I’m picking up my mom for the weekend.
Her presence here changes our routines in a variety of ways. For Jonathan, it means giving up his downstairs bedroom, because she has trouble getting up stairs (he’s ok with that). For Eric, it means sharing my attention and practicing his college Spanish (which is really pretty great). Her visits require me to think primarily in Spanish, and to speak loudly. Did I mention she was 92?
I am much more Cuban when my mom is here.
When she is here I indulge my Cuban food cravings – everyone is delighted by this. Amy or Adam will inevitably ask, "You’ve got Luza this weekend? What are you making?" They have obviously connected their grandmother with their own Cuban-ness. I spend most of my weekend in the kitchen with her, listening to her stories and making our favorite family dishes.
Everyone wants to vote on what we will be having when "the Grandma" gets here. Amy and Lucy have mastered the arroz con pollo. That is our favorite family meal which we make for birthdays and Christmas Day. But if Luza is here this becomes a special occasion. The phone starts ringing with other cousins and "the Question" – "what are you making for dinner?" (they’re on to us)
I will pull out her recipe for "natilla" (a sweet custard) and listen to her tell me again how to stir it: "Taca. Taca. Taca." That’s the sound the wooden spoon (it MUST be wooden!) makes. She says this as if that actually explains the procedure. My kids laugh, "make her say it again!"
So now not only are we doing the happy dance because we will be having arr0z con pollo. There will be a fabulous natilla for dessert!
Was that Helen who just called? Is she bringing the kids? Katie will be here with her boyfriend, and Natalie. This is turning into not only a fabulous dinner but a Continental Card Tournament. In another culture this might be considered a bona-fide party. For us it’s just a warm up. After we stuff ourselves and play cards all night, we will reminisce about how we would love to have churros and real hot chocolate. I’m on it.
I just ordered it from here.
This weekend is shaping up to be a whole lot of Cuban fun! (is there any other kind?) Let the festivities begin!
I am the “very white guy” at the far end of the table in the photo. My “Caucasian-ness” is clearly revealed when I try to dance the Rhumba with you. I involuntarily do that lovely dance move called “The White Man’s Overbite.” And for that I am truly sorry. I can almost hear the Cubans reading this scream and cringe in disgust.In any event, I am looking forward to some great Cuban food and coffee this weekend. I have the privilege of being married to you, Marta, the resident Cuban goddess and owner of MyBigFatCubanFamily. You are a crazy Cuban woman who has brought more abundance to my life than I could have ever imagined. I love you honey, and I am proud of you for starting your own Cuba blog.
Dad that was SOOOO CUTE!!!
So what time should I be there? Do you need help with the arroz con pollo or the natilla?
Ummmmm, I thought we were friends and I had to read about this great Cuban feast this past weekend on your blog??? I call you and encourage you to have a good weekend since I know it is hard and draining to speak/think Spanish LOUDLY all weekend and I don’t get invited to the Cuban festivities?! sniff…of course, really, I am not hurt… :o) I know the reason I wasn’t invited is because your table isn’t big enough for the 5 (me and the kids) of us to join you.