Unexpected Trip

My recent trip to Idaho was unlike any other. I came all the way from Germany to comfort my daughter. She was going through a break up, or so I thought . They got back together before I even got off the plane. So I stayed with my mom, hoping to spend some quality time with her, but found her fully immersed in the harvest season, busy working at the scale house from dawn till dusk. With her hands full, I found myself spending time with my stepdad—something we had rarely done before, just the two of us. This unexpected time together ended up turning my trip into a surprising and heart warming experience, full of small adventures and lessons.

One morning started with his famous pasilla scramble. He proudly called it his specialty, and I quickly understood why. The scrambled eggs, infused with smoky pasilla peppers, had a rich flavor that made this breakfast something I looked forward to. It was an unexpected bonding ritual, sharing meals that felt both rustic and comforting.

One day, he mentioned he’d be canning pears, a process I’d never tried before. So, we gathered baskets full of fresh, golden pears and got to work. He taught me how to wash and peel them, prepping them for canning, and explained every step with a patience I hadn’t expected. Soon, we had rows of jars, filled with perfectly preserved pears—a symbol of our shared effort and a delicious memory sealed for the winter.

Next, we headed out to pick grapes. Together, we washed and then steamed the fruit into juice, the dark, sweet liquid filling the kitchen with a rich aroma. Each task felt like a part of a rhythm, a way of living I hadn’t seen up close before. It was deeply rewarding to see the literal fruits of our labor, made all the more meaningful by sharing it with him.

Before I left for Germany, we made one final harvest: picking apples. These were destined for his homemade apple cider. Although I wouldn’t be around to see the process through, I knew that every bottle would hold a part of this unexpected and wonderful trip. As I headed back home, I felt grateful—not just for the new skills I’d learned, but for the chance to get to know the person my stepdad truly is.

It’s funny how a trip can unfold in ways you never expect. My visit to Idaho, which I thought would be about reconnecting with my daughter and mom, ended up bringing me closer to someone I hadn’t had the chance to know.

Below are 4 still pictures then 4 clickable pictures of suggested products to shop!