Meals Make Memories

Hard to believe but I've been back in the States for almost two months. Looking back on the past eight weeks the highlights are the meals I've shared with friends and family. Tonight I'm thanking my generous house-hosts with a meal of dishes inspired by these adventures. Here are some of the dining inspirations...in no particular order...

• Jerk highlights from my Jamaica adventure and wedding caterer tasting with Matthew, Rachel and Ann
• Sandwich assembly party with the Century Bike Ride group
• Giant stir fry to commemorate the world's biggest stir fry I made for mom, dad and grammie in Stamford
• Maine delights from the picnic and bbq with Sharon Dee-Dee and Jamie
• Ice Cream indulgence adventure with Matthew at Marlene's house
• Garrison Keillor Picnic with Rachel, Matthew, Mandeep and Carol
• Tapas with Damon in Philadelphia
• Johnny Rockets with Sam in DC
• Salad extravaganza with Grandma, Aunt Patty and Ben Greenfield in Stamford
• B. Smith southern delights with John in the DC train station
• Hot dog indulgence with Grammie in Stamford
• Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery with Karen and Rachel in Stamford
• Diner dining with Lori and Jessica to sooth poison ivy in Stamford
• Wheat-adventures with Marlene in Virginia
• Fish Tacos at TGIF with Brechin in Philadelphia
• Delectable eats at the Native American museum with Julie and John in DC
• Teaism with Bernie during our bike ride side-track
• Corn bread spood bread at the Hinton birthday extravaganza
• Tacos with Peyton
• Home cooked fancy feasts with Matthew and Rachel in DC
• Scones and tea with Grandma in Greenwich
• Fish cakes at the wedding I photographed with Geneve
• Lebanese Tibernia with Matthew and then again with the Bike Group

Now to do some shopping for tonight's meal.

I Will Ride 100 Miles and I Will Ride 100 More

That's the mantra of my dad and his buddies who heroically do an annual 100 mile bike ride in early Summer. This year they're in DC and Matt has spent weeks creating a century ride for them that meets all their requests:

1. No hills - flat, flat, flat
2. Pavement
3. Paths
4. Interesting sites
5. A ferry ride
6. Shorter route options for those who want to maintain their sanity

The big ride is tomorrow and the riders begin arriving tonight. I'm doing a 35 mile version from Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon and then back to Matt and Rachel's house in the Palisades along the Potomac.

While the husbands are out there on the road their wives are shopping. I think I may be the only woman on the ride. Did I not get the memo?

Ike has Arrived!

My two super boxes just arrived. They did well. Big box was all cut up and re-taped by Customs and Immigration. I think they were impressed with my innovative design. Ike looks great! I'll take him out for a spin to make sure all parts are working. We're having a bit of gooey rain so may wait until that clears up. Yes, also humid so the hair doing its thing.

The only broken item was a lovely bowl I bought in Edinburgh. However, it is raku and has a cracked style anyway so I'll try gluing it together. Should work out fine.

At least all my possessions are now in the US - however in many different States. Major collection still in Houston storage, two suitcases at Matt & Rachel's place in DC and now a menagerie of ceramics and my favorite books at Marlene & Mandeep's in Virginia. Oh yes, and Tika the Cat in Connecticut. I like to share the wealth.

Next Stop Washington, DC

I've been quiet for a few days as you can see following the flurry of posts this weekend. Many changes going on for me. In particular I am returning to the States on May 3rd, concluding my 18 months living in London.

This next step in my life I can live anywhere and do anything - I think I've been here before. This time I've decided to settle into Washington, DC. Like London, DC is a national capital with strong international connections. Living in London has sparked my interest in working across the US and the world. I want to continue on that ride.

I am going to return to consulting (did I ever really leave?) and am in the process of setting up a business called Leading-Together. The website will launch soon http://www.leading-together.com/ (you'll see tidbits appear in a few days). The business focus will be building sustainable community partnerships and developing leaders. Still perfecting the pitch.

My sibs live in the DC area and I am eager to be near to them.

Zooming to DC

Heading off to DC for three days to participate in the Americans for the Arts leadership think tank. I spend as much time travelling as I do in the actual meetings. Flying Wednesday, meeting Thursday and Friday, flying Saturday, return to London Sunday.

In between I am managing to see my siblings, their significant others and my folks. How's that for efficiency? Hopefully I'll be able to visit Teaism, my favorite DC tea/food shop.

Also trying a new airlines - Zoom. They just started their London/NY service and seem to have upgraded me for a portion of the flight. We stop over in Bermuda which, frankly, is the highlight for me. Let's hope we don't get lost in the Bermuda Triangle. Hopefully I can get off the plain and check out the airport shops.