I have heard it said…”I only know what I know”. That is one of those statements that seems so obvious but still makes me stop and repeat it several times. It is true, simple, but true. In our lives we are formed and driven by that which we know. I’m not really referring to facts such as the length to boil and egg for the yolk to be firm or the correct answer to a complex algabraic problem. I mean what we know about ourselves, about each other and about LIFE.

I am on the eve of a milestone birthday- 16 has passed along with 21 and my 30’s but a memory and 40’s were life changing to say the least… 50 is here. I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about this birthday and the significance to me. I am not hung up on the age aspect at all or all the “changes” that I have been warned that it brings. True- there are some changes and I am keenly aware of them as they not so subtley hit me on the head… a new level of scatteredness, the inability to function on just 4 hours of sleep day after day, and the unfortunate realization that I can no longer eat whatever I want whenever I want without feedback in my stomach or on the scale.

No, I have been thinking a lot about “what I know” as I turn 50.

I know that I love my kids more than words can express and I know that I love them unselfishly and unconditionally. I know that they love me and see me as their Mom and as a friend and as a person.

I know that my heart can endure great sadness and that through that sadness and pain, can endure and remain open. I know I am capable of giving love and receiving it- open hearted all the way. I know what real love feels like and the immense depth of its riches.

I know that my faith has been challenged, questioned and broken at times but that it remains at the core of who I am and that those times of enormous struggle, it has not failed me and has grown stronger and deeper.

I know simply that if you live your life with only intention and no action, you are only scratching the surface. It can be a scary place to go where you are unsure or without more than instinct. Frightening and quite intimidating to admit you really don’t know how to take those steps but that the action simply must follow the intent you are feeling. I know now that this is LIFE and on this downhill side of the hill, I don’t want to miss a single opportunity to put into action all my lists of wonderful intentions.

When I opened To The Last Drop I was equipped with what I thought was just one piece of knowledge- cooking and teaching both brought me great joy and I was hoping to combine the two. Then followed a whirlwind of things I did not know- business plans, health codes and regulations, exhaust systems and marketing. My learning curve was huge, still is in fact, and suddenly I was feeling that I didn’t know much of anything. I took a big leap of action- I opened the shop but also knew that this was a long and sustained action which requires constant assessment of what “I know”. My intent was constant it just requires a lot of action.

On the eve of this milestone birthday, I see things a bit differently. While I know that I must continue to gain knowledge that is fact based and that I may never be the wisest or most savvy business woman in spite of my actions, I have all the knowledge I really need. What I really needed to know, I knew all along.

I have the love of my kids and those in my life- this I know.

I have an open heart and an ability to love and care deeply about people and their needs- this I know.

I have a strong faith that keeps those white lines in focus even when it is foggy and the visibility is low-this is know.

I have really learned a lot in my 50 years and I am happy.

This, of all, I know best.

Soups

Chicken Noodle

Tuscan Tomato

Split Pea

Potato Cheddar

Black Bean

Mushroom Bisque

Entrees/Sides

Crab Cakes and Waterfront Sauce

Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Mushroom Sauce

Chicken Satay with Cucumber relish

To The Last Drop Meatloaf

Garlic and White Cheddar Smashed PotatoWild Rice with Cranberries and Pecans

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

Signature Chicken Salad

Curried Chicken Salad

Shrimp Spread

Sundried Tomato Spread

Brushetta

Scones, croissants, baguettes, Sticky buns and To The Last Drop Chocolate chip Cookies

BREAKFAST- SATURDAY,FEBRUARY 27

Join us for Saturday Breakfast to go or to enjoy at our table 8 a.m.- 11 a.m.!!!

Stratas:

Sausage, Potato, Onion and Sweet Peppers

Asparagus, Mushroom, Shallots and Tomato

Various Quiches served whole or by the slice

Fresh Baked Croissants, Muffins and scones

Housemade Granola

I just returned from two wonderful visits with those I love. I saw my son for a few days where he attends college and then on to see my parents for another few days. I say, “few” days as that is what it was. I wish I could have had an endless visit until we all knew it was time to go, but that is sadly not the way visits seem to go. I am very thankful for the time I did have, however, and loved every single moment.

It is always such a comfort to see people you love in their element. I think about my son avery day- what is he doing, who are his best friends, is he getting enough rest, enough food, enough happiness in his days? Seeing him with his friends, in his environment and doing what he does every day was great- it filled me up and gave me a deep sense of peace. He took me out to dinner at a favorite place of his- Farm 255. It is an organic restaurant which uses all its ingredients from their local farms- including the meats and vegetables.We had a great meal and I was able to try all of Todd’s favorites on the menu. If you are ever in Athens, Georgia I would highly suggest a visit to this special place.Of course, my review is a bit biased asthe best part of the meal was the company with which I shared the evening!

Then, off to see my Mom and Dad. Every minute I am able to spend with the two of them is precious to me. My Dad has Alzheimers and each time I am able to see him, I am thankful for the memory that is left. The laughter and teasing shared and the hugs which have taken on a newer and deeper meaning than ever before are beyond words.  My Mom is truly a remarkable person and in a completely unbiased review of her- she is by definition….perfect! We spent most of our time at home, around the kitchen table.

Breakfasts would start at 7 a.m. with coffee, a bit of food, my dad then joining us, and before I knew it, it was lunch. Dinners lingered as well and the joy of cooking for them and sharing the kitchen with my Mom was well tucked away in my heart and memory.

I wish those visits were neverending-truly I do.

The menu will begin on Wednesday this week- we will be open for business on Tuesday but will be busy cooking all our offerings fresh for your home!! Visit us on Wednesday for your delicious dinners and sides to go! Soups, entrees, salads, fresh baked goods and all your favorites!!

Soups:

Vegetarian Spit Pea

Tuscan Tomato

Chicken Noodle

Potato Corn Chowder

Butternut Squash

Entrees:

Pork Tenderloin with figs, shallots, pine nuts and balsamic reduction

Signature Wild Rice with cranberries and pecans

To The Last Drop Meatloaf

Smashed potatoes with Garlic, White Cheddar and Thyme

Cheese Ravioli with Asparagus, Sun dried Tomatoes, Mushrooms fresh shaved parmesan and a light cream sauce

Roast Chicken with Couscous, olives, artichokes, tomatoes onion and basil

Signature chicken salad

Curried chicken salad

Assorted spreads and cold salads

Baguettes, house breadsticks, assorted baked goods

***SATURDAY”S BREAKFAST!!!

Join us for our warm and fresh breakfast to go. This week we will have Buttermilk Biscuits and Sausage Gravy as the special. In addition we will have scones, croissants, sticky buns and quiches by the slice or whole- all made fresh for you Saturday morning. Our House Granola will be available all week as well!

Come in for some coffee, cocoa (if it is snowing) and a warm breakfast…..hope to see you!

Claudia

Please note that To The Last Drop will be closed the week of Monday, February 8-Monday February 15. We will re-open on Tuesday February 16 for regular business hours. Have a wonderful week and Valentine’s Day!

Don’t forget to stop by on Saturday mornings for our warm fresh bakes breakfasts to go. We will have our special Biscuits and Sausage Gravy along with our House Granola, fresh bakes Croissants, Scones and Muffins. Join us for a complimentary cup of coffee or cocoa (if it is snowing!!) and either take home your breakfast or eat it here at the our table if there is room!

We are already booking for graduation parties, weddings and spring events so please call ahead to reserve dates!! We would love to be a part of your special events! See you on the 16th!

Claudia