There’s a new mama in my life and she is not like my mama and she lives and works down the road from our new farm. We had our first meal at “Mama’s” last night, just outside of Cambridge, N.Y. on Route 22 and we met Louise Fairbanks, the new owner and sat in a roomy booth not too far from our new house. Maybe I’ll ride Simon down there one day.

There is a spacious and comfortable bar and music on weekends, and quiet, roomy tables and booths offering seafood, good burgers and to our happy surprise, a vegetarian menu. I had the turkey wrap, Maria had the roast vegetable wrap. I am always a bit wary of roadhouse restaurants, but not this one. I asked Louise if I could come in and photography “Mama’s” from time and on music nights (weekends) and she shrugged, smiled and said sure. I love the big old bar, it brought back a lot of fine memories of my spicier days. I plan to go there on cold winter nights and brood.

This is just one of those very comfortable, friendly places and we had good meals and drinks for just over $30. We just connected to the place. Louise spotted me walking in the day, and said, “hi, Jon Katz” – we had never met, and not another word.

In the next chapter of my life, I am hoping to broaden the blog a bit – still focusing on the farm and the dogs and animals – but also on the people and places in our new lives. I definitely want to know more about Louise, the new “mama” in my life. We are also delighted to have a good place to eat so close by.

In the new farm, we will be more in the world, and I like that. I need that right now.