Thursday, March 28, 2013

COOKBOOK LOVE


Anywho, with the gloomy weather I hunkered inside and worked on my kitchen.  I lugged all of my cookbooks back into the kitchen and lovingly cleaned each and every cover with soapy water to get the accumulation of gunk from the stove off them.  I went from the six piles that you see above to three, giving away a lot of them.  It really was a walk down memory lane for me.  If any of you are cookbook/recipe lovers, you know how these books become your friends, a sort of scrapbook of your life.  Crammed inside most of them were recipes torn out from newspapers and magazines, grocery lists and menus.  It was a very bittersweet moment when I came across a book that I used to cook from when I was making meals for my Mom and Dad years ago.  My Mom was losing her struggle with cancer and my Dad didn't have a clue how to cook, even if he had had the time, so I would make meals over the course of a few days, enough for a few weeks and freeze them.  I would bring them bag fulls that they could pick and choose and microwave.  Well, in this much used, stained and tattered book I found the menus, my notes, little stars by the dishes they loved and it really choked me up, especially now since they are both gone.  I put a lot of love in those meals and they so appreciated it, they gave me a lot more credit for my cooking abilities than I deserved and I would do it all over again if I could have more days with them.

This weekend Emily and her fiance move into their new house.  Have I mentioned it is next door to Papa?  Isn't that great that she will be living next to her own grandfather, they can keep an eye out for one another!  And Mike's parent live two doors down, how's that for closeness?  As I said, Emily grew up on this block with her Nana and Papa living there so she knows everyone.  Tomorrow is the closing and then they are going to get right in.  She came home from work last night they moved gifts from the shower into their cars and then she started to box up the things in her room.  I nearly had a meltdown right then and there.  With all the wedding plans and craziness going on around here, I never fully realized that my little girl was leaving and starting a new life away from home.  I mean, I knew it, but it hadn't really registered until I saw the boxes of her clothes and all of her personal things from her room, which will soon be empty.  I know it's a new beginning for us, she is going to become a wife, homemaker (is that an outdated word?), and mother, and it's a happy time.  So why do I feel so sad?

Tomorrow I will be shopping for the Easter menu, the traditional ham and all the fixings, we have a small group here for dinner and dessert and I have just started to think about the dishes and centerpiece.  I have looked at so many pretty tables over the last few weeks, I'm kind of excited to do something elegant and spring~like.  Dinner is a no brainer, but I am going to try to make something delicious and new for dessert.  I'll share that with you next week when things are much more calm around here.

From my family to yours, wishing you a wonderful and blessed Easter! :)


68 comments:

Theresa said...

Wishing you a blessed Easter too dear friend! I am a cookbook lover and I can SO relate to your story about cooking for your Parents! I did the same for my Dad in his last years! Whatever we had, I would cook enough for him to have the next day! He would always just go on and on about how good it was:) Sweet little fella! Hugs to you my friend, I can remember when my Daughter moved out... I was VERY sad but happy for her! Just hug her, enjoy her every chance you get and you'll be JUST fine!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Happy Easter. Isn't a joy to remember back on moments of pure fun....I remember when our friends surprised me with a trip to Paula Deen's restaurant.

Jen said...

It sounds like you've been busy. I hope your Easter is wonderful with the people you love. Looking forward to hearing what you fixed.

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

What a sweet story about your cookbooks, Jane! I'm sure your parents were so appreciative of the love & care you put into their meals. Great story about the celebrity chef meeting and I loved reading about Emily's shower, too. You all did a fabulous job! (glad to see you relaxed with the mimosa, too)

podso said...

I think it is only natural to have emotions as you have when your daughter packs up her room! It is a big change but a welcome one as you wouldn't want it any other way. Still ...

Amazing your cookbooks! And your story of your meal out with the famous chef! Did you keep the cookbook you used for your parents?
Have a wonderful Easter!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I just went through my cookbooks too Jane. I was only able to part with a couple and they were impulse purchases for healthy eating -lol.

What a wonderful chance to get to meet that chef!

Beth said...

Have a truly blessed Easter!

Olive said...

Hi Jane, I have trouble letting go of cookbooks too. We are having ham Sunday and I made homemade lemon curd yesterday so it will surely be dessert in some form. I would have had a difficult time if my girl was moving out too. They are our little girl's forever even when they marry. Have a blessed Easter, Olive

Traci said...

Happy Easter to you & yours! I'm trying to think of a good dessert to make for Sunday.

Sue said...

When I went back down to Florida after my mom died, I was going through all of her things. I did okay most of the time, but I lost it when I was dusting her cookbooks. So many of them we had purchased together, or for each other. It wasn't the book, it was the experience that went with it. They do hold memories of many kinds.

I think it is such a mixed feeling when your child leaves home for good. You are so lucky that she isn't going to be too far away!

I had no idea Charlie Trotter closed the restaurant!

Rose Broadway said...

Hi,
I found your blog a few months ago and have enjoyed it so much! You have the most beautiful family. I happily wait for the pictures of your kitchen and living rooms. I know they will be just perfect.
Have a Blessed Easter.

Rosie, from Raymore Missouri

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh gee Jane,
I am way behind.
I just read about the shower, what fun!
And the pics, oh I love them.
Your daughter is a cutie and boy does she look like you!
Loved your decor for it, such great fun!
Loved this cookbook post too.
Very cool story there and by the way you always look cute!
Happy Easter friend,
Hi to Alan.
And big hugs too,
Cindy

Julie Marie said...

Loved hearing about your cookbooks and all of the memories they hold as well... it brought tears to my eyes reading about you cooking for your mama and daddy... I did the same thing for my daddy after my mama passed away and he got older... and like you, I would gladly do it all again... I miss them soo... I am sure it is a very emotional time for you with Emily getting married... but like you said, it is a happy time... but I do understand... you look so pretty in your brown velvet dress at the fancy restaurant... I just cannot seem to ever part with any or my cookbooks... I have huge stacks too... but can't let go... I guess there is a reason... one day, I will share some with my nieces... wishing you and your family a Happy Easter, much love, xoxo Julie Marie

Susie said...

Blondie, I liked the story of meeting the chef. I absolutely love that your daughter will be living near family. I wish them the best. xoxo,Susie

Lulu said...

Cookbooks...what a collection. When we remodeled our kitchen a couple of years ago, I gave away 3 boxes and swore I'd never buy another cookbook. As it turns out, I only created room for new ones. Happy Easter, my friend.

Stacey said...

I'm proud of you for going through your cookbooks. It's a hard thing to let some things go but in a little time you won't worry about it any more. Now the ones you kept - they really matter. :)

Happy Easter!

Unknown said...

What great memories! I have tons of cookbooks too, and cooking magazine, even a note binder that I taped recipes in when I was first married (at 17)!! Don't know if I could get rid of any of them or not.

Have a wonderful weekend. Happy Easter!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

You sure have been keeping yourself busy Jane! Congrats to your daughter and fiance on the purchase of their first home! They must be so excited! Have a wonderful Easter!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Ack, it's a crazy few days coming up, isn't it, Jane? I've got so much to do and I still don't have a tablecloth for Easter dinner! I'm heading out now to TJ Maxx to see what I can find. It sounds like Emily won't be too far away, so I'm sure you will see her quite a bit. It's nice that she will be close to family. Have a wonderful Easter!

Helen said...

Hi Jane!
Happy Easter weekend to you and family ... reading about your daughter transitioning to a brand new life brought back many of my own memories and kids .. now grandkids. Great photo with you and 'the chef.' Every now and then I go through my cookbooks and loose recipes thinking I will organize them ~~ end up never throwing anything away.

Lynn said...

Sounds like very busy times indeed Jane! I wish you a wonderful Easter-have fun:@)

Anonymous said...

Happy happy Easter Jane. I know your table will be perfect and the centerpiece just perfect. I loved your share of the famous chef and your birthday. :) I love cookbooks and buy them all the time, reading them like novels. Church cookbooks are my favorites and my old Betty Crocker cookbook that was a wedding gift a thousand years ago. xo

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

I used to be a cookbook lover, well I guess you can say that I still am, but I got rid of a LOT of mine quite a few years back! I kept only the ones that I use and now I only buy church or organization cookbooks. I find that they have the better recipes. I was just sitting here fixing my grocery list for our Easter dinner. We also have ham with all the fixings!

Barbara F. said...

Happy and blessed Easter to you, Jane, and I can understand how you feel sad that your daughter is leaving your nest. My mother was besides herself when I moved out, and so was I! xo

NanaDiana said...

Oh, Jane- I remember my first daughter moving out...the lump in the throat as you realize that she is no longer "your little girl"...Happy Easter to you and your sweet family, Jane. Hope you hubby is doing well, too, and can fully enjoy the Holiday- xo Diana

Deserae said...

Great post!!! You have been a busy little bee!!! I bet it feels great to have all your cookbooks organized?!?!Happy Easter!
~Des

Brenda Pruitt said...

You, the mother of the bride, will shed tears of joy and so many other emotions. I've already been there. Congrats on the big day. It will be pure magic.
Brenda

Marigene said...

I went through my hundreds of cookbooks recently and donated them to the library and thrift store. I still have one huge bookcase to go weed out, then I will be done!
Jane, it is bittersweet when the kids leave the nest...but you will adjust, most of us do after the shock and tears.
Happy Easter to you and your family.

THE FARMHOUSE PORCH said...

I have two little girls and dread the day they leave. :(

Plan stuff to look forward to I guess!
I hope you'll come back to the Farmhouse Porch and link this up at my linky party this Tuesday! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment♥

Linsey

Melanie said...

I have a lot of cookbooks too, and that's with them being weeded out over the past couple of years! I have some that I haven't even read or looked through yet - guilty as charged. How wonderful that you made meals for your parents when your mom was so ill. Finding the cookbook and your notes today had to be so bittersweet though.

I think that is SO cool that you met Charlie Trotter! I even showed your blog post and picture to Brian. He loved it, too. :-)

I love that Emily bought a house right next to her Papa and only two doors down from Mike's parents. You don't hear of that too often these days, where family all live close to one another.

xoxo

Pondside said...

Happy Easter Jane! I remember doing the same cookbook clear-out a couple of years ago....but I think I bought new ones just as quickly as I gave some away!

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, I loved your cookbook stories and that precious snap of you and the chef. There you go again with your lovely hair! I just love your pretty hair. How sweet of you to cook like that for your parents. I know I'm blessed to still have my mother with me. She'll be 90 in June! I know you'll set a lovely table for your guests and don't forget to take pictures.
Happy Easter to you and your family and you're always a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Knitty said...

A blessed Easter to you as well! I just read about the shower but didn't comment there. What a lovely March you've had despite whatever the weather has brought.

By the number of cookbooks I still have (after two purges over the years), one would think I cook all the time. I may one day write about why I don't and see if someone can get me out of my slump.

Susannah said...

Wow, that is quite the stack of cookbooks! It's wonderful that they have such significance for you. :-)

Andrea said...

I too love all my cookbooks, but my favourite recipes are the handwritten ones from my grandma :) have a wonderful Easter!!

Sarah said...

Oh, memories! Love the quote, Jane. Cookbooks offer great company even if we never cook a thing. '-)
Happy Easter Weekend.......Sarah

It's me said...

Happy easter...love Ria...xxx...!!!

Linda said...

I have so enjoyed our little chat!
Love reading your posts!

xinex said...

I love looking at yor old pictures, Janie. You are so beautiful. Al is so sweet and thoughtful. Enjoy the wedding preps, hope the bridal shower goes well and don't stress too much. Happy Easter to you all!..Christine

bj said...

I love reading about your daily life, Blondie. You are such a fine homemaker and love your family so much, it shows.
Hoping your Easter is the BEST.
xoxo bj

Ricki Treleaven said...

I need to do the same thing with my cookbooks. How exciting about your daughter's closing and move. YAY! I love traditional Easter dinners, especially ham. We're going to a buffet this year because Holy Week has coincided with Spring Break. I bet your Easter dinner will be lovely, Jane!

Easter blessings!
Ricki Jill

Susan Shull said...

Loved hearing about your cookbook memories. I feel the same about some of mine. The rest I just need to get rid of, I guess! It is so hard to let our kids grow up, but it is the only way. I would certainly not want three grown men still expecting me to take care of them! I love that your daughter will be on the street with family. That sounds like a "country" thing. One of our kids is building a beautiful new home right down the road from my folks and aunt. What a blessing for my little granddaughters!

Maggie said...

Like you I have tons of cookbooks and actually packed some away a couple of days ago to give to the charity shop. Had to hide them from the SP of course, he hates it when I declutter, especially cook books!
Joyeuse Paques from Normandy

sandy said...

I just love your description of your cookbooks, it is just perfect for them! I too, have tons of cookbooks and I couldn't part with any of them. They really are a big part of us.

Wishing you a wonderful Easter!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

What a sweet post, Janie, and I think I would cry, too, if my baby were leaving home. Yet, I understand your joy in her starting her life with the man she loves.

I love the picture of you with the chef. Beautiful.

I dropped by to wish you and yours a Happy Easter. I punched around on the screen till I found your comment button, and BINGO, I hit it. LOL Couldn't let this special day go by without sending you all my love.

XO,

Sheila

Rebecca Nelson said...

Wishing you a beautiful EAster my friend. I LOVE COOKBOOKS! YES!

xoRebecca

chateau chic said...

I think it's great to take time to walk down memory lane. You have so many wonderful times to look back on with gratitude.
Have a wonderful Easter celebration!
Mary Alice

Unknown said...

I loved your story of meeting your favourite chef! Then when I got to the part about seeing your daughter's boxes I got misty eyed. What exciting things you have to look forward to! Happy Easter to you and your family :)

Unknown said...

Have a beautiful Easter. I know how that feels about your daughter moving. My daughter Sarah just got engaged and they will be moving sometime early summer. As excited as I am for her, I will miss her so much. Whenever I see her car in the driveway I smile.

Meeting that celebrity chef must have been so exciting. 90's hair, your hair always looks gorgeous. I love the one for your avitar.

Well, I hope you and your family has a wonderful day tomorrow.

Happy Easter.

karen

koralee said...

Oh I have a cookbook fetish too.They keep piling up!
Many Easter Blessings to you my friend....xoxo

RURAL said...

Happy Easter.


Jen

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I have tons of cookbooks and still I just keep making the same things I always do because they are quick and easy. I will be dealing with my first born leaving for college this summer which is all very odd to me. I don't feel like I've aged so much so how is it my kids keep getting older? Wishing you and yours a happy Easter. Tammy

Decor To Adore said...

My cookbooks could probably use a little cleaning too! :) I saw quite a few of my favorites.

Today I am rejoicing that the tomb was empty. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter!

Martha said...

How nice for you to meet Charlie Trotter. Sigh, I have way too many cookbooks as well but some of them are old friends even though I haven't cooked from them -- I like to read them!!!! And I stick things into my cookbooks as well!

Happy Easter to you and your family.

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

HOpe you had a lovely Easter with your family Jane! We have a cookbook love as well...love your Charlie Trotter's story ~ what fun!!! Enjoyed sneaking a peak at Emily's shower pictures as well....everything looked beautiful and we can't wait to see the wedding pictures in a couple of weeks :) Enjoy your week Jane!
KArla & Karrie

Kelly said...

That is such a touching story about you cooking for your parents. Cookbooks really do hold special memories don't they? Nowadays, you almost don't even need a cookbook with the internet holding thousands of recipes. All you have to do is just google it and then print it!

Unknown said...

Oh Jane! What a sweet post. All the way from your parents to your sweet daughter. What blessed lives we lead.
Am I right?!

I loved the shower! How cute everything was. You did a great job for Emily. :)

~Liz

Tricia said...

I can imagine the thought of your daughter getting married is so exciting, but it's tempered by all that comes along with it...moving away and living her own life. At least she still be living close by, right?! I can't imagine what I'll do when my children get big and leave me...I'll probably crumble into a bawling heap. Time goes by so quickly and it makes me so sad!

Your little trip down memory lane sounds so bittersweet. I hope you kept those cookbooks that held a special place in your heart. xo

Maria Elena said...

Oh, I also love, love cookbooks!!! What a great and sweet post! I would love if you stop by and link it to my party!

Anonymous said...

oh you brought tears to my eyes, its so hard to let them go,


I was so up set, my blogger is messing things up so badly, I never even got this post notice, I missed it, I had to go find you, for some reason my list is leaving friends new posts out, here and there, very disturbing, I must find a better way!

Deb said...

Your posts are always a joy to read. I love cookbooks too ♥

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Hi Jane,

I have so many cookbooks too! I hate to part with them, I actually have handwritten notes on pages if I like or dislike the particular recipe. Yes - I remember Charlie Trotter! My brother is a chef and restaurant owner so I have followed many of chefs!

Hope you had a wonderful Easter!

Elaine said...

My goodness you are a busy woman! Bittersweet about your daughter moving into her own home but just think you can help her decorate!

What a sweet story about the chef.
Your husband always gives you great gifts!

Love the new look of your blog. I saw that Sara mentioned it on Facebook.

sandy said...

Hello there! Well I did read your profile a few days ago and meant to tell you that I just loved it too !

Someday I will be brave and take a picture of all my cookbooks. You will probably gasp lol

I hope you have a wonderful week!

bj said...

I tried RR's chili, too...waaaaay too many ingredients and waaaay too long. I LOVE this McCormick chili and I usually just fry my meat, and add everything to the crock pot in the morning. It cooks slowly most of the day and all the flavors are wonderful....we then eat it for lunch, dinner and in between. hahha...
Have a good day, Blondie girl.

Mary said...

I hope your Easter was wonderful!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Cookbooks have to be one of the most difficult things to weed out and get rid of! There seems to be something that beckons in every single one. Congratulations for being able to down-size your cookbook treasures by so much!

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

I am a cookbook junkie too-I probably have way over a hundred. I so need to thin them out!How nice that your daughter will live in the neighborhood she grew up in!