It will come as no surprise for me to say “Life has been busy!” For four days last week we were lucky to be visited by a couple from Scotland, Andy and Ryan Bond, who were traveling with fellow Scots on a Rotary exchange. They traveled all the way to Oregon and spent two weeks visiting various Rotary clubs around the state. As part of their visit to Oregon, these folks had a chance to tour the coast at Newport and the Rotary club there made sure that they had a fabulous time.
Ashland was the last stop on the journey for many of the Scots, though some of our visitors did plan to extend their trip into Vancouver, B.C. We met our guests on Tuesday and had a lovely dinner together. I think that Rotary has a great idea here: visitors come to a new city and are greeted by Rotarians… and are hosted by Rotarians, and are shown around the area by Rotarians. It is a great way to see a new area… and make new friends along the way.
One of the goals of this “program” is to break down barriers, find common interests, and forge new friendshps. That was easily done with our guests. Andy and I found that we both loved to cook and bake… and we also shared an interest in contests! She is a wonderful baker and one of her specialties is making traditional cakes covered in marzipan. From the way she describes them, I just know that they are delectable!
Saturday was our last day with Andy and Ryan and I asked Andy to visit the Rotary Garden with me. On the way I saw a sign for a yard sale and thought Andy might like to see what we call a yard sale here in Southern Oregon. After a few minutes of browsing the items for sale, I could tell that Andy was sorry that the weight limit on checked luggage is 50 pounds!
We are so lucky to be a part of this amazing organization. Through our participation in Rotary, we have made friends around the world. Our world view is greater because we are not isolated from the rest; we can see that we are all connected. And that is a wonderful thing.
What does this have to do with a pie? Well, give me another moment and I will explain.
Quiche prep
Today I made a quiche for a couple who run a business in Ashland. They are both hardworking, caring people. They are amazing to me because they help out a man who has few options. This man is like a visitor in a way. He lives simply, doesn’t ask for much, but he needs help. And these folks give it to him when they can… not because they have to… but because it is the right thing to do.
Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes
I’ve gone to church all of my life… and I think I know how we “should” live. And I believe that these folks are doing it. Just because. I am truly touched by their simple act of grace and wish that we all could give of ourselves as easily and without judgement. It seems like a nice dream anyway.
Finished Quiche
“If you can’t fee a hundred people, then feed just one.” Mother Teresa
Pie a Day Give Away 