The best dancer and cook in Colombia

Soledad Henao, My daughter in law's Grandmother. My son told me about her before I left for South America. He told me about her non -stop energy. Her enthusiasm for life, her involvement with her family, and how she could cook. He did not tell it enough, I had to witness it for myself. She is now 84 years old. Hasn't slowed a step.

We took to each other as soon as we met. As soon as she arrived she took over the kitchen, the maids just had to get out of the way the food was on the way.

I went to the market the day of the pre wedding party, I was collecting fresh produce to make a risotto for the party. So many rices to choose from . I will write later of the market.

When I got back to the house , she was already in the kitchen. She welcomed me in, but I knew there were limits. This was going to be challenge. She was in a whirlwind movement, her instructions were flying everywhere. I looked through the refrigerator for ingredients. I asked many questions, but me not speaking Spanish and her not speaking English made a pair in the kitchen.

I started my sauce that I was going to add fresh sausage purchased at the market, the stove was limited, but I pushed forward. When that was well on the way, I then set up my pans to make risotto. You have to have a pan for stock to dip in slowly a ladle at a time. I was using the copper pan for the first time that my daughter in law had helped me purchase that day. It is still my favorite pan. I put my onions and garlic in to saute with butter and oil, then the rice to coat it. I then started adding the hot stock one ladle at a time. This was working, when Grandmother thought the pans should be in different order, while I was still dipping stock. I was obviously in her way! I knew the guests were going to arrive any time. The risotto has to be served when it is ready, it does not wait well. Hurry was the word!!! I still was going to make a bananas foster, which in Colombia no one had tasted.

Soledad was still the ruler of the house and kitchen. She ran everywhere. The guests arrived and all was well, they came to the kichen to taste the food and visit with Grandmother. She talk to all of them. The dinner ended and she was still center stage. Soledad and I danced that evening and at the wedding. She wore me out, I could not keep up with her. She was everywhere for the eight wonderful days I spent there. She lives life like it should be....as God would want you to. She is all about family and friends. Beatriz and all love their Grandmother. Me too!!! My best dancing partner. I have to thank her for sharing all of her advice.

Love to all of my South American friends.

Mike

Football Equador style

Football in Equador.

We had just arrived in town called Tulcan,it is in Ecuador. Ecuador just won their World Cup Game. It was like winning the Super Bowl in the USA. The town erupted and guess who was in the middle of the festivities?? Horns were honking, people were screaming. Happiness was everywhere. They really know how to celebrate. The streets were going crazy, I just joined in and they welcomed me. I was walking down the street in Quito, and everyone was sharing their drinks. I had so much fun with my wonderful daughter in law Beatriz and my son Joe. As you can see I had to wear the local colors. This was one of many thrills from my son's wedding in Colombia.

I have more stories to write about this vacation and the wedding. I can't wait for my son and his family to move there so I can visit all of their friends again. But, I really wish they lived in KC. Christine and I miss Thomas. I am telling you, you wouldn't be able to deal with him after Christine spoiled him.

Hope our game is as much fun this Sunday. Who will be our hero's??

Love to all my Colombian friends ... you brought much happiness to my life..

Mike

Thomas Aidan Hursey at Casa Somerset

My 8th Grandchild, Thomas Aidan Hursey. He was born the 26th of May this year, a day after the planting of the Vineyard. This is his first trip here, he lives in Rapid City, S.D. Christine says this is her first Grandchild. She didn't even let them get out of the car before scooping Thomas up.

We took him up on the third floor of Casa Somerset today. Donna Cook and Dick had stopped by to check out the progress on the house, so Donna took our picture. It shows Christine, Beatriz, Joe, Thomas, and me. Joe is my oldest son, he just completed 20 years in the Air Force. I am very proud of him. They will move to Columbia, South America in 2 years, when he retires. That is where Beatriz's family lives.

There is also a picture of three generations of Hursey men in the Vineyard. Did you notice how tall the vines are getting? We are very excited!!

There will be more stories about my granchildren to come.