The Need for Jam

Did you ever find yourself with an intense desire for jam?  Sounds ridiculous but it happened to me.

We were in Hershey PA this weekend for a LAX tournament. With temperatures approaching 100 degrees  and the idea of high intensity thrill rides making me sick, my wonderful husband agreed to take the kids to the amusement park so a friend and I could explore PA.  Did you know Hershey is right in the heart of Amish country? I had never been and thought it would be a kitchy way to spend an afternoon.

We parked in a little town with the most adorable shops.  All I could think of was my mother mentioning that the Amish make great jam.  I must have jam.  Lots and lots of jam.  We rarely eat jam or jelly regularly but the desire was overwhelming.  The first stop was much like a market with quilts, hand sewn linens and much food stuff... especially jam.  Jam and jelly and preserves.  After about 10 minutes looking at each flavor, I settled on Sweet Cherry and Rhubarb.  Maybe spread on a turkey sandwich?

Next we went into an antique place.  Right outside we saw more jam options.  This time I had to get boysenberry AND blueberry.  I was feeling a purple.  Maybe on toast or waffles?

While walking to the quilt store, I bought fudge and my friend bought whoopie pies.  Yummy.  No jam, do I have enough.  Bought apple butter instead.  Now starting to think I may have a problem.  What do you put apple butter on?  I think my sister likes it so consider it a souvenir.

It's getting late and we have to go to the yarn store.  Right outside I see one more jam stand.  The amish girl is adorable and so sweet.  Of course I will buy just one more.  Zucchini Jam.  It is made with zucchini, sugar, crushed pineapple, jello, hello and lemon juice.  Can the Amish buy jello?  What do you do with zucchini jam?  I cannot even make up a recipe for this one.  Had to have it.  Now I know I am over the edge.

Go into the yarn store to distance myself from the sugary purchasing addiction.  Low and behold, this store is the mecca of hand dyed yarn.  New addiction?  Oh yes.  I need alpaca yarn and wool and specialty colors and patterns and and and....

Maybe I can eat all that jam while I am knitting.  I think I like Amish country!  Maybe I should consider retirement there...

Beach Day Leftovers

Decided I wanted to spend the day at the beach with my nieces and nephews.  Coordinated a date with my sister and sister-in-law, organized a list of who brings what and prayed for a sunny day.  That morning it all seemed to come together.  The weather was beautiful.    I packed everyone's specific favorite sandwich, a case of water and a case of GatorAide.  Made sure we had clean bathing suits and towels, plenty of sun screen and our ipods.  Off we go!

The kids had a wonderful time, playing in the sand and specifically just being with each other.  Plus I had an opportunity to talk to my sisters in peace while my son entertained the other kids.  Pure bliss with a tan.

The beach day was a great idea except for the next day.  I brought back half the sand that is now adorning my patio and driveway.  I had a cooler full of uneaten soggy sandwiches and grass (where did we pick up grass?).  I got off easy though.   My sister called to say her girls have rashes all over their stomaches, chests and arms.  The doctor's first question "Were the kids at the beach or in a hot tub?"  Not a fun thing to bring back from the beach.  A little cortizone cream and time, they will be fine.

At least we have photos!

You Gotta Regatta

My son rows at West Side Rowing over the month of July.  It is a summer camp program and he has been doing it for the past three years.  He loves it.  So mush so that we got him a ERG machine so that he could practice rowing at home...and he actually uses it.  He enjoyed the camp so much that he has decided to try out for the crew team at Nichols.  I think he has an awesome shot at making it.

Last Thursday he had his regatta and his boat came in first.  I have been praising this sport because I feel it is less dangerous.  Lacrosse players get beat up, football players get crunched, snowboarders break bones and my son has even come home from squash with some black and blue marks.  His only injury from rowing has been sore muscles.  This regatta however sowed that crew like all sports can still be dangerous. The first boat my son's boat raced was significantly behind them.  As my sons boat's crossed the finish line, one of the motor boats rammed into the opposed craft and knocked the bow rower into the canal.  She was quickly retrieved and ok.  The crowd was amazed as was I.  It just goes to show you that all sports have risks and all athletes need to be prepared.

Even with this accident, I am a fan.  If you have not been exposed to crew, let me recommend it.  It is a high endurance, high strength sport.  A team sport with no physical confrontation of the team members.  They must all work in synchronicity and it  is a beautiful thing to watch.