Wednesday, March 30, 2011

My Fantastic Work Day!

Today was absolutely fantastic!  I spent the day at the local oncology office - in their chemo infusion room.  I was there to get "checked off" on the chemotherapy competency checklist.  This is required by the hospital as part of the privilege of working on the oncology unit.  (And it truly is a privilege.)  Whether a nurse is seasoned or brand new to the world of oncology and chemotherapy, it is wise to make certain that he/she is operating under the best practice approach and is a safe practitioner.  So, it was with great pleasure that I went to the office today.



I had heard that it was "nice."  I had heard that it was "busy."  What I had not heard (because no one could have known) was that once there, I'd remember how wonderful my years working in an oncology office chemotherapy infusion center were... or how much I'd missed that environment. 


I had an absolutely delightful day, got checked off on many of the required competencies, and realized that even though it's been more than a few years since I've given chemo, I have retained a great deal of that skill and knowledge over the years.



I am looking forward to my second day at the office which will occur next Monday - April 4th.  I continue to be reminded on a daily basis that I made a very good decision when I chose to transfer to the oncology unit.    I am blessed to be able to do something I love!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Nobody Does Spring Like Mary Oliver

We had a few days of "spring tease" -- but now winter is back!  Below freezing temps, rain/snow mix, dampness and gray skies....  Is it any wonder that I found myself needing a little "Mary Oliver Fix" tonight?
She is one of my favorite poets.  Her images of nature reach the depths of my soul... and I knew that within the many volumes she's created, I'd surely find one or two that would transport me into a springtime state of mind.... She did not disappoint me...




Such Singing in the Wild Branches (2003)       
It was spring
and finally I heard him
among the first leaves—
then I saw him clutching the limb

in an island of shade
with his red-brown feathers
all trim and neat for the new year.
First, I stood still

and thought of nothing.
Then I began to listen.
Then I was filled with gladness—
and that's when it happened,

when I seemed to float,
to be, myself, a wing or a tree—
and I began to understand
what the bird was saying,

and the sands in the glass
stopped
for a pure white moment
while gravity sprinkled upward

like rain, rising,
and in fact
it became difficult to tell just what it was that was singing—
it was the thrush for sure, but it seemed

not a single thrush, but himself, and all his brothers,
and also the trees around them,
as well as the gliding, long-tailed clouds
in the perfectly blue sky— all, all of them

were singing.
And, of course, yes, so it seemed,
so was I.
Such soft and solemn and perfect music doesn't last

for more than a few moments.
It's one of those magical places wise people
like to talk about.
One of the things they say about it, that is true,

is that, once you've been there,
you're there forever.
Listen, everyone has a chance.
Is it spring, is it morning?

Are there trees near you,
and does your own soul need comforting?
Quick, then— open the door and fly on your heavy feet; the song
may already be drifting away.

— Mary Oliver, "Such Singing in the Wild Branches"
     Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays,    
     Beacon Press, Boston, 2003, pp. 8-9

Sunday, March 27, 2011

It's Not Just For Kids!

Yesterday, in addition to our visit to Parrot Mountain, Caleb and I went to see "Diary of a Wimpy Kid:  Roderick Rules."  This is the second "Wimpy Kid" movie -- based on the second of five "Wimpy Kid" books by Jeff Kinney.  It is probably one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time.  And, while the content is kid-appropriate, it is also adult-appropriate.  I laughed until the tears rolled down my cheeks on more than one occasion.   It's difficult for me to say who enjoyed it more:  me or Caleb!

Everyone who ever was a kid can relate to at least one or two -- and probably more -- of the situations Greg ("Wimpy Kid") gets himself into.  In other words, it's for everyone!  Everyone who was ever an older sibling can relate to some of the antics of big brother, Roderick.  Everyone who was ever a younger sibling will see a bit of him or herself in Greg from time to time.  And, anyone who has raised children will definitely relate to the joys and frustrations of the boys' parents.





If laughter is the best medicine - and I believe that it is -- then, I think everyone should be required to see this movie at least once!  It'll be good for what ails you!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Parrot Mountain

Today was a "Caleb & Nan Day."  We always manage to make those times special.  But today, I would have to say that the time together was EXTRA special!

After a nice relaxing breakfast we headed to Parrot Mountain & Garden of Eden in Pigeon Forge, TN.  The brochure I picked up a few weeks ago was intriguing.  While beautiful and informative it in no way prepared me for the spectacular visit we were about to experience.

Parrot Mountain opened in 2002 with a three-fold mission:  (1) To be a witness to others - to be a testimonial that there is a God who is the Maker of all things and reigns over all the earth.   (2)  To provide shelter for abused or neglected birds and a home to birds who need a place to live.  (3)  To educate the public, preservation of endangered and threatened species (specifically the Passenger Pigeon and the Carolina Parakeet), and to do so while keeping harmony with the beauty and serenity of the mountains.

Over 600 birds live on Parrot Mountain.   Several gorgeous macaws greeted us when we walked up to the entrance.  One blue and gold macaw actually said "Hello" while turning his head almost 90 degrees (a gesture that says "pet me" in bird-speak)  A red macaw wolf whistled like a construction worker and several macaws and cockatoos joined together with a loud and enthusiastic bird welcome. 



The staff were very cordial, highly informative and very conscientious about the need to control disease for birds and humans alike.  Every station where we had hands-on opportunities hand-sanitizing was strictly (but pleasantly) enforced.  I can't imagine how well grounded and stress-free these people are as they execute their daily tasks!  It is a little slice of heaven on earth way atop the mountain!

We fed macaws, parrots, cockatoos, conures and the like handfuls of bird feed - they were gracious, polite and very patient with one another. There in the "bird garden" many of the larger birds were quite talkative... each one saying "hello" in his/her own distinct voice.  Imagine Caleb's surprise when one of the cockatoos near the back of the garden opened his mouth to speak and instead of a "hello" he cocked his head to the side and very clearly said "Bye Bye" !!



Next we wandered on to the Lorie feeding area.  Lories do not eat seed/feed.  They feast on nectar.  As we entered, we were each given a little cup of nectar.  The moment we were in the aviary, they sang and flitted around, each on landing on our hands and arms to enjoy some of the nectar. 


A Secret Garden where toucans, magpies, peacocks and many other winged wonders live in peaceful harmony with bromeliads and flowering plants.  Benches invited us to "come and sit a spell" but Caleb was too excited to do so! 

Next, we went to the Baby Bird Nursery.  Many of the babies were out playing and only too happy to have some human time and interaction.  Tiny pocket parrots were toted around  in small cloth purse-like bags that were just large enough to hold the tiny green bird and part of a millet spray by nursery workers. 




At the end of the walking paths, we encountered a beautiful waterfall and then wandered through an entry flanked by statues of praying angels on each side.  One by one, we passed areas of the garden that were designed to depict the major events of the Christ story -- a manger, a hill with three crosses, an empty tomb guarded by another angel, and a statue of the resurrected Christ.  Small placards with appropriate Bible verses accompanied each of the sites.

Our trip to Parrot Mountain was documented in photos and wonderful memories were made today.  We will not soon forget today's experiences!

Pecan Day!


Even though the month of April has been declared "Pecan Month" today is National Pecan Day.  On March 25, 1775 George Washington planted pecan trees at Mount Vernon.  The trees were a gift from Thomas Jefferson. 

Pecans are America's only "native nut".  The name pecan is from the Algonquin Indian word paccan or pakan, meaning "a nut so hard it had to be cracked with a stone."   The Algonquins also referred to walnuts and hickory nuts as paccans.


Here are just a few reasons to regularly add pecans to your diet:
  • Pecans have cholesterol lowering properties and are good for your heart.
  • Pecans are rich in natural antioxidants which may help prevent certain cancers.
  • Pecans may protect the mind.
  • Pecans play an important role in weight control because they are nutrient dense.
In honor of Pecan Day, here are a few of my favorite pecan recipes.  (I really wanted to include one for pecan pie and the pecan bars I made this past holiday season but decided I'd stick to healthier recipes to highlight the pecan's healthful benefits.)


Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad / Vinaigrette Dressing
Ingredients:
1 lb ounces fresh torn spinach or baby spinach
1 pint cleaned and sliced strawberries
1 1/2 cups candied pecan halves or pieces
2 to 3 ounces blue cheese or goat cheese, crumbled, optional
Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients:
2/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 to 4 green onions, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 cups vegetable oil
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
Preparation:
Toss spinach with sliced strawberries, pecans, and cheese, if using.
Prepare your vinaigrette dressing for the spinach, strawberry and pecan salad. Combine first 5 ingredients in blender; cover and process until smooth. With blender running, gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream through opening in lid. Process until thick and smooth. Transfer dressing mixture to a bowl; stir in poppy seeds. Cover and chill.

When ready to serve, drizzle half the vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Toss the salad to distribute the dressing. Add the rest of the dressing and toss again.
Serves 4 to 6.


Sugar Spiced Pecans1 lb. pecan halves
1 c. sugar
¾ t. salt
1 ¾ t. cinnamon
1 c. water
1 t. vanilla
Toast pecans on baking sheet for 10 minutes at 300°F.  Combine all ingredients, except pecans and vanilla, in small pan.  Cook about 5 minutes (until syrup spins a small thread).  Remove from heat and add pecans and vanilla.  Stir quickly until syrup crystallizes.  Pour onto buttered platter.  Separate nuts rapidly (but gently) and cool before serving.  (To add Easter appeal, wrap individual handfuls of pecans in spring-colored plastic wrap and tie with ribbon). 
Courtesy: Georgia Pecan Commission




Lemon Pecan Green Beans

1 lb. fresh green beans
Salt to taste
1 T. olive oil
¼ c. green onions (sliced)
¼ c. pecans (chopped, toasted)
1 t. dried rosemary
2 t. fresh lemon juice
2 t. lemon rind (grated)
Wash beans and remove ends.  Sprinkle with salt.  Arrange beans in a steamer basket and place over boiling water.  Cover and steam for approximately 10 minutes, or until crisp-tender.  Plunge green beans into cold water to stop cooking process.  Drain and set aside.  In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add green onions and cook, stirring constantly, for three minutes.  Add green beans, pecans, rosemary and lemon juice.  Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thoroughly heated.  Sprinkle with lemon rind and garnish with lemon slice or fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.
Courtesy: Georgia Pecan Commission

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Exxon Valdez: Twenty Two Years Later





Twenty two years ago today, Prince Edward Sound's pristine beauty was forever changed when the Exxon Valdez ran aground.








 We should never forget the heartbreaking images of oil slicks, fish kills, sick wildlife, etc.  Nor should we ever adopt an attitude of "it can't possibly happen again."  The spill in the Gulf of Mexico has taught us that that mindset is entirely misguided.






  But, on the twenty second anniversary of the Exxon Valdez we should be ever mindful of the need to find ways to impact our enviornment positively - and ways to encourage our leaders to help us become more environmentally responsible as a nation.


According to DiscoveryNews, here are some note-worthy facts about the spill:


- The amount of oil spilled could fill 125 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- As many as 2,800 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 900 bald eagles and 250,000 seabirds died in the days following the disaster.
- 1,300 miles of coastline were hit by the oil spill.
- 1,000 harlequin ducks were killed by the oil spill, in addition to many chronic injuries that occurred as a result of the long term effects of the spill.
- The cleanup required about 10,000 workers, 1,000 boats and roughly 100 airplanes and helicopters.
- Four deaths were directly associated with cleanup efforts.
- The spill caused over $300 million of economic harm to more than 32 thousand people whose livelihoods depended on commercial fishing.
- Tourism spending decreased by eight percent in south central Alaska and by 35 percent in southwest Alaska in the year after the spill.
- There was a loss of 9,400 visitors and $5.5 million in state spending.
- Many fish populations were harmed during the spill. For example, sand lance populations went down in 1989 and 1990, herring returns were significantly fewer in 1992 and 1994 and adult fish had high rates of viral infections.
- Pink salmon embryos continued to be harmed and killed by oil that remained on stones and gravel of stream banks through at least 1993. As a result, the southwestern part of Prince William Sound lost 1.9 million or 28 percent of its potential stock of wild pink salmon. By 1992, this part of the sound still had 6 percent less of the wild pink salmon stock than was estimated to have existed if the spill had not occurred.
- Two years following the Exxon Valdez spill, the economic losses to recreational fishing were estimated to be $31 million.
- Twelve years after the spill, oil could still be found on half of the 91 randomly selected beaches surveyed.
-Three species of cormorant, the common loon, the harbor seal, the harlequin duck, the pacific herring and the pigeon guillemot still have not fully recovered.



The Encyclopedia of Earth states that there were several lessons learned by the Exxon Valdez Clean-Up project:


- Clean-up attempts can be more damaging than the oil itself, with impacts recurring as long as clean-up (including both chemical and physical methods) continues. Because of the pervasiveness of strong biological interactions in rocky intertidal and kelp forest communities, cascades of delayed, indirect impacts (especially of trophic cascades and biogenic habitat loss) expand the scope of injury well beyond the initial direct losses and thereby also delay recoveries.
- Oil that penetrates deeply into beaches can remain relatively fresh for years and can later come back to the surface and affect nearby animals. In addition, oil degrades at varying rates depending on environment, with subsurface sediments physically protected from disturbance, oxygenation, and photolysis retaining contamination by only partially weathered oil for years.
- Rocky rubble shores should be of high priority for protection and cleanup because oil tends to penetrate deep and weather very slowly in these habitats, prolonging the harmful effects of the oil when it leaches out.
- Oil effects to sea birds and mammals also are substantial (independent of means of insulation) over the long-term through interactions between natural environmental stressors and compromised health of exposed animals, through chronic toxic exposure from ingesting contaminated prey or during foraging around persistent sedimentary pools of oil, and through disruption of vital social functions (caregiving or reproduction) in socially organized species.
- Long-term exposure of fish embryos to weathered oil at parts per billion (ppb) concentrations has population consequences through indirect effects on growth, deformities, and behavior with long-term consequences on mortality and reproduction.



What is the legacy that we are leaving to our children, grandchildren and the world at large?   Surely we don't want it to be one of more Exxon Valdez and Gulf Spill events.  Let us never forget....

 

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Eat Your Broccoli !

Today is "We Love Broccoli Day!"   In 1990, President George Bush declared his dislike of broccoli :
“I do not like broccoli. And I haven't liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I'm President of the United States and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli.”
 George Bush quotes (American 41st US President (1989-93), b.1924)
 



When I was a kid, we never had broccoli.  Daddy is a "corn and lima beans kind of guy."  One day we'd have corn.  The next day it would be lima beans.   And on the third day, we'd have succotash to use up the left over corn and limas. (And they were canned - as in tin canned / not fresh veggies put up by canning.)   And then, the whole process would start all over again...

 I know that I was twenty-something before I ever tasted broccoli.  It was love at first bite!  In fact, I love all veggies!  I've never eaten succotash since I moved out of my childhood home although I do still enjoy fresh corn and/or lima beans.

  So, while President George Bush may not like to eat broccoli, I do!  I like it raw, steamed, roasted, grilled, sauteed.  One of the simplest ways I like to prepare this healthful green veggie is to saute the florets in a small amount of olive oil, garlic and ginger.  Saute just until al dante.  Then, just before the removing from the saute pan, sprinkle in ground tumeric and toss until well distributed over the florets.  A word of warning:  this is a very intoxicating dish - in both smell and taste.  And, as a second warning, the tumeric's rich yellow color changes the color of the broccoli.  This is sometimes a "problem" for some but, trust me, it's a fantastic new twist!  

Here's an interesting revision to an old favorite.  Many have enjoyed some version of the Broccoli, Bacon and Raisin Salad.  Here's one that is a new take on an old recipe:

Broccoli-Cranberry Salad


1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
6-8 strips bacon
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar

Fry bacon until crispy and set aside.
Cut up broccoli flowerettes into bite-sized pieces, leaving just a little stem. Cut up enough for about 4 cups of flowerettes.
Add cranberries, onions, celery, dressing and toss salad.
Refrigerate salad for about 2-3 hours.





Vegetables are the food of the earth; fruit seems more the food of the heavens.  ~Sepal Felicivant


Monday, March 21, 2011

Remembering Selma




Today is the anniversary of the Selma Freedom March.

On March 21, 1965, one of the most significant civil rights marches took place as more than 3,000 civil rights demonstrators led by Martin Luther King, Jr. marched from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.








"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the
whole staircase."
-- Martin Luther King, Jr.       

Sunday, March 20, 2011

National Quilt Day

Due to a long shift and an uncooperative internet access, I wasn't able to post my Saturday Marach 19th blog entry.  But, since the internet is not giving me fits tonight, and since I had much of the post written - awaiting final details, I'm going to post it now while I still can. 


The month of March is National Craft Month -- and heaven only knows I have many crafts that I enjoy!  But, Saturday March 19th was National Quilt Day.  Quilting is just one of the many crafts in progress around here on any given day.

So, in recognition of National Quilt Day and National Craft Month, I thought I'd share my current quilting project with you.  This particular one is very near and dear to my heart because it combines several elements that I am passionate about:  quilting, Civil War, and women's stories.

I've never enrolled in any of the "Block of the Month" type projects before. I've always found fabrics I liked, followed a pattern in a book and proceeded from there.  But, late last year I found a project I just couldn't turn down:

The Civil War Chronicles BOM quilt features twelve blocks that tell the stories of twelve women who encountered their own struggles on the homefront while their husbands were away. Each pattern includes historical background and biographies about the generals' wives   ~  So now I ask you, what better way to combine so many of my passions than to spend the year crafting a quilt that tells the story of twelve Civil War generals' wives?

Welcome Spring!


Redbud Bloom

 Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night. 

 ~Rainer Maria Rilke,
 Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke




Redbud Tree In Full Bloom


Friday, March 18, 2011

Look To This Day...



"Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all the verities
and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendor of beauty;
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision;
But today, well lived, makes every
yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day ..."

Kalidasa Rumi
5th C. Indian poet & playwrite

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

An Irish Prayer
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Earth Teach Me...


Earth, Teach Me

Earth teach me quiet ~ as the grasses are still with new light.
Earth teach me suffering ~ as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility ~ as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring ~ as mothers nurture their young.
Earth teach me courage ~ as the tree that stands alone.
Earth teach me limitation ~ as the ant that crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom ~ as the eagle that soars in the sky.
Earth teach me acceptance ~ as the leaves that die each fall.
Earth teach me renewal ~ as the seed that rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself ~ as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness ~ as dry fields weep with rain.

An Ute Prayer

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

It's "Nap Day" !




Yep!  That's right, today is "Nap Day."  I'd like to tell you that I'm going to observe it with a nice long nap but alas, I have to work so there will be no afternoon siesta for me today!   







one of Caleb's favorite books as a toddler
 When Caleb was too young to not nap but too old to go down without any resistance, I used nap time as yet one more opportunity to read to him -- All in the hopes that he'd fall asleep while I was reading, thus napping.  All too often, I'd be the one to fall asleep in the middle of a book.  Sometimes he napped, sometimes he didn't but always we would snuggle up with the book and a blanket and make a memorable naptime ritual out of the afternoon's activities. 






I used to not like to nap much.  I'd always feel useless for the rest of the day - foggy and out of sorts.  Unless I was able to put the hammock up between two trees, grab a good book and a glass of iced tea... and then, you could count on this gal snoozing in amazing calm!  Nothing better than a gentle breeze and the birds singing to lull you to sleep!






How about you?  Any thoughts about napping?  Are you going to be able to indulge in one today to mark the day:  Nap Day ?

Monday, March 14, 2011

All Things Celtic

Since St. Patty's Day is this week, and since I am of Irish descent, I decided to post a bit of trivia about "All Things Celtic". 
 
At one time, all of Europe was ruled by Celts.  Romans, Anglos and Saxons were responsible for forcing them to move west and north -- into regions of Ireland, Scotland, and England mostly.  They were a people with their own Celtic language, their own names and letters. It is said that the Celts were a complex, intelligent, wealthy people whose roots went back some 25 centuries. 


  The Celtic designs we know today are a combination of knots, spirals, animals forms, zoomorphs and color. Some believe that the knots and symbols have deep-rooted meaning but historians argue that they were merely art work for the pleasure of the art and had no other meaning...  With the exception of the Claddaugh ring which was a promise ring given to women by their sailor-suitors before they went to sea.  Reportedly, the first Claddaugh rings were made in the 17th Century.  In this dainty ring, artisans incorporated the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands) and loyalty (the crown). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Traditional Irish Dessert ....

Here's a yummy Irish dessert if you're inclined to prepare for St. Patrick's Day dinner......

Country Rhubarb Cake

The fruit and sugar sometimes boils out around the sides resulting in a gooey, syrupy cake.  So be sure to place an oven liner to save clean up time!  This scone dough recipe is quicker to make than pastry and it absorbs the juices better.  Caster sugar is the European equivalent to American "superfine" sugar.  The Domino Sugar brand has 1 lb. boxes of this but it is sometimes difficult to find.  You can make your own superfine sugar by placing regular granulated sugar in a food processor with a metal blade and running it through until it is very very fine.  You can use frozen or fresh rhubarb - of course the fresh is best.  You can also add strawberries or make it with apples instead of rhubarb...but the rhubarb is really is yummy!


Scone dough
12 oz all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
pinch salt
2 oz caster sugar
3oz butter
1 egg
l6 fl oz buttermilk

Filling
1lb rhubarb, roughly chopped
7-9oz sugar
white of 1 egg, whisked
caster sugar to dust
 
 
Preheat oven to  350°F, and grease a 10 inch deep pie dish. Sieve flour, baking soda and salt into a mixing bowl. Add caster sugar and rub in butter. In a separate bowl, beat the egg together with the buttermilk and gradually add this to the flour until a dough is formed. Knead lightly on a floured surface and divide dough into two. Roll out one half and use it to line the pie dish. Fill the dish with the rhubarb and sprinkle with the sugar. Roll out the remaining dough to form a pastry lid. Brush the rim of the pastry base with water and put on the lid. Glaze with the whisked egg white and sprinkle with caster sugar. Make steam slits in the lid and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned and the fruit is soft. 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Girl Scout Cookies Then & Now

Today is Girl Scout Day.  Were you a Girl Scout?  A Brownie?  A Cadet?  I was!  And I loved every minute of it!  The only reason I didn't go on to do the Senior Scouts was that their meetings conflicted with the times I could volunteer as a Candystriper.  And, since I wanted to be a nurse, I chose Candystriping over Scouting at that point in time.  When my girls were in elementary school, I became a leader.  And I loved every minute of that experience as well.

A few years ago my parents loaded two very heavy boxes into my trunk.  These boxes were "attic treasures" they told me.  It wasn't until a month or two ago that I opened up one of those boxes to find my Girl Scout sash with all of its pins, stars, and badges proudly displayed...and my handbook looking all tattered and worn.  I sat for hours looking through the handbook -- gazing at the now unfamiliar handwriting of a school girl.  Remembering some of the moments in Girl Scouts that I hadn't thought of in ages was a great walk back in time.

When I was a Brownie and young Girl Scout, it was encouraged that we go door-to-door to do our cookie selling.  It was from those early cookie sales that I learned to be an organized business person.  I'd set up the dining room table as my "office."  (Afterall, we only ate at that table on major holidays.)  With order forms and pencils in hand and the phone and phone book next to me, I called as many of the people I knew from church and other community organizations to take their orders over the phone.  Then, I'd head down the street, knocking on doors right and left. 

This was a time when you actually took orders and then waited for your order to be delivered, delivered the cookies and collected the monies.  None of this setting up a card table outside a store with cookies in hand for immediate gratification like we have now.  And, of course, this was a time when the cookies were not nearly as pricey as they are now -- I can't remember the exact price but I seem to remember they were less than a buck a box.  For several years I was one of the top sellers in our troop selling more than two hundred dollars' worth - and at less than a dollar a box that's ALOT OF COOKIES for a little girl to deliver. 

My parents were great about NOT jumping in to help unless they saw I was in need of their assistance.  I would take the order forms (again), bag up the orders and head out with several orders loaded in my brother's Radio Flyer wagon to complete the process. 

In doing research for several projects, I happened upon a very interesting bit of trivia.  I learned that the first Girl Scout cookies were made in Philadelphia - which was very near my hometown.  How is it that I never knew that, I wonder? 

All this reminiscing about Girl Scout cookies has me craving a few.  And it just so happens that I have a couple boxes in my kitchen.  Hmmmm which will it be?  The ever popular Thin Mints, the new Thank You Berry Much, or the ooey gooey Samoas? 
If you'll excuse me now, I think a nice tall glass of cold milk and a couple Thin Mints are calling my name!  Which one is your favorite?