Posts Tagged ‘karl’

Tribute Trip

Saturday, July 21st, 2012

When making plans for this vacation, we couldn’t stop in Europe with out dropping in on Gail and Karl; they were even thinking of joining us on the continent for some travel.

So we locked in two weeks with them. Gail has the flower shop over here and has frequently helped me in my shop over the last 7 or 8 years when she has come for extended stays in the states.

But Gail died in her sleep the day before Easter and we are here and she isn’t. I can’t begin to tell you how such a vibrant, dynamic friend has left a hole in the lives of those who knew and loved her, as well as the entire town of Barnoldswick.

To be with her family and friends as well as staying in her home and sharing memories is special but difficult, healing but bittersweet. And the only response I know of when someone dear is gone to soon, is to live a bigger life and try to embody some of their passions.  We miss you, sweet friend.

Barnoldswick, UK

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

andy is jealous because of this pictureThe most pleasant of English country towns you will ever find! The Kallas’ and the Morales’ dropped in on friends, Gail and Karl, and cousins Carol and Chris…friends and family!

Picture rolling lush green hills, dotted with fluffy sheep and frolicking lambs, stack stone fences and corner pubs, steak and kidney pie, and puddings, pints and pubs. “oh to be in England, now that spring is here (name that author).”

Daffodils line every lane and drizzle freshens each morning.  Tho’ we still bundle up as it’s in the 40’s and 50’s, inside it is cozy and the aromas of Karls cooking warms the soul.

Hoping to help Gail during her (English) Mothers’ Day rush,we found we were of most help staying out of her way in the teeny flower shop. Steve was a “runner” for some deliveries  but we depended on Karl to show us more of his neck of the woods.

Hurrah For Hollywood

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

hollywood

Back on the road;  this time to Hollywood, California. Steve was covering a convention for Pfizer …. Our hotel was right under the Hollywood sign, and right down the street from Grauman’s Chinese Theater and all the footprints of the stars. That seemed to be the headquarters for all things weird, and tours and Wax Museaum etc.  I did the typical “tourist” thing and took a tour of the stars homes, Madam Taussauds Wax Museum, and just people watching. Gail and Carl joined us….that’s her accosting Spiderman. Fun and Funky!

Kooking with Karl

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

cooking-with-karlI am in love…and the man of my dreams is a wizard in the kitchen! Karl is an old friend of Gail’s and has reentered her life after many years. He is in residence. Besides being brilliant with his own internet company, he makes sure that Gail comes home from the House of Flowers to a warm meal. We have had the most sumptious of dinners here…Thai shrimp, Chicken Cassoulet, Chicken and dumplings,and to-die-for Croissant Bread Pudding (all from SCRATCH)!

–4 (stale) Croissants
–200g.sugar
–4 T water
–250 ml. double cream
–250 ml whole milk
–4 T Bourbon
–4 eggs,beaten

thai-cookingTear the Croissants in pieces in put in casserole dish. put the sugar in a sauce pan with the water and caramelize by letting it bubble away with out stirring until it turns deep amber. Turn the heat down and add the cream ( ignore the sputtering) and the bourbon. Take off the heat and while still whisking, add the beaten eggs,.  Pour over the croissants and let them soak it up for 10+ minutes. Place in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes and be prepared to swoon!!  

I hope , I hope we can talk Karl into coming to Italy and letting his cooking imagination run wild.

The Adventure Begins

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

After a very long day of flights, we were warmly greeted in Manchester by dear friends Gail and Karl!! We have slept 12 hours, bundled up and taken a walk in the “clough” at the end of her street (muddy path with sheep,emerging crocus, and babbling brook)  It is England and this is where is begins.