Summer Adventures
Hello my Foodie Friends!
Hello my Foodie Friends!
Many of us have timeless memories of our summer’s past. This week, I will begin PART 1 of one of the most memorable summers of my life and share the start of an adventure I went on in the summer of 1994. The true start of the story and adventure starts in May of 1993. I was playing on a softball team while Paula, eight months pregnant with Aubrey, and the new two-year-old Johnny cheered me on. I played well throughout the game and was ready to run home with the winning run when I thought someone had shot me in the ankle. I went to ground in agony and felt for my Achillies tendon and realized it was missing? I had a complete rupture, and no one believed me. I could not get up and my teammates weren’t buying it. So, Paula, while holding Johnny’s hand and pregnant with Aubrey, went all superhero and helped me up on one leg. I hopped to the car with my arm around my hero and went to the hospital. The doctor wanted me to heal naturally instead of surgery and put me in a full leg cast with my foot pointed down. I was not able to drive and had to be out of work for three months with the remainder of the healing period having physical therapy. Those of you that have had injuries that have limited your mobility know that when you must depend on others to take you here and there, it wears on everyone. I was depressed and missed my independence. The day came that the cast came off my leg and I started on my Physical Therapy. Well, guess what, the Achillies tendon broke again. This time in a different spot but the same skinny leg! I was put back in the cast for another three months. I was very discouraged, and it was hard on Paula who now had a newborn beautiful baby girl as well as a rambunctious two-year-old and his dad to take care of. We persevered and the day came that the second cast came off. This time I took Physical Therapy very slowly. It was kind of working this time, but I think Paula was still secretly dreaming of dropping me off at the local dog racing track.
Then the call came. An opportunity of a lifetime from our dear neighbor and friend Ron (who has since passed). Ron just purchased a 50-foot motor yacht, but it was located in West Palm Beach Florida and had to be sailed back up to Narraganset Rhode Island. Ron asked me to help crew the boat with several other pals, through the intercoastal waterway on a three-week excursion. At first, I expressed to Ron that I would not be able to leave Paula with a newborn and toddler. Ron exclaimed that he had already received permission from Paula, who was more than eager to have me go!! So, I agree to begin the adventure of being part of a once-in-a-lifetime summer. Next week, I will continue the story of our excursion and share the love of the water and ocean.
Today is Paula and my wedding anniversary (44 years). We made it through the injuries and the ups and downs of life. This year, try to create those sweet memories of summer vacations that may embark on adventures that promise simplicity and joy. Where every getaway carries a sense of unpredictability and spontaneity under the sun’s warm embrace. These lazy days, filled with laughter and exploration, create experiences not just remembered, but cherished true reflection of connectedness while enjoying incredible summer food dishes. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place this summer for the essentials you need for your summer dishes. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”.
Take Care, John & Paula
