I blinked, and it’s July. We spent most of the first quarter of 2026 with our kitchen torn down to the studs — which meant we enjoyed everyone else’s.
Mack’s Table
Mack and Vanya had us over to ring in 2026 — a proper sit-down candlelight dinner. I brought the wine, and Mack cooked us an Indian meal: kadhi, methi-aloo, and a cocktail that delighted us: it was turmeric milk. The kheer was the over-the-top closer.
Figure 1: The recipe — Diwali Kheer from Fridays From The Garden
The cookbook was a gift from Mac’s dad. The weighty tome has wonderful recipes and mouth watering pictures.
Our Kitchen Comes Down
Figure 2: shock and nervousness to feel emptiness after the demo!
Our world shifted, microwaved food with induction chai was going to be our life for 2 months. Our life was upended suddenly. Cleaning up dishes was suddenly a surprisingly hard chore, and so was the learning that we could easily trip the load on a single 20amp circuit. Details on small conveniences that we don’t even think about became real.
SLO: The Rental House Kitchen
A weekend at Roche’s rental propertty on a hill above San Luis Obispo was an unexpected treat and a welcome retreat. Kitchen island covered in berries and granola, everyone in pajamas, nobody in a hurry.
Figure 3: Everyone pitching in for breakfast
Downtown SLO has that rare quality — old California charm with enough boutiques to do damage. Priya found a hat outside the 1772 Mission and owned it.
Figure 4: Looking exactly right
Nidhi acquired passion fruit through means we won’t discuss. Cocktails were made. The hike above Pismo was worth every step.
Figure 5: Green hills, ocean behind us, zero complaints
Eru Turns 50
Back at the Roche house in Livermore - this time dressed up. We have a tradition now: milestone birthdays get a proper party back at home.
Figure 6: Post-dance, the best kind of tired
This one I’ll remember — we got the full story on Geeti and Gagan.