Good day to All!
Hard to believe summer is half over and it is already August. As I had said earlier, I have committed this summer to the China Dine-ah Too and I have held true to my word. Who would have thought, another start up business, especially at my age. It's one thing to start a business, it's another thing to work in it everyday until processes and procedures are just the way you want them. Without this, there is no way for the product to come out the same each and every time, which is very important and even with all the hard work, nothing is perfect.
I check in with Sherri and Meagan often but really miss seeing all of you in the dining room. What time I have spent recently at the China Dine-ah has been in the kitchen, making sure we are producing the same fine product you have become accustomed to enjoying.
I have met many of you over at the China Dine-ah Too and regardless of where I am, it is always my pleasure. I have not read a newspaper since June 24th and I have a stack of newspapers to prove it. The only people that I see and communicate with are those that see me at work or my immediate family, late in the evenings. I have put my work at the KVYMCA on hold and others have stepped in and it is greatly appreciated. It seems so weird not being intimately connected with the communities that I live and work in. I'm getting my news the old fashioned way, someone tells me "did you hear..." and most often, I am saying "No! What happened!" I must tell you it has been a nice break for I have no first hand knowledge of what is going on in the political arena, with the sports world, or with what tragedy happened yesterday, both locally or nationally.
My conversations have centered around people who are enjoying a break from cooking, or are traveling the Route #3 corridor between Augusta and Bar Harbor. People have been impressed with the quality of the food and portion sizes. They especially enjoy the light breading.We have also received numerous comments on the decor inside and the outside landscaping
I attended a funeral this morning for Mrs. Norma Loiko, of which I have been friends of the family for over 40 years. My heart goes out to "Big John" her husband and their four children Linda, Johnny, Muffy and Tony. Norma will be missed and remembered for how she took care of everyone around her. If she wasn't doing something for you or getting you something, she was thinking about what you needed next. Norma, you will be loved forever and we know you are in better place. Rest in Peace.
On a brighter note, I want to put on my Bumpa hat and share a couple of photos with all of you of our new granddaughter, Devi Brooklyn Lahkia. Many of you have asked and I promised, I would share photos as they came in from India, so here you go! I can not wait to hold her. Through Skype, I did see her the other night, however the connection was not that good. We have changed services and let's see what the couple of days will bring.
On another note, I had a visit at the China Dine-ah Too from Carla Merrow Charette of Connecticut. As we chatted, I learned that her family was from Smithfield. I asked Carla what her maiden name was and she said Merrow. I about fell out of my chair! My Mom's maiden name was Merrow and she was from Smithfield. I know very little about her family because her Mom died when she was only three years old and she became an orphan, living in many homes. Her Dad was unable to care for her at the time and they reconnected when he became ill during the last years of his life. I'm hoping that Carla can draw a connection between her family and my Mom's and maybe tell me something about her that I do not know. All the best to you Carla, Sally Ryan and Ruth Anderson, who write often and I just met for the first time. Hope your stay on China Lake was a great one!
Enjoy the month of August, and please remember to visit us at the China Dine-ah, where this week we are featuring Lobster Mac 'n Cheese, and the China Dine-ah Too. Your support is always greatly appreciated.
Hope you all have a good week.
