A couple of weeks ago, it wasn’t a typical Monday. John is preparing for a class in the morning and working on his PowerPoint. It’s calm and peaceful for me, John might be a little more stressed having to get his class done in time for his 9:00am MST zoom for 300 + people. I sit in awe watching him create, take time for perfection and really hone his skills as a professional Real Estate Instructor. I don’t tell him enough, but I am proud of his accomplishments and as an instructor in his field, the passion he gives to those around him. It’s inspiring.

In the meantime, we are in transition. Moving, shifting, sorting. It’s not a new event for us. We’ve done it many times in our almost (this month, March 31^st) 36 years of marriage. We adapt, move on and gracefully embrace change. This time we are moving to Colorado. Our adventures lay ahead of us and we are excited! This change solidifies who we are as a couple and the strength we have in each other. Period.

Usually, our Kitchen Chronicles embraces themed music, discussing food, pairing wine and love of life. Tonight’s Chronicles didn’t bring a fancy recipe, but a Costco roasted chicken, salad with Spinach and Arugula, farmers market radishes, tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese crumbles and a yummy ranch dressing from Trader Joes. John chose a separate plate for his chicken and salad; I chose a bowl to mix all the flavors. Then there was a side of olive bread from Trader Joe’s. It looks like an “olive bread claw”. Seriously. Oh, but it’s sooooo gooood! Baked in the toaster oven at 400 degrees – 4 minutes and WOW! We are back in Italy wandering the streets of Venice and ducking into a local bread shop only to buy their olive bread. Then eating it as we stroll along the canals. Food is an experience and we love these moments of memories and local ingredients. Even if it’s from our grocery store down the street. Make it a memory of your own.

So, here I sit with John to my right. I can see his dynamic PowerPoints and the passion in his features as he is creating them. I, on the other hand, snuck the last (what should have been his) piece of olive bread and poured myself another splash of red wine. Which by the way also came from Trader Joe’s. You may have seen it, heard about it from me, called Susumaniello from the Puglia region in Italy. For $9.99 it’s a delicious wine and goes with almost every palate and flavor including our salad and olive bread. Yum. I hope you give it a try but save some for us!

As you create your own “Kitchen Chronicles” remember to embrace the simple times. It doesn’t have to be fancy food, extravagant recipes and perfect place settings. It only needs to be authentically yours. A meal created by what’s in your fridge. Whether you are home alone or with family and/or friends embrace the moment. A meal rushed or savored is always an experience.