Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. After spending a week in Georgia, it has been good to get back to Summer Learning Camp. I hope you had a great time with the father(s) in your life this past weekend. We have survived the longest day of the year, summer solstice, which marks the official first day of the season. But from a school standpoint, we are quickly approaching the midpoint of summer vacation! Be sure to swim, read, watch movies, or whatever makes you happy.
Quote of the Week: “Summertime is always the best of what might be.” –Charles Bowden
Movie of the Week: In sticking to the summer theme, I want to suggest several different options. If you like group-ensemble, feel-good movies, I have two for you to consider. The Goonies from 1985 highlights a group of awkward teens who are out for one last adventure before their homes are foreclosed. They battle the Fratellis and One-Eyed Willy. The Sandlot from 1993 highlights summer activities when Scott Smalls moves to a new town and makes new friends while playing baseball.
If you are into thriller movies, check out I Know What You Did Last Summer from 1997 or Jaws from 1975. In the latter, it’s amazing how you don’t actually see the shark until way into the movie!
Joke of the Week: Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants to the course? In case he got a hole in one.
Organizational Tip of the Week: There are two types of people…those who leave all of their clothes in their closet all year long, and those who don’t. If you are one who likes to change out winter/summer clothes, now is the time to do it. Pull out any sweaters or sweatshirts that are too small, stained, or torn, and dispose of them accordingly. Check your shoes/boots for wear and tear. I had to get rid of my favorite pair of Converse sneakers because the bottoms were almost worn through. Also check your long-sleeve shirts, jackets, and coats. Be sure to dig through the pockets before discarding things. Doing this now will help you see what clothes you need to replace as cooler weather approaches.
Recipe of the Week: Pineapple Upside Down Muffins
What you’ll need:
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
brown sugar, to taste
1 box pineapple upside down cake mix
1 12-oz. can 7Up cherry-flavored soda
cherries (optional)
In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix with the can of cherry-flavored 7Up to create a batter. Set aside for later. Now, if you’re opting to include cherries in your muffins, drop a cherry into each cup of a greased muffin pan. Next, add desired amounts of pineapple to the bottom. Then add the brown sugar. (Put in the amount that is just right for you. For me, if my teeth aren’t crunching from the sugar, then I didn’t add enough.) Now scoop the batter from the bowl and divide it evenly into the muffin cups. Bake 15-20 minutes or until they reach your desired texture. I use the tilt test. If they don’t jiggle or move when I tilt them to the side, then they are done.
Let muffins cool. When ready to remove them from muffin pan, use a flat baking sheet to cover them, then flip over so the muffins are pineapple-side up. Enjoy!
Shout-Out of the Week: This week I want to give a shout-out to all of the people who work during the summer to make people happy. This includes lifeguards, camp counselors, summer learning camp teachers, movie attendants, tour guides, park staff…you know who you are. Thank you for making summer a blast!
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.