People had some different suggestions for what to do with the food on my Dad’s Shrine. My Mom told me, “Eat it! It’s good for you!”
So I replaced the ripening melon…
…with a more shelf-stable cup of rice…
…and enjoyed one of my favorite fruits!
Next up, a trip into San Gabriel Valley. When I first got back to Los Angeles a few days ago, I got incredibly depressed whenever I thought about coming here. Now, I feel like it’s another way to be reminded of my father…
…especially listening to everyone talk in Chinese.
I wandered the aisles, just absorbing it all…
The one snack product that I relate to him isn’t even Chinese – they’re these Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts. He always popped open the jar and ate them by the handful…kinda weird, now that I think about it, because my nephew Isaac (who I think looks a lot like my Dad) has a severe peanut allergy.
From one strip mall…
…straight into another. God, I love this area. It satisfies the Chinese Jersey girl in me.
The main point of my long drive here was to spend a little time with my Thick Dumpling Skin co-founder Lisa. She’s in town for the V3 Conference which I was supposed to speak at tomorrow, but have decided to spend time healing with family and friends instead.
We sat and caught up while she got her hair cut and colored, then I hopped back in the car for the 45-minute drive back.
I wanted a Diet Coke, so I pulled into the KFC Drive Thru.
My parents got take-out from here when we were kids – always Original Recipe, never Crispy. I seem to remember my Dad liking the Cole Slaw. He always went for the veggies, like me.
I left the food alone and dug into the snack I had packed…
…Sweet Potato Chips. A crunchy (but as you can see, very crumbly) sample sent by Garden of Eatin.
Still can’t believe Colonel Sanders outlived my father, who was the most disciplined health food fanatic. Sometimes life is just…(dry roasted pea)nuts like that.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Sorry I’ve been absent the last couple of days. Been out if town and working stupid hours. Glad to see your tummy is beginning to settle a bit and that you are venturing out. Thinking of you. XX
So glad you ate that melon! Your dad would not want it to go to waste, and it looks delish! Glad you are home safe and sound, and finding your way in this new reality.
Colonel Sanders died like 30 years ago, or am I not understanding that bit :/
Glad your tummies starting to feel a bit better! x
ha – he lived almost 20 years longer than my dad, that’s what i meant…
Ohhh I see
Can I get the address for both strip malls? They look so cute!
99 Ranch: 1015 Nogales St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Saloon for Hair: 18192C Colima Rd Rowland Heights, CA 91748
I’m so happy that you ate the melon. That’s what your dad would have wanted. And plus, he would probably be worried if he heard you EVER turned down a perfectly delicious melon… (:
Now I want a diet Coke! Those sweet potato chips look really good — nice and salty!
they were a little bit sweet too!
How fun! My dad’s restaurant is inside that 99 ranch. Makes me miss home.
Wow which one? Must go visit!
Ah the San Gabriel Valley.
But I understand the significance of the KFC <3
If you want a diet coke you should go to McDonald’s! Large is only $1