Heartfelt farewell to a beloved writer and cook
Dear Colly, I have shed many a tear as I read your column, and last week’s sweet goodbye was no exception (“Cooking and Loving It in the Valleys,” July 11).
When sharing your memories, your warm tone and vivid descriptions always capture them so vividly. Your words have carried us through many of your life’s extraordinary experiences. I especially was captivated with your story about annual trips to Baja, with your precious husband, and your dentist friend providing dental care to the residents there.
I can just picture the little plane landing in a cloud of dust, and the anticipation of all the tamales you would make with your hostess, in the rough and tumble kitchen. You then offered your tamale recipe and even held classes in your kitchen to teach us hands-on how to “do it right.” I was fortunate enough to enjoy an afternoon around your dining table doing just that.
Thank you for sharing your writing and cooking skills with us for so many years. Best wishes for your next chapter, and for caring for the community as much as you do.
I am looking forward to buying the book with a collection of your most poignant articles and recipes, so that I may gift it to my daughter on her wedding day. Perhaps a portion of the sale could go to Damians Ladder. Surely I am not the first person to think of this.
Sarah Machado
Felton
