Overwhelming Grief....

When life changes, new routines begin. Grief is a profound emotion fraught with unexpected 'spells', small in nature but oh so real. Surrounded by family keeps these moments of remembrance in check. A phone call is a ray of sunshine from grandchildren or a friend. The card in the mail is another loving measure from loved ones, a reminder that imprints on us forever.

A new chapter begins. It must. The former loved one is no longer with us. We must forge a new path, a brighter future or the conclusion of another path begun with 'them'. Crying happens as often as it does, a component of the grieving process. When your pet suddenly collapses, while you are coping with another medical crisis, grief is multiplied. Your failure to help your precious pet adds to the immense emotional toll. Pet owners understand. 

Decades ago, when it seemed that we might not be able to have children, adoption came to mind. I wondered, could we love another child not of our making? Then I laughed. What a ridiculous thought. I love my pets as though they are people. Then I knew. Eight dogs and one cat later filled our lives with happy, funny moments. The life expectancy of dogs made our choices both easy and difficult. But they needed homes.Our  adult children followed in our footsteps. Everywhere I looked, a replacement fill my heart with the love that has been lost. Pets are critical to Momsey's grieving process; my heart a little less heavy with each passing day. They are miracle workers in my heart..  

Each passing day helps to bring new experiences and maybe new people. Cooking for one keeps leftovers smaller than usual. Forging deeper relationships with grandchildren because my 'compass' is gone forever leaves family to fill the role. He was family the moment we met. Fifty-four years later a chunk of me is gone forever. Sadness happens. But there are too many reminders of life, laughter and kindness and a brighter future filled with the family we created. I am lucky.

I am now thinking of interviewing the newer generation to get a glimpse into who they are and what they want. Benefits arise through this real life face-off. Smart phones, not invited. The intellect of these young children: 4 boys and 4 girls, are gems to take notice of. digital devices are not welcome. Why worry, after all. The human mind is the greatest computer or digital device in the world.

Turkey Dinner for One

Downsizing the ritual of turkey dinner has succeeded. Cooking for two has been a daily ritual for The Momsey for many years. In the beginning it was a large turkey. Then buying two birds to increase the number of legs for those wanting them. Now I am cooking for one, on a regular basis. My thinking has begun to change.

Last week my thoughts of dressing, gravy and mashed potatoes took on a new look. There is no turkey small enough for me to buy so that I am not eating it forever. Being the only one wanting this special meal, size does matter.. I do not want to be eating turkey and all its fixins forever or freezing the leftovers for another future date, only to be forgotten. After awhile, turkey can lose its lustre for me. Waste is not in my vocabulary.

Homemade cranberry sauce using frozen cranberries with maple syrup is made. It can be used as a spread for breakfast or with the main act: turkey dinner.

Stuffing for the meal for one is downsized easily using a small fry pan for its inital preparation. This tactic helps to contain the celery, dill, parsley, salt and pepper, thyme, poultry to a reasonable quantity,easily. Once completed, the homemade dressing is gingerly encapsulate within the skin of the split turkey breast, bone and skin intact, in a 330 degree oven. Size will determine length of time. Basting juices form to easily coat the 'roast' in flavour and moisture.

A small footprint in the oven in a covered porcelain roasting pan serves as a perfect delivery system for roasting the turkey for one, with dressing and any vegetables desired. Basting the contents is a delicious reward. And a funny thing can happen. Sufficient food can be created for unexpected company.

In these days of simple and clean eating, unexpected dinner guests can be accompanied easily. A salad wilth help deliver that extra nutrient punch along side the roasted meal that has been cooking in the oven. There might not be any leftovers when company visits but repeating the task of a meal for one trains us to eat less and appreciate diversity. What is next?. Soup is a great meal using leftovers and giving the body is change of pace while perhaps widening the festing window in between. Yum. Yum.

With friends or family nearby, another occasion for another meal for one can excite us all. The question that bears asking: Shall Pirogies or cabbage rolls for 'one' be next? Perhaps that requires a different approach for invited guests. How many are you willing to make?