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Making Choices
Posted: September 10, 2011 By: Leah Jaffee

The last 6 weeks have been insanely busy with catering. The next week promises more of the same. Post Labor Day and pre-Rosh Hashana, erev 9/11 amidst a climate of economic uncertainty and terrorist threats, famine and floods, fire and general inane political postering, the climate is perfect for personal reflection. In fact, the climate here in the Northwest is perfect with sunshine illuminating our glorious landscapes and water ways. Light adds optimism to thoughts of what might lie ahead.

Last July sometime, I take my mom out for a day trip to Port Townsend. A small arts and crafts community about 1 1/2 hours away by car and ferry, it is a way for urban dwellers to escape town for an afternoon. I look for ways to entertain my mom, especially now that she is confirmed with mild Alzheimer's. Summer waits in ferry lines are common and this day was no exception. Single file lines form along the highways that wind to the ferry docks. No matter, no rush. We really aren't going anywhere. We are just being together wherever we are.

Ferry Deck

Luckily, with Seattle built on hills with plenty of view points, one doesn't have to go out onto a boat to enjoy the scenery. Nothing replaces the breeze on the water, though. I'll often take a ferry just to feel the escape. Once, tired of the routine, I read a sign that said "this lane for ferry". Quickly changing lanes, I board a waiting boat and ride in misty November solitude.

These past incredibly busy weeks have made me think about my priorities. My mother's memory is fading, my youngest daughter is almost out of high school. I want to spend more time with them. I've started this website and sometimes feel that I'm working my day job too much. I want to spend more time writing and uploading recipes. The Hillel chef position opened up and I took it. It is a part time gig with opportunity to be creative and feed the Hillel kids. I've worked with the Hillel folks for years on other projects, run my catering business out of their kitchen, so I think this is what I want to do. I'll be cutting back on the catering even more so I have time to do this website, more time for family and more time for me.

Seeing this sailboat from the ferry, I am reminded of my sister Jeanette. She and her husband Barney live on a sailboat in the summer time, Florida in the winter. She used to work at the bakery part time years ago. Lots of folks have bumper stickers that say "I'd rather be sailing".

Not being a fan of small boats, I used to tell her that "I'd rather be baking".

Rosh Hashana baked good recipes coming soon!

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