The Dip

When the weather is cold and snowy I love to make this dip. This is excellent for parties and potlucks and just in general anytime, I have to admit it is a favorite. Today I had a terrible scare, I only have this recipe saved on a printed e-mail. I have been meaning to type it up and save it so I won't loose it, yet somehow I hadn't gotten around to it. I almost lost the sheet today..... can you imagine ! So I typed it right away have decided to share it immediately for fear of it being lost ! I love to share recipes anyway and I have been meaning to email it to several people so here is the famous Spinach Artichoke Dip !

Spinach Artichoke Dip

10-12 servings

35 minutes to cook

1 (10oz.) box of frozen spinach chopped ( thaw and

squeeze out excess liquid)

1 (14 oz) can of artichoke hearts drained and chopped

1 C. shredded parmesan-Romano cheese mix

½ C. shredded mozzarella cheese

10 Oz. prepared alfredo sauce

1 tsp minced garlic

4 Oz. Softened cream cheese

pepper to taste and optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine ingredients thoroughly spread mixture into baking dish ( I use 8x8)

Bake for 25-35 minutes until cheese is bubbling cheese is melted

Serve with chips, bread, crackers, or vegetables

I often double the recipe .

Pack Winner

About 3 months ago the parent committee for Pack 338 started to plan the annual Pine Wood Derby for the cub scouts. About 2 months ago the committee bought derby car kits for all the boys in the pack. About 1 month ago the wood skills shop on base held pinewood derby car workshops for Dad's and boys to work on the "perfect car". Today pack 338 held their Pine Wood Derby Race...and one Tiger cub won the pack final race to become the 1st place winner for pack 338. H WON !!!!!!

When we knew about the race Sam & I talked about the car, how we wanted it to fun for H , and we wanted him to do the work to feel proud of his accomplishment. We knew there would need to be planning and time and some guidance. This was H's first Pine Wood Derby. We wanted it to fun and encouraging for him. I remember when my brother built his derby cars how he fiddled and worked hard to get the cars just right. I remember when T was a Bear cub and raced his first car. Now it was H's time. Sam went to the workshop with H, and marveled at the planning. H knew exactly what he wanted, he drew the shape on the block of wood and worked with the wood skills helpers to cut it just right. Sam & H talked about weights and how to drill the holes just right. H came home a month ago so incredibly proud of his smooth shaped wooden car. H was excited to tell me he sanded it and got to drill holes and he knew he was going to paint it green.

Over the next month H worked on more sanding, more planning, and finally painting his car. Green H's favorite color, very green. H then wanted gold and silver stripes, he even used masking tape to make the stripes. H put 3 coats of green on the car. Then he put number stickers and his weights and tires.

The day of the race H was so excited he even decided it needed it's own box. H borrowed a shoe box from P and raced out the door to our car to the race. Our hope for the race day was that H would have fun and enjoy cub scouts , laugh, play and just be a 6 year old boy. H hoped to laugh,play and see his friends cars. Really just pure fun. Everyone weighed in and there were minor adjustments to cars adding weight taking weight off and last minute tweaks. Four weigh ins later I felt we had it I was ready to hand it over to the official and H wanted the race to start, however Sam felt it needed one more touch. Sam reminded H about the wheel workshop they had gone to. H ran over and added the final touches to the wheels they learned about and excitedly ran off to sit with his friends. My friend Lona & Laughed a little at the dad's and the boys and all the hustle and bustle around the cars.

The Tiger Cubs were the first to race, H won each race 1st place. The amazing pictures Sam took capturing the emotion and excitement are priceless. H was sitting with his friend s and they cheered for him they talked and jumped, called out and laughed. I mean it was pure joy and happiness, not just H but all of his friends. To see a group of 6 year olds so excited about the races and their cars it was amazing kids juts being kids pure fun. It was just gravy that H won 1st place. The races went on the other dens raced and more boys came to watch everyone was laughing and screaming and having fun, exactly what this should be was fun. The laughter was contagious and everyone just felt happy to be. Siblings brought their cars and raced in a fun race, Dad's who made their own cars were racing and having fun. The day marched on and pizza was shared. Then came the finals.

H was the 1st place winner for Tiger cubs, Then there was a Bear, Wolf, Webelo I and Webelo II winner. The Webelo's are 4th & 5th graders and for the Webelo II's this is their last Pine Wood Derby in 2 weeks they will cross over and become Boy Scouts. Five boys including H were standing up front ready to race against each other. They had several final races to eliminate to 3 cars. Race after Race H's car beat the others, once it even jumped the track and there was a re-match. Every race his friends cheered more, the boys were genuinely kind and showed good sportsmanship. H won all the finals and took the title H's car was 1st !!!!! he won the pack 1st place !!!!! his friends surrounded him and they hugged and cheered and were just kids having fun one Saturday . The feeling of laughter and fun was infectious and everyone cheered laughed and smiled. I can't think of anywhere I would have rather been. I was so proud of H. Not simply because he won 1st place but, because he shared his joy with his friends, he laughed and tried his best, he had worked so hard. H had earned this all on his own I couldn't have been any prouder. I was incredibly proud of the spirit of the event and how he embraced it, he was just happy to share it all with his friends. H received cheers and kind words for this I am so grateful. H is on cloud nine and so excited he can't wait to go to the district and represent all of his friends !

District Derby here We Come...... the unstoppable Tiger cub and his green car named " The Green Dragon"

after the race we took the whole family for ice cream to celebrate his win, P hugged on him and told him he was proud of H. S gave hugs and kisses and smiled for H. The "Green Dragon" went back into it's box waiting for the next race. H was a happy kid.

Travel and the airplane conflict

I love to travel, I love to fly, however in today's climate I find both of these challenged.
I hadn't traveled anywhere in 6 months. With good reason kids, trying to settle in, and life in general. I also admit a part of me was still trying to accept I wasn't in Europe anymore, travel wasn't as exciting or as easy or expected. Sam is gone often and with the house it became easy to say I'm not ready to explore. I always find ways to explore where we are, to travel to every nook and cranny I can find. I want the kids to dive into where ever we are, I want them to learn about many places and live life to the fullest. I want them to know the world is a large place and they should go and see it, explore and meet new people . I do believe we see the world differently after we travel in it. The military takes us places we might not travel to we should take the opportunity and explore. I have seen amazing things in my travels I look forward to finding more and seeing more. I might just take a boat or a car to get there.

I flew on delta to NYC, every time I fly Delta I have some interesting experience that makes me wonder what I was thinking.... and I love to fly. Well the flight to NYC went well, with out incident. I actually felt lucky to have a row to myself, I almost didn't want to tell Sam who is usually squished into a tiny seat. When I landed Sam came to pick me up ( his flight came in earlier than mine) I told him about the flight and asked if he was hungry. Sam being a platinum member from all of his work travel told me he was upgraded to first class...... well I guess he had enough leg room.

Coming back from NYC was when it got interesting. I made it to the airport, which JFK is interesting. For an airport that large in a city that sees that many flights they really need to get their act together. I wanted to check my carry on suitcase, NO was my answer. I was concerned it had barley fit in the overhead bin coming and now I had treasures in it for the kids from NYC. I asked the check in clerk, I fit it into the bag sizer at the counter.... I undressed to get through security.. I found some coffee I was the only customer at 4 am and I told them 4 times I needed decaf ( I get migraines from caffeine) The coffee tasted odd and the cup didn't have the markings of caffeine free I was skeptical.....

I waited at the gate... and check the bag in the sizer again.... I asked the gate attendant to gate check it.... NO..... I waited to board the plane. I felt off I knew something wasn't right. I like window seats I love to look out the window I always book my seat ahead. I asked the check in clerk when I arrived in NYC if I had window seats for all my flights..... I walked down the aisle to board and the flight attendant mentioned she thought my bag was to big.... I asked for a gate check.... NO... I got to my seat..... They put me in the middle seat !!!!! Trying to recover from that I started to put my bag in the overhead bin.... I knew it wasn't going to fit despite putting it in the sizer's..... it didn't fit. I was standing on my seat so I wouldn't block the aisle.... I was hot and frustrated and getting a migraine ( it wasn't decaf) The flight attendant came over to "help" and this is where it went awry.....

The flight attendant grabbed my bag told me I would have to take things out and unzipped the front pocket...... she reached inside and pulled..... Now imagine those cans of flying silly snakes that comedians have..... yeah.... Only instead of a silly snake she pulled all of my dirty laundry from the trip..... Oh yes My panties were flying all over the aisle silk pj's and clothes strewn about the cabin..... I am trying not to swear I am turning fire engine red as a gentleman 3 rows up hands my 2 pairs of my panties..... once I had my things collected I was trying to stuff them in my purse... why ? The flight attendant took my bag put it in the bin and left me to pick up the clothes she flung all over the plane. Finally another flight attendant comes over and hands me a plastic Delta bag. I get settled about ready to swear like no sailor could; when I turn and see a long line of passengers staring at me. I don't think I could have turned any redder, I apologized for holding the line up and mumbled something about my seat and my panties and being mortified. The person with the window seat I was suppose to have sat down and struck up a conversation with me as if nothing were going on, and we were sitting in a park . She did ask if I was alright, and then she turned and put her hands on me like a healer. I was a bit taken aback, however before I could utter a word or squirm away the woman started to pray. I mean pray like she were at a revival. In the loudest voice she could muster she said " Jesus help this woman to feel loved and have a safe flight protect us from the evil around us......." Oh yes , the woman prayed on me. Now I appreciate the sentiment, however I was already the topic of conversation for 10 rows due to my panties, pj's and bras being scattered I really didn't need anymore conversation starters. Then she stopped turned and started reading a magazine as if nothing had happened.

I now have a migraine and three different men have touched my panties, and I am trying to sleep.... when the person in the aisle seat arrives. I don't mean to be unkind I really don't. This woman was larger and she had an aroma that was not pleasant and she lifted the arm rest to sit down and squished me. The flight attendant rushes over ( they have to love our row) and informs her if she can't get the seat belt around her she has to buy 2 seats. It is a full flight and there are already 2 people in the row with her where did this flight attendant plan on putting her ? The woman was upset and kept shoving me over to make more room. Finally, thankfully, the plane started to taxi. It was only to Atlanta, it was slightly more than an hour.... but it was a long flight.

I now have a full migraine, the larger woman stole my cookie, and the praying woman wouldn't let me off the plane before she very loudly prayed on me again. I collected my bag of panties and bras and received smiles from the rows around me as I tried to get off the plane..... The flight attendant came back..... The flight was continuing on to San Antonio so I had to leave my bag on board. What ? I asked her why I had to go but my bag had to stay ? I mean doesn't this violate their rules of always staying with your bag ? The other people continuing on where as excited about this idea as I was. I exited the plane with no bag.... and a migraine... in a bright noisy airport at 6:30 am.

I came back hoping to get the window seat for the longer flight to Texas......
I had a guy who was possibly tech support to the planet next to me in the window seat...... spilling his endless supply of cord all over my lap and actually placing small electrical things in my lap..... Then the larger woman on the aisle returned. I pleaded with the guy in the window seat to trade with me...... The flight attendant moved the larger woman to an empty row.... I pleaded with the window guy to trade seats..... I am going to go out on a limb and stereo type for a moment ... don't guys like aisle seats ? He told me he had to have a window when he flew he was to nervous if he couldn't see. Ok I would cave to his fear of flying. at least I could move to the aisle. I set my coat in the middle seat to buckle my seat belt and while I was slightly bent over the tech guy dumped my coat on my head. I snapped up and said excuse me why are you moving my coat. he said " that isn't your seat you can't put anything in it" I tried not to go postal I mean it would be bad if I was arrested in the airport in Atlanta..... This guy had all kinds of electrical devices on the middle seat and his cords, I set me coat down for a few seconds to put my seat belt on. Then he closed the window when the flight took off ! WHAT ! I asked him why after all he had to "see" when flying. I really wanted to act like a 4 year old and stick my tongue out or shove him out of the seat.... but I refrained. He said he like to control the window shade. So I did the mature thing and told him that the middle seat was technically mine and he couldn't put his stuff in it. Not my proudest moment but hey, I had little pride after my panties were like confetti in a plane. It was a long flight home and I thought, I love to fly yet, I want to cry my head hurts, my body hurts, and I think people are crazy. I am taking a boat on my next trip.

Traveling is always full of adventure... I wouldn't change a thing.... ok I would have the window seat.

Writing our name in the land

Can we ever belong to the land ? Can we find peace in a place ?
I have often marveled at those who can spend their whole life in one place. What a wonderful thing to know a place so well, to share some of it's secrets, to say it is home. I also admire those who can pick up and move to another country to leave behind everything sometimes their culture and language and they flourish. They go and carve their name in their new land.

To carve your name in the land is to say I belong here, this is where I am meant to flourish. I own up to living here and calling this my home, I will know this sense of place and make it my own. I have so many friends and family who have a place they love. It lights your soul to see they belong, they are happy and that yes they fit exactly where they are.

I wonder will I ever carve my name in the land ? Could Texas be the place I call home, my sense of place. Could I make it my own ? Is this where I am meant to be ? Will Texas define my sense of place ?

Everywhere I have lived I have left behind a piece of myself, I have found good things and I have felt a part of the area. I have things all over the country that I love and things I can relate to, a sense of place from each one. People often ask me where Sam & I are going to "retire" or settle, where would we like to be. Who knows. I can tell you I have planted things, tended gardens, made things grow, delved into the communities, and worked to make things better. I have voted and volunteered, I have toured and traveled, lived and experienced every place I have been.
I take a piece of the places I have been with me, they are forever imprinted on my soul. Perhaps my sense of place is everywhere. Perhaps I need roots.... then again I prefer wings. I wonder where my children will call their home, what they will find in the world, and how they will define their sense of place. Will they be gypsies like me ? will they go back to somewhere we have been ? will they find a new place and make their own roots ?

Then I think about Texas and it's charms....could I ever carve my name in this land ?

Taking back what is ours

As mothers, wives, girlfriends, women we tend to put others before ourselves. I know growing up my own mother had things she wished for, my friends mother's were the same way.... Recently I have had several conversations with my friends that are inspiring. Some are married some are single some have kids others don't.

I have been looking for inspiration.. and it is always nice to look to those I love. We know our family and friends and yet there are so many hidden stories . I value and appreciate everyone even more.

I have a friend who started going out with friends again, taking time away from work to be herself. I was pleased to hear she had started taking pictures again something she loves. My heart has ached for her over the last year as she has had family deaths, work trials and the normal everyday things that being a wife and a mother bring. I wanted to hug her and tell her I was proud of her for doing something for herself.

I have another friend who has started writing again, she is witty and creative, her wicked sense of humor is so sharp that I smile whenever I talk to her. I love to read her stories and poems they are fantastic. I am so excited she has started working on her book it is going to be amazing and no one but her could write the story.

I have friends who are working on their dream houses, working on their careers , friends who are taking time to cook or exercise, write, draw, paint. With all of these wonderful people I can't help but feel inspired. I want to be more, do more and live more just because I know them. There is this possibility surrounding me.

We all have our day to day challenges, trying to figure out what step to take next, and the pitfalls of self doubt. I wish everyone success and happiness I believe in you I have faith in you and I can't wait to see how it all comes out.

I feel I can go to the drawing board and find something within myself to be more than I was today. Good Luck everyone .

Garden's, Freiend's and a sunny day

This past week has been busy and this isn't much of a post.... but before I get off track again I want to post. I want to mention I have taken my vitamins everyday.... so I might make it a resolution. Then again I could just say this is the year of no resolution.

Late last night I talked with two friends who always remind me I am loved and that the world is full of great things. I am truly blessed to have such inspirational friends.....
Which brings me to today. The sun was shining, my e-mail was full and I was reminded that despite distance I am never far from those I love. I smiled most of the day, I enjoyed the sun, I laughed and things my friends sent me or said. I am just lucky to have amazing friends. Positive things manage to turn anything around.

T had a school art show, and his work was wonderful and to see him smile was wonderful.
H is building a garden with his cub scout pack for the school, and despite the hard work it is wonderful to help. Again we are surrounded by friends doing great things.
P & S make me laugh everyday and today we were out enjoying the sunshine with a scooter ride.

I will have more pictures and stories soon..until tomorrow..enjoy sunshine and smiles and friends .

Girls.... Boys .. and the 1st Grade

I have to say there has been a buzz lately with my fellow Mom's of 6 year olds. The boy's mothers are mentioning brazen girls who approach their boys. The girl's mothers are worried about the messages their girls are receiving..... and in general there is a bit of concern over crushes and where things could head.

I knew the day would come, I figured I could handle it that I would be cool calm and collected ( and thwart any unsuitable girls with a good stare down).......I seemed pretty safe I mean most boys think girls have cooties until what like 9th grade........ ok a bit optimistic.... 7th grade. Well knowing the buzz, I decided to casually ask H about girls in his class. I was especially interested because he mentions a few girls a lot, and his 3 year old brother told me he had a girlfriend. Once I got past the ego dent of the 3 year old brother knowing something before me, I mean after all I have been the one H has come to talk to for 6 years...... I decided to go on a fact finding mission. I have to be careful not to be to obvious however or I may loose any chance I have later.

The first conversation thankfully was along the lines of " Mom I have lots of friends that are girls" and then I just listened as that certain girls name came up a lot.

The second conversation I felt pretty safe that she was friend and it was a good friendship. Her name was "fast Jessica" Now I know your alarm bells are going up also a girl with the nickname fast.... this is 1st grade here people. I learned she earned the nickname because she runs the fastest in the races at gym class, she reads the fastest in the class, and she is unstoppable in tag. This sounded like a typical friendship for first grade. I was VERY pleased to know she is one of the smartest girls in the class, she is quiet and polite and well mannered and shy ... and her Mother is very nice and has rules. This was shaping up to be perfect, H is shy and he loves reading and tag and races..... I could see why they spent recess playing tag. Phew all very innocent.

I have spoken with Jessica many times and she is adorable..... quiet with a wonderful smile, and she usually encourages my son to make good choices, during class time. H assured me several times she was just a friend......

Now I know I will regret this next "story" I was 6 the first time I kissed a boy..... oh yes.....
He was older a whole 7 1/2 and he lived next door... and he kissed me first.... after I won a race to the top of the "dirt pile" on our street. I was the fastest kid in our neighborhood at the time for hill racing.... ( it was a dirt pile from a bulldozer about 6 feet tall) He had a 16 year old sister who did unspeakable things with her boyfriend in his car in their driveway..... much to the horror of the mothers on our street. Now that I am a Mother I can totally see why. The thought of H kissing a girl, well it just can't be so.....

Today however the tide turned...... he is interested in a girl.... I think it is safe to say he has no clue about kissing ( please let this be true)... although lately he is squirmy and the mention of the word kiss ( this could spell trouble) We were driving home from school and H asked me if I ever ate an ant. I of course said no but in some parts of the world they cover them in chocolate or fry them.... and of course if he should go to these places he should give it a try and send me a postcard. Well this opened the door to why he wanted to know........
Apparently to attract the attention of my son you need to eat bugs.
" Mom Jessica is the coolest girl ever, she ate and ant in front of everyone on the playground, it was amazing." " Jessica is very pretty Mom she has blue eyes like I do"........ ( trying not to die of a heart attack and swerve in traffic) I calmly asked why this girl ate an ant....... ( H loves bugs like most boys) Well apparently she likes bugs to and she wanted to prove she wasn't afraid of bugs, so she ate an ant. Yes, as I mentioned above this is one of the smartest girls in the class.
Now many thoughts raced in my head...... this is a tough girl, I like that, a little bit of fearless is good for any girl. Then I thought, I wonder if she realizes what she has done......
Then I thought, why would my son find bug eating attractive in a girl ?
H is 6 he loves books, running, bugs..... and people a bit unconventional.... he gravitates to the shy because he is shy; yet he manages to make them all come out of their shells. This girl fits his 6 year old requirements...... and mine. J is smart, well mannered, well behaved and shy..... I guess a Mom has to overlook bug eating........

I have to say I so hope there is no kissing..... that it stays tag on the play ground..... for a few more days I can pretend that H is a little kid. Of course I want him to grow up, forge new paths, make his own choices...... I can only hope that he will have the same good sense about girls he has now. When he is older .... she will be smart, and well mannered, and somewhat shy like him...... and of course a love of bugs would be fine too.

So while I don't like the thought of H kissing a girl..... I think I like that he is thinking about his choices and looking in the right direction. For now I would like it to stay as a game of tag on the playground and a reading race in class......please.