Caramel Squares for Sam

Last weekend my youngest son, Sam, came to visit from college. It was wonderful to have him home again! We decided to get the family together for dinner and I made caramel squares for dessert. The recipe I used is from our church’s cookbook and Sam loves them! Since I knew they were his favorite, I made plenty of extras for him to take back to school and share with his friends. Below is the recipe to try for your own family and friends.

Enjoy!

Susan

Caramel Squares:

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Brown Sugar

1 Stick of Margarine

1 Egg

1 Cup of Plain Flour

1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder

A Pinch of Salt

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla

1 Cup of Nuts

Directions:

First preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then, melt the sugar and margarine together and let cool. Next beat the egg into the mixture. Add the remaining ingredients and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the caramel squares from the oven and allow them to cool before cutting them into squares.

Take it to the Hoop!

My daughter-in-law, Megan, recently began a new job as the director at our church’s afterschool program through the YMCA. She loves working with the children and I know that our community is pleased to have someone of her faith and dedication to keep the program going strong. Yesterday Megan and my son, Mac, erected a basketball goal at our church for the kids. I know they will be delighted to have an area to play basketball outside this fall. I always encouraged my own children to be involved in athletic activities. They are a great venue for teaching the important life skills of teamwork and good sportsmanship. The new basketball goal will surely be a blessing to the afterschool program as playtime and learning combine!

Susan

Tussie Mussies

A couple of weeks ago I visited our local farmer’s market with my friend and co-worker, Jeannie. Our friendship started over twenty years ago when we first met as artists and we’ve been painting together ever since! Jeannie and I love attending local festivals and events together and today was National “Enjoy More Herbs” Day at the market. Walking through the market we discovered a table hosted by the Charlotte Herb Guild. They had an assortment of information on herbs and recipes to share, but one particular item caught our eye. They were called tussie mussies- lovely arrangements of herbs with cards attached. The cards were very sweet and added a personal touch as they explained each herb’s symbolism. Originally a Victorian bridal bouquet, tussie mussies are now given as thoughtful ways to show someone you care. I purchased one for my mother-in-law and she absolutely loved it! They are beautiful arrangements and give fresh, lasting scents. What a wonderful way to send a “hello” to a loved one!

Susan

Visit the Charlotte Herb Guild’s website for more information on tussie mussies, their history, and how to make them.

http://www.geocities.com/charlotteherbguild/links.htm

Appalachian’s Big Victory

What an exciting day for football! Today our beloved Appalachian State University beat Michigan University, 34 to 32. Al and I are not alumni ourselves (Go Tarheels!) but we have supported ASU for several years as it is our oldest son Mac’s alma mater and where our youngest son Sam is currently a freshman. Sam was at school watching the game at a local pizza place and from the sound of it, the place was packed with screaming Mountaineer fans! I know this because he agreed to call us every few minutes with updates, since we were unable to find a broadcast of the game ourselves. Of course Al and I spent the afternoon by the phone, anxiously waiting for the play-by-play. It was an intense game! I agreed with the newscaster who called it a “David versus Goliath” event as our boys were practically unknowns playing at the largest collegiate stadium in the country, among thousands of Michigan fans. As it came to the final minutes of the game, Al was able to find a scratchy radio broadcast of the game. The two of us gathered closely on the edge of our seats as we heard Appalachian block a 37 yard field goal attempt to win the game! We were already celebrating when Sam called to give us the news. Hoarse from cheering, he stayed to celebrate the victory with his friends and meet the team as their buses returned to campus. It is such an exciting way for Sam to kick-off his first year at ASU, I know it is a game he will never forget!

Susan