HAPPY NEW 2008 Akemashite Omedetou

Normally we have special Japanese new year's food at my sister's place in Walnut Creek. But since she is out of town this year, our son Rudy and daughter-in-law Betty tried cooking the osechi ryori, i.e. the new year's food.

It was a great feast. Even my mother, May, who is almost 93 years old, thought the food was "unbelievably good".

Rudy and Betty, under my guidance. spent half day preparing various roots, fish, fish roe, and vegetables. Most of the cooking was done yesterday so we could enjoy the leisurely brunch with sake and champagne. This is a wonderful way to start a new year! I know this will be a great year.