Readers of my blog know that I love the finer things in life and hope to impart this passion to others. You only have one life to live, so why not make it glorious. Do what you can to enjoy each and every day. It doesn’t take a lot of money to treat yourself and experience the better side of things. You can emulate the rich by limiting your indulgences to what pleases you the most. For me, a plate of caviar is manna from heaven. It can be eaten in any form from nibbling it out of the can, with chopped eggs and onions, or on top of smoked salmon mounted on pumpernickel bread. As a former restaurant owner, I can whip up a special appetizer or entrée with a minimum of the rare black stuff. Inexpensive brands are appearing on the market for cooking purposes so you can afford caviar all the time. Just don’t opt for the Russian version. While it is tops in taste, it is also at the top of the price scale.
I am a true foodie at heart as my friends and family plus everyone on Facebook knows well. It doesn’t matter that I am retired. I recently got an invitation to my daughter’s home to sample her culinary talent. She says that she takes after me and wants to demonstrate it to get my opinion. I am always willing to go as I know her to be a fine chef. It was better than dinner at the best gourmet restaurant. I taught her my tricks when she was just a child. I was a proud papa then, and I am a proud papa now. In fact, I am a super proud grandpa, too. Her kids are my new obsession. They even beat out food on my list of attention getters. After a wonderful dinner using all the best French cooking techniques, reminiscent of Julia Child, it was time to devote myself to her offspring.
It was a beautiful evening and we relished the thought of spending it outside. There was a new outdoor trampoline in the yard for the kids and they were eager to show me their tricks. I could see them jumping in the twilight. I love watching them bounce, giggling and screaming with glee. I will remember their faces as long as I live. Who invented this genius play thing? “Look, grandpa, I can do a twist. Watch, grandpa, I can do a seat jump. C’mon, grandpa, get up here with us.” It went on and on. Finally, I was persuaded to go doubles with each child one at a time. It was so much fun and we kept bumping against one another. The trampoline was not the mini version and was spacious enough to accommodate one adult and one child. What a hoot. I have never been this exhilarated during “exercise” before. While I never expected to touch a trampoline mat in my life, my feet felt at home on the taut surface.