My dear friend is returning to her home country of Australia. I promised not to cry but I find myself needing to bake. We had tea together every week for almost 20 years unless one of us was out of town. So many scones, tarts, cookies and cakes with a big pot of tea. I’ve already been planning how we can zoom at tea time. It will be morning for her and afternoon for me. But, of course, I’ll miss her presence –and she makes a damn good pot of tea.
I take out eggs and butter to bring to room temperature. I’ve decided to bake pizzelle’s; the Italian waffle cookies. They come together easily but take meditative attention to remove them from the pizzelle maker every 30 seconds. Its too quick to set the timer, so I must count the seconds out. I decide to make two flavors—anise for me and orange with orange marmalade and rum for my friend. By the end of the baking session, I’m feeling calm and settled. That is the essence of my friend. She makes everyone feel calm and settled no matter their day.
I miss you Matie.
Reflections Outside My Window 