On Saturday, Dad (has Parkinson's) needed to get out of the house, or should I say that Mom needed a couple of hours of "alone time".
I picked up dad and took a trip to the Hungarian Center of Meat. Yup, that is actually the name of the butcher store which is about 45 minutes away.
We ended up getting some real Hungarian bacon, Salami, and (best of the best) REAL HUNGARIAN KOLBASI!!!! I have had this in Hungary, and this is the only place that get's it right. Ended up getting 7 rings to be dispersed to the family members.
Dad was still doing great and was delighted at the change of scenery. So, we went further down the raod to the Italian market just another 15 minutes further. Shhhhesh! My dad was like Mario Andretti behind the shopping cart. We loaded up on cheeses, produce, bread, Italian sausage, and various other delicacies.
The whole trip took 3 hours. When we got back (with our treasures) Mom looked like a different person. Well rested and relaxed. without wasting any time, we dove into the Hungarian Kolbasi.
This stuff is hard to describe. It is smoke cured and slightly firm and very well seasoned with paprika, garlic, and various other spiced that would reduce a Vampire to a quivering mess. We usually cut it into "Coins" and place that on small pieces of rye bread, then toast under the broiler. Words just can't describe.
I am so glad I had a chance to spend some time with Dad and also help out Mom. Dad has his good days and his bad days. This was definitely on of his good days.
I had passed up on an event being held at the Beneducci Winery in order to spend time with Dad. They kept sending me photos and looked like they were having the time of their lives. Normally, I would be lamenting over the good time that never happened, but not this time..
After leaving Dad's, I went home and made a superb post of meatballs-n-sausage from the stuff I got at the Italian market. One of the best I ever made.
On Sunday I helped SWMBO by vacuuming the entire house, then canned a batch of blueberry jam, a batch of strawberry jam, and a large batch of dill pickle chips (from cucumbers I have been growing on my deck).
For dinner, I grilled a London broil, baked potatoes, sweet corn dinner.
SWMBO and I then sat down and began binge watching Downton Abbey. She has been threatening to force me to watch it. She finally carried out on her threat. I have to admit that I was getting into it.