at Calvary Lutheran Church.

This was our second day working on bicycle parts. The weather outside was cold and rainy, good to stay inside. The club members who came to the first bicycle parts lesson today helped the kids who missed the last club meeting.

Students used address labels and a diagram to label as many parts of the bike as possible. Then they practiced naming the parts with a friend. When ready, students could take a paper-and-pencil test.

There are three levels of the test which can be taken. At grades 4-5, the Beginner level is appropriate. Lindsey finished quickly, (she’d been studying!) and asked for the Intermediate level. I warned her, it would be hard. 24 different parts had to labeled on page one. On page 2, those parts had to be categorized into Frame, Drive Train, or Other. She still wanted the challenge. Go team!

This is the beginning of a photo project will promote bicycle education and increase interest in the club. Students could choose to balance on their bikes flat, going uphill, or

going downhill. Brian, one of the parent volunteers, helped a student carefully get into position.

Each of the photos will be printed as 8 X 10s for the next step. Stay tuned!

Way back when Phyllis and I made 90 jars of pomegranate jelly EACH, there was still a bit of juice left. As an experiment and trying not to be wasteful, I made about 1 cup of pomegranate molasses. I thought I’d give it to Maria in Penn Valley, she’s a great cook, and tackles cooking adventures all the time. But then, the Christmas issue of Food Network magazine was purchased with TWO recipes that called for pomegranate molasses. If Maria could do this, so can I.

The first: Pomegranate Spritz Cookies. Hmm, only two tablespoons needed (14 to go). And, I had to buy a cookie press.

The red color comes from a big dose of red food coloring. The pressing out of the cookie dough was fine. The non-pareils, however, were a pain. 72 cookies = 360 non-pareils applied with a tweezer = 45 minutes. They were pretty!

Next up: Slow-cooker Turkey Meatballs with 3 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses. 11 tablespoons to go. Maria, there still some left for you. Phyllis, next year, let’s make pomegranate liqueur with the leftover juice.

With Phyl and Ade.

We really enjoyed the extensive and elaborate displays, but were so glad we got there early as the crowds continued to pour in as we walked out.

The Great Barrier Reef:

Representing Europe:


USA:

Mike Wade and I were invited to accompany groups of students to a performance in downtown Sacramento. I left by bus from Foothill Ranch Middle School.

Lots of buses,

lots of students,

surprises like seeing Stacey, a friend of Justin’s (who came to my mother’s funeral a couple of weeks ago),


at the historic Crest Theater.

When I wanted to introduce myself to the teacher I was helping, she began the conversation, “You’rre Doug’s mother, aren’t you?” Uh, yes? Amber White Moore went to Alpha with Doug about 18 years ago.

Artistic director, Steven Valencia.


Los viejitos.


El chino.

The end. No more will be gathered.

Thank you Justin for my new drying rack. And you let me dry walnuts inside the house!