Mama's Cauliflower Spaghetti

Last week, I made a recipe from my childhood that I haven't eaten in years. My mama was raised in an Italian neighborhood of New York, and she picked up lots of yummy recipes that I managed to learn through osmosis. It's a simple, vegetarian meal that I loved more and more the older I got.

Cauliflower Spaghetti:

1 large or two small heads of cauliflower
small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves/2 tsp minced garlic
1 lb. spaghetti (I used multi-grain)
olive oil
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon salt

Preheat oven to 400. Rinse and divide the cauliflower into flowerets, place on a silpat-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil and put the pan in to roast (around 20-25 minutes. (If I'm in a hurry, I've also just boiled the cauliflower and pasta at the same time, veggie first, but roasted tastes better.)

While waiting for the cauliflower, fill a large stockpot with water, then add the salt and glug of oil; prepare pasta as directed. DO NOT overcook noodles. Next, in a large skillet, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil. Add one or two ladles of the pasta water to the skillet; drain the spaghetti and add pasta to the saute. Remove the roasted cauliflower and add to the pan, too. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and more olive oil if dry, and ENJOY!!

Hello again

Hello, hello, hello .... is there anybody out there?

I feel like I've trudged up a really steep mountain this summer with a very heavy backpack through hundreds of huge trees and no map. It's been tough, it's been dark but here I am.

I sit in my new living room, looking out at the bright morning sky. The tall trees in this backyard protect me from viewing my suburban neighborhood but still allow me to see a wonderful blue sky. The birds are swooping and diving at our fruits trees (must pick those apples and pears), and all is serene.

My sweet husband has a late report, so is just stirring. Dear Little T had an overnighter with OMSI camp so is just waking up in Astoria. Our NEW PUPPY, Apollo, was whisked away my our middle daughter, Teressa, for an overnighter of his own in Monmouth (college town) and I'm sure has been spoiled by her roommates - and I didn't have to get up in the middle of the night to let him out.

Our son Trevor has really shown what he's made of lately -- he created amazing cover art for one of his friend's memorial CDs and has been so supportive with Allen's parents; AND, he worked his bottom off several days in a row to help us finish a heavy move from our old place. Now he needs to find a job that will utilize his amazing talents.

And our sweet Tara is finally home from the hospital and seems to be doing so much better. She made me cry yesterday, calling to tell me how much she loved me and that I've always been there for her when times are tough. She also needs a new line of work, but we're taking things one day at a time. She's an great kid.

I'm so grateful for all the love and prayers I received this summer, the understanding and comfort that notes and emails can provide. Tonight I'm attending a Beth Moore simulcast at our church and am taking Tara with me. God is the great healer and I can't wait to see His hand at work.

Thankfully it's Friday. I can't wait for a weekend without moving or hospital visits. I will attend the second half of the Beth Moore program, post some swap thanks, unpack some boxes, sew and R-E-L-A-X.

Isn't that what summers are for?

Happy Birthday, Mom

Little T and I made a trip to the cemetary today in this bone-chilling cold. Yesterday would have been my mom's 86th birthday. She's been gone for almost 12 years now, and I still really miss her. We took her some purple tulips; purple was her favorite color and she liked any flower except for carnations because they reminded her of death. You see, she was raised in the Depression and carnations were cheap funeral flowers, a sickly-sweet smell she always remembered with distaste.

She always took care of and spoiled me, right up until she passed from pancreatic cancer. I was too young at 32 to fully appreciate her when she died. I was still a selfish daughter busy with three young kiddos, many times viewing her phone calls and requests for visits (she lived about 45 minutes away) as an interruption, instead of being a grateful daughter who appreciated having her around. I remember that we only had six weeks from her initial diagnosis to her death and we spent about half that time trying to confirm the truth we didn't want to believe.

She and dad adopted me when they were older, just a few years younger than I am now actually which is a little sobering, and she always hated it when people asked her if she was my grandmother. Same when they "got me a baby brother" a few years later. She doted on us the ways she knew how and would have done anything for us. I really miss having that kind of unconditional love in my life.

But then I remember I still do. Jesus doesn't care when I've done or not done, where I came from or where I live, He loves me no matter what. He loves you too. Remember that when you need a little love in your life.

Happy Birthday Mom.
-Shawnee