It’s only been one week since I last posted, a week which I anticipated would not hold much to talk about. I was wrong. I also mentioned in my last post that some of our most precious gifts don’t arrive wrapped in paper and bows. How right I was about that.
Our plans this season were quiet in nature, Amy heading up for Christmas, and Sammie and Scott coming this week. I was looking forward to snuggling in close around the fire, good food, and a few good Netflix originals in the mix. Oh, and the possibility of snow!
My first surprise came Thursday evening while watching It’s a Wonderful Life. I had minestrone soup on the stove simmering as I did last-minute decorating around the living room, a little late this year. I went to the wine cabinet to open a bottle of wine for dinner and discovered a wine label in our pantry I recognized, but… wait, what the heck?
Rick had created new wine bottle labels, peeled the existing labels off a few bottles, and replaced them with… my book cover. Oh my gosh, I was laughing and crying all at once. The cutest dang thing ever! I love it so much I think we need to serve Lessons of a Wayward Yogini table wine going forward into 2022!
And our wonderful neighbor Glenn had just given us the most beautiful handmade (by him) wooden wine bottle/glass holder for Christmas. What a lovely start to Christmas.
The next day, I looked through my recipe book for scalloped potatoes recipe ideas. I have a few recipes of my mother’s that she actually went to the trouble to type out years ago, one of which is scalloped potatoes. I’ve probably had this in my book for 40 years and never really looked at it, not a big fan of scalloped potatoes.
I removed the card from its plastic envelope this year and read both sides. The front side has a few handwritten notes but primarily typewritten. The back is entirely handwritten, with additional thoughts for the recipe.
“If you don’t have a covered casserole dish cover with foil and put a piece of foil in the bottom of oven in case it boils over – stir once in a while so it doesn’t stick to the bottom — also Pam your dish if you have any Pam. Oh yeh —- add 1 tablespoon butter.”
Oh yeah?? Add more butter?” Like she’s standing in my kitchen and just now remembered to tell me that advice after I’ve put together the whole recipe? And where do I add the tablespoon of butter, mom?”
For the second time in two days, I laughed and cried all at once. Rick’s questioning eyes as he entered the room softened as he read the card, after which he joined in my amusement.
This is how I cook. “Oh yeah, I forgot the…” you can fill in the blank on almost any recipe. Luckily for my family, I’ve been at this long enough to usually recover from my oversights.
The experience left me feeling like my mom had sent me a sweet Christmas card reminding me that I am my mother’s girl.
I have a great deal more to share about my radio interview, so stay tuned next week for that.
6 Comments
Love hearing your stories Sue. Thank Rick for the glass of wine. Sorry we couldn’t spend some time over that glass of wine too! 🍷🍷
Thank you for taking care of our kitties as well! You know to ask if there is anything I can do for you.
Have a happy new year and we’ll catch up when I get back 🤗😘
Thanks, Lynette! Happy travels, and look forward to seeing you soon!
What a beautiful story. I love both the wine bottle labels and your Mothers recipe card. 💖
Thank you, Lynn. Happy New Year!
Leave it to Rickie to come up with the best surprise ever!!!
I love the wine label 🥰.
Great you have your mom’s recipe cards. That’s wonderful!
I agree! Love that I finally paid attention to that recipe card, and yes, Rickie comes up with the best surprises! Stay well, sorry we won’t see you this weekend, but soon!!! Can’t wait!