Monday, April 19, 2010

Of Firsts and Lasts

I'm finally back home and am so grateful to be here, surrounded by comforting, familiar things. It was nice to spend time with my family in Florida, however, to quote Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, "there's no place like home", and home is where the heart is. I'm comfortable being in my own bed, cooking in my own pans, in my own kitchen, etc, etc, etc. I feel John's presence here and am comforted by that feeling.

Unfortunately, I am faced with many "firsts" and "lasts" here at home. Some of them are difficult, such as the first time I went to my knitting group and John was not there to pick me up on his way back from the grocery, or finding the last of the gumbo he made in the freezer and eating it. There are still so many firsts to come; birthdays, holidays, places we visited together, gatherings with our friends. I will survive, heartbroken though I may be.

There was much work to be done in the garden upon my return back home and, although I missed the annual few days when the crocus bloomed, I was pleased that the daffodils, hyacinth and primroses were blooming for me.

This was the only hyacinth the squirrels left for me!Even the insects are out enjoying the nice weather!

Froggy is keeping watch over the blooms

The PJM Rhododendron is just about to burst forth into bloom.....

and the hostas are peeking out, reaching for the warm sun.

My dear friends at Shirley's Yarn shop, where my knitting group, The Downeast Knitiots meets, greeted me back with open arms and hugs all around. What a great group they are. We laugh, cry, fuss and support each other better than any therapy group!

I've just helped Shirley get the yarn shop on Facebook, so if you'd like to become a "friend", just search Facebook for Shirley's yarns. They will be posting all their special sales there, so you can be one of the first to get the word!

My eldest son, Jason, is spending some time up here with me and we have converted the loft area of the garage into an artist's studio for him. Like his father, he is a talented artist, his artistic flair is found in many organic finds. He is currently working on painting masks, created from carved saw palmetto fronds. They are quite colorful and unique with each having their own individuality!


They remind me of wolves!

As I stated before, I'm so happy to be back in my own kitchen, preparing things I love to eat. My latest snack has been roasted red pepper hummus. I had been buying it in Florida, but at $3.99 a pop, I knew I could make the same thing for much less money, plus without all the preservatives.

I made it today and I must say, it tastes even better than store bought! If you want a good, healthful snack, I highly recommend this tasty, simple recipe:

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

1 can chick peas (garbanzo beans)
1/4 Cup bean liquid
1/3 Cup Tahini (sesame seed paste)
1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
2 TBSP Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic, crushed
1/2 - 3/4 Cup Roasted Red Peppers

In food processor, combine beans, bean liquid, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil. Process til smooth. (this will take a while). Add peppers and garlic and process to desired consistency. Garnish with parsley and a few chopped peppers.

Life today is different, but still good.

Hugs, Giddy

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey, welcome home! It has been considerably warmer than it is right now. Did you get back in time for that?
How did your house and garden fare while you were down south? Did the deer and chipmunks move in?

I have been out working in the garden a couple of hours a day, but still have much to do.

So glad to hear from you, and what a good looking son you brought back. Has he ever wintered in Maine? You'd better start knitting wool socks and hats !

I agree with you about making hummus at home, we do, too.

Anonymous said...

Glad you are back! I bet Spike and Sluggo were glad to see you.

Thanks for posting the hummus recipe, I will definitely give that a try.

Happy you have some company to get settled in, I suggest you put Jason straight to work in the garden :-)
Ali

bonifer said...

I have followed your blog for awhile now, even before your hubby's passing,
I, too, love gnomes, this probably drew me to you initially...
just want to say, HI, and wish you the best..
and love your pics and recipes too.. :)

Giddy said...

Sandy, I got back in time for a wee bit of the nice, warm weather. The house fared quite well and I had neighbors checking in on it every once in a while. I've been trying to spend several hours a day in the garden and Jason has been a huge help there, as well. He has not wintered in Maine, yet.

Ali, Spike and Sluggo made the trip south with me and they too, are happy to be back home.

Bonifer, thanks for checking in on me now and then. It's about time to put the gnomes back out into the garden again!

JaySunem said...

Beautiful post, Mama. I wish I could tell you the "firsts" get easier along the line, but we both know better. The good thing is you only have to do each once - and time does, indeed, heal he wounds no one can see.....eventually.

While the hole left in your life with Dad's passing will never be fully filled, I can promise you that it will eventually get better - and not because the memories fade. It's the memories that will help "hold it all together" once you get through the first year.

Please remember that you are fortunate to have a loving family, two wonderful cats and better friends than most can ever hope to find.

Remember, also, that all this has happened before and it will all happen again. Dad is still very much with us - especially here in your little piece of Heaven on Earth.

I love you dearly and will ALWAYS be here for you - now let's hope for some real sunshine tomorrow so we can get back to work on the garden! There's *nothing* like good soil in your hands - it's the BEST therapy and, of course, is as free as it is rewarding.

Thank you for everything good you've taught me in life. I really couldn't have lucked in to a better mother. You're just the BEST.

Giddy said...

Jason, you are truly a wonderful blessing in my life.

Diana LaMarre said...

Welcome home, Giddy!

It is so nice that your son is with you. I bet he will be a big help in many areas of your life.

The hummus looks so good. Your son probably appreciates Mom's good cooking!


I am looking forward to seeing your garden progress this year.

Kerri said...

How lovely to hear from you, Giddy, and to know that you're back in your beloved home, safe and sound.
Isn't it wonderful to see the spring flowers? The daffy faces are so cheerful :) We had some warm sunshine today but the wind was still chilly.
Glad to know you have your son there for company. He's very talented!
That humus sound delicious. I might just try that recipe. Your son will enjoy your culinary delights.
Give Spike and Sluggo a scratch under the chin for me.
I thought hyacinths were safe from hungry squirrels!
Enjoy digging in your garden. xox

Jen said...

definitely going to try your hummus recipe... red pepper hummus is my favorite also!

First time poster, but I just wanted you to know that a shy stranger who stumbled upon your blog was deeply saddened to read of your loss. I can only say that you seem to have a great family and support system. Don't hesitate to lean on them when you need them.

Kerri said...

Hi Giddy,
Just wanted to let you know you're often in my thoughts. How is your garden growing? Are you planting veggies this year?
We're off to a late start because Ross ended up in hospital with pneumonia early in May. He's moving slowly but is working outside again and doing his best to regain his strength.
Life is topsy turvy, but still good, as you say :)
I hope you're finding comfort in your lovely home and garden and that Jason is still there to keep you company.
Hugs xoxo

Anonymous said...

Oh yes MsGiddy, there is no place like home.

I have a new fresh blog if you would like to take a peek,
it is HERE.
Happy Summer!
Becky

Anonymous said...

Hey Giddy, hope you summer is going well. I hear from Kerri that you have been busy!

Just know you are being thought of,
Sandy

Unknown said...

That hummus looks good. I wish I was eating it right now.