About Me
Born and raised in rural Illinois, now living my best life in the Chicago suburbs with my two trusted side kicks, Dexter & Duke.
In central Illinois born and raised
On the farm was where I spent most of my days
Cookin’ out farmin’ doing chores all cool
And all going to college there for school
When friends invited me to their hood
Started moving to a new neighborhood
I got in one little apartment in the ‘burbs and got scared
So I got a dog and he needed some fresh air.
I’m sorry you had to endure that. I can’t believe you endured that.
As you have probably gathered by now, I was born and raised on a farm in central Illinois. My father, the hardest working man I’ve never known, raised pigs and a couple of crops. I’ve seen pork in every stage and sometimes between. My mother was a stay at home mom and taught me how to laugh, love and cook.
If you’ll allow me to digress (it’s my about-me page and I’ll do what I want), I’ll tell you about my pet pig. I pulled a total Charolette’s Web. My dad was about to put down the runt of the litter. I named the pig after my sister – I was young and it’s endearing. In the winter ,she got her own pen in the barn and she spent summers in the backyard in the sun.
I attended a small private college, also in central Illinois, and became friends with several people from Chicagoland. Upon graduation I packed myself up and moved to the big city – well the ‘burbs because thats about all I could handle. The rest is history…or at least less entertaining.
About My Mother
She was a pretty awesome lady with the biggest heart. I have memories of her “doctoring” healthy recipes to make them taste better and, of course, less healthy.
When she was sick, and we knew her time was limited, someone asked what her favorite flower was. I honestly had no idea. On a visit, it was just the two us and she wasn’t doing well. She couldn’t open her eyes, she wasn’t talking. I asked her what her favorite flower was. She took a couple breaths. I wasn’t sure if she was going to answer or not. Then she respond, ‘Pilsbury.’ A comedian even in the worst of times. There wasn’t one person who came to know her who didn’t enjoy her infectious personality.
She passed away after being in remission due to complications from chemotherapy.
I owe my dashing good looks and affinity for all things culinary to her. It felt only right that she get her own section.