use real butter

NaBloWriMo day 30.

Recipe: ma pu tofu

NaBloWriMo day 29.

Okay, I have caught up on answering questions in the comments. Sorry about falling behind. *pointing finger at NaBloWriMo*

The day after my grandma’s 88th birthday while I was still in California, Jeremy relayed the sad news that his own grandmother had passed away that morning. It was a shock as I cried into my aunt’s shoulder. I call my MIL, Mom. I call my FIL, Dad. I called Jeremy’s grandfather, Grandpa and I called his grandmother, Grandma. She was my grandma too.

she loved pink

Not long after Jeremy and I started dating almost 17 years ago to the day, we took a trip to New Mexico and I met his family. And then I went to Sunday dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s house to meet all of the aunts, uncles, cousins… We paid a visit before dinner and his grandparents treated me like one of their own. It probably won’t surprise anyone to learn that these two very special people were the sweetest, most gentle souls in Jeremy’s life. He would go to their house before and after school, every day from age 6 to 16. He even kept his bike there (which Jeremy informs me is a big deal). Jeremy told me they always had the good sugary cereals in their cupboards. And of course, he spent every Sunday at his grandparents’ house – the whole clan did. They didn’t just go for Sunday dinner, they went in the morning and played cards and games. It was the hub of activity for the family.

Sunday dinners continued after Grandpa passed away twelve years ago. Whenever we were in town, we always reserved Sundays for Grandma’s house. If we weren’t staying over a Sunday, we’d make a point of visiting with Grandma. She loved chocolate, loved the color pink, loved having her grandchildren around, loved to eat out with friends. Grandma was an ace bowler, did the crossword puzzle every day, beat the pants off of everyone at Gin Rummy, won first place regularly at the state fair for her handwork… but most of all, she gave good hugs and had a smile that lit up the room. In the morning, we drive to New Mexico to be with Jeremy’s family and to say good-bye to this beautiful woman whose love nurtured three generations.

It’s been cold and snowy here. While cross country skiing yesterday, Jeremy and I silently made our way through the woods both lost in our own thoughts, both thinking about his grandmother. It only made sense that dinner tonight should be a comfort food – one that warms the body and sets the mind and heart at ease.

pork, bamboo shoots, green onions, chinese black mushrooms, chili-garlic sauce, tofu

minced black mushrooms (rehydrated), green onions, bamboo shoots

**Jump for more butter**

NaBloWriMo day 28.

We had our first few inches of snow on the last day of summer this year. Remember that? It made for some nice fall colors dusted in snow. The weather forecasts were warning of a huge winter storm to strike Colorado’s front range and mountains on Tuesday night. I flew home from California to an overcast Denver International Airport. Friends like Manisha tweeted me to be home before midnight when the snow was to arrive. My RTD bus snaked its way from Denver to Boulder, hitting rain on the way. As Jeremy drove me home up the canyon, we left a steady downpour on the flats and encountered the worst white out conditions we’ve seen in 4.5 years.

by morning

Shovels at the ready, we spent 2 hours clearing our driveway and the communal driveway this morning. There was a good 14 inches of super fluffy snow on the ground. By the time we had made our way to the road and walked back to the garage, another 4 inches had fallen. I scooped snow from our deck into a 1000 ml vessel and let it melt, winding up with just under 50 ml of water. That’s our Rocky Mountain powder – 1:20 water to snow ratio. That’s why it’s so good to ski! And ski it, we did.

wintry aspens

jeremy breaks trail

The roads around the state were in pretty miserable condition so we didn’t even consider hitting the ski resorts (although it would have been decidedly awesome). Reports of jack-knifed trucks and closures on I-70 convinced us to get a little cross country skiing in right out our back yard.

following jeremy down the hill

In total we’ve got about 26 inches on the ground now with 9-13 more predicted overnight. Then some more for good measure tomorrow. Just like the start of every winter season, 20°F felt just a tad chilly. I know by spring time, 20°F will feel HOT to me :) Yay winter!!