This week began with the Day Camp Committee meeting, Monday evening. Only five of us were able to attend but we covered a lot of ground! As the summer approaches the meeting Agenda gets longer and more complex so it is truly a blessing for me to be able to share some of what is going on in the wild world of Day Camps and to avail myself of others’ advice!
We covered the four “P’s”- Program, People, Parishes and PRAYER. I took note of a number of suggestions and comments thus-
Tuesday was spent largely on follow-up calls and emails hither and yon. We still have several glaring holes in the schedule, and a couple of “iffy” commitments by potential host churches and by possible Team Members. Meanwhile other areas of preparation must continue on faith alone.
Wednesday I tackled the second round of baking for the Training Retreat: – 3 Whole-wheat loaves, 2 dozen buns, 6 focaccia and 2 dozen Swiss Chard and Mozzarella Calzones!
Tuesday was spent largely on follow-up calls and emails hither and yon. We still have several glaring holes in the schedule, and a couple of “iffy” commitments by potential host churches and by possible Team Members. Meanwhile other areas of preparation must continue on faith alone.
Wednesday I tackled the second round of baking for the Training Retreat: – 3 Whole-wheat loaves, 2 dozen buns, 6 focaccia and 2 dozen Swiss Chard and Mozzarella Calzones!
Thursday a large chunk of time was occupied with editing the Team Planning Guides (one for Members and one for Leaders) These were just upgraded in 2012 but there were a number of necessary changes, I just wish I had thought to take a longer look at the Guides last October rather then trying to deal with them now!! Ah well…now if only I could figure out how
to save to an upgraded format without the layout going berserk, hmm…
to save to an upgraded format without the layout going berserk, hmm…
And so here I am making a start on this post today, Friday. No wedding to attend this Saturday (whew!) but the Huyers should be arriving any moment, staying tonight and then holding a Senior Youth Camp Staff meeting tomorrow morning for which I am catering lunch. Tomorrow will be super busy as I look after my Godsons during the meeting, while at the same time setting up lunch for 15.
The plan is for the Huyers to then attend a matinee of Cirque du Soleil in the afternoon so it may be possible, later in the day, to turn my attention to the first phase of “Changing the Decorations”. Yes, Ascension Day is just around the corner so it will be time for the Pentecost/Summer Theme around here and there have been some long lists made prior to this seasonal activity!
Meanwhile the last few days have seen the completion of the “Zebras and Tigers” wall mural at my friend’s house (last touches were added just a few hours before they returned from their vacation!), mowing the lawns for the first time this year (always quite a marathon task), completing the Team Crosses (I strung each of them on linen cord) etc.etc. etc.
Since the weather has actually turned WARM it seems appropriate to complete this Post by featuring a “Summery” Recipe, so here is tonight’s dessert: –
Strawberry Pie
- 1 9” pie shell, pre-baked and cooled
- 500grams fresh strawberries
- 1-cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 3 Tbsps. cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1-cup heavy cream, whipped
-
Mash enough of the strawberries to make 1 cup. Place mashed berries, water, sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for two minutes, or until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, until melted, then set aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, halve the remaining berries, reserving a few for garnish. Place the halved berries in the pie shell and pour the cooked mixture over, tilting the pie plate to cover the base evenly. Refrigerate for several hours. Garnish with whipped cream and reserved berries. Serves 6-8.