The Performance Task presentation has been delivered. I think it went well, and there are four yet to come after me. As with most jobs, it will come down to who has the skills needed for the vision of the director. Good luck to us all.
Every once in a while, I bring some supplies to my mom when she is running low. We have a Costco membership, so I can buy bulk, which can last a while for her. I also brought a good supply of canned goods for her and family living with her. It will soon be time to replenish, so need to use what goods are still on the shelves.
I had also said I would make dinner when I arrived. There is a dish I made at home, which was tasty and fairly easy to make. Freely I will admit I’m spoiled in my kitchen with my many gadgets and utensils. There wasn’t any way to bring all of my toys with me, so the recipe had to be basic cooking. The dish was Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese from Cook’s Country.
It only needs meat, cheese, some condiments, and a few spices, plus an onion. All of the cooking takes place in a single pan on a burner, finishing under the broiler. The others eating included teens, who often don’t care for anything placed before them. Luckily, they enjoyed the meal.
The best part was chatting with my mom. While I was preparing the dish, she brought a chair over by the stove. As I got the hamburger ready and starting chopping the onion, we just talked about how things are going and life in general. My nephew even joined the conversation here and there.
We often cook somewhat in isolation. Our kids are off on their phones. Our spouses are doing their own projects around the house, or at work. Meaning the prep and cooking are done alone, sometimes with the TV on in the background.
Over the years, I’ve had friends where we would cook together. Or chat while one of us was cooking. At times, we’d help out by chopping or washing an ingredient. It was a time to get to know one another, to bond over food. Food can be a great uniter.
Some of my fondest memories are of helping make butter when I was younger, helping make a cake, learning from Papa Joe or Donnie, and talking with my mom, sisters, or other relatives and friends when visiting while I make something. Those Thanksgiving dinners, when everyone is making something to contribute, dodging and bumping into one another is both nerve-wracking, and soothing, all at the same time.
I enjoyed the evening with my mom and I in the kitchen together again (we worked together in a restaurant a long time ago). It was a an evening of love in a troubled world. Can’t wait to do it again soon.
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 