Some Things Never Change

It’s cool when your senses are so completely overwhelmed with goodness.  Like being immersed in a vibrant image, drowning in the music at a concert, and succumbing to the buttery texture of Italian leather boots.  This is how I felt in my (great) Uncle Ray’s kitchen.  This particular night, he was cooking for my sister's 30th birthday.  The smell of garlic, butter, shrimp and herbs was delightfully surrounding.  I remember this spot well, kneeling on this wooden bench looking over the stovetop and watching Uncle Ray cook.  He is an excellent chef and growing up I loved watching and learning from him.  He has been in this kitchen for over thirty years and he knows just how to use every inch of the space.  The clock on the stove has read the same time for at least nineteen years.  The pots, cookbooks and refrigerator magnets (including the one that reads “Ethel’s Ray’s Kitchen”) have been the same as long as I can remember.

Kari’s birthday was fun; the Angel’s definitely gave her one of her birthday wishes by winning 12-3 (or somewhere around there).  Mom and I went to Disneyland that morning since our passes were about to expire.  Morning is definitely the best time to go in summer because it’s before the kids are awake and before the sun begins to really heat up.

Our first day in Manhattan Beach, we stopped for coffee at Coffee Bean.  We couldn’t resist splitting the mini chocolate bundt cake.  I won’t even describe how good it was but I will share a quote from that experience: "Mom, this is really good but the grease spot on the napkin is slightly disconcerting", she replied, "That's my drool."

Our (hostesses in Manhattan Beach + us) quick trip to El Pollo Loco was quite embarrassing to us “kids”.  The moms decided it would be a good idea to go through drive through twice, ask if the lady remembered us and order a ridiculous amount of taquitos, fried food and ice cream.  We’re not fat, we swear.
"God is great, beer is good and people are crazy" --Billy Currington