Cooking on the Bay

Mirene New Year's Voyage Menu

Chevre Champignon - Goat cheese and bacon stuffed mushrooms

Crab Cakes with Creme Fraiche and Galic Aioli

Pate with toast points

Cheese platter - assortment of domestic and imported cheeses with dried fruit and nuts

Lady Cruz Apples - Baby apples stuffed with dates, pecans, and spice. Topped with scented mascarpone.

Petit Four platter - Assorted cakes, cookies, and chocolates

I did a little New Year's Cocktail Party. 40 Guests, finger food. Easy, except for the location. OUT TO SEA. Aboard the Mirene for a 3-hour tour of the bay.

The hilarious part of cooking on a boat is to be constantly prepared for the potential of getting caught in a wake from one of the passing tanker, and everything you have sliding away. Hours of prep could slam to the floor because you absentmindedly set it on the counter just before a big old boat from China comes by. One hand for the cook, one hand to hold on. I was lucky enough to have a calm day out there.

As I was flipping crab cakes I was occasionally reminded to look up. There I was, under the Golden Gate, or next to Alcatraz. One moment I'm elbows up trying to plate some dessert, then I’m looking out the window trying to see the dolphins. STOP COOKING, TIME FOR A DOLPHIN SIGHTING.

I’ve done a lot of things wrong lately. I have not been as kind, or helpful, or gentle as I should be. But somewhere in my youth or childhood, just like the song says, I must have done something good. Because there I was, drinking wine, cooking crab, and watching the ocean go by.

Pretty darn lucky.

Return of The Floating Harveys

Fans of the floating harveys. Have you missed us? Do you wondering if we still float? Or have we simply drifted out to sea? Ah, we've been worried too.

Frankly, it's that damn Facebook. It's taken up all our time. My New Year's Resolution was to begin posting again. And to strengthen my back. And to master yeast breads. And to potty train the littlest floater. So, similtanously I will type this from the bathroom with the little princess on her throne, while my yeast rests and rises in the kitchen (not in the bathroom with The Pooper).

All this happening in Cobra Pose. Breathe, strengthen, lift, rise.

Really, I'm eating a chocolate chip muffin while the kids are with the grandmas. But I deserve points for even imagining the scenario, don't I?

Ok, so here are the posts that will soon follow...
1. Action shots of Abalone Fest. I know, it happened in October, 15 abalone, 50 guests. Shuck and Jive. Full color photos and images to follow.
2. Mirene outing. Crab Cake flipping under the Golden Gate Bridge. Still hard to believe it was a catering gig. Absolutely Glorious.
3. Floating Hijinks. That John Quality, he's a superstar. That Grace, she keeps us guessing.

We have been adrift, but we've floated home. Jennifer Parko Harvey

Chef Quality

John Quality Harvey hard at work. Please note: he's using Grandma Alice's hand mixer (which he calls the chainsaw). What is he working on, you might wonder. Well, its a Suuupriiissse! (Sung, of course in his best imitation of mommy doing Dolores Snyder vibrato). For a while I was concerned his middle name would condemn him to a life of used car sales, but I think he might just be a baseball playing chef yet. What will I do when he decides he needs to experiment with something more expensive than KIXS?

Grace's First Cookout

Corn and ribs. She's clearly my daughter.

Working the Land

The Harvey Boys worked hard this weekend planting the garden. Grandpa taught Jack to drive the tractor. He was in such a frenzy, you could hear the shrieks of joy over the engine.

BIRTHDAY BOY

Poppa John, Greetings from Jack and Gracie. Jack wants to play golf with you right now.

Playdate Houseboat Style

Here's the great thing about living on the docks. When your best friend comes to take you to the beach, you don't even need to get your shoes on, only your life vest. Luke came for Jack on Friday afternoon, what an amazing sight. Jennifer Parko Harvey

4 Attempts at Happy Birthday

We tried for the perfect picture. But with these guys we just had time to get 4 imperfect ones. Happy Birthday, Grandma Linda!

The Claw Gets Serious

As promised, The Claw in action. First cereal, then potting soil.

The Claw Can Crawl

Oh people. Our world is changing. Grace Parko Harvey, my beloved barnacle is on the move. She scoots, she crawls (albeit backwards), and she causes general drama around the houseboat. Grandmas: I'll post some pictures tomorrow of our little lady using her claw finger to eat. she has mastered jello cubes.

Happy Birthday Grandma Georgia

Jack drew the sign. Gracie held the markers

Gracie

Summer Break

We've had a break in the rain - and it feels like summer. Just got back from a day at the beach with Juke and Grace. Lots of rock throwing, sand dumping and splashing. A chocolate chip cookie for the drive home, and everyone was exhausted.

Jack and Luke = Juke

Luke is over this afternoon, and the boys have been busy. Trains, coloring, trucks, snacks...we've done it all. Grace has been taking it all in. How has mommy survived? I'm listening to The Wu.

YEAH GRANDMA LINDA

Just got off the phone with Grandma Linda, Jack and Grace are excited she's coming to town soon, and bringing Poppa John with her.

Grumpy Grace

poor gal, sometimes I really do torture her...

Purple Grace

Grandma Georgia bought Grace this fantastic little purple number.  It brings out more red highlights than I thought she had...

Jack's Pad

This set up is ideal for Jack. His toys outnumber our furniture.  If you count his potty chair, he's got more options for sitting in the living room than we do.  We are happy to finally call it home.  Promise to post more photos soon.