Gratitude

Wow, what a year!! Looking back upon 2013, I am filled with gratitude for all of the gifts I have been given. Never in a million years did I envision myself doing what I do, but it appears life's journey takes you down many roads, and I am learning that if you have the courage to surrender, things will work themselves out exactly as they meant to...Easier said than done, true (especially for a control freak like me!), but an important lesson nevertheless. This season has been the toughest yet the most rewarding to date, and I have faith that if I continue on the path I've begun good things will come my way. So, on that note, I would like to thank all of you who made 2013 such a great success.

Growth

Last year Pippy's did about 4 events, this year--19!!! I took that little red truck to places I never thought possible: trespassing on private property for a wedding after-party in Beacon, an apple orchard in Rhinebeck, a couple of school playgrounds, a block party in Kingston, festivals on the Hudson River, and much, much more. My truck really is like therapy to me, just driving her lifts my spirits! And even better? The truck brings happiness to others, too. Can't ask for more in my book. Here's just a glimpse through my eyes into some of last year's events....

At the entrance of Bacon Alley at Troy Pig-Out

Cornell Street Studios Craft Fair in uptown Kingston 

Set up in the park for the O+ Music Festival

Hudson Valley Foodtruck Festival has a new home, Cantine Field in Saugerties!!

The Basilica Soundscape in Hudson

Kristen's Birthday Party in a beautiful apple orchard in Rhinebeck

Drumboogie Festival in Woodstock...awesome event!

Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Hittin the big time : )

Felice County Fair at Opus 40. Nice to see my Pville peeps!

Morse Course Benefit at Grant D. Morse Elementary...those kids love their dogs with catsup!

Suzanne, Isaac, and Luca at Woodstock Day School

Some dissatisfied customers at the ZombieFest in Rosendale

Friends
I am so lucky to have so many lifelong friends, and they are good enough sports to help me out from time to time. I feel as if by working with me on my truck they get an insight into who I am, and we have a blast doing it. Who knows, maybe I am igniting the fire within some future food truck owners?

The lovely Ms. Kelli Rae Gilmore...a long way from 40's and Tribe Called Quest with Kingston boys ;)

My adorable nephew and niece, Michael and Aubrey. Aubrey loved working the truck, Michael...not so much.

Steve Murphy, aka Gold Jesus, has worked the window a few times. He's the best!

BF and sister Anne McGrath. No words.

Sean McCormick. The sassiest thing Kingston ever has seen!

My sister Michelle, the biggest badass besides me to work the truck ;)

Truck Friends
My little truck has come a long way from the lonely, solitary days in the Kaaterskill Clove. Now she has a whole stable of other truck friends. Here are a few....

Wandering Dago from the northern parts

Kingston's Danzante serving authentic Latin fare

Slidin' Dirty, my fellow BaconFest 2012 soldiers

The adorable Yum-Yum Noodle Truck

Truck Pizza from Hudson

Newbie Ate-O-Ate from near Westchester

The super friendly folks from Jumpin Jack Flash

Fell in love with this little guy at Troy Pig-Out.

Sean's Tin Cantina. Awesome homemade hot sauce!!

Bootleggers...these guys are new to the scene, and they're hungry ;)

The gorgeous Black Forest Flammkuchen Truck

Marc and Michelle Propper's 'Cue Truck

Community

I am especially grateful to my hometown of Palenville for another wonderful season. It appears as if our little hamlet is experiencing a Renaissance of sorts, and the community is uniting for positive change and growth. Thanks to the efforts of Jill Burkholder and Christine Clark, Palenville had our first of many Hidden Gallery Walks, celebrating the hamlet as the heart of the Hudson River School of Art Movement. Dan and Jen Souza not only opened a charming wine shop, Lower Clove Wine and Spirits, but they also organized and implemented the Plant Palenville Project and purchased the Swinging Bridge property, giving hope to future rebuilding efforts. The Circle W Market continues to serve as a community center of sorts, uniting like-minded people and providing the town with a place to eat, laugh, and connect. Michael's Restaurant is up and running and a welcome addition to the main street. Guys n' Gals is busy, even adding a third stylist to the crew. Kindred Spirits, the Rip Van Winkle Country Club, and the Fernwood Restaurant provide a variety of dining options for locals and tourists alike...all good stuff. It just goes to show that people are eager to support each other, if given the chance.

Just one of the many Plant Palenville gardens

Lower Clove Wine and Spirits

The beloved Circle W Market, going on 3 years!!

So, season 3 is a wrap...so much work, so much fun, so much learned. Thanks to all the people who helped in so many ways (you know who you are), with your patronage and your words of encouragement. I truly love what I do and cannot wait for 2014.

xxoo,

Heather

Summertime Madness

The summer is going by so quickly!! So many events, so many new customers, so much fun! The truck has really taken off this season, and in addition to the brisk business at The Triangle (my usual spot), I am doing over 16 other events...Hudson Valley Foodtruck Festivals, Troy Pig-Out, Chronogram 20th Anniversary Block Party, Hudson Valley Food and Wine Festival, wedding after parties, and much, much more. I have found that if I continue to challenge myself and stretch, there is no limit to what can be done. So, my advice to you? Take that truck on the thruway and push it to 65. She may be old and a little rickety, but she can handle it. If something scares you, do it! You'll never know what you can do unless you try. And you know what, you will surprise yourself. Guaranteed.

                                                                          
The Truck
I have come to see my truck as an extension of myself (I know it sounds crazy, but I do!), and the healthier and happier I become in my life, the better she looks, too. But, as in life, the truck cannot do it on her own, she needs some help. So, a special "Thank you" goes out to my dear friend Kelli Gilmore and her boyfriend Mr. Steven Yates for getting my ventilation hood installed. It has truly changed my life and made it so much more comfortable to work in the heat. And what does a food truck owner do for friends who help her out? Well, bring the truck to their house for a little party, of course!

Thanks, Kelli!!

                                                               

Thanks, Steven!!

                                                             

The Beautiful Hood

                                                             

Another big thanks goes out to Dave Dyke for upgrading my electric. I think he was a little shocked at how shoddy it was, but now it is swanky and up to code. Check out this plug!

I must say, Pippy's is getting better looking as time goes by...

        The Food

Always looking to expand the menu and come up with wacky, fun ideas, I have added the Elvis Dog, bacon wrapped and fried, with a peanut-butter honey spread and topped with bananas and a chili-cayenne dusting...There truly is no end to the combinations you can discover, and one of my favorite things to do is to brainstorm with friends on menu items!

Jonathan with the Elvis Dog

Preston's Lunch Feast-Elvis Dog, Hendrix, Lonnie, and All-American!!

I am honored to work with some of the areas most innovative and hard-working artisans, and am pleased to announce that Pippy's now offers Banana Moon Cookies from Arlene Deahl. Arlene has taken a family tradition and put her own modern spin on it, turning it into an exciting, fulfilling business. A woman after my own heart!

Arlene and her adorable daughter, Murphy

Banana Moon's delicious Dark Chocolate-Chipotle Cookies

Also honored to work with Sauerkraut Seth's out of Philmont, New York. Seth Travins is a fermenting genius, making the most delicious raw sauerkraut and kimchee I have ever tasted. A hot dog truck and sauerkraut maker, a match made in heaven!

Friends

One of the best things about being a food truck owner is that I get to interact with so many interesting, wonderful people. Here are a few of them...

The adorable, talented Emily Sprague on her scooter

Gorgeous and graceful Kierra Lama

The Lynch Crew

The Yehs!!

Ella and Jonah

Old School Girlfriend Katie Robbiani 

Morgan and Harper

Anne and Gus

Michelle and Hazel

Aliya and Brendan

Biker Bill, from Pennsylvania, who's been with me since my opening weekend

Josie Edwards, at 94 the oldest and sassiest person in Palenville

The summer is in full swing and quickly zooming by. I am so grateful for the continued support and look forward to a fun and successful rest of the season. Thanks so much, everyone!!

xxoo,

Heather