A Gift From a Friend

The internet is a wonderful thing - frankly I doubt most of us could survive long without it now.

One of the things that fascinates me is the manner in which the 'net' has impacted our friendships. Social networking has changed the way in which we make friends and the manner in which we maintain friendships. I have friends online that I have never met in person - we share stories, photos, and many aspects of life. . . just like we would with our friend across the street.

In most cases I eventually meet my online friends and we get on like a house on fire.

However, some I have never met outside of the virtual world.

A great example of that is Kayte. She has been following my blog for years. She writes wonderful chatty comments. From time to time when something important is going on we e-mail back and forth. I have watched her adventures over the years with her talented sons, recently selling her house and downsizing now that her boys are off at school and living life, and of course, her wonderful culinary creations.

I am not sure how she stays on top of everything.

A few weeks ago I had a package from Kayte in honour of my birthday which was amazing because I hadn't mentioned it at all. It was a new cookbook (we do love creating things in the kitchen):

I can't wait to start creating some of the amazing dishes in this book!

Comments

[Kayte]

Oh, you are so kind. My cooking is what it is in part thanks to all the recipes I have seen and stolen from your blog! I love your blog...it has a great mix of things, I never know what I will find when I come visiting: cooking, book/art/cultural reviews, travel, photos (great photos), pet news, comics, political commentary, humor, seriousness, etc....always a lot of variety and a lot of fun. It's been consistent over all these years. And, yes, I preface many things with "my friend, Jerry...." because I'm very often sending people to your blog for travel/cooking suggestions. It's always fun cooking something and knowing you tried it out first. It's only a matter of time until you end up with something in Indiana or I end up with something near you and we can sit down to a lunch together. Sooner rather than later...well, as soon as I get this swimmer graduated from college so my travel time can encompass more than just swim meet venues (not a complaint but a looking forward to the next chapter observation). Hope you enjoy cooking Italian recipes from grandmothers...I always think of you first when I see Italian cookbooks, and this one is her newest.

[michele Harrison]

Agree with your comments about the internet. It is a wonderful communication and reference tool.

In 10 years time or so , I will ask our 16 year old niece the same question as she has not known any other world. I wonder what she will say has been most significant for her?

Happy belated birthday . Is this the milestone birthday that includes a trip to Italy?

Michele

[JDeQ]

I've made two recipes form it now Kayte and they have all been wonderful. Ican not wait to try more.

Thanks Michele.The milestone is NEXT year - the big 50. -)

Imagine a world where all you have known is technology? I guess I was the cusp generation on that one. Sort of like my grandparents were with transportation.