Our vigil for the new baby meets the unexpected – sickness. We have been quite unable to get out to the market for some time now. Illness only compounds the problem. This leaves both pantry and freezer rather empty. Still, we have a couple Trader Joe’s tamales in the freezer and a few other things lying about the kitchen to help us make do.

Our daughter was a little sick over the weekend. Our son and Chris get it today. All we need now is for Robin to get it. The baby has been exceptionally accommodating so far. It would be very nice if she continued to be so. Given experience, that may be wishful thinking. Unfortunately, that is what we are left – Chris was barely well enough to sit for dinner, let alone serve as birthing coach and our son is in no condition (or mood) to be watched by anyone but mommy.

Over on the “well” side of the family, this was this meal in which our daughter discovered chili powder. She has long fancied that she likes spicy food, specifically buffalo wings. She eats the mild version from Bubba’s with the skin removed. Tonight, she finds that she very much enjoys the taste of a little chili powder sprinkled on her tortilla chips. Perhaps the next time we get take out from Bubba’s, she will eat the skin from the wings as well.

The tangerines in the picture are from our neighbors, Mr. Barry and Miss Barbara. We are especially grateful for tasty treats such as these when half of us have colds. We eat many of them tonight in the hopes that, between them and the baby’s accommodating nature, we will be well when the big day arrives.

Send us feedback on this meal