Week in Review

Well, I went to Tuesday Club....on Tuesday, of course. The program was about Viet Nam, "And that's all I've got to say about that." (Forrest Gump)

I subbed for kindergarten on Wednesday. Kindergarten is a tough crowd because you have to spend the whole day convincing them that you are not some imbecile they found wandering aimlessly in the parking lot. "Listen you guys, I know what I'm doing. I can read and everything. And, look, I have all the instructions right here. Remain calm and we will survive this trauma together."

Field Trip

On Friday morning I played school marm to a group of second grade students at the Wayne Center One Room Schoolhouse. I had told their teacher if any of them wanted to wear old fashioned clothes it would be great. Lots of families in our area have period costumes because we have an annual pioneer apple festival. When the kids got off the bus, I was surprised and amused because almost half of them were wearing cowboy hats and some, cowboy boots. I guess they thought we were going on a cattle drive. Oh, well, it's second grade. Here is a picture of me with the group. (Many of them have left their hats inside)

By the way, fungus has attacked the schoolhouse door and it is starting to fall apart. The door is 7 feet long and 3 feet wide. If you can help us, let me know by leaving a comment on this here blog. We'd be much obliged, partner- Yee Haw.

Speaking of the annual Apple Festival. This was the weekend! Brent and Lindsey came up so they could attend. They brought back with them Maddie the Amazing Barking Dog. Lindsey was glad to have Maddie's company while Brent was in Texas. She said that she thought Maddie enjoyed her stay because there were many neighbor kitties to bark at. She also said that the visit was a kind of mini fat camp for Maddie because her snacking was restricted to graham crackers and bits of cheese. Poor dog! I went immediately to the pantry and got her a handful of Maple Frosted Mini Wheat Biscuits and a roll of Smarties. I bet she's glad to be home!

Oh, and I almost forgot, Bob came home from the west coast - with minimal dirty laundry. What a guy!!!

It was the hottest Apple Festival in history! Near 90 degrees both days. I worked both afternoons in the information booth. Here I am handing out complimentary shopping bags to the tens of thousands of visitors who come to the festival to eat our great food. Do I look hot? No, the other hot. This picture was taken early. My bloomers were soaked!

Sunday Supper

Of course, some of us were stuffed with Festival food, but since the kids were here, (Brent, Lindsey, and Rob) we thought we'd serve a nice dinner on Sunday evening, just before the Packer/Bear's game. We had spaghetti, salad, french bread, and, for dessert, apple pie. I know that doesn't sound very exciting, but the spaghetti sauce is special because, well, you cook it for nine hours - six on the first day that you make it, then it goes into the refrigerator and comes out and cooks three more hours on the second day. It's delicious. and you have lots to put in the freezer for future enjoyment.

Nick and Stormy got this recipe from their son's in-laws. It was not handed over to them until after the wedding reception, when everything was official so let's call this recipe.......

Second Son in Marriage - Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Exchange

2 lbs ground beef

2 medium onions diced

6 cloves garlic, pressed

1 cup Romano cheese, grated

128 ounces tomato sauce

18 ounces tomato paste

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

2 tsps. fennel

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. dried tarragon

1/4 tsp heaping, dried oregano

2 large bay leaves

1 tsp., heaping, dried rosemary

2 dashes each; marjoram, mace, and thyme

3 dashes ground oregano

Brown and mash ground beef in large pot (potato masher works well) Add onions and garlic and cook until onions are clear. Add spices, stirring thoroughly. Add tomato sauce and paste mixing thoroughly.

When mixture begins to bubble, add Romano cheese and mix. Cover the pot and turn down the heat and simmer for at least six hours. Cool and refrigerate overnight. Reheat and let simmer for 2 to 4 more hours before serving. Enjoy!

OH NO! Packers lose! Brett, what the heck happened??

Yays for the Colts and the Flaming Hearts keep on burnin'- Only two more games to achieve the perfect season!

Words of wisdom from The Office - Nothing will bring back your clients quicker than a nice gift basket. WE WANT OUR TURTLES!