Our time together was oh so brief,

but I’ll always remember how hot you were,

before I cast you aside.

I know you’re not the one for me,

still I want to take you home.

A thousand options, but always seem the same.

Even when crushed, my hunger you tame.

Before school, I was chatting with my Fourth Grade son Ben. Before long, he started explaining to me that Harper would be signed by the Phillies and that Machado would go to the White Sox, because those were the teams with salary room to sign those two free agents.

My heart beamed with pride and my thoughts immediately went to “Son, have you ever considered a career in Sports Management?”

As the NPR pledge drive nears its conclusion, I continue to search for just the right substitute radio station at work.

Today, I found myself switching between two stations on Pandora. I was pretty pleased with the results, until I noticed something startling. I was toggling between Beck and Bach. That’s when the Space Time Continuum collapsed upon itself and swallowed me whole.

I did however receive a reusable metal straw for my donation to NPR, so all seems well.

My phone rang. Oh bother, I didn’t recognize the number. It went to voicemail.

Later that night, my High School son approached me. Some sort of miscommunication between the ski team and a teacher. He was at a ski team event, the teacher marked him absent, now my signature was needed to avoid in school suspension. Oh bother.

That’s when I remembered the message on my phone. Sure enough, the school was calling about my son’s absence.

Well, clearly they are calling the wrong parent to resolve this matter. Me, I’m pretty sure my son will show up eventually. My wife on the other hand will track him down with a vengeance or else set the record straight. I like to call my approach “passive.” (Insert big sigh) Oh bother.

S’MORES KRISPIE TREATS

“Miss Summer? So do I. Well, here’s at least a taste of Summer to help tide you over. Golden Grahams cereal, marshmallows, and milk chocolate. Did someone say ‘campfire?’ Did someone say ‘S’mores?’ Enjoy!”

3 Tablespoons Butter

10 ounce bag Mini Marshmallows

6 cups Golden Grahams cereal

2 cups Milk Chocolate Chips

Melt the butter in a large sauce pan over low heat.

Pour in the marshmallows and melt, while stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and stir in the cereal.

Stir in 1 cup of milk chocolate chips.

Pour into a greased 13″x9″ pan.

Press into the pan with greased hands.

Top with the remaining 1 cup of milk chocolate chips.

Cool completely.

Remember Summer, it will return someday.

Makes about 20 treats.

Inspiration: My dear friend and fellow baker, Carrie Williams Jordan.

RED HOT APPLE CAKE

“Kinda of sloppy, super easy, certainly good. Enjoy!”

2 cans (21 ounces each) Apple Pie Filling

1/4 cup Red Hot Cinnamon Candies

1 package (15 ounces) Yellow Cake Mix

1/2 cup Butter

2 Tablespoons Red Hot Cinnamon Candies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Coat a 13″x9″ pan with cooking spray.

Pour the apple pie filling into the pan.

Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of red hots over the apple pie filling.

Top with the yellow cake mix.

Cut the butter into thin slices and place over the top of the cake mix.

Bake 45 minutes.

Remove and sprinkle with the remaining 2 Tablespoons of red hots.

Bake 10 more minutes.

A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean.

Place on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.

Option to serve topped with vanilla ice cream.

Makes about 10 servings.

Revised Source: “Sweet-Hot Apple Dump Cake” recipe in “Dump Cakes & One-Bowl Baking” by Favorite Brand Name Recipes.

Mid-morning at work, the idea came to me in an instant. I could hang out with Oprah. You know, just chill together. Oprah and me, me and Oprah. What would we chat about? Oh, please. Oprah and I would have a grand time just shooting the breeze.

I tell you, what a great idea. All I would need to do is just let her know that next time she is in town to give me a holler. Easy peasy, fun time would be had by all (meaning Oprah and me).

Well, I thought it was a great idea. That was me, as for everyone else, the opinions ranged from “that’s odd” to “that’s really stupid,” with stupid dominating.

Humph, so there’s that. Plus, there’s only one way to prove them wrong. That’s right, Oprah, if you are out there, give me a shout. We shall hang and together we’ll prove ’em wrong.

The grass growing in the Summer is the quiet child who requires maintenance every once in a while, but really is not a problem, until you really let it go. Groomed and tidied up, that sharp look brings a smile to your face.

Snow in the Winter is the rage monster child, who requires immediate attention and has the potential to sadden your soul. Once addressed however, you look back and smile.

That is all for my fairly lame weather analogy. Well, all finished except for leaves in the Fall. That’s the child that you consider returning to sender.