Making Massachusetts Home

We had a few neighbors over for hors d'oeuvres, desserts and game playing (Scrabble, Lego Creator, cards, etc.) this past weekend. Though there weren't too many people (14 in all), there was lots of anticipation and preparation before the party. But I had good helpers.

Among the items I made were salsa for chips. And so I send a note of thanks to Brian Blyth, renaissance man, for teaching me to make homemade salsa. I'll never use that stuff from a jar again.
Ingredients before chopping:


And since it was Chanukah, potato pancakes with apple sauce and sour cream. Renee was in charge of dry ingredients and mixing. I chopped and shredded (with the Cuisinart's help), and Jack peeled MANY potatoes.



Yummy desserts were brought by our guests. It is hard finding new friends in a new place. But we're making the effort, to make this feel more like our home.

And we're always learning new things about our town and state. Renee is studying Massachusetts in 3rd grade social studies. I am learning a lot from her assignments. The other day she brought home a topographical map made of flour paste.


The class has also learned:
the state bird, black-capped chicadee
the state motto, "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty"
the state tree, American Elm
the state flower, Mayflower
the state muffin, corn muffin
the state cheese: Swiss
and others including the state cat, dog, mammal, cookie, beverage and more.
Some of these make you wonder if our elected representatives could be spending their time in more productive ways.