The phone rang after six. My eldest son was on business and saw a sign that said Pittsburgh 35 miles, so he cancelled his hotel reservation and drove to the city. (So that is why his wife called earlier to see what I was doing)YIKES! I was boiling a pot of water for some Spinach Ravioli but Mark is on the Paleolithic diet these days. No grain! The tiredness I felt from a school day dissipated as I got in the car and drove the two miles to the Whole Foods Market where I bought some Grass Fed Beef, Organic Garnet Yams, (I had two zucchini at home and a jar of coconut oil which I hadn’t even tried yet) and got back home to fire up the broiler, pronto! Got out the cast iron skillet for the zucchini slices, chopped up some romaine I had already washed and drained. Pulled it together in no time at all. As I set the dining room table he said he would rather eat in the kitchen so we did.And there we were eating in the kitchen and the house came alive again. We used his iPad and Face Time to talk with the kids before they went to bed and we had a happy time together.
VOILA- a quick Paleo approved meal- this is the son who baked the Carrot Cake, Paleo Style.
For dessert we had coconut milk frozen Mint Chip with No Sugar Added.
From the Paleo Food website gluten-free, grain-free, bean-free, potato-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. (they are eating some dairy still)
Ingredients used: meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, vegetables, roots, fruit, berries, mushrooms, herbs and spice seeds. Oh yes,after dinner he showed me the you tube of Derek Redmond and his father from the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Tears rolling down my cheeks. Mark said he wants to be that kind of father. And he also played me a couple of Seekers songs as he remembers my cassette tape of them singing Someday, One Day, Right now he is sleeping in the room across the hall, to get up at 5 AM to get to somewhere in Ohio, early. I feel fortunate.
Ruth, what a nice surprise and a fun evening. I love our empty nest but am the happiest when the children are @ home. Dinner looks wonderful!
That was a great meal, Ruth. The fact that it was spur of the moment and suited a paleo diet makes it a remarkable one. Hat’s off to the Chef!
You should move closer to us!
You my friend are SO VERY fortunate… Sounds like a perfect night:)
That meal looks delicious!
I love hearing about the surprise visit.
Ha, I had to look close!
Sounds like a wonderful surprise and a delightful dinner….Yum
I LOVE the tiny little face sticking out amid the green leaves; and the description of your home buzzing with family is truly a delight. I can see why you feel blessed – indeed, you are.
I loved this whole story thanks for sharing!!! made my day!!
We get so little time with our “adult” children. You are so smart to make the most of it and go the extra mile. This story warms my heart.
The food looks delicious! And, it sounds like you had a wonderful evening. It’s a huge compliment when children want to emulate their parents. The tears would have been rolling down my cheeks too.
Aawwww. What a memory maker. You’ll always remember this time with a smile.
Mark has always had a way of brightening your day…anyone’s day he comes in contact with. I remember many times how he brightened mine with his sense of humor and honesty. Thanks for sharing your great dinner and evening.
Oh how lovely, Ruth, thanks for sharing your meal and evening with Mark!! xoxoxo
What a lucky son you have! Loved this story…
Loved every word! Your story & the inspirational video! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment today. That video is something, isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed the post.