How strange it was to wake up to raindrops falling from the sky. Yesterday was gorgeous with bright blue skies; today it’s all wet, cold clouds.
Matt and I did not plan well for breakfast, so we went on a mission for nourishment.
The first place we spotted was a grocery store. Always healthy food in there! We picked up bananas, a pint of blueberries and 2 Oikos yogurts, blueberry for and strawberry for him.
We were going to just go back to the room and make coffee in there, but then we spotted a Starbucks (imagine that!).
We came out with coffees and a muffin to crumble on our yogurt. I wanted Apple Bran (for the fiber!) but I gave in to Matt’s Blueberry Streusel request. I honestly prefer the dense chew of whole grains.
I layered blueberries, banana, yogurt, and muffin into a parfait
Mary Frances just saved the day – I forgot to bring my nail polish!
Gotta get my nails wet.
Pop made the front page of the Baltimore Sun
Time to say goodbye.
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
That’s lovely that he got the front page 🙂 Have a good time with your family today – you deserve it. Stay strong! Thinking of you x
Samantha @ Bikini Birthday says
Sorry for your loss
Jessica @ How Sweet says
Sending you and your family prayers today!
Kristy@ KristyRuns.com says
That’s so great he was honored in the paper! P.s. I agree that once you’re used to whole grains, everything else just seems so overly processed and not filling. On the other hand, that parfait looked amazing! 😉 Stay dry.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I love that your Pop is on the front page! What an honor!
Lauri says
Your Pop was Ernie? I work at Legg Mason in Baltimore (and have for the past 12 years) and he is a legend around here. Many here are very sad to hear of his death. I was very sad to hear of his passing and my condolences are with you and the rest of your family. I read on your blog earlier in the week that your Pop had passed but never put two and two together. Legg Mason is broadcasting the memorial service in one of the conference rooms in our downtown building so people can virtually be a part of it. I am so so sorry Kath 🙁
Heather says
you are so creative with your food! Hope today goes well.
Anna says
Wow–amazing that your grandfather made the front page! I lost both of my grandfathers this past year…my thoughts are with you and your family.
Eileen says
Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss, but what a lovely, accomplished man. Prayers for a smooth, comforting service.
lisasfoods says
I’ll be thinking of you today, Kath! Much well wishes and prayers to you and your family.
That parfait looks excellent. I ought to buy or make some muffins one of these days as a crumbly topping for yogurt or smoothies. Yum.
Maria says
#1, it is HORRIBLE weather here in Maryland!
#2 I’m in bad need of a manicure too! I absolutely loved the color you were wearing during the conference
#3, what a nice recognition for your grandpa, Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Courtney says
Ah, I recognize that Super Fresh! You’re in Towson! I went to school at Towson University. I live in Baltimore now though. Sorry again about your loss…
Kaitlin says
I was just going to say that! I got huge nostalgia seeing that first picture and Starbucks, I used to hang out at Towson mall all the time and go across the street for coffee. So weird to see my old home on KERF.
Renee says
I know the area, too! And I know of your grandfather, and we was a very respected man. My fiancé works at Legg Mason and he said they’ve been abuzz about his loss. Our sympathies to you.
Sarah says
It always amazes me how small Baltimore is (as a local we joke that it should be called Smalltimore). I am actually heading to Towson this afternoon to see my parents. So sorry for your loss Kath. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Jess says
I went to Towson University as well and recognized the area right away. If you are still in the area and are looking for a cool place to eat Zia’s on Allegheny Ave. (right off of the traffic circle)has raw food, juices, and lots of cool healthy sandwiches.
Sorry to hear about your pop. I didn’t realize that it was Ernie! My thoughts are with you and your family.
Courtney says
Yes! Zia’s!
Rachel says
I’m from Baltimore too. I just read that article in the paper. So sad. Sorry to hear of your loss Kath and that the weather is so yucky today. I 3rd Zia’s if you are looking for a place to eat in Towson later.
grace says
I know! I saw that picture and was like hmmmmm, I know where that is, the mall! I’m just a few miles over in Mount Washington. Now I’m really itching to go to the Nordstrom Rack! Nice to see some more Baltimoreans here too.
So sorry for your loss Kath. I read your Pop’s obituary in the Sun online and it was very impressive and well written. It sounds like he was a wonderful person and I hope the service does him justice.
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place says
My thoughts are with you today. How great that your pop made the front page of the paper! he must have really been a wonderful man
Heather says
Such a tribute to your Pops. My thoughts are with you & your family as you say your “see you someday.”
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
I’m so sorry for your loss Kath, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I am thinking about you and your family today! I hope things go smoothly.
Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward says
Thinking of you and your family today! So sorry for your loss, Kath.
Melissa @ HerGreenLife says
Kath, I’m sorry for your loss. I also enjoyed the gathering of family at my grandma’s funeral this past January. We played board games and enjoyed other activities that she would have loved if she were there. That’s the best memorial we can give to our loved ones.
Also, I’m with you all the way on the whole grain baked goods — 100% white flour just doesn’t do it for me!
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
Great breakfast idea. I do the same thing but usually I pack fixings for making oatmeal in the room.
Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman says
Sending good thoughts to you and your entire family today…..
Alyssa says
Kath, I’m so sorry for your loss. I only have 2 grandparents left, and it is always sad to lose a loved one. At least you can know that he went as peacefully as he could and lived a wonderful, love-filled life. I hope the funeral is a beautiful tribute to a man that inspired you in more ways than you know 🙂
~Alyssa
Deirdre says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man with great work ethic. You obviously embody this same work ethic.
Sarah @ SeaEatsArt says
“Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
I have always liked that thought, sorry about your loss.
Brooke - One Healthy Cookie says
I’m so sorry for your loss Kath. Your family is in my thoughts today.
Susan says
Kath,
So sorry about your loss, our thoughts are with you and your family today. Reading about your “Pop” makes it easy to see that you’ve inherited his values of optimism, commitment to your beliefs and the ability to inspire others to do well. He built an amazing legacy and you’re blessed to have known him.
All the best,
Susan
CMae says
Echoing the sentiments here — I’m sorry for your loss. What a wonderful family you have. (And a fantastic breakfast! I never would have thought to use a hotel glass for an impromptu parfait!)
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
My heart is with you and your family today. So sorry about your loss.
Jasmine @ Eat Move Write says
I prefer whole grains, too, but as far as muffins go, that blueberry one at Sbux is the shiz. 🙂
Aw. I know it must be a mixed blessing that he made the front page, but that’s so cool he did.
Juliene says
So sorry for your loss. I have no grandparents left but my husband is lucky enough to have his and I cherish the time we have with them. I was actually just reading that little article in the Baltimore Sun and didn’t realize that was your Pop. Enjoy your time with family and spend time reflecting on the good memories!
Amanda-The Nutritionist Reviews says
So sorry to hear about your grandpa. He was such a cute older gentleman!
I don’t know if you are religious but remember that he is in a better place now. Hang in there!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brittany @ A Healthy Slice of Life says
Front page? He must have been loved and respected by many!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i’m super impressed that in the midst of everything you’re going through you have the creative energy to come up with healthy meals! i hope you have a good day today, and i’m definitely thinking of and praying for you and your family.
Kamaile says
Thinking of you.
Allison K says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours today.
Maissa says
I agree with you on the whole, preferring the denseness of whole grain breads/muffins etc thing. There’s just something so good and hearty about whole grained foods.
I also wanted to say I’m really sorry for your loss. Best of luck to you and your family.
Wei-Wei says
Wow, your grandfather must have been a great man! Will you be telling us his story?
Meg says
You and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers, Kath, may he rest in peace.
Jackie says
Kath — I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather sounded like a wonderful person, and he helped build an incredible family.
I wish I had known you were near the Towson Town Center — there’s a Trader Joe’s right beside it that I could have pointed out to you. I hope you have the chance to enjoy Baltimore (my hometown) a bit. It’s Restaurant Week!
Dorry says
Thinking about you + your family today.
Lana says
You never cease to amaze me with your ability to whip up a delicious- looking healthy meal.
It is great to see your strength through these hard times. You are definitely a role model. Your family is in my thoughts.
TheHealthyApron says
Sorry for your loss.
Stacy says
Losing a grandparent is always so hard! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
Callie says
So sorry about your Pop. He sounded amazing.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Sorry for your loss, Kath. You’re in our prayers
Megan (Braise The Roof) says
So sorry to hear about your loss- it sounds like he was a great man! It’s such a blessing when family can be together to remember a family member who has passed on- weddings and funerals really bring us together, huh? 🙂 Sending prayers for you and your family today!
Sheila Viers | Live Well 360 says
You are in my thoughts. Cyber hug.
jassy says
it’s nice that society remembers your grandpa…i hope it does help ease the pain 🙁
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
Sorry for your loss, Kath.
Lauren says
Very sad times, but it seems from the articles that he was a wonderful man and you were blessed to know him for the time you did.
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. Seems like your Grandfather was a wonderful and honored man.
PS: That parfait in the hotel cup is both genius and delicious!
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
I’m sorry for your loss Kath.
Lindsey says
I’m so sorry for your loss Kath. What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather to have an article about him on the front page of the paper. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
I know how difficult it can be to lose your grandparents. All of my grandfathers have passed away. My mama’s dad passed away at the age of 50 so it was before I was even born. And my dad’s dad passed away in June last year, that was so difficult for me because he was such a kind and funny man.
Ashley says
Thinkin about you girl 🙂
Chelsea says
Hi Kath,
It’s wonderful that your family can come together to remember your grandfather. And thanks for modeling healthy eating especially during an emotional time! Sending you and your family peace.
Sarah R says
What an honor for your grandpa. He must have been quite the guy. Thoughts for you and your family this morning.
Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy says
Hope everything goes well.
Way to go on getting yourself a good, healthy breakfast even in such difficult times.
Mandy A says
Thinking of you and your family today, Kath!
Um… I’d give in to the Blueberry Streusel, too 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
that’s great that he was honored on the front page of the paper.
Anne@ Food Loving Polar Bear says
I’m sorry for your loss, Kath!
Nan says
Kath, so sorry for your loss. I read your blog daily so I keep up with you however, unknowingly, I was reading the Baltimore SUn this morning (I am originally from Baltimore and in town visiting my family for the week) and read about your grandfather. He sounded like such a special and amazing person. How amazing that that story was about your grandfather! Im so glad I could read your blog about him and have him celebrated on the front page of the newspaper.
kathleen says
What an amazing Grandpa…I too shared an “Ernest/Ernie” as a grandpa. Besides the same name, lots of similarities in looks and career accomplishments…probably why this entry made me tear up. So sorry for your loss Kath – hugs to you and your family.
sarahMTSBB says
i’m sorry! 🙁 it sucks that no matter how long and great lives they have lived, we’re never really ready say goodbye.
sarah k @ the pajam chef says
so sorry for your loss
Chelsey says
I totally love your impromptu breakfast – you sure do know how to make it work. You’ve been in my thoughts all day – enjoy the time you have with your family despite the circumstances.
page says
i am so sorry i hear about your grandfather. i just lost my grandfather this year too (he was 94) and he lived in maryland too. i couldn’t help but notice you are in the parking lot next to towsontown center in towson, md. that’s my hometown! crazy. hope you enjoy your time with your family and that wonderful memories of your time together will ease your sadness.
p.s. the best local coffee shop is the baltimore coffee and tea company in timonium, just up the road from towson. 9 West Aylesbury Road
Hannah says
Your parfait looks so good and creative – I wish I’s had that for breakfast this morning! I do prefer muffins to streusel, though 🙂
jessica says
My grandpa’s name was Ernie too. He passed away a year ago. May they both rest in peace. I’m sorry for your loss Kath.
Liz O says
I read the article on the Baltimore Sun website – Your Grandpa was amazing!! My husband and I hope to be like him at 92, still doing what he loves and keeping his mind sharp! I read portions aloud and my husband simply said “He’s awesome!”
Sad for your sadness, but inspired by your grandpa’s life.
kirsten says
Kath I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa!