mulberryshoots

quail egg garnish with cold soba noodles. . .

Today, I met my daughter, C., at a late morning (that’s right) showing of the Jon Favreau movie, “Chef.” We had hemmed and hawed about whether to go at this time (the next showing was at 5 p.m.) because Hurricane Arthur was threatening to send severe thunderstorms into the area and we weren’t sure about whether to chance driving in it or not. But after I filled the Subaru with gas and poked around in the a.m., it seemed like the sun was still out and we had nothing to fear. Nevertheless, I packed a fleece jacket and a big umbrella, just in case.

The movie turned out to be one of the most fun films we’ve seen in the last twenty years. Honestly, I kid you not. We kept waiting for something untoward to happen, but although it was not stereotypical, its witty and fast-paced plot just about took your breath away. The very strong Cuban musical score kept things hopping too. A very savvy, modern social media-filled movie that showed how in America, even chefs can have a second chance at life (witnessed on Twitter, no less!)

Afterwards, we went to an old favorite Japanese restaurant that we had forgotten about. After missing a turn, we finally pulled into the parking lot and went in for a late lunch. We ordered a yellowtail appetizer that was the best thing we ate the whole time, along with some Unagi sushi.

yellowtail sashimi and unagi sushi . . .

Before we began, C. surprised me with a gift that was unexpected and blew me away. She and I have a lot of things that we share the same thing of–(for example, the James Bond “Vesper” Algerian love knot replica necklace that we both wear when we go to movies together) which is a lot of the time since we love movies and see lots of them together. Other things we have alike are Vera Bradley handbags and wallets in the same pattern (also shared by my granddaughter who carries a small wallet in the same pattern.) Like that. They say that when two (or three!) women have things alike, especially if they are mother and daughter (and granddaughter,) that it signifies a special closeness between/among them. That’s true for us, it seems.

me, wearing my James Bond “Vesper” movie necklace . . .

Without going into detail, I have to say that although I am not usually easily surprised, her gift knocked me over like a feather. So generous and so beautifully made and JUST the right colors! We both like surprising people with presents, deriving the greatest pleasure out of giving things to others that we think they might enjoy. So, a big hug to C. and thank you for such a wonderful day! We are lucky and give thanks for it all.

Happy Fourth of July, everybody!