There is a house on Cape Cod that my husband and I visit every year. It is quite large; it has a tennis court, a pool and a magnificent vista overlooking the calm waters of Buzzards Bay. The bright orange sunsets signal the end of wonderfully relaxing days and the chirping birds lull us to sleep at night with the comforting feeling that all is right with the world. I am sure you are thinking - this is no ordinary house! True, but that’s only half the story. This house is an extraordinary home. It is owned by friends of mine who have six children and 11 grandchildren. I like to say that I married into my friends when I had the good fortune of entering into the blessed union with my husband almost ten years ago.
When you first walk into Diane and Chester’s house, you feel as if you have come home. The physical surroundings convey a warm, comforting and supportive feeling and within a few short minutes, we always find ourselves in the kitchen, catching up on the goings-on in our lives. Our visit last month was no exception. We arrived on a Friday just in time for me to help with the preparation of Shabbat dinner. The smell of freshly baked Challah was unmistakable and our first task was to take it out of the oven. This Challah was a beauty! 
Delightfully plump, golden brown and raisins slightly protruding out of the rounded humps. Without asking, I knew at once that Diane’s family tradition was different than mine. I only make a Challah with raisins for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) as the raisins symbolize the hope and optimism that the future will be sweet. It is only fitting that Diane makes the raisin Challah for her family all year round.
We proceeded to make the rest of the dinner for the evening-nothing complicated but certainly fresh and delicious. Diane reminded me that the meals in her family were designed with simplicity-certainly out of necessity while raising 6 kids, but truth be told, because it was the conversations that took place in the kitchen and then around the table that were most important. One of the many conversations that Diane and I had that serene Friday afternoon centered on the flowers we brought them for Shabbat-a beautiful arrangement of purple and yellow flowers with Gerber Daisies being most prominent. 
Diane excitedly shared that the Gerber Daisy (named after the German naturalist, Traugott Gerber) was the “family flower”. Just as a state has a representative flower, so does the Black family. Next time you purchase a Gerber Daisy you will for sure notice the short plastic sleeve around the stem which is required for the flower to stand up straight. As Diane gently reminded me, everyone needs a little help and support now and then to manage the complexities of their lives.
Diane, many thanks for the conversations; the insights; the sharing of your family traditions and the support you have given us over the last ten years. To quote your words from a passage that you sent me with some great family recipes, “the smells wafting into the pores of our home said there’s always room at the table!” There certainly has been for us and I sincerely hope you know, there is a permanent place for you and Chester at ours.
Hi Ronnie.
What a fitting tribute. You've summed up their home exactly as I see it too.
Posted by: Patti | June 27, 2007 at 01:52 PM
It looks like I've been there and I could smell the Challah bread. You
should write more, love your blog/book!
Nino
Posted by: Nino | June 28, 2007 at 09:55 AM
Thanks for putting into words what I feel every time I cross over the causeway on Wings Neck Road.
Posted by: Rebecca Friedman | June 28, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Growing up in RI, my family used to go to the Cape frequently, so it holds special memories for me. In fact, last fall my husband and I went home and visited the Cape (which was festively decorated for Halloween), and I was smitten all over again. It's so charming and peaceful, isn't it? Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Susan from Food Blogga | June 29, 2007 at 07:42 PM
What a wonderful quote! I hope that my home will convey the same spirit!
Posted by: Deborah Dowd | June 30, 2007 at 07:15 AM
This weekend filled with food and wine that was very, very yummy is more about the friends we shared it with. Thanks so much.
Everytime we eat those shrimp, gazpacho and oysters we will now think of you and Evan.
Posted by: teresa | July 01, 2007 at 08:40 AM
Having just returned from spending the 4th in Pocasset with the Blacks I can tell you that the warmth continues to radiate - from the kitchen and from their hearts. Being in that kitchen and sharing with each other as we prepared the evening meals (and a few snacks along the way) are memories I cherish always.
Posted by: Deb | July 07, 2007 at 06:13 PM
Hello, I was looking at your website and the Challah looked so DELICIOUS I thought, how can I make this... is it possible to get the recipe from your friend??? It looks so crisp and crunchy and buttery and moist, I could almost taste it... It reminded me of my dear mother's cakes(passed), and I would love to learn this exact Challah. I am writing from Australia. Thank you, Vida x
Posted by: Vida | September 30, 2007 at 08:09 PM