Pat Taub
Grands Visit
Last week, my two grands, Jane, 17 and her brother Max, almost 16, flew from Chicago to Portland to visit me. It was our first time together since Christmas, 2019. Since then Max has grown to 6 feet. Jane’s funky-thrift shop look is now off the charts. We had fun even though the cold and rain pre-empted beach time. We walked a lot, eat out a lot, while Nana bemoaned the grands’ phone addiction. Egad, I have a Zombie Generation on my hands!
Max and Jane at a Portland pizza joint
Family History Project
I’ve made a summer project of recording my family history in the form of antidotes and stories about my family and my growing-up. It’s been both fun and sad as I recall eccentrics, like Great Aunt Leona and her pet monkey, along with unhappy characters like my paternal grandmother, who was demanding and sharp-tongued. To enhance my craft I’ve been reading Stephen King’s book, “On Writing.” Mary Karr’s book, “The Art of Memoir,” is next in line.
Depressing State of Affairs
As a recovering news junkie it’s difficult to maintain my cheerful demeanor as I read about the record-setting heat waves; Florida’s rising sea waters; political corruption at record levels along with off-the-charts income inequalities. I take solace in my little country retreat, about an hour and a half from my Portland home. Here I take country walks, read without city noises, and count my blessings.
Garden in front of my country retreat
A Must See Food Documentary
Recently I watched the first episode of “High on the Hog,” a 4 part Netflix series about African cuisine. Episode #1 was filmed in Benin, showcasing colorful markets with exotic vegetables. The market scenes are narrated by Jessica B. Harris, the cookbook author whose book, “High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America,” is the basis for the documentary. Harris is accompanied on her market and restaurant visits by Stephen Satterfield, a food writer and trained chef. I learned that African yams and American sweet potatoes are two entirely different vegetables.
Stephen Satterfield and Jessica B. Harris in a Benin market (Netflix)
Bill Murray Fans
I enjoyed Sofia Coppola’s new film, “On the Rocks,” (Apple TV) starring Bill Murray as a charming man about town, whose married daughter enlists him when she suspects her husband of having an affair. The director, Sophia Coppola, specializes in films showcasing Murray’s charm and comedic genius. This movie reminded me of Murray’s star turn in “Lost in Translation.”
Bill Murray and Rashida Jones, leads in “On the Rocks”
