And now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

It’s been over two weeks since we announced our un-planned hiatus due to a “family emergency”, but the Gal is back and we’re ready to shed a little light on our hiatus and resume service.

At the beginning of March, Eriko’s grandmother, Momoko, became ill with pneumonia. Months earlier, she had just suffered a stroke and was recovering via physical therapy. Contracting pneumonia in her weakened state lead to a rapid decline in her health. At that point in time, we decided to suspend operations so Eriko could travel to Japan to be with Momoko and her family. The day after our last pizza service on March 16th, Eriko flew back to Japan and then rode the shinkansen (bullet train) to Fukushima. Eriko was able to speak to and say goodbye to Momoko in some of her last lucid moments; we are extremely grateful she made it in time and had this opportunity. Momoko peacefully passed away at the age of 87, surrounded by her family, in the subsequent days on March 22nd with the ensuing funeral on April 1st. She leaves behind four children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with a storied legacy of servitude to the family’s Buddhist temple in Fukushima. Momoko had a deep impact on our lives and she will live in our memories forever (we’ll never forget the time she performed a traditional Japanese dance at our wedding; see below).

Eager to get back to her boys (Guy included), Eriko arrived back in Pacifica on April 2nd and is ready to resume operations. Both of us are excited to getting back to making pizza and serve you all. Hope to see you soon.