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Day 88: Lucky

3 Jul

After our morning walk I decided that instead of driving to church I would ride my bicycle. It was such a pretty day for a ride – sunny skies and not too warm. I don’t ride as often as I could, and knowing that my daughter (who lives in Copenhagen) rides her bike everywhere – in all kinds of weather – I felt there was no reason not to ride. With that decided, I got dressed, found my helmet and took off.

A short time later I was riding through downtown Ashland. I waited at a stop light and was feeling pretty good about my decision to ride. As the light changed, I took off and was riding in the right lane when all of a sudden a car came from behind and hit me and the next thing I knew I was on the pavement. Immediately several folks came to my assistance. They helped me get up from the road, called 911, and sat with me until help arrived. My heart is full of gratitude to them for all that they did – and I know one of the women told me her name but for the life of me, I can’t remember what it was. You can bet that when I find them, I will be making them a pie.

The next few hours were spent answering the questions of Dana, the emergency responder, John, the police officer on the scene, and then the wonderful staff at the emergency room of Ashland Community Hospital. What I remember feeling – in addition to the obvious pain – was such a great sense of relief. Yes, I’d been injured but I knew that I was good hands – and soon I would be all right.

As far as we know now, I have a cracked rib (#6, left side, in case you are interested). When I came home from the hospital I was still too wired (adrenaline is an amazing thing) to lay down and so (do you know what is coming next?) I baked pies. One pie was for today and one is for tomorrow because I was told that tomorrow I might not feel so good – and I just couldn’t take any chances.

I know that I am very lucky – things could have gone much worse for me today. Knowing that, it was easy to pour my efforts into helping someone else. Tonight I brought an Apple Crumb Crust pie to some friends who have been experiencing a tough time. I want them to know that their friends care about them, that we’re ready to help, and that we’re keeping them in our prayers.

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Day 87: Nick

2 Jul

More than 30 years ago, my husband came to Ashland, Oregon for the first time. He worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant near Mt. Ashland and met a lot of people there that became a part of his story. One of those folks was a woman named Marie. Once Marie learned that my husband had attended a Quaker school, she told him that he should meet her ex-husband, who had also attended a Quaker school.

That is how my husband and Nick became friends – they were introduced to each other by Marie. I came along a few years later and eventually moved to Ashland and became friends with Nick as well. I’m from Staten Island and Nick was from New Jersey. I thought that it was pretty cool to meet someone who was from New Jersey living three thousand miles away in a small town in Oregon.

Nick was a gentleman, a storyteller, a historian, a merchant seaman, an aficionado of trains and jazz music. Nick loved to show us the antiques that his family had had and he also loved to share their stories with us. My husband was like a little brother to Nick, and that sort of made me family. When we had children, my kids grew up regarding Nick as family and knew that Nick’s family was an extension of their own.

As I was remembering Nick today, I thought, I don’t think I ever heard him curse. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “curse like a sailor” – well that wasn’t true for Nick. The one phrase I do recall him saying is “Well, I’ll be darned.” Not exactly harsh words. I know that his Mom would have been proud of him because Nick was an all around great guy.

Today, I made a triple berry pie for Nick’s daughter’s birthday. I wanted to honor him and honor her as well. I don’t know how we came to be so lucky but I am so very grateful that we have been a part of their lives.

Skoshi with her Birthday Pie

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Day 86: Billy

1 Jul

Today is my youngest cousin’s birthday. Billy was born the year after I graduated from high school, and while I was around for his first few years, I left the east coast before he was ten years old and so I only saw him on those occasions when I returned home for a visit.

About 17 years ago, I was home for a family gathering and learned that my uncle was seriously ill. As soon as I had a chance, I phoned him to ask how he was and to see when I could visit him. My uncle told me that he had cancer and that he did not want me to see him but preferred that I “remember him as he was.”

Shortly after that phone call, Billy called. He asked if I knew that Uncle Ritchie was dying. I told him that I had just spoken to him and that he told me not to visit him. There was a short pause and then Billy said, “And you’re going to listen to that shit?” I thought, “Well, that’s what Uncle Ritchie said” but then I knew that I had to go and visit my uncle one more time.

My sister, Janice, drove with me to his house. My Aunt Donna let us in and brought us to my uncle’s room. Uncle Ritchie was drowsy but perked up when we entered the room. He seemed far away and started talking about a date he had been on many years before. It was a moment before I realized that he thought that I was my mother – and he was reliving a memory from many years past. After a short time, he seemed to realize that it was me, and not my Mom, that he was speaking to. He teared up (I think we all did actually) and said, “You look just like your Mom.” I suppose I did resemble my Mother when she was my age. And while I was relieved that my Uncle finally knew who I was – I also very glad that I was able to let him relive a happy memory when he needed it.

Two days ago, I sent my cousin Billy a Brownie Pie (via Priority Mail) for his birthday. I wanted to thank him for encouraging me to do what was so very important. I am truly grateful that I got to spend that special time with Uncle Ritchie, and I know that he appreciated it as well. Cousin, I hope your birthday was tremendous!

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Day 85: Donna

30 Jun

Today my friend Donna was returning after a busy month of traveling abroad and I thought that she might appreciate a fresh apple pie to welcome her home. I started out the day by rolling out my crust and then peeling the apples for the filling.

One of the recipes that I found while I was researching for this blog was named after someone’s grandma. Seems this grandma cooked up a syrup instead of mixing the apples with sugar, flour and cinnamon, and then poured it over the apples in the pie crust. So today I made a syrup with butter, flour, sugar, cinnamon and apple juice and tossed it with the sliced apples and then arranged them in the crust. Oh, and I also tossed in a cup or so of sliced almonds.

The pie took about an hour and fifteen minutes to bake but when it came out of the oven, it really looked delicious. The apples and the almonds were lightly browned and the crust was practically perfect! I was anxious to deliver this pie for I was very pleased with how it had turned out.

Early this evening I went to Donna’s house and brought her the pie. She was delighted to receive it and asked if I was doing a fundraiser. I told her that this “project” was more along the lines of a gratitude journal with food and I left her to settle in. I hope that Donna is able to get some rest and am very grateful for her presence in the world. Friends like her are really great to have around!

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Day 84: Joanie

29 Jun


If you’ve lived in Ashland a while, you probably knew Joanie. When I came to Ashland in the fall of 1986, I began hearing about her from her friends and co-workers at a restaurant called Geppetto’s. Joanie had painted a mural and her artwork was on the menu and the awning. It was easy to sense her presence even though she was not around. And it was hard not to be impressed and a bit in awe of her.

Joanie and I didn’t share a lot of history – I arrived in Ashland after she had moved away and was amazed at the wake that she had left behind. When I finally did meet Joanie, I was a little bit intimidated, but I loved how she was not afraid to speak her mind. That is not something I was encouraged to do.

The biggest bond Joanie and I shared was my daughter, Alexandra. They shared a kindred spirit and a fearlessness that I cannot fathom. When we attended Joanie’s wedding in Seattle, my daughter (who was 2 1/2 at the time) was restless in the pew and fought to be set down. I gave in and put her down and turned my back for a moment and when I looked again, she was gone from my sight. I didn’t know what to do or where to look for her and then I heard laughter. My daughter had left me and gone up to the alter where Joanie and Tucker were, and she was picking up rose petals, oblivious to the audience that was there.

Today is Joanie’s birthday and this morning I brought an apple crumb crust pie to the Jefferson Public Radio studio at Southern Oregon University to honor her memory. May she forever live on in our hearts.

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Day 83: Nancy

28 Jun


Today is my sister Nancy’s birthday. If you are old enough to remember, Frank Sinatra sang a song about his daughter Nancy. It was called “Nancy, with the laughing face.” That was my sister. She was always smiling and making jokes – and she had little reason to laugh.

Nancy was born with a lung disease called Cystic Fibrosis, but at that time the disease was not yet named. My parents were told that she had asthma and that’s what we all believed to be true. Nancy’s breathing at times was labored and when she became upset, she could become sick. I was actually jealous of Nancy when we were told that we could not leave the table until we finished (whatever it was) and then she would begin to gag and toss up whatever we were being “forced” to eat. “Gee” I wondered, “How do you do that?” because I always had to stay at the table and eat, while Nancy was excused.

We did not know that Nancy had CF until she was about 15. Until that time, her ENT (ear, nose and throat) doc was treating her for sinus problems! For the record, he never spoke to us after Nancy was tested for, and diagnosed with, CF. I really never forgave him for that.

Back to Nancy. She was not supposed to have children because it was too much of a risk. But for Nancy, not having kids was a much greater risk. I am sure that she wanted to leave a legacy because she knew that her time here was limited. She raised two boys, Jimmy and Wayne, and they were her reason for living. She was so proud of them… and I think now I know that she knew she would live on through them.

The last time I talked to my sister she told me a joke: A woman goes to the doctor and says,”Every time I sneeze I have an orgasm.” And the doctor replies, “And what are you taking for this?” and the woman replies “Pepper.” It was so like her to make me laugh at a difficult time – for Nancy was getting ready for a blood transfusion. And, unfortunately, it was too much for her ravaged body to handle. At the young age of 34, we lost Nancy.

One of her doctors asked my sister and me if we would consider donating Nancy’s eyes – for they were not damaged by her disease- and could help someone see. One solace in losing Nancy, is knowing that someone has gained their sight. And if they also had Nancy’s eyes, they would be beautiful.

Today, in honor of my sister Nancy, I brought an Apple Pie to the Pulmonary Consultants of Medford, for they help people who have Cystic Fibrosis. I wanted to thank them for helping their patients who are suffering. It is my fervent wish that this disease be eliminated.

My sisters Janice, Nancy and Me

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Day 82: Karen’s Birthday

27 Jun

Today is my friend Karen’s birthday. I’ve always remembered the date because it is one day before my sister Nancy’s birthday. Karen and I met many years ago when our daughters were in first grade at Helman Elementary. Karen was the first person, who was not our neighbor, who invited our family over to dinner. And while I don’t recall what it was exactly that drew our girls together, I know that they both were redheads and they liked to play dress-up. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Karen grew up here in Ashland, while I was a transplant from New York. She has been a go-to person when I wanted to know the story behind the story. Karen and I have had some shared history: our daughters were our first bond, but we also worked together for a number of years and I have gotten to know many of her relatives quite well. It’s nice to feel so connected to a long time Ashland family.

When I brought Karen her birthday pie (Double Crust Apple) she was at work at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. We chatted for a few minutes and talked a bit about the problem with the cracked beam at the Bowmer Theatre. She told me that many of the theatre patrons have been understanding and supportive and how much that is appreciated. She said “This is not a tragedy. It is an inconvenience. A tragedy would have been if the beam had fallen and hurt or killed people.”

I think that this is a really great way to look at this situation and I like that Karen can see the silver lining in otherwise grey clouds. Thanks for being a good example, Karen. Happy Birthday!

Day 81: Bob

26 Jun


Marionberry Pie

This morning I was invited to a brunch put on by my friends Mark and Leslie. There was a wonderful assortment of friends and foods and we settled in for a nice visit. A short time later, our friend Katrina arrived. It had been a while since we’d spoken and so we sat together and chatted for a while.

Katrina told me that she had learned some things recently that had helped her. Then she mentioned spending time with her neighbor Bob earlier today and how much his words had meant to her. I know what she means; it’s really nice when a friend helps you just by being there with you and listening to your story. Sometimes we need someone to point out things to us that are so obvious to everyone else but that we seem unable to see.

Immediately I wanted to make a pie for Bob for sharing his wisdom and compassion with Katrina, who then shared hers with me. I asked her if that would be possible and she thought it was and we made arrangements for me to deliver the pie later in the afternoon. When I arrived at Katrina’s house we discovered that Bob had gone out for a while. She called him (having just been given his cell number!) and told him that there was a surprise waiting at home for him.

Soon Bob came home and we walked to his house with the pie. He asked why I’d made him a pie and I tried to briefly explain my project and mentioned that I was making a pie everyday. “Everyday?” he asked. “Well, today is day 81” I replied. Bob stopped in his tracks and said, “Did you say 81? Did you know that I am 81 years old?”

No, I did not – but I love that Bob’s age and my pie gift to him had the same number. It’s the little coincidences like that that keep me thinking that this project is divinely inspired – and I am so very glad to be on this journey.

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Day 80: Jay

25 Jun


Quiche Lorraine

When I first visited Ashland in the early eighties, one of the first people that I was introduced to was Jay. Jay worked at a local restaurant and was kind of a celebrity. He was living in a small “house” affectionately referred to as the “love shack.” Jay knew all that was going on around town and knew where the people in the know were. I guess you could say that he was plugged into this community.

Jay seemed to know everyone and has friends in many places. I heard a story that when Meryl Streep was in the Rogue Valley filming “The River Wild” a friend of Jay’s spoke about him to Ms. Streep. Not long after, Ms. Streep stopped by the restaurant where Jay was working just to say hello. The guy has a certain je ne sais quoi about him!

For a while, I worked alongside Jay. He was a waiter and I worked in the kitchen making special desserts. One special memory that we share was when we delivered food to the Britt Festival for a special show that benefitted a local not for profit organization. I was asked to make a birthday cake for Jackson Browne which was in itself an honor. Then Jay and I were given backstage passes and were privileged to serve dinner to Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Brown and John Trudell. It was truly an amazing night.

It’s been a busy week and somehow I did not find out it was Jay’s birthday until a few days after the fact. Today, I made Jay a Quiche Lorraine and brought it to him. He’s been my friend for 25 years and we have shared a lot in that time. I want to thank him for his friendship, wish him a very Happy Birthday, and hope that he has many happy years to come.

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Day 79: Sheryl

24 Jun

Tonight we expected guests for dinner. They included Bob Mutchler, his wife Suz, daughers Annie and Claire and brother Dwight and sister Cheryl. Somehow, we had a few more guests than anticipated, but we still had enough food to go around.

We’ve known Bob and Suz for more than twenty four years and I met Bob’s twin sister Sheryl at his wedding. Sheryl was 8 months pregnant at the time but weighed under 100 lbs. She was as we east coasters affectionately referred to thin people, “a skinny melink.” I weighed more than Sheryl and I was not even a little bit pregnant!

Bob’s family and ours have been part of a group of friends that have had an annual camping weekend for more than 15 years. Sheryl has only come to our camping weekend once but she was so gracious and sweet that it was easy to want her back in our midst. She is an incredible cook and pretty funny besides.

Tonight when all our guests had gathered, I was able to present Sheryl with a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. She has been like a sister-in-law though I did not marry her brother. She has welcomed us into her home and and listened to our stories without looking bored. To Sheryl, I offer my sincerest thanks for welcoming us into the Mutchler fold. We feel so comfortable in her company and are very grateful for her friendship.

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