Trip of a LifeTime - Egypt Chapter 3

A fun, yet eventful day!
We boarded the bus, ready for adventure.  We first visited the Pyramids in Giza.  They are every bit as spectacular as you imagine.  We were riding in the desert for some time and then BAM - there they are!  Huge, Beautiful and Majestic!

(ticket stubs)

Once off the bus, we were once again assaulted by vendors.  Following my mom's lead, we just kept our heads down, moved forward and said "no" over and over again.  As we toured and viewed the majestic structures,  Achmed would tell us some history about them.  I wish I took better notes and I didn't write down anything specific about the Pyramids, but guys, they are thousands of years old and I was impressed beyond what I can describe.

(behind is the city in the valley)

( that small opening is where you walked in.)

After going in side one of the Pyramids (not for the claustrophobic)  and then riding the camels, we got back on the bus and headed to the Sphinx.

(this was my camel, I called him Bruce.  Apparently, Bruce "don't like to be touched".  He didn't spit at me, but he growled.  The bit I did touch him, the skin is rough.  Not soft at all)

(mom's camel - look she's touching the top of the pyramid!)

(a fun adventure)

Guys - this was beautiful!  Such an amazing piece of art right out of stone.  Surrounding it is all stone too.  It was stunning

And then things took a turn.  As we were walking to the exit we approached some stone steps.  We started down them and next thing I knew, I was flying through the air, landing on my right shoulder and feeling my head bounce on the stone.  Literally one second later, I felt something on top of me and my head bounced again, while my entire right side was slammed into the stone again.

I laid stunned for a few seconds trying to assess what the crap happened and how I was hurt,  I thought a headache would start any second in addition to my entire body feeling like I'd been beaten.
Sadly, a gentleman on our bus was right behind me when we started down the stairs.  He lost his footing and fell forward, first knocking mom to her hands and knees and then me straight down the stairs followed by him falling on top of me.  The man is about my husbands size  6'2'' and maybe 200 pounds.  Well no wonder I felt like I'd been blindsided.  The tour guides and surrounding people were very kind in helping me get up, I could feel some blood and stinging on my right leg so I lifted my pant leg to find a swollen knee with a mild abrasion and then a larger one on my ankle.  My sunglasses took the brunt of the side of my head and thankfully they didn't break, instead I was only mildly scratched.  Not even as bad as my leg.  The worst was the right side of my chest and shoulder where I was already dealing with some rotator cuff issues.  It immediately felt like I had some broken ribs.  Deep breaths, exhales, coughing, laughing, taking a breath to speak, all hurt very badly.  When I was at rest, just sitting, they ached terribly.  Someone used some bottled water to clean my scrapes and then bandaged them.  I didn't even know that Mom had fallen, she never said a word until days later, but she was at my side making sure I was okay.  Once I knew I could be steady on my feet, we boarded the bus and headed to the next stop.  Man, I was hurting!

We stopped at the Papyrus Institute were we learned about that ancient art and viewed some spectacularly beautiful pieces.  I purchased one and had them add Catmull in hieroglyphics.  I love it and glad we had that opportunity.

(there are on the right hand side starting at the top and going down - Catmull

I just need to get it framed)

While there I was introduced to a man on our other bus in the tour group who was a retired doctor.  He reviewed what happened and concurred about the broken rib(s).  However, it was recommended to NOT seek medical treatment in Egypt, but wait until we got to Israel.  And if you know me or remember this post, you know that I am a no narcotic girl.  I did have some that my ortho had prescribed before I left for that nagging shoulder injury, but I hadn't taken any.  Now and for the rest of the of the trip, I only took one if things were not manageable.  Otherwise, it was grit your teeth and get through it.  This trip was one that was a once in a lifetime.  I never considered going home or skipping any of the tour.  I feel blessed that I was able to get through it with minimal adjustments.  People were kind in lifting things for me and mom did tons to help me.

We went back to the hotel for the night.  In talking with mom about chapter two, she reminded me that we did the buffet the second night at this hotel and then this last night we went to a restaurant in the lobby instead.  Guess what?!?!  Mom doesn't like cheese either so we split a delicious NO CHEESE pizza!  Great travel mates!

Getting to bed on this day was heaven.  I was so tired, in pain and needed to just stretch out and sleep!  Looking ahead to the next day, we are ready to board the cruise ship for some unforgettable time on the Nile river!

Trip of a Life Time - Egypt - Chapter 2

That first night sleep, we slept the sleep of the dead.  I mean, how else can one explain the turning off of the alarm and sleeping an extra two hours?

HOLY CRAP!  Mom turned off the alarm and we overslept!  I woke up to her frantic cries and tried to orient myself.  Crap.  Now what?  I think Mom was near to tears since we missed the bus and was missing the day's tour.  The Citadel, the Mosque.  She called down to the front desk and thankfully there was an employee of Fun 4 Less, who just finished a tour and was packing to go home, still there and she gladly made some calls, got a taxi and took us to the museum where we would meet up with our group.  Whew!  We missed the first part, but not to worry, our beautiful scarves would come in handy later.

We arrived at the museum before the group, but the cute Egyptian gal who was with us, stayed until the bus got there and she could successfully hand us over.  Again, armed guards at the outer entrance and more inside the courtyard.  At this point, I didn't feel brave enough to take a picture of one.  I had to keep in mind that I was in a foreign country.  I had no rights here.  If they didn't like something I was doing, I could be detained, thrown in jail and never released.  We were always mindful of their culture and rules.  We were guests in their home, and would act accordingly.

(waiting for our buses to get there)

(the Cairo Museum)

(scenery on the grounds)

(I'm learning quickly that cats are everywhere)

When asked, our tour guides explained that Egypt was very much a third world country. I was already finding that out pretty quick once we left the hotel.  Of course, as is culture in most countries outside the US, you don't flush your toilet paper.  Instead, you clean yourself and then toss it into a garbage
can.

(they also had two flushers on the toilets.  The small one for just liquids and the bigger one if you've got floaters)

I tried hard to remember this, but on occasion, habit would take over and I dropped paper in.  The rules of the road in Egypt are pretty non existent.  If there is room for your vehicle, you go there.  You honk to let others know you;re there.  Not many street lights or stop signs at least if there were, they weren't the universal red octagon.  

(the streets outside the bus window)

( a special game was coming up and this vendor is just standing there, selling right in the street)

I was getting used to everything in Arabic.  Some places had English translation and most of the people in the service industry would speak enough to help you.  On the streets?  Not so much.  Except vendors.  Vendors are EVERYWHERE and AGGRESSIVE.  If you thought shopping in Mexico was bad?  It was ten times worse here.  I learned quickly to not make eye contact, and to say no repeatedly. Mom was the pro.  My friend Kerry was an easy target. He was too soft hearted.  If you looked at them, slowed down, dared to look at their wares or heaven forbid touch one, then you were done.  Might as well throw your money at them.  The term "Fi dolla"  became the running joke in our group.  And if you didn't know how to barter before, you learned quickly.

(photo cred Angie Fenton)

Back to the museum.  Once our tour group got there, our gal passed us off and we were introduced.  Another "oh crap" moment.  They issued us Whispers.  They are receivers that you use with headphones so you can hear the guide talking without having to crowd in.  You can be looking at things and still hear everything said.  Did I grab mine when I left the hotel in a rush? Yes.  Did I grab my headphones?  CRAP!  So today, I spent the entire time we were with the guide, standing as close to him as I could so I could hear everything.

(I'm a nerd and saved all my tickets stubs)

Our guide was an Egyptian man named Achmed.  Yes, I always thought "I keel you" in my head when his name was said.  And if you don't know what I'm talking about google the comedian Jeff Dunaham with a puppet named Achmed.  Our Achmed was the kindest, most patient man.  Think about keeping a group of about 160 people reined in.  Herding kittens.  Achmed the Egyptian Saint.  And by the way, Egyptians are beautiful people.  Their olive skin, dark brown eyes, truly gorgeous people.

Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures in the Cairo Museum (most parts of it, or if we were, I failed) so I don't have much to document there.  Some fascinating stuff.  All of Egypt's history, and precious artifacts and King Tut's treasure's.  Come cool mummies there too.   It also seemed to be a favorite with local's and students.  We quickly realized that American's seem to be rock stars there.  So many school girls would stare at us, smile and even ask to take selfies with us.  Not one of them spoke English but with gestures and smiles we were able to communicate.  I don't know any of them, but I love them!

(when I got brave enough to ask for one with them on MY phone.  I also loved their hijabs.  I kind of felt like I should wear one to be respectful to them, but then again, maybe it would have been disrespecting their religion.  I loved them)

I also learned that Mom and I tour a little differently.  She likes to go, see and then move on,  She's a fast, efficient one.  I am more of a lingerer.  We usually always started out together but then she'd be up ahead waiting for me.  Good thing we were patient with each other or rather, her with me.

Back on the bus, we learned we were assigned to group one.  They had broken the tour group up in two buses.  The blue bus (us) and the yellow bus.  Then within the bus, couples were assigned to different groups with a group leader that was responsible to make sure everyone in your group was on the bus before it pulled away.  Fun 4 Less is extremely efficient.  I never felt like we would be left behind at any time.  And, when you spend so much time on a bus together, you forge some beautiful friendships.  Thus began our love affair with the Chipmans. The Connelly's, Sharon, Jean and so many others.  Our bus had a special spirit.  Our guides Diane and Rob had done this particular tour many times and their family begged them to do it once more.  They postponed their mission, and most of the bus was their family and friends.  They gathered the rest of us into their family and we seriously had the best time!  I think it was no coincidence that we were assigned to that particular bus.  I also firmly believe that God puts people into our lives at specific times for specific reasons.  I was meant to experience this not only with my mom, but with these outstanding people as well.  I have lovingly dubbed them, "my old mormon folk",  I was the youngest on the bus, but age was no issue.  I love them like family!

(another pic from the bus - notice all the satellite dishes.  For a third world county, they have priorities man!)

Back to the hotel ( International City Stars Hotel) where we could relax and then enjoy a buffet dinner.  Every dinner was a buffet offering in the hotel as well breakfast buffet's in the morning.  While in Egypt however, the water is not clean.  Therefore, no ice, no water other than bottled with the seal intact.  No fresh fruits or vegetables.  Cooked, or peeled was the rule. All that still left plenty of options if you're not a picky eater.  However, I was always able to find enough and I was super grateful for all the snack foods I packed as well.  Especially for lunches since we were always on our own for those.  Best was the fact that Coca Cola Light or Coke Zero were available everywhere we went.  Sometimes, very costly, but at this point, I didn't care.  They had Nectar of the God's and I was going to stay hydrated!

( I always had my notebook and a beverage)

Now that I think about it, I don't think this hotel had the buffet.  We were hooked to the mall and mom swears we ordered a pizza one night with no cheese but I don't remember.  I blame jetlag and old age for not remembering. At any rate, you understand about the buffet system now.  :)

I don't think either Mom or me slept very well that night for fear of missing the alarm again.  Nice to report that we never made that mistake again.  I loved the fact that I had internet to be able to post some pictures and message with my husband.  Always still pinching myself that we were actually here!

Tomorrow held the promise of the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Egyptian Papyrus!

Trip of a Life Time - Day one and two - Egypt Chapter 1

*whoosh whoosh*
That's me dusting off  my own little space of the internetz and getting some memories documented.  Sure, I've put some stuff on Facebook, but when I was cramming the pics on, I was on slow, sometimes spotty internet service and let's face it, I wasn't great at referring to all my notes.  Now I'm sidelined with a bad shoulder and there isn't much I can do other than write and make sure I get all my memories down before I forget some.

It all started in January of 2017.  Mom had just lost her husband Papa John and then within two weeks, her sister Nedra died.  Poor gal, she was double whammied,  First her husband, and then sister.  Crapville.  We were riding down together to St George for Nedra's funeral services when the talk about a tour of the Holy Land came up.  She's been doing tours with Fun 4 Less with her husband for years and always wanted to do the Holy Land tour.  Unfortunately, John's health was never good enough to allow them to go together.  She was musing that now that he was gone, perhaps she should go before she wasn't healthy enough.  She's a spry 73 year old  :)

As she was telling me about the tour and what would be involved, I got kind of excited.  I offered to go with her, she jumped at the chance and once I cleared it with the Splenda Daddy, we were booked and I started saving my pennies!

Cut to October 19, 2017 and the time was here!  I got my shots, new luggage, packed for every contingency and the next thing I knew, my niece was taking us to the airport.

(my partner in crime)

We had a long 13 hour flight to Paris.  We got there mid morning of the next day. Our layover was only 4 hours, so it enough time to stretch legs, get a drink, and try to catch up. 

There was minimal sleeping and it seems like even just sitting on a plane, it's exhausting.  We then caught a flight to Cairo, Egypt where we met some people for the tour, got out bags, loaded a bus and headed to our hotel.

They had us booked in 5 star hotels and this was a beautiful one!

(the hallway leading to our room)

We found our room, got settled and then went to find food.  Our restaurant was hooked to a huge mall.  We were told that for the next day we would be visiting the Citadel and a Mosque and needed head scarves.    The mall was overwhelming.  So many halls, and I can't even tell you how many times we got lost.  Each store had their own armed security guard standing outside the entrance which was really intimidating.    Of note, we also had police escorts and armed guards on our buses.  I felt totally safe but it sure was different than what we were used to at home.

We found a shop with the scarves we needed, had a salesperson show us how to wrap our heads and once we purchased, we started looking for food.  After skipping the food court, we found a restaurant and sat down.  I immediately discovered that I didn't have my bag with my scarf with me!  What the crap!  I thought of  my last steps in my head and decided that I would retrace my way back to the store and see if I could find it.

Well, that was an adventure!  I got lost.  More lost.  Asked directions but every person told me something else.  Got lost some more and then accidentally stumbled upon the store that we had been at, and I had set it down there.  They had it behind the counter for me!  Yay!!  While it wasn't expensive, I wanted the one I had chosen and I didn't want to waste money!  Now the trick was to find my way back to the restaurant.    I got lost.  More lost.  Asked directions.  More lost and then accidentally stumbled my way into the place where Mom was wondering what had become of me.  A nice meal, a lot of yawning and then the adventure of finding our way BACK to the hotel.  Repeat all the getting lost, before finally ending up in the right corridor.

We were exhausted and ready to lay down and SLEEP!  Mom set an alarm, I washed my face and brushed my teeth,  Got in touch with my family to let them know I arrived safe and called it a day.  As my thoughts were swirling in my head as I was trying to wind down, I had to really pinch myself!  I was in freaking EGYPT!  I have never been out the United States and here I was in EGYPT!  If I wasn't so physically exhausted, I would have never slept with the sheer excitement of what we were doing.  So much to look forward to over the next two weeks.

Merry Christmas 2016

If you've been a friend or follower for awhile, you know I don't do Christmas cards or a cutesie newsletter.  I'm just not that creative and let's face it, I'm too lazy but I DO admire other's.  However, I have a tradition of a nice hand drawn family card and a quick update on the family.  Remember, if ya wanna add this to your collection on the fridge, simply print and tape it up with the rest of them.  Easy peasy!

First, Preston and Montana:  They've had a great year.  Preston has left the business of pimping Coke to now work for Learning Systems as an Internet Business Coach.  He commutes to Orem, but so far it hasn't become a nuisance.  Montana is being a cute stay at home mom with Addy.  They are always doing crafts, taking walks, reading and other fun adventures.  Addy is being the cutest three year old on the planet!  What a fun stage!  Everything she says is adorable and makes us laugh.  Maybe not her parents, but the rest of us laugh.  Perhaps the biggest and most exciting news to come from these kids is a new baby due after the start of the new year!  A sister for Addy!  Preston will be outnumbered but he's okay with that.  So far, Montana's pregnancy has been good, although she is now at the stage where she is ready to be done.  We're so happy for them and their family!

Next is Luke and Mindy:  This has been a banner year for them.  First and foremost, the blessing of their baby son Carter!  Ya'll know what a miracle this little guy was for them and we couldn't be happier.  He's a darling boy and it's been fun to watch them fall right into parenthood so naturally.  Her pregnancy and delivery went well and again we feel so blessed for them! Mindy is staying home with Carter and loving every minute of it, as well as enjoying good health.  Luke is now working for Blue Mountain Media as the Account Manager and is successful in all his endeavors with work.  They still live in Saratoga Springs and we take every chance we can to see them and love on that miracle baby boy!

Finally Corbin and Karalee:  Corbin has been focusing his energies on school and will graduate in May with his degree in Public Health and Administration.  I don't want to jinx him by saying that he'll graduate with a 4.0  but that's what he's been pulling so far.  He'll start his Masters program in the fall.  Karalee is still working for the dentist and loves the flexibility he offers her so she can be there for Chloee whenever she needs her.  She's also a running machine!  She did several races last year and will likely do more in 2017.  Chloee has grown so much!  She's nearly as tall as Karalee and I bet by this time next year she will have surpassed her.  She definitely got the tall gene.  She's doing great in 3rd grade, loves foxes and is excelling at the piano.

Splenda Daddy and I took a cruise in February, and then he has been buried in work.  He is still at Nature's Sunshine and the poor guy has been docking a lot of hours but hopefully by summer of next year, things will have been installed, markets will have opened and work life will quiet down for him.  He's still serving in the High Council and really loves the ward he has stewardship over.  I'm still working part time at Wasatch Running Center and love it.  I haven't run very much this year.  It's been one for the crapper.  But 2017 is looking bright and goals have been set, there is nowhere to go but up!
The two of us celebrated our 32 year anniversary this year and I have to say I am pretty proud of that number.  Not many this day and age, make it that far.  Eternity to go....

This time of year is always of time of reflection for me.  Christmas particularly is the time I reflect on my Savior and all that He is to me.  Without him, I am nothing.  I am grateful for His birth, His life, His atoning sacrifice for me and hope that I will live worthy of it.

Merry Christmas my friends!  May you also find some time to reflect on the things that are important to you!

xoxoxo
mCat

Why I'm scared for surgery this week. Pain, doctor's, drug's and some other never before talked about stuff.

If you've been a follower of this blog for any amount of time, you know I run. A lot.  I'm a pretty active gal.  You also know I I have had some neck issues over the years and more recently a couple of surgeries.  You can get caught up here (scroll to the Splenda and mCat part of the Christmas update) I'll wait while you click.......

go ahead.......

just waiting......

(who knew that after this my life would go straight in the crapper?)

Okay.. so I had a couple of surgeries to fix my neck but unfortunately what happened after my surgery is far too common and sadly, not often talked about.

Pain.  Uncontrollable pain.  Pain that makes you stay in bed.  Pain that you hide and only share with your closest confidant's.  Pain that you get tired of talking about and rating.  Pain that becomes the unwanted partner in your marriage and the ugly family member no one wants. Pain that makes you watch the clock and count the minutes until it's time you can take more medication.  Pain that makes you want to sleep and never wake up.  Pain that makes you feel like death might be a better option.

After my surgeries, the pain I was experiencing wasn't getting better.  My surgeon was out of tricks.  He'd tried the medications he felt comfortable trying and was at a loss.  I decided to go back to my pain specialist who had helped me previously with some back issues and was successful.  He looked over the medications I was on and made changes to them, increasing doses and creating combinations that I later learned were deadly.

Relief. Yes. Finally some relief.  And I could function.  I could drive.  I could serve at the temple, fulfill my calling at church and even work very part time.  Sure I couldn't remember a darn thing.  Between the Gabapentin, the opiates, the benzodiazepines.... I had no memory and a foggy brain - but I could "function" and I was getting by with relatively minor pain.  I was even running a bit.

For a while.

And then gradually, the pain crept back...and with a vengeance.  Unrelenting.  As the pain increased so did my tolerance to the medication until we were doubling the doses.

Finally one night, a dear friend had a frank discussion with Splenda Daddy and me letting me know that the doses I was on, and the combination of things I was taking would have nothing but a bad ending.  It was time to do something or plain and simple - I would die.

With her help we found a place to take me inpatient to help me get off all these dangerous things..  There I learned that although I was taking the medication exactly as prescribed, my body/brain created conditions called hyperalegsia and allodynia (I'll provide links at the bottom to read about them).

I spent four days inpatient de-toxing from the drugs and then another couple of weeks while some of them continued to work their way out of my system.  It was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done.  And to this day, it's not easy.

Later this week I am facing surgery for a broken elbow and I have to admit, I'm scared.  I am a no narcotic girl.  There will be no Lortab or Percocet for me.  I can't take the chance that my body will kick back into hyperalegsia or if I even take them for a day or two, that I won't suffer withdrawal symptoms when I stop and I'm here to tell you - I don't wanna do that again!

So I'm scared.  I'm scared that when I wake up and the anesthsia wears off, I'll hurt.  I'm tired of pain.  So, so tired it.  I want my life back.  Pain free.  Fear free.

If you're so inclined, toss a prayer, good vibes, healing juju.... my way wouldja?

xoxo
mCat

PS - If you or a family member is struggling with pain medication dependency, there is help.  Email me:  melissa.catmull@yahoo.com  I'll see if I can answer your questions or direct you to some help.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

PSS - this took a lot of bravery on my part to write and post.  Please don't judge me.  If you feel like you have something negative to say, go find somewhere else to say it.  Sometimes bad things happen to good people.  I try to be good people.

Hyperalgesia

Allodynia

Cucina's, Chef Joey Ferran, good friends ....a perfect night!

Okay, so I rarely gush over restaurants or food for that matter.  (Skittles and Peanut Butter M&M's don't count) but once I found out that my nephew is now the head chef at Cucina's, I recommended, or demanded  - whatever, that we go there for our next Bonco/Family Home Evening dinner.

So this delightfully fun place is right smack dab in the Avenues of Salt Lake City.  If you are familiar with the Ave's (as the locals call them) you know it's gonna be a cool place with a fun vibe.  And yes, it is!

Debbi had gotten there first and she sent me a picture to let me know they were already taking care of her and that my beverage would also be waiting for me.

(Debbi's hot tea, while my diet coke was on the way)

(while she was waiting Deb took pictures of the food in the counter displays)

(and of the menu - a little blurry)

From the time we walked in, we had people taking care of us.  Joey emerged from the kitchen to come give me a hug and then talk to all of us at the table.  He gave recommendations and discussed some of the dishes.  As I watched him talking, I could see that this man was clearly in his element, knew exactly what he was doing and that we were NOT going to be disappointed.

(what a looker huh? Runs in the family)

I chose a tapa, a salad and a main entree!  And yes, I have decided to go vegetarian for the most part, but when I saw a filet on the menu, I knew I was going to break that rule for just this evening.

The excellent serving staff got our beverages going, and then began the appetizers coming out from the kitchen.  Some we had ordered and some complimentary from the chef so we could enjoy some of the different options he has to offer.

There were some breaded cheese sticks with a sauce to dip them in, and no I didn't taste them, but based on the sounds coming from my table mates, they were delicious!  Everyone was hooked and eagerly awaiting to taste all the wonderful and different things we ordered.

Another appetizer came out.  Small baby beets with fennel and other things that were complimenting everything that I wish I could remember,  but OH MY GOSH!  They were delicious!  I could have ordered a couple plates of those and made that a meal!

My yummy cauliflower appetizer came out next.  They were also paired with some cashews in a spicy sauce with some kick that was just perfect.  I began to think, how does one even know HOW or WHAT flavors perfectly compliment others?  I was seriously amazed.

My salad came next.  A kale, quinoa, pine nuts, and dried cherries in a light vinaigrette dressing.  Yes, again, I could have made a meal of this!  So yummy.  So, absolutely delicious.

Before I go any further, let's talk about presentation.  I watch enough of the Food Network to know that much of a the appeal of a dish will be the presentation.  Joey has that nailed down.  Everything looked as beautiful as it tasted.  And that is an understatement, I just don't really have the words to do him justice.

Before we get to my entree, let me insert that everything was perfectly timed as it came out from the kitchen.  My beverage was always fresh and the serving staff was outstanding.

My entree:  a beautiful filet perfectly prepared and cooked to the precise medium well.  Smashed baby red potato's (not mashed - big difference), asparagus and served all in a wine sauce that was the perfect combination.  It could not have been put together in any other better way.

After talking with everyone else at the table and seeing their satisfaction with their entree choices as well, I knew we had a hit on our hands.  I was hoping that Joey would get an opportunity to come out and chat again with us if for no other reason than we could compliment him, and let him how perfectly satisfied every one of us was with the food that had been prepared for us.

At some point I took a minute to use the powder room facilities and look around.  Such a cute and perfectly Avenues style place.  There was a room off to the side for private parties and I could picture a wedding luncheon or dinner being held there.   A patio on the west side was beautiful and would be a place I would love to enjoy a long dinner and just enjoy the sights of the city.

As you know, I do not drink alcohol, but I did peruse the backside of the menu and boy do these guys offer so many selections.  I was pleased to see that the majority of the beer offerings were local drafts.  I love seeing a small business owner supporting and offering other small business owners and giving them opportunities to include their drafts.  For those of my friends who love a locally brewed beer, this would be the place to come and enjoy some. And....they cater!

As full as I was with all the food that I had experienced, dessert was not even a question.  The restaurant does have a local pasty chef who provides them with much of the dessert options but there are a couple that are made in house and of course, those were the options I wanted.  It was tough to decide between the creme brulee or the chocolate...... concoction (I can't remember what it was called, but it was something, besides the brulee, that Joey had his hands in making, so that was what I wanted. Knowing that my besties the Blands would order one of the other options, I went with the chocolate because we would share bites.  As besties do, you know.

Oh my heavens!  The chocolate, caramel, roasted almonds dish that came to me was HEAVENLY!  If you love chocolate - than this was it.  It was more of a dark chocolate but paired with the caramel, it balanced to the perfect taste of appeasing the sweet tooth in one, but not so sweet that you could only enjoy one bite.  It was perfectly sized as well.

Then I got to dip my spoon into the creme brulee.  Oh my heavens!  (yes I know I am repeating myself - oh well). It was no ordinary creme brulee, it was an orange ginger brulee.  So amazingly delicious.  I wish I had ordered both and thrown calories out the window.  They were simply divine!

As our experience wrapped up to a close, Joey came out, let me hug him AGAIN, and then shared with me some of his ideas with the menu, the seasonal changes, his ideas going forward, etc.  He noted that he has many regulars that come in several times a week and even though he has been there for a short time, he is developing some wonderful relationships with his customers.

As I thought about it, I realized that it's kind of a lost art.  The art of the small, neighborhood restaurant with familiar staff and patrons that develop friendships that make the entire experience much more than just a meal.  It made me think of Little Italy in Boston.  The small restaurants owned by usually family, with home cooked food that become regular places for people to enjoy a meal, a glass of wine (if they choose) and relax with friends.   I loved it.  No pager, no call ahead seating, no waiting in line......  just enjoying a perfect meal all in the calm atmosphere with good friends and great staff.  I don't want to lose that art in the hustle and bustle of a busy world of chain restaurants.

I am so proud of Joey and all his accomplishments.  I asked him how he could possibly think of all the ways to combine flavors that would perfectly compliment each other.  His answer was a simple one:  "Experience".  And yes, he does have quite the experience.  And let's not forget the innate, God given talent to have the taste buds and the artistic nature to put it together in a beautiful plate of perfectly prepared wonderfulness.

So yes, I have gushed.  And then gushed some more, but there is no other way for me to describe what a wonderful experience I, and my FHE besties, had Monday night.  Cucina's is now at the top of my list of favorite's.  I would like to say it's not just because of Joey, but it is indeed BECAUSE of Joey.  His experience, his dishes, his art that he chooses to share with the rest of us.  That art is what makes it my favorite.  He is indeed a very talented chef.  And I am lucky enough to be his favorite Aunt (lol) (but seriously).

So, if you are in the SLC area and looking for something different, creative, has an awesome vibe, local drafts, and outstanding food, then Cucina's is for you.  I imagine that reservations are preferred for large groups and for weekends, but don't let that fool you into thinking that this as any other feel than a comfortable, low-key, cool as ever place.

And you can always tell the chef that Aunt M sent you.

*I wanted to provide a link to the restaurant home page, but it hasn't been updated yet and until it has been, just take my word for it.  Go, enjoy and you're welcome.

Cystic Fibrosis, Miracles, and Family

A wonderful surprise in my Facebook newsfeed.  My sweet kids didn't tell us that they had been interviewed for an article in an LDS magazine but it's worth sharing here.

If you doubt there is a God.
If you doubt that miracles still happen.
If you doubt that even if there is a God, that He knows you and knows your righteous desires?

Doubt no more.  He does.  He loves you, He knows you, and just as when a sparrow falls, He notices and understands you.

This I know.  I know it as well as I take my next breath.  I know it.

Link to the article HERE.

**Can't wait for September and getting my arms around this little miracle man on the way.