This blog is all about me......I come here for respite in between caring for JoJo (our Daughter who has Special Needs)......I am addicted to starting new projects......I am becoming a fabric-a-holic... I love to try out recipes... take a beach walk and breathe in that salty blue air......love to have coffee...sip a glass of champagne......read a book......I am Queen of the Armchair and am inspired by all the wonderful blogs out there!!!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

A Surprise Package from Rick Stein at Bannisters...

Boy how lucky am I...


Earlier in the year Mr Armchair and I were treated by our Son to a very special weekend at Rick Stein's at Bannisters...I did a blog post on our time away and then emailed Bannisters about it and thanked them for really looking after us...
and blow me down not long after this I received a signed copy of Rick's Book 'Rick Stein's Spain' which I will add to my collection of Rick's books...



Together with the most heartfelt letter from Mr Peter Bacon, The General Manager at Bannisters...
I'll put an excerpt from this letter on this post...

"We understand that as carers for a child with a disability you rarely get a chance to spend quality time together so we were really touched that you not only chose to spend this precious time with us but thoroughly enjoyed yourselves.

All our staff strive to provide a friendly and memorable experience and it is a great encouragement to all when we receive such fantastic feedback from our guests..."

On reading these words I just got all teary...

Thank you so much Peter...your Caring words truly mean so much..


Some delicious pics from the book...






Bannisters has cooking classes with Rick...I didn't get there this year but will try for another one...

I thoroughly recommend Bannisters for a total relax and best food ever...
I can honestly say I was addicted to seafood when we got back home...
so addicted that we went to our local fishmonger and bought up!!!

Now I'm all hungry talking food...
It's a cold, rainy, wind, wet day here on the South Coast so I'm off to make Pumpkin Soup now and a Spice Slice with Lemon Icing...

Bon Appetit...Dzintra


18 comments:

Margaret said...

You probably had journalistic abilities before ypou started blogging ---- But wow what an encouraging letter, and Rick Stein book in to the bargain. 3 Cheers for Dzintra.

Anonymous said...

wow Dzintra what a lovely surprise and you are most deserving of it,enjoy.xx

Marlene said...

What a fantastic response to you letter and well deserved. You will treasure both the letter and the book I am sure.

Simone de Klerk said...

What a lovely time you must have had and how touching, the letter!

Rachaeldaisy said...

Now that's what I call service!! That book looks wonderful and will remind you of your special holiday whenever you make delicious meals from it. The photos are making my mouth water.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

THAT was such a lovely gesture, OMY!!!!! And dear heart, the recipes in this book must be luscious! SPAIN....my heritage you know!

Give JoJo a huge hug for me, will ya?And a toast to YOU my dear, for the unconditional love you give her. Anita

Annie said...

You deserve no less Chickie xoxo

Nat Palaskas said...

Yes I agree with Annie, you both deserve it. Congrats for the book from Rick. I love his show...

Sue said...

Thats wonderful news. It's nice to be appreciated for your appreciation....does that make sense? Anyway a lovely letter, beautiful book and everyone is happy. So good to see.

Bev C said...

Hello Dzintra,

Congratulations for your wonderful review and the book you received from the man himself. You must be in heaven. Well done to you and your hubby. Give Jojo a big hug. Can't wait to see what you make from this book. I can just imgaine you sitting and reading this book for hours on end.

Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello sweet friend! Oh, we are having the opposite weather as you.....warm,NO......HOT! AND TODAY is the last day of school. I am relieved but I know I will shed a tear here and there!!!!

ENJOY THAT FAB BOOK! Anita

Jo in TAS said...

That was very thoughtful of them, I bet they were so happy to recieve your lovely feedback! I'd stay with them based on your experience!

Palomasea said...

Dear friend, this is just wonderful! What a touching letter, and to include the fabulous book...wow.
Do enjoy those scrumptious recipes...and perhaps you'll share a few along with your stunning photos?
Very happy for you!
Hugs to you and JoJo...
Stay warm!
Love,
- Irina

trump said...

All that wonderful food, the only part missing is me being there to eat some of It! Richard from Amish Stories

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dzintra!!!!!

YOU CAME ALL THE WAY TO PARIS! oh my friend, did you enjoy it? And yep, that is me with the balloons! That was taken this past Wednesday on the kids' last day of school. I wanted to FLY AWAY in a balloon and just shout HALLELUJAH!

We are having a blast. THANK YOU DEAR for making a trip to visit me!

ENJOY your week, Anita

A Magical Whimsy said...

Wow...Dzintra
How very special of Peter Bacon to write you such a dear, kind letter and to send you the recipe book! My husband always says, people are touched by our son Ty, where ever we go with him. Ty, with his Down's, and nonchalant friendly way, touches others lives in a profound way sometimes, always people we don't even know respond to him, give him hugs, as he greets them like they are his best long, lost friends! There is just something so magical in his personality and people respond with love and kindness toward him.
You and I have been blessed with our children more than we can imagine. Even though it is a hardship at times, I think the blessings out weigh the hardships.
love, and hugs,
Teresa in California
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

Kimonos and Sushi(OLD BLOG) said...

Dzintra I am trying to comment on your latest blog... So here goes what a great gift you received in the mail from Bannisteres (spelling) Rick Stein certainly is a great chef love watching him on Austar. Have a great week Andrea ( I couldn't get it to accept on your blog)

Anonymous said...

What wonderful post and lovely to get such a heartfelt letter. Lucky you to have a signed copy of Rick Stein's latest book, we thoroughly enjoy his shows. Your blog is so much fun to read Ingrid and it is wonderful you and your husband had such a delicious meal away.

Welcome To My World

Hello, my name is Dzintra Ingrid ... have been known as Ingrid and since our Sea Change I have started to use Dzintra ... pronounced without the D ... (but still known as Ingrid, I know, it's confusing ...)

Welcome to my world ... a journal of our Sea Change ... Mum to three wonderful children ... bringing up a daughter with a disability and seeing life through her eyes ... being a new Nanna ... photos ... inspiring quotes ... taking on a cookery course ... the odd recipe ... and trying to get some stitching done amongst all this ...