Adirondack Family Time™

Well this isn't my usual thing but I wonder how other parents and families are sustaining through these tough times while still maintaining a positive outlook. I remember growing up with tasks to do and helping my grandmother cook. It didn't feel like work because she made it fun and helped us complete our goals with a sense of purpose and joy. That said I thought I need to purposefully and joyfully stock the freezer with some quick meals. My children go through these as if they were starving. Here is a homemade version of the pizza pocket. There are many variations of pizza out there. I used to work in a pizzeria, one of many jobs while putting myself through school, and for years couldn't abide the smell or taste of pizza. Having children has helped overcome that aversion. This recipe is my own and is an easy thing to do with kids. My children love to help. Eat well, live well, love well! pizza dough ~dissolve 1 package dried yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp) into ~1 cup warm wat

There is something to be said about talking like a pirate that just doesn’t get old, at least in our house. It is probably only my children who’s acting skills come into play when simply asked to set the dinner table. Then the pirate-speak comes out in full force. They are being held captive until their real parents can swoop in and free them from evil forces. The imposed drudgery of picking up their own toys is met with “Or ye’ll what? Put me in t’hold?” There is a bit of sass that goes along with pirate talk (since pirates are not known for their manners). So we couldn’t ask for a better Winter Carnival theme than Pirates of the Adirondacks because our pirate vocabulary was getting a bit weak. As research says if you don’t use a foreign language regularly, you lose it, so I am here to help you practice, practice, practice for the last few days of Carnival, “Arrr. ya scurvy dogs.” The standards of “Blow me down” and “Shiver me timbers” are fine to use if ye are shocked over the outco

Make a simple door hanger for every holiday. For Valentine's Day fill it with a treat for you or your sweetheart. Materials: scraps of ribbon, various colors of wool felt, needle embroidery floss or other thick thread Directions: Tip: Use a cookie cutter for a pattern. Trace and cut two hearts out of wool felt, thread needle with embroidery floss, start on upper corner and sew 3/4 round leaving the top open creating a pocket. Sew a ribbon loop inside creating a hanger. Decorate the front with silk flowers and beads. Use different decorations for each season (shamrock, star) Have fun.

It will be a sea of spandex suits, warming huts and waving flags. No, it’s not a comic book convention though the next two weeks will attract the same amount of hero worship. With twenty-one countries being represented in the 41st Luge World Championships, Lake Placid deserves a bit of fanfare. The first time the Worlds came to Lake Placid was 26 years ago. It was the first time the event had been held outside of Europe. Now it is back. The event is toted as the final major event for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. This is going to be a career builder or breaker for some. Some tricky areas for the sledders will be Cliffside, Labyrinth, Bendam’s Bend and Chicane. The organizers of the event are making it very user friendly. There are viewing areas set up around the track with television monitors showing the rest of the run. Ticket holders are not restricted to seats but allowed to walk all around to get various views. It is going to be exciting as people, competitors and ticket

What is a bunch of bananas called? Check for the answer in the index under, well... Answers!

The U.S. Greeting Card Association’s website states that about one billion valentines are sent worldwide each year. Not that I am not the sentimental type but most of the time cards end up in the recycling bin. Saving cards seems to create just one more thing to move. There are some items that I do keep that are only significant to me. So for anyone looking to create a different keepsake, Northern Lights School is offering a Valentine’s Art Day this Saturday. The cost is minimal ($2 per person.) That wouldn’t even buy a box of chocolates and I can assure you this will last longer. Melanie Niemczura, the Northern Lights School Morning Garden teacher will be facilitating the craft day. This workshop allows participants to make a choice of treasures. Some templates will be available but feel free to bring your own creativity. There is no pressure, just fun and the ability to walk away with a beautiful handcrafted item to give to your loved one, or keep for yourself. There is no harm, no