Back in the Old Country....

Traditions are valuable things. They allow us to create memories, and hold those dear to us close to the heart, be they family or friends (and often a bit of both).

On Saturday, September 19th, family (and somewhat brotheresque) friend Les invited some of the women in my life whom I consider to be sisters (i.e., Kelle, Doe, and Anthea, the latter of whom unfortunately couldn't make it) to his Delta, BC home to be tutored by his mother Sylvia and grandmother "Baba Lena" on how to make cabbage rolls and perogies. By hand. From scratch.

'Twas a fantastically memorable afternoon.

We made, rolled, cut, stuffed, squeezed, pinched, baked, boiled, fried and -subsequently - devoured some of the tastiest Ukrainian/Eastern European fare I've had in a loooong time.

Imagine three helpings just like this.

Not to mention the absolute fun it was to spend the afternoon surrounded by such friendship, team work, feminine collegiality (sorry Les), humour, and all-around fun. They say you can choose your friends, but not your family. This may be true, but you can also choose you make your family friends and your friends family.

Just like they used to do back in the Old Country.

Thank you, Les, Sylvia, and Baba Lena - you rock!