Celebrating Krystyna Kolbuz with Her Son Paul and His Partner Arid at BIN in Milford. 94 Years of a Beautiful Life (& a Wonderful Neighbor)

I told Paul that when he returned from Poland, I wanted to take him out to raise a glass to his mother who passed on January 2nd. She was my neighbor who was beyond precious with both Glamis and Karal, and who I looked out for as she lost her husband and then had her own health issues in Connecticut. She passed this holiday in Poland amongst family and loved ones.

I wanted to to go to Founders House, but they were booked solid, so we made reservations at Bin, which I drive by all the time, but only ate at once - during Covid, when they first released space restrictions (which was outdoors). Then it was good. Last night it was delicious. We had tuna tartare (amazing) and I had grilled scallops on black rice. I like to do the foo-foo-fee dinners every now and again, with absolute appreciation for presentation and taste. Arid was a Brazilian chef in NYC, and whenever they visited Krystyna they brought over a plate for me. I knew good food was the only way to celebrate the life of a beautiful woman, mom, Aunt, grandmother, sister, and human being. I will definitely be bringing others to Bin again

I couldn't believe the way the tartare was held together with thinly sliced cucumbers. When you cut into it, it was like a floral explosion of fresh fish. The sauce was equally amazing and it was great to toast Paul's mom with our palettes and their storytelling. I told them for the last couple of years we've celebrated Polish New Year's at Kaitlyn and Dominik's because the ball drops at 6 p.m., so we can be in our own beds. Loss is always heavy, and I was glad to learn that they plan to keep the house and, perhaps, to turn it into a B&B, if possible. 

The cucumber sauce was absolutely amazing, too. 

I spent the morning working on courses and grants, the afternoon walking Karal, and 3 hours building a cabinet for Pam, which I screwed up, but was able to restore after I figured out my mistake. 

Everything is easier when there's blue sky, and with temperatures a little warmer than they've been it was reason to find things to cherish and celebrate in an ever-growing, complicated world. 

Life shouldn't be as difficult as some make it. Rather, it should be neighbors turning to neighbors with respect, raising a glass to family history and the devotion of moms to their kids. It will always be about love. It should never be about hate. Sadly, too many in this world, including those we once might have cherished and enjoyed, prefer the ugliness over the joy. I'll stick with optimism and hope. That is what is should always be about.