Ramblings of an Old Man Book 2

Cal Kraft

Description

In the beginning when I first started writing the Chef’s Corner stories, articles, and memories, I included a recipe with each and every story. Over the years that has added up to over 200 recipes. In The Ramblings of an Old Man, Book 1, I included the original recipe attached to each story published. In Book 2; however, I wanted to increase the number of stories so I decided to print only one of my favorite recipes for each month. 

Sujets

• Cuisine
• Cuisine par repas
• Personal Memoirs
• General officer
• Entertainment
• Cooking
• General

Informations

• Publié par: Outskirts Press
• Date de parution: 29 avril 2023
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781977264534
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

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The opinions expressed n this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.
Ramblings of an Old Man Book 2 More Short Stories and Recipes from the desk of Chef Cal Kraft All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2023 Calvin Kraft v1.0
Cover art by Katie Ramboyong © 2023 Calvin Kraft. All rights reserved – used with permission. You can contact Katie at [e-mail] . You can view her work @katierambo.art on Instagram.
This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Outskirts Press, Inc. http://www.outskirtspress.com
ISBN: 978-1-9772-6453-4
Library of Congress Control Number: 2023907873
Outskirts Press and the “OP” logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press, Inc.
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction
Welcome to My Latest Book: The Ramblings of an Old Man, Book 2
First, here is a little background information. Growing up I would not have considered myself a writer, only one who enjoyed putting pen to paper. In the early years I wrote some human interest articles or short stories on special occasions, like birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries; however, nothing longer than a single page. Then, beginning in early 2006, I started to submit some of my stories to our local community paper for publication. Once that happened, I was bitten, bitten by the writing bug. Every month I wrote a story, sometimes about my life and sometimes about life in our community. On numerous occasions I wrote something that just grabbed my interest. And yes, sometimes I included stories of fiction. I was having fun. Once I sat down in front of the computer, words just seemed to flow from me onto the page. Like most, I never really knew what I was going to write about until I sat down and began to type. And, as I am sure most writers will tell you, many times I would start a story going one way and then change direction in the middle of the story to tell a different tale. All I know is that once the writing juices started to flow, they just overwhelmed me. Since that March in 2006, I have written over 275 stories. Book #1 covers stories from 2006 through April 2014. Book #2 continues with stories from late 2014 through 2022.
Inside you will find stories of my life, starting with My Birthday. It is a perspective of the events that took place on the day I was born. There are stories of adventures and misadventures growing up, finding independence in the early years, and finally becoming a husband, father, and grandfather in the story Living the Memories. The story, I Am, Said I, was an autobiographical attempt to define who I was and what I believed. Also included in the book are stories that came to me on one of my daily walks, such as The Weird Workings of a Writer’s Mind, or The Old Green Rowboat. Both started out as a spark, just a hint of an idea.
Here’s a little more of what you can expect to find in this second edition. The story, An Extraordinary Friend, and Walter’s Story are examples of how others influence us as we walk this path called the road of life. On a Desert Island, Best Mother’s Day Ever, Two Great Stories, and The Most Unusual BLT Ever, are stories based on actual events. Finally, Farewell My Friend, Grains of Sand, and Morning Coffee with Dad, are some examples of the more emotional sides of life and death.
I would be remiss if I did not include the poignant story of The Little Church on West 134th Street, which takes place on the upper west side of New York City. It is the tale of a young lad and his crying confession to Father Murphy just a few days before Christmas and the events that confession set in motion. I think you will like this one. There’s also the story of The Third Twin. What can I say? It was a fun tale that just had to be told!
So sit back and let me entertain you. Hopefully you will laugh at the humorous stories and perhaps cry a little at the sad ones. I want you to let your mind drift back to when you were a child, your teenage years, and then your own life experiences as you entered adulthood. A reviewer once wrote about the first Ramblings of An Old Man, saying: “Reading these stories is like sitting in the kitchen with your grandpa listening to him tell you all about his life. Chef Cal’s stories will definitely allow you to relive your memories of growing up. I whole-heartily recommend this book to you.” It is my sincere hope that after reading The Ramblings of an Old Man, Book 2, that you too will have the same experience.
Until next time, I am . . .
Acknowledgments
The production of this second book, The Ramblings of an Old Man, would not have been possible were it not for the efforts of so many folks over the last eight years. I wish I could name each and every one who, year after year, has made a comment or two about the stories that appear monthly in our community newsletter. Your encouragement, support and appreciation are the driving forces that propel me to sit down, month after month, and write The Chef’s Corner articles, stories and memories.
I want to thank two very important women in my life. The first, of course, is my wife, Dot, whom I affectionately call, “Squeeks.” Her continued support and devotion to reading everything I have ever written, plus making the necessary corrections to everything I have ever written, has been invaluable. It is to her that I first present each story for an opinion, suggested changes, and of course, grammatical clarification. After she reads the story, suggests changes and notes grammatical corrections, then and only then does that story go forward. Her ability to change a few words or make grammatical adjustments can elevate a story to new heights. Not only has she been my partner in life for over 50 plus years, she is my partner in all of my writings.
The second is Kim Agnew, the editor of our community newsletter and my partner in all of my publications. From the very first time in 2013, when she said, “You can do a book, I’ll help you,” to the completion of this book, it has been Kim who has been responsible for the formatting and arranging of the printed words that make up each and every publication. From the first Ramblings of an Old Man, to the Holiday and Recipes printing in 2019; the cookbook Recipes from The Chef’s Corner, in 2021; and to this current publication, The Ramblings of an Old Man, Book 2, it is the magic Kim creates that never ceases to amaze me.
To all the members of “The Writers Shed,” I thank you so much. We have shared so many stories over the years, from simple humorous accounts of our growing up to deep emotions on incidents that changed our lives. We have been able to share our stories with each other, which enabled each and every one of us to become better writers and storytellers.
To my granddaughter, Katie Ramboyong, for your artistic rendering of my office desk which adorns the cover of this book. The painting is so realistic and detailed. I love it and love you for it. You are truly one very talented young lady.
To Russ Kidd, your sharp eye for picking just the right photo, such as the back cover, is what makes you a great photographer. Your personality is what makes you a great friend. Thank you.
To the proof readers, Janet Liebenau, Linda LeDuc, Chris Suskiewicz, Dotty Kraft, and Kim Agnew, what can I say, you are all terrific. I tried to include as many of the suggestions you made, changed words you recommended be changed, and hopefully, either added or deleted the comma’s you indicated. I know these changes will make reading this book a lot easier.
To the memory of Louise Gibney. You were my friend, my mentor, and my writing instructor. You left this world way too soon. Every time I write a story I ask myself, “I wonder what Louise would have thought of this?” Ever since the day I attended that first class of yours, I am unable to sit in front of the computer without, consciously or not, just beginning to write. That, my dear, is the effect you had on me. You are forever missed.
And lastly, to all the residents of that great community, Danbury Forest, past and present, who have over the years commented on the stories I wrote, encouraged me to go forward, and been supportive of this endeavor. Unless you have been or are now living here, I don’t think anyone really understands just what the term, “The Danbury Family,” really means. Thank you all.
C. T. Kraft, aka Chef Cal
Contents
In the beginning when I first started writing the Chef’s Corner stories, articles, and memories, I included a recipe with each and every story. Over the years that has added up to over 200 recipes. In The Ramblings of an Old Man, Book 1, I included the original recipe attached to each story published. In Book 2; however, I wanted to increase the number of stories so I decided to print only one of my favorite recipes for each month. I will admit that some of the recipes are not my original recipes. They come from a variety of sources: magazines, books, stories heard on TV or radio, and articles and recipes sent to me by friends and fellow chefs. I have tried to give credit to the original authors and/or sources, where possible, and to those I forgot or omitted to mention, I apologize. That being said, here are the recipes I have chosen for this book. I sincerely hope you have a chance to sample a few of them.
A Recipe for Every Month
Navajo Stew
Cherry Poached Pears with Dark Chocolate Sauce
Virginia Cream of Peanut Soup
Grape Tomato and Cauliflower Cake
Herbed Ricotta, Asparagus, and Phyllo Tart
Tender Green Salad with Strawberries, Cucumber, Pistachio and Basil
Lemon-Ca