Early this month Emile and I made a brief trip to San Diego for a National Cooperative Grocers conference. Emile went to the NCG meetings while I explored San Diego – walking the beaches, watching the elephants at the zoo, and discovering the beautiful flowers at the Botanical Garden in Balboa Park. On our last day there we toured the Naval ship USS Midway. I'd never been on an aircraft carrier before and have a newfound appreciation for how my nephew, Wayne, lived for several years while serving in the Navy. He's a terrific young man and I'm so very proud of him!
Shortly after we returned home, we said goodbye to our "almost" son, Taylor, who left to go to boot camp for the National Guard. We've known Taylor since he was in the fifth grade with our son, Coco. It was wonderful to see him and spend some time talking together. We feel so lucky that we are still a part of his life all these years later!
… and this Spinach and Pepper Quiche I brought to Leigh, who runs the Ashland Community Resource Center. He's able to help so many of those in need… and I am very grateful for his work.
There was the Apple Crumb Pie I brought to Opus Radio to honor their longtime DJ, R Charles Snyder, who passed away suddenly. He was a legend here in the Rogue Valley and it's very hard to believe that he isn't still with us. My heart goes out to his family and coworkers… he will be missed.
And then there was the pie I made for National Blueberry Pie Day (April 28 – strange since blueberries aren't usually in season until June!) This pie was given to a friend who is experiencing a pretty challenging time at work and I want her to know we're on her side.
Looking back over the month, I am extremely grateful for the many opportunities that I've had to show my friends that I care about them. The gift I've given them may look like a pastry… but really it's much more than that. It's a work of love.