piecemeal

We discuss the co-op as a social institution to provide highly sustainable conscious living options framed in an alternate economic system, we discuss our lifestyle in terms of providing an energetic socially dynamic community, we mention the delights of chore load-balancing, or the therapy of constant laughter.

But don't underestimate the power of damn good food.

6 delicious nutritious dinners a week, brunch on Saturday; international vegetarian and vegan multi-course meals, fresh bread and desserts, home-baked granola for breakfast - and each of us only cooks (and cleans) twice a month. Forget fetching papa's pipe and slippers: I vigorously vote that the embrace of kitchen scents are the best greeting at the door in the evening. (Not to mention a nonsense conversation around the dinner table rating as the best painkiller ever.)

I love tasting the new foods folks try out, rejoicing to see my favorite flavours in new incarnations, and pushing myself to discover or develop new recipes for 14-person meals that strike me more as a celebration than a chore. Kate's famous meals took her all afternoon and presented us with the quandary of whether to photograph or dig into the intensely beautiful cuisine laid out for us. It wasn't just intensely YUMMY, it was intensely artistic.

But I must say, as nice as the lack of responsibility for food prep is... I have fun too on nights where we have a gap in the calendar and everyone gathers in the kitchen for an impromptu meal pieced together and enjoyed together.