What they couldn't see

At a certain point she questioned her own motives for building her vegetable empire. At the base of it all was the need to be constantly busy or at least that is how it started. Keeping busy meant she could avoid dealing with the situation with her husband as he had a roving eye and body. It also gave her control of her finances which allowed her to ensure that Tommy had an allowance, which while it seemed controlling (and she recognized it was) meant that his desire for frivolous purchases were denied. It seemed to Gwyneth that her life was in a constant state of flux and yet somehow, she did seem to manage to pull things together. Her two girls were fun and always challenging her but in a good way. Their separate personalities were beginning to take them in different directions. Tommy was slipping through her fingers; her mother had been right. He was too self-centered, he did not need her or the kids though he doted on them, he needed his freedom. Tommy had worked initially doing deliveries and then at a certain point he got bored and frustrated as he was doing something he really did not enjoy. After an intense discussion with Gwyneth, it was agreed that he should return to being a car mechanic as that was what he was good at. It would make him financially independent after he bought out the owner with Gwyneth’s hard-earned money, but this would allow him financial freedom and not to be a burden on Gwyneth’s business. She could easily hire a delivery boy to take over from Tommy and give him freedom generally, which is what he really wanted. Well, this is the end of my marriage as I know he will just find women to look after him in all ways, but it has been that way for a while. The drinking has worsened, and he is beginning to turn into my dad with the abuse. Not healthy Gwyneth had her eyes opened to Facebook by one of her friends in the village. At first, she was apprehensive but after friend showed her how it worked, she became intrigued and curious with whom she could contact. She began to understand how it might work for her from a business perspective. She started to publish her recipes she then added the idea of getting the girls to help her with making videos of her cooking. These seemed to be very successful, and she started to get inquiries and comments from all over the world. What had started as a tip of the toe into the online world had become a major part of Gwyneth’s day. It was here that she connected with Trinnie. It started as a dialogue but became so much more. Gwyneth 1 I have never really met anyone through Facebook I have to admit it is a bit odd. I mean is she really who she says she is? I wonder what she makes of me, particularly as all my settings are on private Gwyneth 2 I do like the recipes and the videos she makes obviously has a close connection with her kids. Doesn’t seem full of herself. Dear Trinnie, I am glad you enjoyed my piece about leeks and the recipe for leek and potato pie. I look forward to hearing about your experiences with making the pie and using leeks generally. I was not aware that the leek is such an unknown and under-utilized vegetable in cooking. I am curious. Do people in America simply not eat leeks, or is it the part of America that you live in that does not use leeks in cooking? Gwyneth Dear Gwyneth, I never ate leaks growing up here in the Seattle area and I have never been aware of their existence to be perfectly honest with you. We would never come home from school and say mom are you making leeks for supper? Trinnie Dear Trinnie, Have a go at the leek and potato pie and let me know what you think. I think you will be surprised by both the flavor and how smooth it is. It is one of my winter favorites. Gwyneth Dear Gwyneth, Well, the recipe was easy to follow and much to my surprise was tasty and filling. The leeks tasted like spring onions, but zestier. Particularly when balanced with the creaminess of the potatoes. This was a new venture for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Are there any recipes from your region (I see you live in Wales) that you would recommend? I would also say that the steps in the recipe were simple with the accompanying video really giving directed advice. I loved watching the kids helping which made it more personal. Oh, and I love your accent, the lilt sort of made everything that much more special. Trinnie Gwyneth 3 Is quite obvious that she loves to cook. I will try that Leek recipe (I guess whole foods will have them) seems easy to follow and with the YouTube video it will be like cooking with a friend Gwyneth 4 Bit surprised was excellent, who knew. I have a good feeling about Gwyneth such a put together lady. This is how their friendship began. After feeling each other out on various subjects from cooking to politics, from family to travel, they formed a powerful bond that enabled each of them to explore new ideas, while neutrally being able to give advice on a wide range of topics.