1. Is this kitchen in the photo one that you would enjoy working in?
This kitchen reminds me of my grandma's kitchen. There needs to be a counter next to the stove. My house has counter space on the right of the stove, but only a very small one on the left. I said a man who did not remodeled the kitchen.
Did you have one of those step stools in your home growing up?
I think so, but it also could have been at my Grandma Chona's home.
2. What appliances are absolute necessities in your kitchen and what can you do without.
We have the basic coffee maker and toaster on the counter on one side. We have a huge air fryer on the other side of the sink. I don't use it often, but the grands do.
My favorite kitchen was a Craftsmen style home. The kitchen was big, bright and airy. There was a cute breakfast room off the kitchen and a laundry room next to it that led outside. The house we are in now has a small kitchen/dining room. It is perfect for us, but a bit crowded when our kids are all down. It all works out and less to clean!
3. What items are always in your pantry?
We always have canned beans, tuna and tomato sauce on hand. We also have lentils, quinoa, rice and gluten free pasta. I like to eat sugar and salt free peanut butter that I eat with apple slices. Then we have junk food that hubby buys for him and the grands.
4. How about your counter tops... filled with things or empty?
Besides what I mentioned above, we also have a two-tiered rack by the stove and another one on the large counter that separates the kitchen from the family room. We have a rice cooker and blender that we keep in the cabinet with the pots and pans. We use olive oil for cooking most everything. All the basic spices.
1. June 12 is National Simplicity Day. In what way is your life simple? We are in a smaller home since we retired. Less to clean. What's one way that it's not? More stuff stored in the garage.
2. Something you remember from a 'simpler time'?
Being able to play outside in the neighborhood or walk to school without worry. Not schools are so busy with traffic because kids are driven to school. Lots of fun outside getting sunshine. Now kids just want to be around their electronics.
3. Do you like squash? If so what's your favorite variety? What's a favorite way to prepare squash?
We do love zucchini. I cook it every week. I cook it until tender with onions and oil and garlic powder. Then I can use it during the week. I can add salsa to it and have it with turn over eggs or add it to scrambled eggs. I also will have it as a side dish with tomato and grated cheese. Sometimes I mixed it with meat or use it with stir fry. My husband likes when I cook hamburger meat, drain it and then add cooked, diced potatoes and zucchini. Then we add tomato sauce and salsa until it is a bit saucy. It is a meal in itself, but he likes beans with it. I will use the same mixture and have it in the morning with an egg. We can also make burritos with the leftovers. I am getting hungry and tonight we are having broccoli.
4. Do you shop the warehouse stores (such as Costco, Sam's B.J's, etc)? If so how often do you go, and what's something you always buy in this type of store? My husband goes to Sam's club about twice a month. He buys paper products, chips, canned tuna and some produce.
5. Father's Day is this coming Sunday. Any plans to make the day special?
After church we are going to our favorite Chinese food restaurant with our older son's family. Our middle son is taking is out to lunch on Thursday because he works this Sunday. Daughter has not decided what she wants to do. We might go out on Sunday. She did have us over for dinner on Sunday.
Tell us something about your own father, or something about your hubs as a father, or about someone who stepped into your life and acted as a father if yours was not a part of your life.
My dad was my best friend. I know people say your husband should be your best friend. But I could tell my dad anything and we could really talk about many things. Sometimes that can be hard with my husband. My husband knew I had a special relationship with my dad. My husband and my dad were really close, and that made me happy. My husband says my dad was kind and understanding. My dad was very patriotic. One of my childhood memories is my dad playing his patriotic album and my sisters and I marching around the living room.
My husband is a very good husband and great father and grandfather. He is a great cook too! When my dad was dying, my husband had just retired and would come and help my dad shower and shave. They had many good conversations. My dad told me he was happy I married a good man. I am thankful too!
This is us in June 2012 in Hawaii. Dad passed 8 months later.
I did a tribute page to my dad here
6. Insert your own random thought here. After this, I miss my dad. I miss my mom too. The older I get, the more I realize how important they were for me. I am glad they both knew that. I am looking forward to seeing them in heaven someday.
