Its been a couple of days since I returned from Max’s bar mitzvah in London and I’ve hardly had time to recover (or blog about my experiences there). The truck’s been delayed until next week which threw our Canada Day plans into chaos as well as Kieran and Amy’s wedding on July 2.
My arrival back at the restaurant was less than exultant. All kinds of bullshit to wade through most of it having to do with the truck delay but some serious staffing issues too. I have this pinching feeling in my neck that is a sure sign of stress. I should get a massage but I simply don’t have an hour to spare. I have to be up in six hours to set up for Canada Day yet here I am dishing to you. And I don’t even like you. That’s not true – I do so. Just being cheeky.
London didn’t suck. Not even close. Claire and Mark know how to throw a party (or four) and even better how to make you feel welcome. There were cars waiting at the airport to whisk us to their little shack in Hampstead next to one owned by the Sultan of Brunei. I almost wish I was making that up.
Its a great house with every possible mod con but my favourite was the tag. ”Tagging” for those of us over 40 is the spray painted symbol used by urban grafitti artists or vandals depending on how you look at it or how good they are at it. Max and little bro Angus tagged the brick wall in the garden. Hilarious.
Claire is the host of the millenium. She had personalised gift bags waiting for each of us. ”Welcome Uncle Zane” mine said. Inside was a booklet that explained the itinerary of events along with an agenda as to when we’d be picked up or how to take public transit or taxis. Maps and transit passes included. Also in the bag were umbrellas, marmalade, tea from Fortnum and Mason and Oban Scotch bought at the distillery. I shit you not.
My favourite part was being called “Uncle Zane”. It felt like so long since anyone had called me that. 10 years of estrangement has some very painful consequences. On one of our first rides Angus said he wanted to sit in the back with Uncle Zane. I melted. Of course he didn’t lift his eyes from his stupid video game thing but I enjoyed the sentiment none the less.
For those playing along in the home game you’ll note that this was the first time I had wholeheartedly attended a family occasion in about 10 years. Basically I was angry about how I was treated during my divorce and demanded an apology. In February I finally heard my father tell me he was sorry for what happened.
I think you forget how nice it is to be loved by children unconditionally. Findlay and Talia were little girls when all of this went down and now they’re teenagers (and Bieber fans – inorite?) while Max and Angus are getting to know me for the first time and I them. They are all great kids.
We had so much fun over the course of 5 days. Max made everyone proud reading and explaining his torah portion. And we danced our tuchuses off at the party in his honour later that night. I’ve never seen so much champagne in all my life.
The Mandarin Oriental set the bar pretty high but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve when its my turn to cater Max’s Toronto party in August. I can’t wait to honk my Hava Negila horn (thanks Lara) on the truck (nicknamed Thunderin’ Thelma after my Nana) and kick that party into high gear.
There were many moments of getting choked up around my family. Of course, I have some remorse over the lost time and regret that Mark’s branch of the family is so far away. But I also know that what happens in my life happens for the best. I needed that time alone to find my inner Caplansky. Plus I sure did feel appreciated in London. Can’t count how many people told me they were happy I was there. None was happier than me.
And so I returned with a heart full of hot cockles. In the car on the way home Michelle told me the bad news about the truck not being ready for Amy and Kieran’s wedding. Over the next 24 hours things went downhill from there. I won’t go into it all but suffice to say I won’t be taking any vacations for a looooong time.
And then, just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, I get an email from a customer:
Nu? Had dinner at your diner
Could not have been finer
Your kishke was perfect
And that BBQ brisket
Schmecked git!
We also had some zoup
A bowl of matzoh ball
And a shissel of borscht
And a couple of yummy latkes
Followed suit
Mine kind went mishege
For the apple sauce. Who knew?
When she was a pisher
I could hold my breath
Till I was blue
I never saw her love azoy a shainem
Food
Like this!!!
I am signing off because I need to order something more
And we wish you a hearty mazel tov
For building oiy such a store!!
Nu? Be well
Mama Darlene and beautiful (of coarse) daughter Starla
Much nuchas should come your way!!!
Have a lovely day.
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
I love my life and ALL the people in it. Thanks to each and every one of you for being there, here or wherever you is. And a special thanks to Max for reminding me about angels.
P.S. I still can’t figure out how to upload pics from my computer. But it’s late and I gotta sleep.
