My daughter M and I are driving up North to Connecticut today; to the lovely town of Old Lyme.  We are going to spend 2 weeks with my family. My other daughters D and L are flying in from Alaska and Phoenix with my precious grandsons W and L for two weeks as well. We will be staying crammed in my sister H’s home who she shares with her husband E and their two daughters M and O. My parents known as mom and dad live in an attached guest cottage. My sister and her family have two dogs. Scout is coming on the trip also.

Confused yet? I know I am.

At this point if you are still reading you are probably asking yourself, I think it’s about time I left this odd site. But don’t go yet. I want to give you a little teaser of what’s to come, food wise. Because my family cooks, and I mean cooks, we will eat well. With at least 12 people on hand for dinner, it is going to be a trip at the dinner table. No one, and I mean no one has a chance to get a word in edgewise around this crew.

Here is a preview of the possible highlights in store for you and me. Especially me because I am going to eat my fill and not think of the consequences. Yes there will be consequences, I don’t think I could walk enough to counteract the food I will be consuming.

1. First off, expect the sequel to “Is there a Squirrel in my Brunswick Stew”. We will be using the premo of all recipes for this Southern stew. It is unlike any other recipe and requires a master grill-er. This is where dad comes in. He is a pro. More to come on his skills. The other reason for the sequel is my sister H has a dog Kyle who is young and fast. She also has a miniature dog named Princess. We don’t expect Princess to be of much help but I figure between Kyle and Scout, we have a better chance of catching some squirrels for the stew just to keep it real Southern.
2. Jewish Rye Bread; the real thing folks. My dad is also a master baker, he is so talented. For years he tried to create this recipe without luck. A chance encounter with a Jewish baker lead him to the secret. I am going to share it along with the recipe. My dad bakes bread ever day or so, store bought has never had a place in my home, so lots of bread coming.
3. Grilled Goat cheese stuffed lettuce courtesy of my mom. She made this two years ago at my last visit, and I am still dreaming about this. Easy to make and mouth watering beyond words. Go mom!
4. A good old fashioned New England Clam Bake live from New England of course. Always a meal when we get together, get ready to drool because we are having the real McCoy. Whoops, wrong side of the Mason Dixon line. Lobsters fresh from the chilly waters of New England specifically Maine, steamers, corn, potatoes and coleslaw.
5. Rhubarb flown in on Alaska Air from my daughter D’s garden. For those that don’t know it, the Russians are rumored to have brought this to Alaska where it grows best. It should be ready to pick right before D gets on the plane, she has been instructed to bring a suitcase full. Lot’s of rhubarb coming. FYI, Alaska grows the best rhubarb.
6. Also, from D by way of Alaska, wild salmon that they caught themselves. It is a trip hearing the story of how they get their salmon once a year. D has become a real pioneer lady and a good sport. She bikes ten miles each way to work every day towing my grandson with her.
7. Clams clams and more clams. Clams are on my top ten. So, we will have clams casino, steamed clams and clam chowder and more……..
8. Ice cream of the day. Bringing my ice cream maker and will feature a flavor of the day if I can keep up with it.
9. Southern Barbecue; yes I am putting my young 81 yr old dad to work and we are going to give a hand at some barbecue.
10. Beach Donuts: this brings back memories of my childhood as we made a day trip on weekends to get our fill of the best donuts you will ever have. They are only open in the summer and be prepared to drool.
11. My mom makes the best New York Style Cheesecake, no cracks perfect every time.
12. Are you full yet? I know you are thinking two weeks, there can’t be more food, but hold on. I left room for surprises.

Along with my focus of getting the foods I grew up with and adore, I will be bringing my Southern supplies, rustling up some Southern food to show off my new found skills and love of Southern food. To my surprise the family has already requested a few meals.

I will be posting every day, as a means to stay sane.

A word of warning though. Should my writing style change, it is only a temporary set back and I will be normal once again upon my return home.  Please note my daughter M is in charge of making sure I take any meds that I might need to get through two weeks. I don’t drink, so meds are my only option in situations like this.

I am sure that I am not the only one that loves their family and yet at the same time wonders how on earth did they every come out of their home alive and resonably sane?

Somehow I always do and find my self yearning for the next visit.

Hitting the road, see you all in a couple of days.

Wish us safe driving.