The kitchen is closed, but still cooking.

Welcome to my kitchen. Today, I'm not going in there unless its to heat up leftovers in the microwaveable. My company is in full force & so I need to focus my attention there for today. Filing taxes for a business is kinda crazy. Warehouse order came in & now I need to package my customers' orders & deliver them.

My magnificiant daughter & I are going to spend the evening on a date. We are headed to Let's Dish (www.letsdish.com). I love this place. Her & I will be assembling 16 raw meals. When we are done, they are headed for the freezer. Its so helpful on those nights when you aren't feeling creative at all, but don't want the family to eat pizza for the 5th time in a week. Then, I'm surprising her with cheese & dessert fondue at the Melting Pot (www.meltingpot.com). Another wonderful place. Went with friends a few nights ago for the full meal, cheese fondue, salads, main courses, & dessert. I love the experience of everyone cooking together & sharing ideas & converstaion. The drinks were wonderful too. I always leave stuffed. Wolf explained there is a saying in Germany, "It is better to get an upset stomach, then to return food back to the chef" or something like that. I'm so glad I have an excuse to full enduldge now....it would be rude other wise.

Gram's cookbook is sitting on the desk next to me. I keep glancing over at it. Its as if she's yelling to me..."Get off that computer. You have to try this. Its so yummy." Gram is not one to be ignored, but she's also very understanding. That's the thing w/ Gram, she loves us all no matter what. I know she'll be waiting here, when I'm ready to open my kitchen again. Tomorrow is another day.

As a side note, Gram passed away almost 5 years ago. But, I feel her with me everyday. Looking over my left shoulder & placing her reassuring hand there when I need support. Even though she is passed, she is not gone & therefore, I refer to her in the present tense.