages. You’re so lucky to have such a thoughtful DIL, son and grand daughter who sent you all those lovely goodies. I’d love to “rub some butt” with your son’s gift. 🙂
Coco Lopez … I have condensed coconut milk, whole pineapple and rum. I know what I’M having soon. Thank you for the reminder.
Maureen, what a gorgeous post! So glad to hear you’re ok! And what a great family you have – a super considerate daughter in law, and those beautiful grandkids! Tomatoes are beautiful, and I hope the Bone Suckin’ Sauce is all it promises to be.. 😉 xxx
Maureen, what a lovely post, with such promising news! Love the pictures of my family, and what a sweet, sweet grandchild! That blueberry preserve sounds totally divine… and when you crack one of those cans open, have one for me! xo
Hi Maureen. How lovely to see you again on your blog. I’m so glad the doctor thinks you’re aok. How lovely to have received such a loving and caring parcel. I would be interested to try the arse rub and that blueberry jam looks incredible. I particularly love your granddaughter’s cookbook although I do wonder about the method of some of those recipes! The photos will be a great treasure xx
Hi gorgeous, just checking in. You know we are thinking of you. x
Is that pigs ass rub? What a funny brand
Wow that tomato is so perfect looking! Sandwiches for dinner sounds just perfect to me. I’m glad the news is all good so far and love your little care package from the US.
Hi Maureen!
I’m thrilled to hear the testing is going well. Fingers crossed:)
That “care package” is amazing! What wonderful children you have and that granddaughter of yours is absolutely adorable. The cookbook is such a treasure. It’s rather funny that I was just talking to my daughter about Meat Marinade this morning. When she told me London Broil was on sale in her store I immediately thought of Meat Marinade. I can’t get a decent London Broil around here and Meat Marinade is scarce too. I asked her to send me a couple of packages from Idaho just in case. I think the real gold in that package was the cookbook but, that Wild Maine Blueberry jam, oh my heavens.
Thank you so much for sharing, Maureen. Enjoy your peace and quiet, pamper yourself and REST!!! Louise
So glad to hear that things are improving for you, Maureen. I hope the test results are nothing but more good news. This was a great IMK post. The highlight, for me, are the tomatoes. Mine have all but given up the ghost and its nice to see that yours are coming into season. Your Granddaughter’s cookbook is a real keepsake. How special is that?
What a beautiful, loving gift from your family. 🙂 I’m so glad they cared for you in this way. XOXO I really hope you start feeling better and stronger soon, and that you have a MARVELOUS you time while the menfolk are away. 🙂
So glad things are looking better for you, the blueberry jam looks especially delicious!
I’m glad to hear that the health reports are going in the right direction! 😀 And what a lovely package of goodies. I’ve heard of Coco Lopez (mostly in American recipes) and I should have bought some when I was in the US!
So glad to hear the good news Maureen! What a lovely, thoughtful gift too- you need some cheer and comfort when you’re down and this is perfect 🙂
A fantastic daughter in law indeed – what a package! And I am so glad you’re doing better, and hope that John’s mother also improves after the planned visit.
What a great way to lighten your spirits. You do have an amazing DIL…I hope someday I have one just as nice. It’s so much fun reading school projects when the kids are so young.
Are you going to follow her recipe? 😉 I can’t wait for some cholet cake!
So glad to hear your health is going better Maureen! May it continue!
Lovely tomatoes!
What a great package and an even better lift me up! I’m so glad that you are feeling better better. Wishing you the best on all of your test results.
I am just a puddle over that cookbook from your granddaughter — so precious! That box of goodies is a gift that keeps on giving. 🙂
Maureen, I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better. (You must be holding your own if your men are confident to leave you to your own devices!) Jade’s cookbook is an absolute treasure… someday you may be overseeing publication of her best-selling cookbook or blog site. 🙂 I’m a sucker for Coco Lopez, too (we won’t talk about eating it straight out of the can…) and the other goodies you mentioned already have me dreaming about what to make for supper tonight. Thanks for letting us peek “IMK,” sweet friend.
Welcome back! Hope you are feeling re-energised after having some “time off” 🙂 Your blueberry spread has caught my eye – sounds delicious 🙂
What a beautiful package to receive in the mail and what special people you have in your life! Thanks for the tour of your kitchen.
An interesting post as always Maureen. Yep, you’re probably right about that McCormick’s seasoning but you’re also right about the sense memory of childhood and times past. A little won’t hurt!
I know what you mean, Fiona. Being so far from family and old friends, I use memory food to make me feel closer to them. Works every time. 🙂
I hope I have a daughter-in-law even just half as nice as yours!
If you do, you’ll be pleased as punch. 🙂