Come See Me, Gramma Sue!

Nothing can top being a grandma!

My first granddaughter is a gift from God. You can read my first post about her here.

Malak is a happy little 2 1/2 year-old who bubbles with energy and laughter. Today she called me all the way from her home in Saudi Arabia. I was on my lunch hour; she was ready for bed. I asked her how she was in English--she told me all about her day in Arabic. I don't know Arabic. But, the excitement and enthusiasm in her voice made my day--especially when she sang the ABC song that I had taught her back in October.

Before she hung up, [with her mommy's help], she said in English,  "Come see me, Gramma Sue."

"I'm coming, my darling. Only eight more months and Gramma Sue will come see you in Saudi."


Love,

Gramma Sue

 [aka, Homestay Mama]

Cooking is Innate in Men!

Cooking is not my 'thing.' I do it because I have to.
Men are better cooks. I swear they are. It's innate in them.

I will admit that I can make some pretty good pancakes, but my omelettes burn on the bottom. Every time.

Toshi doesn't cook--doesn't even make sandwiches. The most I've seen him do is put a bag of popcorn in the microwave!

So anyhow, this morning I was late getting breakfast on the table. Toshi was starving--well, not literally--but he stood staring into the refrigerator. I could tell he was very hungry.

"Toshi, if you'll help me, we can have breakfast real soon."

"OK," he hesitated, "but what can I do?"

"Break 6 eggs into this glass measuring pitcher, then get the egg beater out of the drawer and beat them until they are well mixed and a little fluffy." I seeded and chopped a plum tomato, a couple tablespoons of an orange sweet pepper and three green onions.

"OK."

"Now put the skillet on the stove and turn the burner to medium. Pour in about a tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle a couple drops of water on the oil. When it starts to sputter, the skillet is ready." I stirred the pancake batter.

Pop, sputter, crack! "I guess it's ready now."

"Yep, sounds like it. Now pour the eggs into the skillet and sprinkle the chopped veggies over them. Then shake some salt, pepper and a little onion powder over the top." I flipped a couple pancakes.

"Like this?"

"Yeah, that's good. OK, now put the lid on the skillet and turn the heat down to simmer." I flipped more pancakes. Toshi warmed some maple syrup in the microwave and set the table.

When the pancakes were done, I lifted the lid to check on the omelette. It was ready. I cut it into wedges and loosened it around the edges, then gently lifted out the first couple of pieces. They came out too easy. Nothing was sticking to the pan. Nothing was burned. The bottom of the pan was clean as a whistle!

Amazing! My omelettes never turned out like this! Never!

See? I told you cooking was innate in men and now I offer these pictures as proof!

Toshi was pleased. And, I was humbled. Next time I'm going to watch how he does it and learn from him!

Bowing to the next great chef...
Love,
Homestay Mama