My life lately has been a lot more veggie than traveler!
School has kept me busy – learning techniques, concept development, menu design, readings, video lectures, quizzes, exams, and lots and lots of cooking!
I’ve done a ton of work in these first three months – knife skills, braising, stewing, puréeing, poaching, simmering, boiling, blanching, shocking, steaming, soups, salads, stocks, sauces, dressings, sweating, caramelizing, dredging, deglazing, pan frying, stir frying, sauteing, roasting, baking, broiling, toasting, and grilling. Whew!
It’s taking about 30 hours a week, so adjusting my time to get everything done. I’ve worked into a cadence of doing all my cooking and video recording two days a week, reading and reports on other days, and pantry shopping on Sundays. I get in uniform, get my mis en place, all the tools together, start the time lapse video to record the entire process, and then write about my actual tastes and textures versus my prediction by ingredient. It is intense.
I am loving all the learning. John and Delaney are loving all the foods they get to try !
We decided to sell our van, which was hard. We just won’t be using it at the level we were over the last several years. We found a lovely couple that just retired and is ready to adventure like we did. We were happy to see Samsara go to like minded people, shared all our travel tricks, and look forward to hearing about all their adventures.
And what about us? Any adventures beside food?
With my exams done, we headed to the Big Apple for the weekend to celebrate. We got to enjoy the parks, shows, plays, and museums. We went to many of the restaurants I could do my externship with next spring. And the highlight of the trip was spending time with Riley.
And don’t forget….there are three National Parks not accessible by van. We will make it to Volcanos NP in Hawaii over my spring break.
We are still fluid about our plans after my school is done, but enjoying the journey of what this phase of our lives is bringing. The future will absolutely include travel, most likely international, but for now…
One day at a time….thankful for health, family, community, and learning.
