A long day, but a decent one. Got up earlier than Willi and went down to get the baking done for today's orders. I like that quiet morning time... just me and sugar/butter/flour and the broadway playlist going. I can pretend that shows are still happening, that I am going to get to go to NYC with Kim next week, that soon, very soon, I will get to go back to a rehearsal room. It's a nice fantasy.
Last night's interview brought up a bunch of that wishful thinking about work. Just the balance of hopeful and realistic. Positive thinking balanced with self-preservation. Brain vs heart. I am very glad to have a group of folks that I get to play with doing some readings on zoom... it helps to feel like myself/an actor every week or so. Thank you, Jim for helming that fun!
Spent the day working and laughing in the kitchen and turning it into a virtual snowstorm of flour of all kinds. Between the three loaves of sourdough, a loaf of Anadama bread, the pasta process, 4 orders of Buttermilk Biscuits, Strawberry Tartes, Apple Crumbles and Stone Fruit Cobblers... my kitchen gets a WORKOUT. I think about Dan Donovan daily as I sweep, and when I have to wipe 'snow' off every surface. I can hear his voice, feel his presence stealing bites of whatever I have in oven. Missing him will never go away.
Had a quick visit with George as he picked up his order, dropped off a little 'secret menu' item off to Roberta and Bob, delivered a feast to Dani and Peter in Oakland, stopped for a quick visit with Scrumbly from the curb and headed east. Took the 'shortcut' from the 24 to Martinez to drop off at Deb's place. Cutting through Pleasant Hill instead of taking the 680 (and dealing with traffic) was much more pleasant. Rolling golden hills of Contra Costa. And then, the highlight of the Wednesday route, a good visit with Becky and Eleanor and Marian. Those little girls are so ridiculously cute. It really does my heart good to have an excuse to visit them weekly. Today they were wearing matching dresses that a neighbor had made for them. Cuteness overload.
Home finally to deal with the snowstorm. Made a deal with Willi that I would do the cleaning if he would read aloud to me while I worked. It was remarkably pleasant and made the job of cleaning much more enticing. A good hour of scrubbing, sweeping, washing dishes etc was spent listening to him read (and embellish) the book The Indifferent Stars Above... about the Donner Party. It was just the beginning so we weren't into the more gruesome parts. Too bad he couldn't read to me while I do all my work!
Gearing up for a big cooking day tomorrow to prep for the Meals On Heels event we are doing for Oasis Nightclub on Friday. Glad to have the extra work this week, and fun to work on new menu things. Tomorrow will be a busy day!
Our regular menu is below and orders for Friday (SF pick up and delivery) should be placed by tomorrow morning) www.marthaavenuefood.com
I hope that everyone is taking care of themselves. Reading and listening and growing and unlearning. Finding ways to focus on gratitude as well as the work to be done. Give yourself a little extra love this week. Remember that the weeks of quarantine and the intense emotions and ups and downs are shared by all of us. You are not alone. Hug yourself for me. Sleep well! xoxo