I'm Back!

I survived! VBS was great fun, but I'm breathing a HUGE sigh of relief that it's done. My only regret is that I didn't get a picture of my cardboard-box Jerusalem. I was very proud of it, though I don't think the monks up at Ave Maria Grotto should feel threatened. The kids liked it too, especially when we turned it into a boat on the day that they "walked on water", cornstarch and water, that is, mixed in massive quantities. It makes a non-Newtonian fluid/solid that is truly fascinating. It's liquid and solid all at once. We filled a tub with it, and the kids literally walked upon it, the story being when Jesus appeared walking upon the water and challenged Peter to walk across the waves to him on a stormy sea. The wild thing is that when you scoop it up in your hands and squeeze it, it becomes liquid again. Very cool.
So now my summer break begins, and with it comes various summery delights......

Fancy Pears, anyone?

Now my friend Noreene's husband Dave, who is from "up north" (which should be said with a sad shake of the head and a note of pity in the voice, followed by "bless his heart") thought she was lying when she told him about Fancy Pears. No one, he said, would eat mayonnaise and pears together. Well, here's proof! Some folks call it Pear Salad. It's a staple of family reunions and a suitable and proper Funeral Food. You take a can of pears, preferably in heavy syrup. They have to be the halves in order to sit like they should. Put a dollop of mayo in the little hole (that's why they have those little hollowed-out places, to put mayo in) and then sprinkle with grated cheddar. That's all there is to it. A friend from Chicago actually shudders when he thinks about Fancy Pears. But then, he's never had one. I have to admit that I don't eat much of the mayonnaise though, just enough to flavor the pear a bit.

Fancy Pears, macaroni and cheese, and pulled pork courtesy of my sister Jackie. Bless her heart.