Catching up after being on vacation is more work than it was to get ready for the trip. People who haven’t been able to contact me for a week are vying for calendar space. My email inbox is full and snail mail has backed up too. I find that having a blackberry mitigates some of the catch up but regardless, there’s a lot to do upon return. I’ve worked late a couple of nights this week but that make things more hectic as I run from the office to the little league field to violin lessons and then home to get homework done and everyone fed. Last night I threw in the towel and ordered a pizza.
Tonight when I rushed in, I noticed a foil covered casserole dish on the counter. My first thought was that the kids made brownies after school but upon closer inspection, I realized that not only was it not my dish but someone had made a lovely egg and green chili casserole and left it there. What a treat! I felt the dinner tension escape me like air from a ruptured inner tube. It even gave me a few minutes to take a walk.
Egg Casserole flickr.creativecommons/rberteig/
And I walked with a smile on my face. This was such an incredibly kind gesture and such a gift to a busy working mom. It caused me to think about how long it has been since I’ve done a random act of kitchen kindness for someone else. Sure we invite friends over to eat periodically but it’s been a while since I’ve just shown up somewhere and plopped down a meal or at least a dish. Truly this doesn’t take a great deal of planning and the added bonus is that since we’ve been away, our CSA has backed up and we have an abundant refrigerator. So now, with a brief family discussion, we’ll identify someone who might benefit from an evening off in the kitchen. And, I’m certain there are many other ways that we can deliver a few random acts.
When was the last time that you did something for someone without having a reason? When is the next time?
-
4 eggs
- 4 Tbs flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 Tbs melted butter
- 1/4 lb grated cheese (I prefer Monterrey Jack but Swiss or Mozzarella will work)
- 4 green chilis, roasted, peeled and chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Agrigirl's Blog 
virginiagoodlife
/ April 8, 2010Thanks for another idea for what to do with the 18 eggs a day we get! We love sharing them, when we are invited to someone’s house we usually show up with a dozen colorful eggs in hand. Wish I could send you some…
Tammy McLeod
/ April 8, 2010You know I would take them!
Lisa H
/ April 8, 2010Sharing your eggs is a wonderful gift!
milkayphoto
/ April 8, 2010What a splendid surprise! Did you find out who your anonymous food gift giver was?
We invited our neighbor over last night for a quick dinner of lobster rolls (we live in New England and it was 88 degrees yesterday!) followed by ice cream sundaes. Was a such a lovely evening outside in the warm air, listening to all the wildlife, and I could tell that it was something that she needed. Well, her and us both! 🙂
Tammy McLeod
/ April 8, 2010Wow, I don’t think it was that warm in AZ! And yes, I have a huge thank you going out today.
suzi banks baum
/ April 8, 2010Thank your friend for the recipe for dinner tonight! I needed inspiration! So glad to hear you out on your walk and the smile you brought home! Love, S
Tammy McLeod
/ April 9, 2010Thanks for stopping by Suzi. I hope you enjoy it.
Judy Theman
/ April 8, 2010There’s a casserole fairy? You truly are blessed!!!
Tammy McLeod
/ April 10, 2010Isn’t that the truth? Now, hopefully I can bless someone else.
Sally Mom
/ April 8, 2010I look forward to everyone of your articles and recipies and I am motivated by your energy and enthusiasim. I just wish I were closer to help!
I have been helping out in the hood preparing for a couple friends, meals at least once a week while they experiance difficult times. It makes my heart happy and yesterday, I was gifted with a spectacular “singing bowl” from tibet, as a thank you. I still can hardly believe it and so apppreciative.
Thank you Tammy, you are amazing
Tammy McLeod
/ April 9, 2010Those singing bowls are amazing. And what a perfect gift to you in exchange for your meals.
Lisa H
/ April 8, 2010My kids’ piano teacher not only works full time and then teaches in the evenings, but she is also pregnant. Each week I send over some of our dinner in order for her not to have to worry about cooking one night a week. They really enjoy their meals and honestly, it’s no extra work for me to make a dish just a bit larger in order to share. For some reason, food always tastes better when shared with someone else.
Tammy McLeod
/ April 9, 2010Awesome Lisa. I know that she appreciates it so much!
ozarkhomesteader
/ April 9, 2010I’m feeling inspired to give a casserole!
Tammy McLeod
/ April 10, 2010Good for you ozark! I’ll watch your blog for it.
Kathleen
/ April 9, 2010Thanks for sharing the recipe. I am getting so many eggs……it’s wonderful to find something new to make with them. Blessings,Kathleen
Tammy McLeod
/ April 9, 2010You are quite welcome. Thanks for coming by my blog.
Jessica
/ April 9, 2010I have taken meals to people when they’re going through a hard time, but I have never taken a meal to someone randomly. I love the idea! There can never be too many random acts of kindness!
Tammy McLeod
/ April 10, 2010I agree. We just have to be more intentional about it.
pearlz
/ April 9, 2010I remember so many of these random meal acts when my brother was in intensive care, many years ago, and they meant to much to my family. What a treat.
pearlz
/ April 9, 2010actually they are more purposeful than random (:
Tammy McLeod
/ April 10, 2010I agree and they assist with that sense of purpose also.
nrhatch
/ April 10, 2010Love your blog.
I’ve subscribed and added it to the blog roll on Spirit Lights The Way. : )
Glad that you enjoyed the article on CSAs . . . tomorrow’s post will be on composting.
Happy Earth Day 2010!
Tammy McLeod
/ April 11, 2010Thank you so much. Looking forward to your next article and know others will enjoy it as well. nrhatch.wordpress.com
Jane
/ April 12, 2010I know egg-xactly what you mean! 😉 Sometimes I need a vacation from my vacation. And thanks for promoting Random Acts of Kindness – such a feel good activity for everyone involved!
Tammy McLeod
/ April 13, 2010It is an easy way to get those “feel goods” going. Thanks for stopping by Jane.
newRDcook
/ April 21, 2010What a great reminder of how important small, thoughtful, unexpected gifts can be in a person’s life. I really did ask myself, “What random act of kindness have I done lately?” I sent my 6-month pregnant best friend a bouquet of pineapple fruit, because she had been craving pineapple. She called me completely grateful and you have to wonder what’s better – being the receiver of the gift or the giver?
Welcome back from vacation! Always tough to play catch-up at work – I’m in the same boat this week.
This recipe looks very easy, too! Perhaps for brunch…