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!
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)
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!
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
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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. :)
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.
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!
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!
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.
Sounds like very busy times indeed Jane! I wish you a wonderful Easter-have fun:@)
March 28, 2013 at 4:50 PM
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
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!
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
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
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
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.
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♥
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.
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!
March 29, 2013 at 1:15 AM
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 ;)
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.
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
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
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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 :)
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.
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
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!
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
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!
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
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!
April 2, 2013 at 6:17 AM
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
April 4, 2013 at 6:55 AM
[Image]I'm squeezing in a post before a crazy weekend. Today is the first day of sunshine that we've had all week. It makes me want to go out and play in the dirt! But it's the same old, same old with getting this house back in order. Thank you, all of you, for your ideas for making some changes in the living room. Who needs decorating magazines? Within the next 3 weeks, my new chairs will be delivered as well as my area rug and I am going to start off with a clean slate. I am really leaning towards a small section for a gallery, I saw some ledges at Pottery Barn which will keep the pictures from "floating"...more of a shelf~like look and I'm sold on that. I seem to like order, probably because I am so mentally scattered! lol!
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.
[Image]Onward. I don't know if you have ever heard of Charlie Trotter, a world renowned chef who had restaurant in Chicago named after himself. Well, he was my idol and this was back in the day before celebrity chefs on television, popping up with multiple restaurants all over the place. The Husband bought me this book, the year was 1997, and he made reservations at the restaurant for my birthday. I was beyond thrilled! I remember picking out a brown velvet dress to wear and thinking I was going to be too excited to eat!
[Image]Well, not only did The Husband make the reservations, he made arrangements for me to meet the chef himself! OMG! So this is me and Charlie, posing a little awkwardly (gotta love that 90's hair on me!).
[Image]And he signed a book for me, "After love, there is only cuisine". What a night that was, I don't even remember the food! I still follow him in the society pages, he closed his restaurant last year after thirty years and is doing some philanthropic work. Did I ever make anything from the book? Well, can you say, "Morel Flan with Black~Eyed Peas, Roasted Baby Fennel, and Herb~Infused Chicken Stock Reduction"? Nope!
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! :)
posted by Blondie's Journal at 11:31 AM on Mar 28, 2013
"COOKBOOK LOVE"
68 Comments -
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!
March 28, 2013 at 11:53 AM
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.
March 28, 2013 at 12:06 PM
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.
March 28, 2013 at 12:17 PM
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)
March 28, 2013 at 12:27 PM
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!
March 28, 2013 at 12:40 PM
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!
March 28, 2013 at 12:57 PM
Have a truly blessed Easter!
March 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM
Happy Easter to you & yours! I'm trying to think of a good dessert to make for Sunday.
March 28, 2013 at 1:04 PM
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!
March 28, 2013 at 1:28 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 1:33 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 2:04 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 2:26 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 2:28 PM
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.
March 28, 2013 at 2:35 PM
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!
March 28, 2013 at 2:43 PM
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!
March 28, 2013 at 2:54 PM
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!
March 28, 2013 at 3:28 PM
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!
March 28, 2013 at 3:44 PM
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.
March 28, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Sounds like very busy times indeed Jane! I wish you a wonderful Easter-have fun:@)
March 28, 2013 at 4:50 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 5:44 PM
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!
March 28, 2013 at 6:08 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 6:35 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 6:39 PM
Great post!!! You have been a busy little bee!!! I bet it feels great to have all your cookbooks organized?!?!Happy Easter!
~Des
March 28, 2013 at 7:19 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 7:58 PM
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.
March 28, 2013 at 8:40 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 8:44 PM
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
March 28, 2013 at 10:19 PM
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!
March 29, 2013 at 1:15 AM
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 ;)
March 29, 2013 at 6:34 AM
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.
March 29, 2013 at 9:47 AM
Wow, that is quite the stack of cookbooks! It's wonderful that they have such significance for you. :-)
March 29, 2013 at 12:25 PM
I too love all my cookbooks, but my favourite recipes are the handwritten ones from my grandma :) have a wonderful Easter!!
March 29, 2013 at 2:03 PM
Oh, memories! Love the quote, Jane. Cookbooks offer great company even if we never cook a thing. '-)
Happy Easter Weekend.......Sarah
March 29, 2013 at 3:12 PM
Happy easter...love Ria...xxx...!!!
March 29, 2013 at 3:36 PM
I have so enjoyed our little chat!
Love reading your posts!
March 29, 2013 at 6:27 PM
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
March 29, 2013 at 10:24 PM
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
March 30, 2013 at 12:48 AM
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
March 30, 2013 at 9:03 AM
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!
March 30, 2013 at 10:08 AM
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
March 30, 2013 at 10:18 AM
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!
March 30, 2013 at 1:29 PM
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
March 30, 2013 at 3:08 PM
Wishing you a beautiful EAster my friend. I LOVE COOKBOOKS! YES!
xoRebecca
March 30, 2013 at 5:15 PM
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
March 30, 2013 at 5:58 PM
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 :)
March 30, 2013 at 9:19 PM
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
March 30, 2013 at 9:33 PM
Oh I have a cookbook fetish too.They keep piling up!
Many Easter Blessings to you my friend....xoxo
March 31, 2013 at 8:44 AM
Happy Easter.
Jen
March 31, 2013 at 10:27 AM
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
March 31, 2013 at 1:34 PM
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!
March 31, 2013 at 6:31 PM
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.
March 31, 2013 at 11:10 PM
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
April 1, 2013 at 7:59 AM
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!
April 1, 2013 at 8:15 PM
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
April 1, 2013 at 10:11 PM
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
April 1, 2013 at 11:09 PM
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!
April 2, 2013 at 6:17 AM
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!
April 2, 2013 at 8:47 AM
Your posts are always a joy to read. I love cookbooks too ♥
April 2, 2013 at 11:54 AM
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!
April 2, 2013 at 5:08 PM
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.
April 2, 2013 at 10:51 PM
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!
April 2, 2013 at 11:03 PM
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.
April 3, 2013 at 6:45 AM
I hope your Easter was wonderful!
April 3, 2013 at 10:35 AM
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!
April 3, 2013 at 5:05 PM
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!
April 4, 2013 at 6:55 AM