A mighty oak has fallen

This afternoon Abe called to tell me that his Aunt Christina, Isabella’s mother, passed away this morning. Our hearts have been so heavy as we have prayed for Isabella and her family. We love Isabella, and we simply can not imagine how hard it must be to lose her mother at age 11.

And what a mother! Christina epitomized love, long-suffering, empathy and compassion. Abe’s fondest gastronomic memories are of meals she lovingly cooked for his family after his parents’ divorce. Even though she suffered greatly during her life, Christina always listened to others and spoke only words of encouragement and kindness. She was an inspiring example to all who knew her. When Suzanne broke the news to Abe, she said, “A mighty oak has fallen.”

Pictures.

My former visiting teacher, Cierra, sent me these photos this morning. Abe was on a rowing team during the Utah Summer Games. He loves to tell me I married a silver medalist. (There were only two teams...)
My former visiting teacher, Cierra, sent me these photos this morning. Abe was on a rowing team during the Utah Summer Games. He loves to tell me I married a silver medalist. (There were only two teams…)

JUNE 087

We had parent teacher conferences today, and Lydia is doing great. She was proud of herself because she got to be the special helper today.
We had parent teacher conferences today, and Lydia is doing great. She was proud of herself because she got to be the special helper today.
She wore these glasses all morning long.
She wore these glasses all morning long.
tonight's charcuterie
tonight’s charcuterie
white onion soup.
white onion soup.
curried beef, plantains, and rice paper.
curried beef, plantains, and rice paper.
I was on dessert. There was a lot going on. Smoked cheesecake, mango habenero sauce, sweet basil sauce, candied caraway, Japanese candies, roasted pineapple. white chocolate milk crumb, and caramelized cornflakes. Most people were confused and didn't like it much.
I was on dessert. There was a lot going on. Smoked cheesecake, mango habenero sauce, sweet basil sauce, candied caraway, Japanese candies, roasted pineapple. white chocolate milk crumb, and caramelized cornflakes. Most people were confused and didn’t like it much.