Monday, February 28, 2022

Another Family Emergency

picture of our grandmother

I haven't posted in over a week because we had another family emergency- My husband's 96 year old mother (Nona) died. Although she lived a long life, it was non-the less still a terrible loss especially following the death of my brother- in -law, Lou, just a month ago. 

Airbus, Airplane, Jet, Flight, Airport

The weather when we returned to New Jersey was erratic- warmer the first two days in the upper 50's and then down to upper twenties and low thirties the other days. 

Relaxing, Lounging, Saturday, Cozy

Last week we received a text from my husband's sister saying that Hospice was giving my mother- in-law 24-48 hours. We hopped a plane and arrived to New Jersey before my mother-in -law died. We were able to spend almost the entire day with her on Sunday. She died first thing Monday morning. 

In accordance with Jewish tradition, after the funeral we spent a week sitting Shiva- receiving visits from family and friends and had a nightly prayer service.

I didn't do any real cooking while we were sitting Shiva, other than making a pot of sweet and sour cabbage soup. since our neighbors, friends, and family sent in food platters for the mourners which is a Jewish custom.

sweet and sour cabbage soup - vegan
This is one of my favorite soup recipes

When I made the pot of vegan cabbage soup, I followed the recipe as posted, except that I did not have any raisins or dates that are called for to add sweetness, so I substituted a whole chopped unpeeled apple instead and truthfully it was just as good as the original recipe and easier.

Apples, Fruits, Red Apples

On another day, I did make my vegan spring roll recipe for myself. I often vary the ingredients that I use to fill them based on what I have available in the house. I have gotten much better at rolling them- I guess practice makes perfect.

spring rolls and dipping sauce


I am back in Florida and hope to start cooking and posting recipes again this week. 

Notes: 
1. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free







12 comments:

  1. So very sorry to hear about that though your MIL did have a long life, it still HARD for the family members. My deepest condolence, Judee. Love your rice paper rolls...so refreshing!

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  2. Regardless of her age or ours, it is not easy to lose one’s mother. My deepest sympathy to your family! Shiva sounds like a wonderful tradition!

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  3. I'm so sorry for your loss. All losses are hard regardless of the person's age and the relationship with a mother for your husband and you with a MIL are different from others and that can make it harder as well. I suspect my spring rolls would look more misshapen than yours.

    My condolences.

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  4. Condolences on the death of your mother-in-law. I’m sorry to hear that you have lost a beloved family member, whom I know was a great contributor to your family and to your cooking skills.

    best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  5. So sorry to hear about your MIL. So glad, though, that you got the chance to spend that day with her.

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  6. So sorry to hear about your loss! Glad you got to see her one last time. My condolences.

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  7. Judee, I'm so sorry about your mother-in-law. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you and your family. It's good that you were able to get to New Jersey in time to say good-bye.

    I've never been tempted by spring rolls, but yours look delicious and, as always, picture perfect.

    I'm glad that you're back in sunny Florida. :)

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  8. So sorry to read about your loss, my condolences.

    All the best Jan

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  9. so sorry to hear this. wishing you all the best.

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  10. So sorry to hear about your loss.

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  11. So sory to hear that your loss Dear friend!

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  12. So sorry for your losses of both Lou and Nona. So hard, but glad you could be with her before she passed. She seemed a great person. take care.

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