a day in the life of a latvian mom

Let me introduce you to one of my early followers, Peggy! She’s a fantastic inspiration for traveling the world and cooking whatever pops up on page 32 of any cookbook. Peggy is the only one of my follower friends who has visited Latvia—although, despite the country being small, our paths haven’t crossed yet.

Here are her answers from leggypeggy.com and cookingonpage32.wordpress.com! Attention stamp collectors—this one’s for you! Stick around till the end!

Getting to Know You

What inspired you to start your blog?

I have two blogs. One covers my travels—leggypeggy.com. The other—cookingonpage32.wordpress.com — prompts me to cook from my enormous collection of cookbooks.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself—where you’re from, what you do, and what you enjoy most in life?

I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska, but have lived in Canberra, Australia since 1982. In 1976, I won a scholarship to do my masters degree at the University of Cairo, Egypt. That’s where I met my future husband, John, an Australian diplomat.

Over the years, I’ve done many different jobs, but most have involved writing and editing. I’ve worked on daily and weekly newspapers, been a communications manager for a university, been an editor for Australian government publications, edited loads of annual reports, and worked in advertising.

These days I enjoy retirement, my kids, my grandkids, my garden, my travels and sourdough bread.

What are your top three hobbies or passions?

Animals, cooking and travel are my passions. Come with me to walk the dog or make sourdough bread. Need travel advice?

Personality Insights

What’s a unique skill or talent you’re proud of?

I remember numbers, Phone numbers, addresses and more. Maybe that’s because I also have a degree in mathematics.

What’s your favorite way to relax or unwind after a busy day?

Not sure it’s very relaxing, but I get cooking at the end of the day.

Are you more of a planner or do you prefer going with the flow?

I’m a bit of both.

Fun and Creative

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

This is the toughest question of all. How could I decide? My dad wasn’t a historic figure, but he died when I was 18. I’ve love to have an evening with him. If it had to be an historic figure, maybe Audrey or Katherine Hepburn. No particular reason.

What’s a hobby or interest you’re passionate about that others might not know?

I collect stamps, but have not been very dedicated in recent years. Does anyone want some of my spares?

What’s an unusual or quirky tradition you have in your life?

How can I pick just one

Life Lessons and Reflections

What’s a key lesson you’ve learned from a significant life experience?

Always good to sleep on a decision.

How do you handle setbacks or challenges, and what’s your strategy for overcoming them?

Luckily life is on my side and these days I don’t face too many setbacks or challenges.

Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Be true to yourself.

And that was Peggy! I so agree with the last answer – always, be true to yourself. Honestly, I agree—I meant to say “someone from the past,” but ended up going with “historical figure” instead.