On to my brother in law who lives in Angleton. He was interviewed by the Huffington Post as they filmed a live tour of his house. His house that he just moved into in February. His house that just had received new paint, new floors and new people that loved it. That house? Might be a total goner. Don't know, but his house has so much water that they don't expect it to go down for at least another week. By that time the mold has started and it gets a bit dicey to save anything. If you knew my brother in law, you'd know he's been through some tough times. All of them he's weathered with grace and my guess is he's a lot wiser than he lets on. You never know where you'll go in life, but wherever he's gone he's made an impression...and it's a good one. The man has friends in places I can't even count.. and I can tell they all adore him.
So this is short, but I'm trying to be more considerate of my faithful blog readers and let you know what I'm doing. In this case I'm not sure what I'll be doing, but whatever it is I promise I'll be doing it well. And I'll be grateful that I'm OK and my family is OK and I'll be reminding myself that life is a journey. And one I'm grateful to be on.
Somehow late last night I chose these recipes to serve you. They are old ones and have awful photos but they taste very good. Check them out and for more ideas you can always look under my recipes page. I think I have about 400 right now which truthfully surprises even me!
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Cathleen says
Wow, I can't even imagine. I am so sorry for your family. It seems like here in Canada, we live in a bubble where there is no real tragedies or real disruptions due to natural disasters. Not that I'm complaining, but it makes watching the news about what has been happening in America that much more unreal. You are a real angel to your family. Thanks for the recipes too 😉
Gerlinde de Broekert says
Oh Abbe, I just came across your post. I have to be subscribe again to get your new posts in my inbox . I am so sorry about your family. I hope they are all doing better by now . This must be so hard for them and I am sure they were thankful for your visit and help. Hugs!
lisa is cooking says
This has been heart wrenching to watch from Austin. I hope your family is getting somewhat settled as the recovery goes on. So good of you to travel to help!
Denise Browning says
I am so sorry your family has to go through this, Abbe. Praying for all who have been affected by Harvey and also by Irma.
All the recipes look equally delicious. Hard to choose one! Your visit and cooking skills will be much appreciated in Houston. Take care!
Marcelle @ A Little Fish in the Kitchen says
Abbe, the devastation left by Harvey is truly hard to comprehend. Lots of businesses my family have personal connections in Port Aransas and Rockport were were greatly damaged if not destroyed. I truly hope your family members' homes can be saved and repaired. I'm so sorry they caught some of the worst of all that unbelievable flooding. I know they'll appreciate you being there for them...and with wine!
mjskit says
Abbe, I'm so glad that your family is o.k. Sorry for their loss of personal belongings and damage to their houses. That's so devastating, but so thankful that everyone is healthy. I'm really impressed with you.r 83 year old FIL My sister and her family were so lucky. They live in Kingwood and the homes around them flooded, but their house didn't get any water in it. Now I have a sister and niece and families evacuating Florida. This is crazy! Good luck getting everything back together and back to normal down there in Houston. Hugs to you all.
Pam says
Sorry to hear this, Abbe! I'm sure they appreciate your helping hands and all. That's awesome that you can do that. My prayers go out to everyone there, our friends, there and in Florida also. Take care
HWC Magazine says
Prayers going out to hope a solution is found soon! In the mean time will be enjoying these delicious dishes whilst you are busy helping out.
Nammi says
So sorry to hear about your brother's house , must be devastated and your in laws. hope things settle and hope housten is not anywhere near this Monster Irma. prayers and thoughts to u n family.
Liz Berg says
Oh, no. So sorry about those dear family members dealing with the awful hurricane damage. You're an angel to help them out. Safe travels! xoxo
Sippity Sup says
Well. Thank goodness for family like you. My family lives in Florida and it's hard for me to even imagine what may be in store for them. But I think I'll forward them this post for strength. XOGREG
Angie Schneider says
Sorry to hear about your brother's new house...hope that he can still save it. Now the family support is very important and I hope your trip to Houston will brighten up the things a bit.
Cindy says
Abbe, you are always the angel to help others. I wish you safe travels and all the best.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Luckily there were others there first! Hope you are doing well? Are you retired?
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
Hi Abbe, sorry I have not been in touch. I hope you have a productive trip and are able to find a way to help. As you say, simply holding a hand and lending moral support works wonders. Let's get together when you return.
Abbe Odenwalder says
No worries Holly. Summer is a busy time, isn't it? I hope hand holding works. If not...there is wine!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
How wonderful that you are going to lend a helping and encouraging hand, Abbe! The photos are indeed truly sad and the fact that your brother in law's home may not be able to be saved is heartbreaking. Best wishes to them all!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Maybe his house will be OK. In the meantime he at least has a place to live. I think situations like this bring out the good in people though I wish they never happened. Let's hope Florida does better.
Kitchen Riffs says
Definitely bring some wine with you -- it'll be much needed, I'm sure. For medicinal purposes, of course. Your showing up to help will be truly appreciated, I'm sure. And speaking of appreciation, those are some great recipe links you're sharing. Good stuff! Thanks. And godspeed.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks John. good news already in that my BIL's house the water is almost gone. Much sooner than expected so looks like we might be there helping too! I think it is good news. Wine...you betcha!
Tricia Buice says
Wow Abbe - so sorry to hear about this. Hope they bounce back quickly and I'm sure they will with help from friends and family like you. Take care and hope it's a super successful trip.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Tricia! It is already successful in that everyone is safe and sound. Bouncing back...I sure hope so! Thanks for writing on your vacay! Sounds awesome!