Feeling the Love

If you're feeling unloved and unwanted, volunteer to teach the 5 year olds' Primary class, and then take a two week vacation. Sunday, after a two week absence, I received no less than 5 hugs from the 3 girls in my class. The one boy in class didn't offer me a hug, but he did smile as he walked past me in the chapel.

Party Food

For your next party, or perhaps just for your next snack, consider this spread/dip I made Saturday:

Orange Pecan Cream Cheese Spread

Combine in a bowl and mix until smooth:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 C finely chopped toasted pecans
• 1/4 C orange marmalade (I used closer to 1/3 cup)
  
• 1/4 tsp salt

This is the first recipe from The Joy of Cooking 75th Anniversary Edition that's actually turned out for me. This tastes best on Ritz crackers.

Fast

No, not fast as in the adjective, but as in the verb. I'm on a chocolate/fast food fast for the next month. I can't add sugar to that, because then I'd have to give up Zotz (thanks, B!).

Where I've Been

Most readers know, but I've been too busy (and tired) to blog lately. Last week I spent Sunday afternoon through Thursday at Cub Scout Day Camp. Three words of description are hot, hot, hot.

If I go next year, I'll know many things to do differently, including:

• wear sunscreen on my hands (they look very old with a tan)
• borrow a REAL pop-up canopy rather than a tarp with stakes, free-standing poles, and rope
• take a backpack water bag (already bought one)
• start making nametags earlier than Saturday night

I spent Saturday through Tuesday traveling to and from, and having a lovely time, in beautiful (and beautifully cool) San Diego. I didn't take any pictures, but you can look at Whitney's pictures for a small taste of my trip (though I didn't stay at a hotel, shop, visit the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, or eat churros). But I did experience an earthquake and I had a great time with Brooke and Shanna, as well as seeing (uncle) Burton and Janiece and various husbands and children of the cousins.

Reciprocal

When someone says that being around me makes her want to be a better person, it makes me want to be a better person. So, thank you S!