Today’s blog honors a dear, sweet lady who has recently passed away.

She’s the mother of a good friend, both of which I’ve known for over 10 years.

I have a lot of memories of Carolyn, her home and of Santa Barbara wine country.

I spent one of my first Christmases away from my familly in Washington with the Bowersox’s. Carolyn was one of the warmest, most accepting people I’ve ever met. I was immediately made to feel like part of the family.

I was also close to Carolyn’s daughter, Kim, who died of cancer a few years ago.

Every time we drove up north to spend the weekend at Carolyn’s house, I’d make sure Thelma and Louise would procure Aebelskivers for me.

Aebelskiver’s are a danish pancake ball covered in raspberry jam and Solvang, where Carolyn lives, is famous for them.

Before the funeral, I drove to Solvang Restaurant and purchased a container of Aebelskiver’s from the walk-up window eating them quietly on the curb. Thinking of Carolyn and her daughter Kim.

And how much they both are missed.