Originally posted on Changing Habits 2017

It’s funny where life takes you and how it puts you in the right place at the right time, you just have to be open to it.

I’ve had a tiring last couple of days.  Starting with a long flight to Philadelphia from San Francisco, dinners, rehearsals, meeting people, nerves and the 10 minute talk for TEDx Wilmington.  I was pooped to say the least.

Flying back to San Francisco to meet Howard was easy, not too early a flight, so I could sleep in and enjoy a healthy breakfast at the Hotel Du Pont.

I get to the airport and our plane is running late due to maintenance issues.

After many delays we leave 3 hours later.

Six hours on the flight, no on board entertainment, so I had a sleep, looked through some photos and cleaned out my computer.

I arrived at San Francisco airport.  There is a 5.30pm bus leaving for Petaluma where I’m meeting Howard.  I’m the last one off the plane due to being in the last row.  I don’t know what it is, but it takes American’s a long time to board and get off a plane.  Time is ticking away.

My luggage is a mile away, so I walk quickly to get my bag, I head out to find the bus has just arrived, thank goodness it was late.

I give my bag to the driver and hop on the bus.  I’m keen to see as much of San Francisco as I can in the short 2 hours on the bus, so I sit at the front next to a lady with a beautiful smile.

I settle in and say hello to my travelling companion for the ride to Petaluma.  Her name is Mila and she has just arrived from Croatia.  Her daughter and grandson travelled to Croatia with her, they parted ways at the airport.

Mila is originally from Croatia, but has lived north of SF for the past 45 years, she has 4 daughters, a husband who has passed and grandchildren, who she spends, time looking after.  She is totally devoted to her family.  She tells me about the harsh economy of Croatia and is glad she lives in America and is glad her girls live near her.

She finds out I’m a nutritionist and ask what type of nutrition I do.  I tell her it’s about getting back into the kitchen to feed and nourish a family to heal a nation.  She looks at me with a sparkle in her eyes and says ‘exactly’.

Mila then tells me how she fed her family as they grew up, sauerkraut, chicken broth, home made Croatian meals.  She tells me her children were never sick as she fed them real food, no packaged stuff what so ever.

Mila and I have the most wonderful bus ride to Petaluma discussing recipes and home remedies but punctuated by her giving me a commentary on the beautiful parts of San Francisco. 

I fall in love with her and her passion for food and cooking and her gentle ways.  She tells me her children want her to teach them her traditions and recipe favourites.  I tell her to write it down and to make sure they know how to carry on her knowledge.

Mila gives me her winter tonic for staying well and I asked if I could share it with you. I’ve called it: Russian Tonic by Mila from Croatia

Mila gave me another hint: she told me if you want to get all the soap out of your clothes, place ¼ cup of white vinegar in rinse cycle of wash instead of softener. Also camomile tea at 6 weeks for colicky babies and it will help them sleep.

She was a lover of porridge, especially cream of wheat, but you could do any grain, by soaking and slow cooking; the Chinese make konji (rice), the Russians make kasha (buckwheat) the Scots make oatmeal (oats)  The main theme is to soak, slow cook and use a lot of water.

I didn’t want to leave Mila when I got off the bus, we hugged each other and said goodbye.

I gave her my card, so I’m hoping she contacts me soon.

Cyndi